Tiger Crane Kung Fu & Tai Chi
FAQs
Welcome! We are so happy that your curiosity led you here! You have more questions and you are not alone. If one student has a question, it is most likely that the other students are also wondering about the same thing and/or could also learn from the question. Check out some of our most commonly asked questions about our classes and booking performances below.
We Encourage Questions!
What size are the classes?
Class size may vary. The number of students in a given class may vary from a few students to a dozen. If the number of students exceed the main training area, the class will be split into two rooms and one of the instructors will assist Sifu Nick.
What should I wear and/or bring?
A school uniform is provided with your $50 registration fee. Shirts are to be tucked into your pants. Please bring a pair of supportive sneakers for indoor use only. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Unwind with Tai Chi students do not require uniforms and are to wear casual loose fitted clothing.
Spandex, leggings, and mid-riff exposures are not appropriate.
Can I watch a class before I try it?
Absolutely!
Prospective students are welcome to try a class for free. It is a great opportunity to meet Sifu Nick, your fellow classmates, feel the energy of the space and ask questions.
Is there a belt system?
No.
Learning is about the journey,
not the destination.
We respect that each student has a unique journey and timeline. Each student arrives with their own goals and needs, which will evolve over the course of their training.
No two journeys are the same and we can all learn from one another.
Is there physical contact with others in class?
There is a gradual progression of physical contact as one's training skill develops. Training starts with observation and some form adjusts made by Sifu to feeling the application of the move with Sifu to eventually practicing application techniques with classmates.
What is the morale and atmosphere like?
We encourage a positive, respectful and family fun atmosphere. We believe in having fun while working hard. Good natured jokes may be common. While each student focuses on their own journey and learning, we support and respect the journeys of our classmates.
We are committed to a safe and respectful environment.
What are some of the class etiquettes I should be aware of?
Be respectful and kind.
When you enter or leave the school, bow to Sifu Nick and the training space, followed by addressing your classmates.
Classes begin with a seniority line-up in front of the masters. We bow in gratitude for sharing this knowledge: 3 bows to ancestors, 1 bow to living Sigung Deb, and 1 bow to Sifu Nick.
I'm only interested in learning self-defense. Do you teach that?
Perfect! Our style, Hung Gar, was developed as a self-defense art. Whether you are interested in our kung fu or tai chi, you will learn that every move has a self-defense application.
Are private lessons available?
Yes.
We understand that some prefer one-to-one instruction and/or have different scheduling needs.
Call us for pricing and availability.
Can I book a performance for an event?
We would be thrilled!
Our lion dance performances are available to book for celebrations. Common past events have included: Lunar New Year, Pan Asian Coalitions, Weddings, Birthdays, and Corporate Events.
Call us for pricing and availability.
What does Sifu and Sigung mean in English?
Sifu = Teacher or Master
Sigung = Teacher's Teacher or Grandmaster
These are common titles used in Cantonese based lineages, such as ours. These titles may be equated to a family structure as well, with Sifu meaning Parent and Sigung meaning Grandparent.
Is "Sifu" and "Instructor" the same?
No.
Sifu is a title that is earned/achieved/granted to a student by their Sifu when this student has reached a mastery level to teach their own students.
Instructors are students who are still training under their Sifu and do not have students of their own. They may be asked to assist their Sifu in teaching class as a way to develop mastery.
What if I have physical limitations?
Martial arts is a physical endeavor and everyone's body and abilities are different. We'll show you the intended way to practice the art and then we can adjust the moves to match your current state. Many of our students have varying degrees of physical limitations and have expressed that over time, their abilities have improved.
Is your facility handicap accessible?
Yes.
There is an accessible ramp in the front of the building to access the first floor where our training rooms and the accessible bathroom are located.
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Testimonials
Our students love to share the joys and health benefits that they have discovered training with us. They hope that their perspectives may be helpful to the questions you may have during your discovery process.
"Sifu Nick provides an opportunity from novice to advanced student to learn Kung Fu and Tai Chi from whatever place you are starting. There is a great community of people that work to support one another in learning these martial arts . The emphasis for me is to develop my skills and enjoy myself at the same time. If you’ve always wanted to try something like this Tiger Crane is a great place to start. I can’t recommend it enough."
~ Jim, May 2026