SHAOLIN
HUNG FUT
KUNG FU
World headquarters of the Hung Fut system — a Southern Shaolin tradition three centuries old, founded by Wun Lei in the early eighteenth century. Trained in person in North Bethesda, at any age or level.
4.7 stars from 34 Google reviews
Select your path
In-person classes on Nicholson Court for all ages, from first-timers to experienced martial artists.
See the school in motion
A look inside Shaolin Hung Fut Kung Fu School — Kung Fu, Tai Chi, self-defense, sparring and Qigong, taught the traditional way in Kensington, MD.
A living tradition since 1979
Shaolin Hung Fut Kung Fu School — also known as Tai Yim Kung Fu — is the world headquarters of the Hung Fut system, a southern Chinese system traditionally founded in the early eighteenth century by the system’s creator and first-generation Grandmaster Wun Lei, birth name Lei Jo Foon 李祖寬. After many years of extensive training in various martial disciplines including the Five Animal Form, the Iron Wire Fist and his own Transfer Incense Palm, Wun Lei integrated components of his expansive knowledge into a unique palm system he designated as Buddha Palm (佛掌 Fat Zoeng). He then synthesized his new internal creation with the Hung Family boxing he had learned from Hung Hei Gwaan, forming our beautiful and powerful style 洪拳佛掌 (Hung Kyun Fat Zoeng), or Hung Fist and Buddha Palm, which is the original full name of our combined system. Over time the public abbreviated the name to Hung Fut Pai (洪佛派) as we know it today.
The school was founded by Sifu Tai Yim, the 8th-generation Grandmaster of the Hung Fut system. He is no longer actively involved in teaching; the 9th-generation masters he trained carry the system forward, and students of every age learn authentic forms, practical self-defense, and the discipline that comes from centuries of martial tradition. On 17 September 2006 he formally passed the lineage to the 9th-generation Masters, witnessed by Eagle Claw’s Grandmaster Lily Lau, Wah Lum’s Grandmaster Poi Chan and the late Southern Praying Mantis Grandmaster Henry Poo Yee.
1979
Founded in Maryland
9th
Generation masters teaching
300+
Years of lineage
The line, teacher by teacher
Hung Fut names every teacher in its lineage. The system passes from the founder in the early eighteenth century, hand to hand, down to the masters teaching in Kensington today.
Wun Lei 雲彌
Birth name: Lei Jo Foon 李祖寬. Creator of the system.
Wong Tong Kae 黃同祺
Lei Tong Foon 李同寬
Ho Do Don 何道旦
Ng Hoi Tong 吳海通
Bak Mo Chiu 白毛照
Birth name: Hung Chiu Sing 洪照成. The “White Haired Devil”. Died at 96.
Hung Yiu Chung 洪耀宗
Third son of Hung Chiu Sing. Died at 54.
Yim Tai Loi 閻泰來
Known as 8th Generation Grandmaster Tai Yim. Founder of the school, in Maryland since 1979.
The 9th Generation Masters
Named below.
- Master John Ritz Miller
- Master Mike Sutton
- Master Shelton Lee
- Master Vicky Miller
- Master Ricardo Chen
- Master Eugene Chung
- Master Jae Ha Hwang
- Master Linh Vien Thai
- Master James Whitley III
- Master Philippe Prosper
Real training, real students
Kung Fu, Tai Chi, kids' classes, sparring and weapons forms — photographed on the floor at our Kensington school.
Try us with no pressure
Whether you want fitness, self-defense, confidence for your child, or a deeper study of traditional martial arts, your first step is a one-hour introductory class.
- Every new student starts with a one-hour introductory class
- A 20,000 sq ft gym around the school: adult enrollment includes full access at no extra cost
- Trained in person in North Bethesda, with a limited number of online Tai Chi classes
- Programs for children, adults, seniors and all experience levels
- Learn from the 9th-generation masters trained by 8th-generation Grandmaster Sifu Tai Yim
Trusted by the community
Students and families across Montgomery County choose our school for authentic instruction and a welcoming environment.
Areas we serve in Montgomery County, MD
From our Kensington location in the North Bethesda area, we teach kung fu, tai chi, kids martial arts and self-defense classes to families across Montgomery County, Maryland, in person on Nicholson Court.
- Kensington, MD
- North Bethesda, MD
- Rockville, MD
- Bethesda, MD
- Chevy Chase, MD
- Silver Spring, MD
- Garrett Park, MD
- Wheaton, MD
- Potomac, MD
- Gaithersburg, MD
Frequently asked questions
What martial arts do you teach?
Traditional Southern Shaolin Hung Fut Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong, kids' martial arts, sparring and kickboxing, self-defense from the Ten Animal Styles, and weapons forms, taught in person on Nicholson Court.
Where is the school located?
4961 Nicholson Court, Kensington, MD 20895, in the North Bethesda area of Montgomery County.
Do I need experience to start?
No. Programs suit every age and experience level, and every new student begins with a one-hour introductory class.
Do you teach children?
Yes — kids' martial arts has been part of the core curriculum for decades, focused on discipline, coordination and fun.
How do I get started?
Call (301) 889-1428 to book your one-hour introductory class. Each enrolled adult student also gets a full access membership to the 20,000 sq ft gym we are located in, at No Additional Cost.
Book your intro class
Book your one-hour introductory class online, or give the school a call and we will find you a time.
Call the school
The fastest way to book. Tell us your age and experience and what you would like to train, and we will put you in the right class. Enrollment also includes free access to the fitness gym.
(301) 889-1428Book onlinePrefer to write? Email info@hungfutkungfu.com with your name, phone number, the program you are interested in and the days that suit you.
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