Hi, my family and I might move to Calgary sometime this year. I looked through superpages.ca listings and found A LOT of kung fu studios. If we do in fact move there, I intend to visit each one to make a decision or which one to attend, but I was wondering if anyone who lives in the area could give me some opinions on the schools in the area. I’m training now and I take it pretty serious. I like traditional training, strong basics/foundation, and quality instruction, no sash give-away schools, gimmicks, abusive Sifu’s, Sifu’s who are never at the school to help teach etc. I also wouldn’t want to take “easy” classes. I want to leave sweaty and sore every day. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Well, thanks in advance for your help if you decide to reply with some useful information.
I’m in Calgary and have been with Dennis Rovere (www.rovere.com) for a couple of years now (and am extremely happy). He teaches Chinese Military arts, Xing Yi, Tai Chi (Yang), and Bagua. I focus on the Chinese military/Xing Yi/Bagua, myself.
He’s not really a “public” teacher… his classes run Saturday mornings (9am-12am)currently and it’s a small group (especially for the actual FIGHTING parts of training.. so few people want to get punched and kicked to learn :P). I never leave class feeling anything but sore and wiped out… in a good way The group of us that train are quite serious about it, as well… we have practice nights Tuesdays (bagua/xingyi) and Sundays (fight night! sparring!) as well. These don’t cost anything… it’s just a few of us getting together at my place to practice
As far as “traditional” training… I’m not sure what you’re looking for. With Dennis, there are no sashes, no testing (other than periodic reviews, just to see what you know/where your skill level is… but these don’t cost anything), and no egos. There IS a lot of punching, kicking, chin na, comradare, and fun And also the occasional small injury
Anyway… like I said… he’s not really public, but you could drop him a line via the contact info on his site (he responds pretty quick to email) for more info, if you like. He only accepts a few students, but we’ve recently had a couple of people move on, so there might be some space. You can also contact me via the forum and I’ll try to answer stuff as best I can… but really, why ask me when you can ask Dennis directly?
My Sifu has a school and association headquarters in Calgary, so please check them out. Here’s the website address, www.wingchun-canada.com . There are clips there and we always offer a free intro lesson to those interested. We teach Wing Chun and have 25+hours a week of classes available for adults(mornings, afternoons and evenings, and Saturday too). Call 403-243-6608 and ask for Dai Sihing Gerald. He’s my sihing and is the senior instructor there, very skilled in Wing Chun and a very talented teacher. He will take care of you, and mention that I passed you on. Sifu is there every night and if you wish to see & talk to him that can easily be arranged also.
The group of us that train are quite serious about it, as well… we have practice nights Tuesdays (bagua/xingyi) and Sundays (fight night! sparring!) as well. These don’t cost anything… it’s just a few of us getting together at my place to practice 