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Traditional

Kung Fu

-An Atlanta Tradition-
ages 15+

What is Kung Fu?

First and foremost: Kung Fu is not a style of Martial Arts. Most English-speakers use the term to mean Chinese Martial Arts or CMA or Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA).

Although this does indeed help distinguish it from other Martial Art systems like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, etc., it says very little, other than a slight reference to the martial art system’s country of origin. Just as with most martial arts systems, there are actually many different styles of Kung Fu, like ours, Northern Shaolin.

And oddly enough, the term “Kung Fu” is the Romanized version of the Chinese word 功 夫, and refers to any discipline or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts.

Perhaps even more strange is that there are many different Chinese words that mean “Martial Arts.” But a popular one is 武 術 Wushu, which also commonly refers to the Chinese competitive sport of Wushu, which is not what we do.

Kung Fu

Our History and Lineage.
History & LineaGE

Kung Fu: An Atlanta Tradition

Kung Fu has been in Atlanta, GA, for many years. Northern Shaolin is our flagship style and has been in Atlanta since the early 1980s.

Furthermore, the style has been in the Southeastern region of the USA since well before.

Chin Woo, Hung Gar, Southern & Northern Praying Mantis, Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Ba Gua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan, Chang Quan, Eagle Claw, Hop Gar, Jow Gar, Lama Pai, and other styles of Kung Fu have made appearances in the area.

The PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu school has undergone many changes since its founding in 2007. Learn more About PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu.

Sifu Kiessling‘s Northern Shaolin Kung Fu classes have also transformed.

Our classes have always been near downtown Decatur, Georgia, just minutes outside Atlanta and accessible via major highways, roads, and MARTA. See our Class Schedule & Locations for details. 

Our Story

The PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu origin story.
Our Story

Adult Classes

Unlike many other martial arts schools, we specialize in Adult Kung Fu classes, and Teens are also welcome.

All classes are Teens and Adult Martial Arts Classes, with varying ages all together in one group.

Teens and Adults, Ages 15 – 40, are what we consider to be the sweet spot.

And, unfortunately, we do not have the resources to run proper children’s classes, adaptively-abled classes, and the like, however much we’d love to.

Every individual is unique – the final decision is up to Sifu.

We’ve seen youngsters come in and grow through their Kung Fu training. So why not give it a shot? Because you truly deserve this opportunity!

Check out Our Prices and try a class today!

Our Classes

You'll learn. You'll be challenged. And you'll have fun.
Our Classes

Martial Excellence

You want to be a Martial Artist and might wish to learn practical, effective self-defense.

Perhaps you want to master your physical art, to really develop Kung Fu and not just Wushu.

In a buy-your-belt type of martial arts school, how does that happen?

As you may have guessed, it won’t. And we do not foster that type of environment.

Instead, we focus on YOU, the individual – someone with their own goals, weaknesses & strengths.

Additionally, we break things down into minute detail – lengthen the spine, pivot on the heel of the foot, coordinate breath with movement, align the joints – and so much more.

We work on Anatomical Intelligence or Body Awareness through direct experience, creating experiential wisdom. How to strengthen this part of the body, use gravity plus XYZ muscles to develop power, and so on. 

Our Curriculum

Northern Shaolin will empower YOU.
Our Curriculum

What is Kung Fu?

First and foremost: Kung Fu is not a style of Martial Arts. Most English-speakers use the term to mean Chinese Martial Arts or CMA or Traditional Chinese Martial Arts (TCMA).

Although this does indeed help distinguish it from other Martial Art systems like Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, etc. However, it says very little, other than a slight reference to the martial art system’s country of origin. Just as with most martial arts systems, there are many there are actually many different styles of Kung Fu, like ours, Northern Shaolin.

And oddly enough, the term “Kung Fu” is the Romanized version of the Chinese word 功 夫, and refers to any discipline or skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial arts.

Perhaps even more strange that there are many different Chinese words for Martial Arts. But a popular one is 武 術 or Wushu, which also commonly refers to the Chinese competitive sport of Wushu, which is not what we do.

Kung Fu

Our History and Lineage.
History & LineaGE

Kung Fu: An Atlanta Tradition

Kung Fu has been in Atlanta, GA, for many years. Northern Shaolin is our flagship style and has been in Atlanta since the early 1980s.

