More Than A Class… A Community
Adult Kung Fu
With over 35 years dedicated to the practice and teaching of martial arts, we’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact adult Kung Fu training brings. In our classes you’ll rediscover not just your physical strength—but your inner resilience, confidence, and clarity of purpose. Whether you’re starting from scratch or seeking to deepen your skill, your training becomes an ongoing journey of growth.
Key benefits you’ll experience:
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Enhanced strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance
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Improved cardiovascular fitness and stamina
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Sharper reflexes, speed, and timing
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Stress relief, better focus, and mental resilience
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Real self-defense skills grounded in traditional, effective techniques
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A supportive, motivational environment led by decades of experience
Ready to see for yourself? Try a free class and discover why we are voted the best year after year. Come train with us and feel the difference from day one.
Learn More About Adult Kung Fu
Adult & Senior Tai Chi
Drawing on over 35 years’ experience guiding students of all ages, we’ve crafted a Tai Chi program that nurtures health, vitality, and lasting inner calm. This gentle yet powerful art is especially beneficial as we age, helping maintain mobility, balance, and peace of mind.
Key benefits you’ll experience:
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Improved flexibility, joint health, and range of motion
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Better balance, coordination, and fall-prevention
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Lowered blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved circulation
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A calm, centered mind — increased mental clarity and relaxation
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Gentle, low-impact full-body movement suitable for many fitness levels
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A community atmosphere where lifelong wellness is the priority
Curious to feel it firsthand? Try a free class and see why generations trust us—voted the best year after year—for health, harmony, and well-being.
Kids Kung Fu
As a head instructor with more than 35 years’ dedication to martial arts education, I’ve watched thousands of children transform through Kung Fu. Our classes blend fun, discipline, and positive character development—empowering kids to grow stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Key benefits your child will gain:
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Improved strength, flexibility, coordination, and agility
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Better focus, self-discipline, and self-control
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Confidence, courage, and respect for self and others
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Stress outlet, positive energy channel, and healthy activity
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Foundational self-defense skills delivered in a safe, age-appropriate environment
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A respectful, supportive peer community with experienced instructors
Want to see it in action? Bring your child to a free class and discover why our academy is voted best year after year. Join us to let your child shine in strength, confidence, and discipline.
As a Parent have You Thought?:
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“I wish they had something that made them feel proud of themselves.”
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“I want them to be focused—but not pressured.”
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“Too much screen time is making them irritable and anxious.”
Kung Fu gives them what screens can’t:
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A sense of earned confidence
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Emotional regulation through movement and breath
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Healthy boundaries and focus—without harsh discipline
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A safe community where they can feel strong and supported
A JOURNEY THAT MAKES LIFE BETTER
NOT JUST ANY ANOTHER ACTIVITY
You’re not just looking for another activity. You’re searching for something deeper — a way to help yourself or child build focus and self-respect… or maybe to reconnect with strength, energy, and clarity.
POWER, BALANCE, PEACE OF MIND
Whether you step onto the floor for Kung Fu or flow through the movements of Tai Chi, you’ll discover more than martial arts. You’ll find growth — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Kids gain confidence and discipline. Adults gain power, balance, and peace of mind.
BEGINNERS WELCOMED
Our students range from young children to seniors, and every single one starts right where they are. No experience needed. Just a desire to improve. Over time, you’ll see transformations that go far beyond the classroom — at school, at work, and at home.
NOT FOR EVERYONE
This journey isn’t for everyone. It’s for those who want more from life, are ready to show up, take the first step, and grow — one movement, one lesson at a time. You can benefit even if you only have one hour a week to participate.
CURIOUS?
Curious if this could be right for you or your child? There’s only one way to find out. Step in, try a class, and experience it for yourself.
Meet The Owners and Head Instructors
Voyage Austin Magazine Article About The Owners
Training and Teaching For Almost 40 Years
Master Joe and Sheryl Schaefer started their first school in 1987 in Bloomington, Indiana. Since that time they have trained thousands and thousands of people and produced over 500 black belt/sash students. They inspire their community with a passion and commitment to teaching and using these arts for personal transformation and growth. Master Joe is one of only a handful of 8th-degree black belts in the nation in our system and Master Sheryl is one of only a few 7th-degree black belts. Master Joe has been training since 1984 and Master Sheryl since 1988.
