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:
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
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
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...
Reserve Your Spot!
Schedule a FREE beginner class for yourself or your child.