Chinese Hawaiian Kenpo Academy

I want to thank Sifu Jack and all the other instructors for the FREE women’s self defense class that is offered every Tuesday evening!
I have been attending this class for a few months now, and I couldn’t speak highly enough about it. Each class not only provides a great workout, but also valuable ways to defend yourself (should you find yourself in a bad situation). I hate when I have to miss a class because each class focuses on something new, while building off of techniques and moves learned previously. This is the only free self defense class offered in Manhattan, which I find unbelievable. I am so grateful that Sifu Jack truly cares so much about training and empowering women to defend themselves that he is willing to offer this completely free of charge.
Another thing that I love about this class is that there are always multiple instructors present, so each person really gets individual attention each class. I always leave feeling stronger and recharged, despite my physical exhaustion!

I see that most of the 5 stars are from adults who took the class but my son who is 5 years old took it and it was a terrible experience. Jane who is some manager their terrified my son the 2^nd day of class demanding that he write his name, and proceeded to discipline him for no real reason, class had not started, and I told her he has a learning disabilities but she still insisted. the instructor put my kid on his back and yelled at him. My son said to me mommy I hate him. Learning is of course suppose to have discipline but not terrifying a child. There’s a fine line between the two. I have been to good Academies and my husband comes from a karate asian background so we know all about discipline and proper learning. Always go with your gut instinct and watch the classes and the environment carefully.

I went yesterday and participated in the free women’s self defense class. When I first walked in I was nervous because I don’t do anything like this so I was stepping out of my comfort zone but it was so worth it. They teach you so much and are very helpful. Being that it was free, there were maybe at least 30 of us. I didn’t count but the entire room was filled with women. Yet the instructor Sifu Jack was really helpful and made sure he gave each one of us some advice and help with what we were doing wrong and what we can do to make it better. Left the studio feeling awesome and looking forward to the next class. Definitely will buy the T-​shirt they sell since the class is free, its the least you can do since they are giving up their free time to help us learn how to defend ourselves.

I coordinate an after school program for 10 high school age females, and we visited CHKA for a private 90 minute self-​defense workshop last week. Master Sifu Jack and his team were incredibly generous with their time, space, and knowledge, and our young women LOVED the program! In addition to discussing situations in which we might need to defend against predators, we practiced martial-​arts based strengthening and flexibility movements. The girls and I left with an appreciation of martial arts, as well as a deepened belief in our right to protect and develop our bodies.
The team also was extremely organized and flexible as we coordinated our workshop. They take their administration as seriously as they take their training, which means we were well-​prepared and supported throughout the process. This is important for school trips, and shows their commitment to excellence. If you’re interested in a similar program, I highly recommend their team!

Attended a self-​defense class on ⁷⁄₂₂. Let’s just say after the class I feel like a total bad ass (–ish… only one class after all)! Instructors and the shifu were super effective, patient and friendly. The class was a bit crowded but the instructors made sure each of us got a chance to practice one-​on-​one with them.
The class consists of ~30 min core training (yay core!) and ~ 1 hr self defense course. I highly recommend it! Stay safe ladies!

Amazing! The instructors take the time to make sure you’re doing it right and that you’re not in anyway hurting yourself. I’ve attended their FREE Tuesday self defense class for women multiple times and I will definitely be going back! Its really fun and rewarding.
Even with a class of 20 + women they still try to take the time and focus on each individual.
They also offer other classes, including kickboxing which I’ll be attending this Sunday!

I visited this academy on a Tuesday evening for their free self defensive class and had an amazing experience. There were three instructors and the owner who taught the one and half hour class. Thank goodness we had a small enough group that we were able to each participate several times to learn the techniques. Staff were very patient, helpful and easy on the eyes (the men :-)). There were a few students who have been there a few times and some of the instructors knew them by name. At the end of our class I was waiting for some sort of sales pitch to get us to sign up for some of their paid classes and there was none. We had a pep talk on safety precautions living in NYC and were on our merry way. I will definitely return to another self defense class and check out some of the other classes they offer.

Sifu Jack Shamburger is the without question the most skillful and accomplished martial arts teachers in New York City, if not the globe. On top of that, his humble yet articulate philosophy and kindness welcomes anyone with a will to improve their lives through fitness and a healthy state of mind. You will learn much more than just martial arts from this man, a fact that is only reinforced by the teachers and students he’s surrounded by, all of whom are friendly, inspiring and highly awarded martial artists in their own right. I’ve been to many gyms and fitness centers in New York and none have been more motivating and fulfilling as CHKA.
Do it.

I wrote this review for Sifu Jack and his team when they were working out of the Village Martial Arts’ location in fall 2011 — I would like the review to follow them to their new home so I am reposting!
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I walk by this place on occasion and recently noticed that they do a free self defense class for women on Tuesday nights. So, I got a group of girls together and we headed over. The staff was friendly, professional, knowledgeable, and seemed genuinely happy to be giving a free class! Sifu Jack, who runs the place, is also funny, friendly, and really knows his stuff.
We showed up with quite a large group and they had more than enough instructors for everyone to take a turn learning to kick, jab, throw bows, and flip attackers on their backs. (Of course, the learning section came after getting in a good workout including jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, squat thrusts etc… so be prepared to sweat if you go!)
Overall I would recommend VMAI and their self defense class for any woman looking to learn a couple of moves and get a decent workout at the same time. I can’t speak to their training programs of course, but the experience was definitely a good one!

This is one of the few TRUE martial arts schools in the NYC area. Sifu Shamburger is part of kenpo’s direct lineage and his knowledge is unbounded. If you want an excellent workout, martial arts that is rooted in tradition but constantly evolving, and a boost in your confidence and happiness, this is the place for you.

Been a student at this school for over 3 years. Started in the free woman’s self defense class and instantly fell in love with the program. This is the longest fit of athleticism I ever had — I joined a million gyms in the past, but never stuck to it. This is different — it’s actually fun and you learn a very useful set of skills. I’m in the best shape of my life, my self esteem and confidence levels have increased and my general (previously non-​existent) balance and coordination have improved.
It’s also an awesome de-​stresser! After an exhausting workout that incompetent boss of yours is no longer such a bother.

I went to CHKA for about 5 months before leaving NYC. I had a great time there: learned a lot of things and met great people. Definitely a must for people looking to study martial arts in the East Village.

Very comprehensive martial curriculum. Covers self defense, kata/​forms, weapons, groundwork, fitness, sparring. I’ve been studying under Sifu Jack continuously for 4 years. The physical changes I’ve undergone are apparent, but the mental ones are even more striking to me. Classes are challenging, and the instructors always ensure that you train in a safe environment with minimal risk. Definitely worth checking out!