Martial Artists and Scientists
They both are accomplished in the academic world as well. Master Joe has an actual Ph.D. in neurophysiology from UT Austin and is published in the highest-level Neuroscience Journal in the world. Master Sheryl has a Masters Degree in Physiology from UT as well. In 1997, they left the world of science and decided to follow their hearts and make the teaching and training of Kung Fu and Tai Chi their lives.
An Amazing Combination
You will never find a more knowledgeable or experienced pair of teachers. Nobody can bring to the table what these two do in each and every class. They teach every level of adult and child student from first-day beginners to the highest level black belt/sash students each week.
What Our Students Are Saying:
I joined in March 2024 as a Tai Chi student, seeking something deeper than what I’d found with Jenny Lu’s Tai Chi on YouTube. I quickly felt at home, welcomed as part of a warm and supportive community. Not long after, I transitioned to adult Kung Fu, which seemed to be calling me. The mental and physical challenge along with the emotional support has been a lifeline when I needed it.
One of the standout features is the high teacher-to-student ratio, ensuring that each person receives the attention they need to improve at their own pace and level. The detailed instruction and care taken to preserve the integrity of Kung Fu as a martial art makes every class rewarding.
My five-year-old is also enrolled in Kung Fu, and she’s showered with love and encouragement. Anyone who can be patient with my energetic, curious child immediately earns my respect and trust, and the teachers here do that effortlessly.
We highly recommend Austin Kung Fu & Tai Chi for anyone.
There Are So Many Reasons To Start This Path
Kung Fu and Tai Chi are fantastic for both kids and adults who want to get fit, stay focused, and feel more confident. For adults, these practices make it fun to stay active, build strength, and let go of stress, all while adding a sense of discipline that’s useful in everyday life. Kids, meanwhile, get to burn off energy and pick up important values like respect, patience, and setting goals, which can really help with school and friendships. Practicing Kung Fu or Tai Chi can make anyone feel more resilient and connected, while also boosting teamwork and giving a sense of achievement. It’s not just about learning moves—it’s about finding balance, growing, and feeling great inside and out.
Our Students Are Inspired To Stay On The Path Longer Than At Other Schools.
Sticking with a martial art for years can be life-changing. As you keep training, you go from just learning the moves to really understanding the techniques, discipline, and philosophy behind it all. It teaches you patience and resilience—you learn to keep going even when progress feels slow, which is huge for both martial arts and life in general. Over time, you start noticing little connections and insights that make everything click in new ways, and that’s when things get really exciting. Plus, there’s this amazing confidence that builds as you master skills that once felt totally out of reach. In the end, the long-term commitment doesn’t just make you better at the martial art; it helps you see what you’re truly capable of, giving you skills and confidence that go way beyond the mat.
A Community That’s Been Growing In Austin For 35 Years…
“I have found a truly wonderful and supportive community of people. I’ve made new friends that are also teachers and training partners. It’s good exercise and I always feel better at the end of class than I did at the beginning. Joining the Austin Shaolin-Do family is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.”
-Paul Kirby, Tai Chi Student
Golden Tiger
Summer ’24 Kids Camp
Age 4 to 6 class
Kwan Dao
Fist of Luo Han
6 Harmony Broadsword
Flying Tiger
Eagle Spreads Wings
Focus and Power
Tai Chi Class – Chi Kung
3-Section Staff
(Chris Schaefer)
Our Blog
Motivational Blogs
Our Path Through Internal Martial Arts
Internal Arts Overview: The Path of Shen (spirit)–Yi(intent)–Chi(energy)–Li(power) Training in the internal arts isn’t just about learning forms or memorizing movements — it’s about learning how to organize yourself from the inside out. Through this practice, we...
The Mindful Body
Ellen Langer, often called the "mother of mindfulness," is a renowned psychologist whose research has explored the profound connection between the mind and body. While her work does not directly address Kung Fu or Tai Chi Classes, her principles of mindfulness and...
Kung Fu For Kids in Austin
Austin Kids Kung fu teaches a traditional Chinese martial art that has been practiced for centuries. It is known for its fluid and graceful movements, as well as its focus on discipline and self-control. Kung fu is an excellent activity for kids, as it helps to...
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