Wah-Lum Kung-Fu Athletic Association
About
The Wah-Lum Kung-Fu Athletic Association offers training in MMA and karate disciplines, anchored by a deep lineage of traditional Chinese martial arts. Grand Master Chan Pui, the 6th generation successor of the Northern Praying Mantis System and 33rd generation successor of the Shaolin Temple, leads the instruction alongside Sifu Bob Rosen, a 7th generation disciple who serves as head instructor. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes kung fu exercises, hand forms, weapons forms like swords and spears, self-defense applications, sparring, and philosophical teachings. Students are taught at their own pace, ensuring a high standard of quality while accommodating individual abilities. The gym fosters a sense of community through its involvement in local Chinatown activities, supporting businesses, holidays, and performing in events to preserve traditions. Members describe the atmosphere as immersive, with incense and traditional weapons creating an authentic environment that feels like entering another world. The training extends beyond physical skills to include lessons in lineage, history, community service, lion dancing, and even language, making it a holistic experience that develops physical, mental, and general well-being. Many long-term students note that the instructors and fellow practitioners become like family, offering mentorship and a supportive network that keeps them engaged and out of trouble. The school's commitment to both martial arts excellence and community involvement makes it a standout choice for those seeking a traditional, well-rounded training experience in Boston.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym for its authentic, traditional approach to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, highlighting the deep lineage and generations of experience. Reviewers describe the training as comprehensive, covering exercises, forms, weapons like swords, self-defense, and philosophical aspects, all taught at a pace suited to individual abilities. Specific coaches like Sifu Bob Rosen are mentioned as legends and great mentors who foster a family-like community, with students noting the immersive atmosphere enhanced by incense and traditional decor. The school's strong community involvement in Chinatown, including supporting local activities and preserving traditions, is also frequently commended, with no negative concerns raised in the reviews.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Evan Hughes
8 years ago
This school has been here for years because it's awesome! Lots of depth, options for different people and you can learn to use swords!
Wah Lum Wellness Methuen MA
8 years ago
Outstanding school with generations of experience teaching and sharing the martial arts
M Violette
10 years ago
A very traditional school. If you're looking for something that has it's roots firmly documented and looking to experience top notch Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, this is the place. Not only this school teaches a beautiful and powerful style, Wah Lum Boston also takes pride in helping the Chinatown community by way of supporting local activities, businesses, holidays, helping others, cleaning up the area and performing in local events to keep old traditions alive. Check it out. -M.V.
Pete Kreitchet
12 years ago
The Wah Lum Athletic Association is one of the oldest full-time kung fu schools operating in Boston's Chinatown. It's main goal is to promote the study of the Chinese Martial Arts and for the development of physical, mental, and general well-being of students. Training includes kung fu exercises, hand forms, weapons forms, self-defense applications, sparring, as well as the philosophical aspects of Wah Lum Kung Fu. Students are taught at the rate of their own abilities, and in this respect, a high standard of quality is maintained.
Igor G
8 months ago
I remember the first time I timidly walked into the school on Edinboro St in the 1990s. The smell of incense, the rack of spears and swords along the wall, it felt like I was entering another world. I knew I had found the real deal, just what I was looking for. But it was much more than that. I learned exercises, forms and self-defense but also about the lineage, history, the value of community service, lion dancing, heck I even learned some Cantonese! Over time, Sifu Rosen and the other teachers and students became like family. It was the ultimate after school program, and it mostly kept me out of trouble. To this day, I miss the feeling of community. It was a privilege to have trained there throughout my high school years in the Boston area. Sifu Rosen is a legend and a great mentor. Hope to make it back and visit some day.
scheduleHours
Monday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 4:00 – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Chan Pui
Grand Master
6th Generation Successor of the Northern Praying Mantis System, 33rd generation successor of the Shaolin Temple
Introduced the Wah Lum System to the United States. Disciple of Grandmaster Lee Kwan Shan. Highly respected martial artist worldwide.
Bob Rosen
Sifu / Head Instructor
7th generation disciple of Grandmaster Chan Pui
Commissioned by Master Chan in 1984 to lead the Boston Chinatown school. Has developed a school of first-rate instructors and national & international champions.