Eight Step Mantis

4 years later and I am now in the Sifu Training program here at 8 Step Praying Mantis. I am ever thankful for the dedicated Sifu and clean, quiet space in which I practice in. This school has become my second family and has rewarded me time and again.
Come by and you will not be disappointed.

Having moved to San Francisco, I decided to pick up Kung Fu again, having studied it in another state for a few years. The thing I liked about my previous school was the sense of community and family; you don’t join a school as much as you acquire a kung fu family. This is what I was looking for, and found at Eight Step Mantis. The sifus worked with what I already knew, and showed me how to best build on what I know, how to improve it, and incorporate new things.
I highly recommend this school to someone interested in kung fu or tai chi, whether you’ve done martial arts for years, or whether you just want to come check it out. It’s a good workout, and you will see improvements in your balance, energy, and strength (both mental and physical).

I used to walk by this place every day thinking of how I should do it. Finally I just decided to do it one day, and have been glad I have done so ever since.
The school is a very laid back but attentive school that treats their students well and works with them as much as possible to improve. The 8 step mantis form is an intense combination of punches and kicks. I haven’t left a single class there and not gotten a good work out from the Sifus there. Beats the hell out of any gym.
If you are looking to hop into Kung Fu, this is a great place to start too as class sizes are pretty small and the ration of instructors to students is quite high (tonight it was 1 — 1).

I kept walking by this place since I occasionally stay in the neighborhood– for years, thinking: «Praying Mantis Kung Fu looks so cool… I wonder what it’s like.» Finally broke the seal and attended several classes. The form is exactly what I’ve been looking for: a blend of internal and external, training relaxation but also with strikes, kicks, joint locks, and eventually throws. The teachers (both sifus & sifus in training) are exactly what I’ve been looking for: patient, kind, enthusiastic, encouraging, & enjoy working with newcomers. Class sizes have been 4 – 12 people, so you get a lot of personalized attention. Workouts are challenging, & the forms/​training intensely hones focus & concentration with whole body coordination. The meditation at the opening of each class also helps bring presence. We’re talking Jedi skills, here. The other students are also very friendly– good scene. Highly recommend.

Love this place… Great structured programs… Lots of awesome people and I always get personalized attention from the teachers… Not to mention the work out is great.

I came to this school almost three years ago and despite all of the setbacks and months of not going, every single time I come back the teachers make it incredibly easy to pick up right where I left off.
Not only do you learn a semi-​obscure variation of kung fu, but the class is a community that become your family in many ways. Everyone is encouraging, and you go at your own pace, making it as strict or as lenient as you prefer.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an expert in six other martial arts, Sifu Allen and the rest of the crew will help you get a great workout and learn the secrets and techniques of 8-​step Praying Mantis.

This is a great school. I have been going here for 5 years, and I love the people that this place attracts. there are plenty of Sifus, so you always get lots of one-​on-​one help, and different teaching styles to fit your learning style. i’m so glad i checked it out.

I have been training at this school in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for over 2 years now. The knowledge and training I have gained has changed my life in many positive ways, I cant imagine my life with out it now.
This is a great school for beginners focusing on a good foundation with quality instruction. If you have had previous martial arts experience one can also find a wealth of knowledge.
If you are looking to get in shape, learn self-​defense, or improve your overall quality of life by becoming stronger in mind, body, and spirit then this is the school for you.