Furthermore, the style has been in the Southeastern region of the USA since well before.

Chin Woo, Hung Gar, Southern & Northern Praying Mantis, Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan), Ba Gua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan, Chang Quan, Eagle Claw, Hop Gar, Jow Gar, Lama Pai, and other styles of Kung Fu have made appearances in the area.

PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu has undergone many changes since its founding in 2007. Learn more About PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu.

Sifu Kiessling‘s Northern Shaolin Kung Fu classes have also transformed.

Our classes have always been near downtown Decatur, Georgia, just minutes outside Atlanta and accessible via major highways, roads, and MARTA. See our Class Schedule & Locations for details. 

Our Story

The PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu origin story.
Our Story

Adult Classes

Unlike many other martial arts schools, we specialize in Adult Kung Fu classes, and Teens are also welcome.

All classes are Teens and Adult Martial Arts Classes, with varying ages all together in one group.

Teens and Adults, Ages 15 – 40, are what we consider to be the sweet spot.

And, unfortunately, we do not have the resources to run proper children’s classes, adaptively-abled classes, and the like, however much we’d love to.

Every individual is unique – the final decision is up to Sifu.

We’ve seen youngsters come in and grow through their Kung Fu training. So why not give it a shot? Because you truly deserve this opportunity!

Check out Our Prices and try a class today!

Our Classes

You'll learn. You'll be challenged. You'll have fun.
Our Classes

Martial Excellence

You want to be a Martial Artist and might wish to learn practical, effective self-defense.

Perhaps you want to master your physical art, to really develop Kung Fu and not just Wushu.

In a buy-your-belt type of martial arts school, how does that happen?

As you may have guessed, it won’t. And we do not foster that type of environment.

Instead, we focus on YOU, the individual – someone with their own goals, weaknesses & strengths.

Additionally, we break things down into minute detail – lengthen the spine, pivot on the heel of the foot, coordinate breath with movement, align the joints – and so much more.

We work on Anatomical Intelligence or Body Awareness through direct experience, creating experiential wisdom. How to strengthen this part of the body, use gravity plus XYZ muscles to develop power, and so on. 

Our Curriculum

Northern Shaolin will empower YOU.
Our Curriculum
Our Average Ratings & Reviews
are
5/5
Five Stars!
Our Average Ratings & Reviews
are
5/5
Five Stars!

PATHS ATLANTA
KUNG FU

Adding Depth to Your Life.

Do Life. Do Kung Fu.

Are you tired of the superficial?

Gain self-confidence and expand your awareness. Learn to relieve stress while gaining strength and flexibility.
Learn the secrets of mastering anything!

Learn How to learn, improve, change perspective, how to take your game to the next level, and much more.

Unlike other Kung Fu schools, We Train Outdoors.

We work hard. And we play hard too.

From challenging physical & mental training and in-depth lectures to the socializing fun times we typically get together to have, we are all a “Family of Friends,” sharing, encouraging, helping, and laughing with each other. 

Give it a Try
No Risk.
No Commitment.
Nothing to Lose.
Everything to Gain.

Kung Fu in Atlanta

What Makes us Different
No Contracts

Come to class because you want to, not because you’re locked in a contract.

You get a Free Trial, to ensure it’s the right fit for you and us.

And if it is a fit, you get one free Private Training class per month with each paid month. 

In-Depth Learning Opportunities

You’ll gain access to detailed documents about what you learn in class and much more. Indeed, History, Chinese language, Old Chinese myths & legends, philosophies, martial art strategies, principles, inspirational stories, and so much more are available to you. 

Experienced Teacher

Sifu Kiessling has been teaching Kung Fu for over 20 years. He has been active in Martial Arts for over 30, both in the USA and abroad. Additionally, Sifu has competed and judged in numerous martial art tournaments.
In short, you can rest assured you’re getting quality instruction. 

Affordable Tuition

We offer affordable monthly pricing via Cash or PayPal (which accepts all credit, debit, direct, etc. methods).
Why? Because the actual payment is hard work.
Feel free to check our prices against the competition. 

Demo Team

Show off what you’ve learned! Or learn extra material! Make connections with other students! Truly the Demo Team is an excellent opportunity for our Kung Fu students. Chinese New Year is a big time for us! 

Diversity

Politics, Race, Religion. Gender/Sex, etc.  It does not belong in a martial arts class.

