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AUSTIN KUNG FU & TAI CHI

For Adults • Kids • Seniors

Makes Life Better

Programs For All Ages and Interests

Meet The Owners and Head Instructors

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.

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.

You will never find a more knowledgeable or experienced pair of teachers. Nobody can bring to the table what these 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: 

 

ELYELY
20:07 23 Oct 24
I appreciate the veneration for the cultural history behind Shaolin wushu in the studio and instructors. I love that you guys honor it in an accessible and inclusive way.
Anne-Christian CovertAnne-Christian Covert
10:55 24 Sep 24
A safe place to land. Exceptional and passionate teachers for both children and adults.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.
Elliot JohnsonElliot Johnson
20:43 18 Feb 24
We have been taking Tai Chi for about 5 months. The classes are diverse and fun. There are always enough instructors to help us learn new material and practice older moves.We highly recommend Austin Kung Fu & Tai Chi for anyone.
Paul NPaul N
16:19 28 Oct 23
Perla ParralPerla Parral
17:09 26 Aug 23
MarkusMarkus
20:46 29 Nov 22
Prices are not bad. It doesn't take a lot to move forward with belts but you get what you put into it so if you put in high effort you will definitely see greater results and improvements in your physical health as well as flexibility. Owners are very nice people and they help you if you're broke. Every person you meet here is nice and encouraging. For Kung Fu they do sparring regularly and focus a lot on practicing kicks as well, so you aren't only practicing forms but actual fighting too. Strongly recommend for the friendly environment and exercise.
Cynthia MarpleCynthia Marple
18:37 22 Dec 21
My whole family attend this school. The instructors are professional and engaging. There is an accepting, family atmosphere so, regardless of your fitness level, you will feel welcomed and be challenged by the material. There are lots of different katas and styles taught - I have been a student here since 1999 and there is always something new to learn. Such a great school for adults and children!
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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 Over 30 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

Our Blog

Motivational Blogs

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...

The Benefits of Tai Chi For Seniors In Austin TX

The Benefits of Tai Chi For Seniors In Austin TX Exercising as a senior can feel difficult and daunting, and the idea of learning martial arts may sound especially intimidating. However, the ancient art of Tai Chi is actually perfect for seniors and comes with...

Reasons To Do Tai Chi

5 Excellent Reasons To Do Tai Chi There are hundreds of people of all ages improving their lives through Tai Chi classes in Austin, TX. But what are some of the specific ways that this ancient martial art can serve you? Here are just five of the many, many health and...

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