Ho-I Kung-Fu & Tai-Chi
About
Ho-I Kung-Fu & Tai-Chi offers comprehensive martial arts training across multiple disciplines including MMA, Muay Thai, and Karate, alongside its core specialties of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. The gym is led by a highly credentialed coaching team featuring Grandmaster Matt Mollica, a 10th degree black sash with extensive Shuai Chiao expertise, and Master Ryan Shumaker, a 7th degree black sash and national champion. Instructors like Sifu Charles Trudeau for youth programs and Sifu Paul Schkolnik for Tai Chi provide specialized guidance across all skill levels and age groups, from Tiny Tigers classes for young children to adult self defense programs.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the exceptional quality of instruction, specifically highlighting Master Ryan Shumaker's depth of knowledge and patience as well as Grandmaster Matt Mollica's ability to teach complex concepts in an easy to understand way. Reviewers emphasize the school's strong historical lineage and authentic teaching methods that feel rooted in generations of martial arts tradition. Parents appreciate how instructors are amazing with children, teaching values beyond just physical techniques while helping skills develop over years. The gym has established a welcoming community where newcomers feel immediately included, with Tai Chi classes noted for being particularly relaxing and beneficial for anxiety management.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Manda Thaxton
2 years ago
Our daughter started going to Kung Fu classes at the minimum age of 8 and we could not be happier almost 2 years later. Master Shoemaker is amazing with the kids and it's been so awesome to watch her skills improve. The whole staff are great, patient, disciplined, and teach values beyond just the martial arts. We love Ho-I!
Benjamin Zeff
a year ago
My time training at Ho-I has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Master Shoemaker and the school’s highly skilled, knowledgeable group of instructors, and dedicated student base, provide the highest caliber of martial arts training, instruction, and community.
eautobahn29
5 years ago
To any adult or parent that is looking into KungFu, this is the most impressive martial arts school in the area. Across the area, there are many schools, but this school is rooted in the historical teachings of generations of Grandmasters. The lineage of a great martial arts school is so important, and many schools have a lack of this lineage. Great teaching and learning of KungFu takes time and dedication. Grandmaster Mollica teaches in an easy-to-understand, positive, and distilled way, that the years pass by so effortlessly. The Youth Classes are so enjoyable, not only for the kids, but for the parents that are watching on the side! I was so impressed, that I, a dad, joined up as well!
Michael _G
a year ago
Master Ryan is an amazing teacher with a depth of knowledge and patience that makes this a great school. My youngest daughter has spent years in the kids program while I am in the adult classes. I highly recommend checking this school out. Great self defense for women and children! Thanks Master Ryan!
Dawson Phan
a year ago
I joined this studio for both Taichi and Kung Fu when I just moved to Columbus and after haven't been doing martial arts in several years. Master Shumaker and Sifu Paul are extremely friendly and engaging, and Ho-I has established a very nice community for newcomers! I would recommend for all exercise levels, especially Taichi which is done very well here and relaxing for my anxiety!
paymentsMembership
$45-$145/mo
Contact
10 Oakland Park Ave, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
groupCoaches & Instructors
Ryan Shumaker
Master / Head Instructor
7th degree black sash Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu, 2nd degree black belt Shuai Chiao, National Shuai Chiao Champion, Team USA competitor
Took over the school from Grandmaster Mollica in 2022. Proficient in Shaolin Tiger, Northern Seven Star Praying Mantis, Five Animal style, and traditional weapons. Teaches adult and youth programs.
Charles Trudeau
Sifu / Lead Youth Kung Fu Instructor
3rd degree black sash
Studied Kung Fu for 40 years under Grandmaster Mollica, teaching for 20. Leads Youth Kung Fu classes with a focus on practical self-defense. Specializes in Soft Tiger form and arnis stick.
Paul Schkolnik
Sifu / Lead Tai Chi Instructor
Lead Tai Chi instructor since 2017. Teaches Ch'ang style Tai Chi, focusing on the 108-movement long form and building from the ground up physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Margaret Rock
Support Instructor / Lead Tiny Tigers Instructor
Black sash
Support instructor for kids' Kung Fu and lead instructor for Tiny Tigers. Focuses on foundational drills for younger kids and technical details for older students.
Matt Mollica
Grandmaster
10th degree black sash Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu, 7th degree black belt Shuai Chiao, U.S. Shuai-Chiao Association Midwest Regional Director
Former owner/operator of Ho-I, passed the school to Master Shumaker in 2022. Coached U.S. Shuai-Chiao team to World Cup victory. Expert in multiple martial arts systems.