Indeed, our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, so you’re sure to fit in and make new friends. 

Personal Attention
The teacher works individually with each & every student. Consequently, you will progress at Your Own Pace. Can’t do a solid push-up? We’ll get you there. Want to spend more time on XYZ? Done. Need a personalized training regimen? Okay.
Martial Virtue

You will learn the ins and outs of 武德, or Wǔ Dé, which means Martial Virtue.

Read the Blog posts Understanding Wu De as Martial Virtue, Martial Arts Schools – Rules or Virtues, or perhaps The Kung Fu Salute.

They will give you a taste of this, particularly Chinese Kung Fu logic.

Traditional Kung Fu Forms

You’ll be learning authentic, historic, and authentic Kung Fu forms passed down from teacher to student through many years. And not just the shell; you’ll also learn the meat of the matter for sure. 

Traditional Chinese Kung Fu Weapons

Need we say more?

Weapons are just Ultra-Cooool!

Okay, maybe it’s “Fire” or whatever the latest buzzword is. 🙂

Swinging around swords, sticks, spears, and all sorts of other fancy Chinese weapons on a nice day in the park is fun, to say the very least.

Ultimately I think you get the idea. 

Convenient Atlanta Location

Martial Art Classes are located conveniently near downtown Decatur, close to major highways & roads, and only a couple of minutes walk from a MARTA train station and bus stops. 

Facebook Group

We have a private Facebook group for students to connect, share videos, photos, documents, and more.

While we understand that Facebook’s popularity is declining, it is indeed our tool at the moment. 

Power-Packed Classes

Our Northern Shaolin Kung Fu classes, for example, run a whopping Two Hours each!

And each class is packed full of exercises, interactive drills, and many learning opportunities. 

Martial Applications

Classes are by all means hands-on [COVID-19 Protocol: bring hand sanitizer]! Traditional Kung Fu forms are necessary to learn and practice. But we don’t just absorb what to do, but also the why behind it. Within almost every body movement that we engage in, there are a variety of possible applications from a martial art viewpoint; everything from Bows to Push-ups have applications. 

Logical Curriculum

The instructor won’t be tossing you this and that out of order. There is a logical flow of instruction, ensuring proper and logical progression. You WILL improve; overall – you will not finish the system and end up with forms empty of substance and simple hand-waving. 

Physical Fitness

Our training methods have some of the most in-depth and challenging exercises you will ever come across.

With a phased approach, you’re sure to make exceptional gains in strength, flexibility, and much more. 

Deep & Wide Network

Connections abound. Are you traveling or moving somewhere else?

We can help make the old-school, traditional connections, referrals and introductions for you to trusted teachers, and schools. 

Chinese Language
You’ll be introduced to the Chinese Language, specifically Mandarin and Cantonese; from how to pronounce the sounds and tones to their meanings and more, you’ll be strengthening your cultural knowledge with zeal.
No Testing Fees

Getting to the point that you’re ready to test is difficult enough.

Going through the test is a challenge in and of itself.

We figure you’ve at least proven yourself enough during regular martial arts classes for us to foot the bill on the sash when you pass your test. 😉 

Qigong / Chi Kung

With 氣功 or QìGōng, you’ll learn traditional breath-work exercises to aid in relaxation, power-generation, and much more.

Make Body-Mind connections like a Boss.

Advanced methods of 氣功 QìGōng, 養生 YǎngShēng, 導引 DǎoYǐn, 推拿 TuīNá, and others are available for aspiring students. 

More

But Wait – There’s More!

Meditation, Private Training Sessions with the teacher, special outings, and more can be yours for just the low, low price of blood, sweat & tears!

Just kidding 😛 

No Contracts

Come to class because you want to, not because you’re locked in a contract.

You get a Free Trial, to ensure it’s the right fit for you and us.

And if it is a fit, you get one free Private Training class per month with each paid month. 

In-Depth Learning Opportunities

You’ll gain access to detailed documents about what you learn in class and much more. Indeed, History, Chinese language, Old Chinese myths & legends, philosophies, martial art strategies, principles, inspirational stories, and so much more are available to you. 

Experienced Teacher

Sifu Kiessling has been teaching Kung Fu for over 20 years. He has been active in Martial Arts for over 30, both in the USA and abroad. Additionally, Sifu has competed and judged in numerous martial art tournaments.

In short, you can rest assured you’re getting quality instruction.

Affordable Tuition

We offer affordable monthly pricing via Cash or PayPal (which accepts all credit, debit, direct, etc. methods).
Why? Because the actual payment is hard work.
Feel free to check our prices against the competition. 

Demo Team

Show off what you’ve learned! Or learn extra material! Make connections with other students! Truly the Demo Team is an excellent opportunity for our Kung Fu students. Chinese New Year is a big time for us! 

Diversity

Politics, Race, Religion. Gender/Sex, etc.  It does not belong in a martial arts class.

Indeed, our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, so you’re sure to fit in and make new friends. 

Personal Attention

The teacher works individually with each & every student.

Consequently, you will progress at Your Own Pace. Can’t do a solid push-up? We’ll get you there. Want to spend more time on XYZ? Done. Need a personalized training regimen? Okay. 

Martial Virtue

You will learn the ins and outs of 武德, or Wǔ Dé, which means Martial Virtue.

Read the Blog posts Understanding Wu De as Martial Virtue, Martial Arts Schools – Rules or Virtues, or perhaps The Kung Fu Salute.

They will give you a taste of this, particularly Chinese Kung Fu logic. 

Traditional Kung Fu Forms

You’ll be learning authentic, historic, and authentic Kung Fu forms passed down from teacher to student through many years. And not just the shell; you’ll also learn the meat of the matter for sure. 

Traditional Chinese Kung Fu Weapons

Need we say more?

Weapons are just Ultra-Cooool!

Okay, maybe it’s “Fire” or whatever the latest buzzword is. 🙂

Swinging around swords, sticks, spears, and all sorts of other fancy Chinese weapons on a nice day in the park is fun, to say the very least.

Ultimately I think you get the idea. 

Convenient Atlanta Location

Martial Art Classes are located conveniently near downtown Decatur, close to major highways & roads, and only a couple of minutes walk from a MARTA train station and bus stops. 

Facebook Group

We have a private Facebook group for students to connect, share videos, photos, documents, and more.

While we understand that Facebook’s popularity is declining, it is indeed our tool at the moment. 

Power-Packed Classes

Our Northern Shaolin Kung Fu classes, for example, run a whopping Two Hours each!

And each class is packed full of exercises, interactive drills, and many learning opportunities. 

Martial Applications

Classes are by all means hands-on [COVID-19 Protocol: bring hand sanitizer]! Traditional Kung Fu forms are necessary to learn and practice. But we don’t just absorb what to do, but also the why behind it.

Within almost every body movement that we engage in, there are a variety of possible applications from a martial art viewpoint; everything from Bows to Push-ups have applications.  

Logical Curriculum

The instructor won’t be tossing you this and that out of order. There is a logical flow of instruction, ensuring proper and logical progression. You WILL improve; overall – you will not finish the system and end up with forms empty of substance and simple hand-waving. 

Physical Fitness

Our training methods have some of the most in-depth and challenging exercises you will ever come across.

With a phased approach, you’re sure to make exceptional gains in strength, flexibility, and much more. 

Deep & Wide Network

Connections abound. Are you traveling or moving somewhere else?

We can help make the old-school, traditional connections, referrals and introductions for you to trusted teachers, and schools. 

Chinese Language

You’ll be introduced to the Chinese Language, specifically Mandarin and Cantonese; from how to pronounce the sounds and tones to their meanings and more, you’ll be strengthening your cultural knowledge with zeal. 

No Testing Fees

Getting to the point that you’re ready to test is difficult enough.

Going through the test is a challenge in and of itself. 

We figure you’ve at least proven yourself enough for us to foot the bill on the sash when you pass your test. 😉

Qigong / Chi Kung

With 氣功 or QìGōng, you’ll learn traditional breath-work exercises to aid in relaxation, power-generation, and much more. 

Make Body-Mind connections like a Boss.

Advanced methods of 氣功 QìGōng, 養生 YǎngShēng, 導引 DǎoYǐn, 推拿 TuīNá, and others are available for aspiring students.

More

But Wait – There’s More!

Meditation, Private Training Sessions with the teacher, special outings, and more can be yours for just the low, low price of blood, sweat & tears!

Just kidding 😛 

What Our Students Say

My first time studying Kung fu & was the best martial arts experience!
I’m moving to another state which is the ONLY reason I have to leave the class. I mean. I love it here!
The teacher is GREAT. We not only learn how to fight & defend ourselves, but we also learn how to become better people.

The class is super fun. Very loving & friendly. I’ve felt super comfortable since day one. I’m stronger mentally, physically, & spiritually because of the class 🙂

I’m pretty sad to leave, but they’ve given me so much to take with me so I can progress with my Kung Fu & with myself.

Key James

Coming to Atlanta two years ago from Toledo, Ohio, I have had a great experience at PATHS.

Sifu Kiessling has such deep knowledge of Chinese culture. He touches on things like history, traditions, language, and medicine, as well as martial arts.
As you move up the levels from beginner, he pushes you to explore applications from the forms so that you figure it out for yourself like a puzzle.

I had trained for almost five years previously in a different Northern Shaolin lineage, but my knowledge and skills have improved dramatically here.

The small intimate setting is very supportive. But to get good results, you need to put in the practice time outside of Kung fu class. 

Todd Michney

Because I come mainly from a western boxing background, I was looking for something to supplement my training to help my flexibility and agility.

I heard about Sifu Craig Kiessling’s class through a friend and have been coming to his martial arts class ever since.

This Kung Fu class offers one of the most complete systems for developing overall fitness and practical martial skills I have ever seen.

If you’re looking to get in great shape, this certainly will do it!
The instructor is great, and so is the overall training environment!

This class is both challenging and fun. It leaves you with a true sense of accomplishment when you finish a training session.

Jay

My first time studying Kung fu & was the best martial arts experience!
I’m moving to another state which is the ONLY reason I have to leave the class. I mean. I love it here!
The teacher is GREAT. We not only learn how to fight & defend ourselves, but we also learn how to become better people.

The class is super fun. Very loving & friendly. I’ve felt super comfortable since day one. I’m stronger mentally, physically, & spiritually because of the class 🙂

I’m pretty sad to leave, but they’ve given me so much to take with me so I can progress with my Kung Fu & with myself.

Key James

Coming to Atlanta two years ago from Toledo, Ohio, I have had a great experience at PATHS.

Sifu Kiessling has such deep knowledge of Chinese culture. He touches on things like history, traditions, language, and medicine, as well as martial arts.
As you move up the levels from beginner, he pushes you to explore applications from the forms so that you figure it out for yourself like a puzzle.

I had trained for almost five years previously in a different Northern Shaolin lineage, but my knowledge and skills have improved dramatically here.

The small intimate setting is very supportive. But to get good results, you need to put in the practice time outside of Kung fu class. 

Todd Michney

Because I come mainly from a western boxing background, I was looking for something to supplement my training to help my flexibility and agility.

I heard about Sifu Craig Kiessling’s class through a friend and have been coming to his martial arts class ever since.

This Kung Fu class offers one of the most complete systems for developing overall fitness and practical martial skills I have ever seen.

If you’re looking to get in great shape, this certainly will do it!
The instructor is great, and so is the overall training environment!

This class is both challenging and fun. It leaves you with a true sense of accomplishment when you finish a training session.

Recent Blog Posts

Review: A Student’s Last Class

Training in China 3: Training Towards a Change

Training in China 2: Tourist Time

Training in China 1: The Beginning

Good to be Back! A Kung Fu Class Review

Atlanta is the biggest city in Georgia, United States (and is the capitol city as well). Decatur, GA, is where PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu, a traditional Chinese Martial Arts training facility focusing on programs in Adult & Teenage Martial Arts, makes its home. Many surrounding areas are close enough that students could possibly drive to class or take public transport, like MARTA, if they were motivated enough. Some of these might be Atlanta, North Decatur, Belvedere Park, Druid Hills, North Druid Hills, Panthersville, Gresham Park, Tucker, Chamblee, Doraville, Redan, East Point, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Clairmont Park, Oakhurst, Avondale Estates, Comfort Hill, Chelsea Heights, Emory, Emory Estates, East Lake, Emory Highlands, East Lake Highlands, Highlands, Midtown, Kirkwood, North Kirkwood, Scottdale, South Kirkwood, Clifton, Dekalb, North Dekalb, Country Squire Acres, Rehoboth, Turner Village, Clarkston, La Vista, Montreal, Plymouth Colony, etc.
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