When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
North Sky Kung Fu
Why North Sky Kung Fu is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
North Sky Kung Fu is a distinguished martial arts school located in Chelsea, Manhattan, known for teaching the traditional Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu system, also called Ying Jow Pai. Founded by Sifu Dario Acosta and Sifu Julie Ann, both direct disciples of Grandmaster Leung Shum, the school offers a unique blend of practical martial arts and preservation of Chinese martial arts heritage. The studio provides a spacious, airy, and well-ventilated environment that creates an inviting oasis amidst the busy city. North Sky's curriculum incorporates classic Kung Fu forms, weapons training, self-defense techniques, and Tai Chi, promoting both physical conditioning and mental balance. The classes are designed to be high-energy, engaging, and challenging with small class sizes allowing ample individual attention. Beyond physical training, the school also integrates breathing practices and meditation, further enriching students’ experience. North Sky Kung Fu is not only a place to learn martial arts but a vibrant community where students of all ages connect, improve fitness, and develop warrior skills in a supportive atmosphere. This makes it an excellent destination for meeting friends and building camaraderie through the shared passion of Kung Fu.
Here's what people think of North Sky Kung Fu
As of recent, North Sky Kung Fu holds a 5-star rating based on 23 reviews.
Reviews of North Sky Kung Fu overwhelmingly highlight the school’s high quality instruction and welcoming community atmosphere. Users praise the expertise of Sifu Dario Acosta and Sifu Julie Ann, noting their deep knowledge of the Eagle Claw system and dedication to student progress. Many reviews mention the school's focus on practical self-defense, challenging workouts, and the integration of Tai Chi and meditation, which adds a unique balance to training. The spacious and well-maintained studio in Chelsea receives positive remarks for its atmosphere, described as an ‘oasis’ in New York City. Positive reviews often emphasize the supportive environment, personalized attention, and the opportunity to learn rare traditional Kung Fu styles. On the other hand, a small number of reviews occasionally mention the niche nature of Eagle Claw Kung Fu may not appeal to everyone, or note the urban location can be busy, but these do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Overall, the consistent 5-star rating from 23 reviewers reflects strong satisfaction, making North Sky Kung Fu highly recommended for martial arts enthusiasts seeking authentic, high-caliber training and a close-knit community in Manhattan.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kevin Queen
I have been training at North Sky Kung Fu for one and a half years, and I highly recommend it! The school offers authentic Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong, and Self-Defense, with expert instruction from Sifu Dario and Sifu Julie. Both are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate and excellent instructors. Each class is designed to improve physical fitness, flexibility, and concentration, all while learning effective and traditional Chinese Kung Fu. The school recently moved to a beautiful, spacious new location on W29th, which provides an ideal environment for training. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced martial artist, North Sky Kung Fu is a fantastic place to build your skills, improve fitness, and develop discipline.
Ming wang
Great environment. The place feels very calm and welcoming. Sifu Julie Ann is very patient and passionate about teaching.
P T
Our 9 yr old daughter is as enthusiastic about Kung Fu since her first day at North Sky 3 years ago. She has learned not only Kung Fu but also self defense. I credit Sifu Dario and Sifu Julie, owners, and teachers at the school, who, by their nurturing personalities and teaching methods have created a positive and inclusive atmosphere present in every class. UPDATE Our daughter, now 14 just earned her black belt! North Sky Kung Fu is more than a school, it's a community.
Yichen M
North Sky is not your average martial arts studio. They teach traditional Kung Fu, which is so rare they should be a protected cultural center. They practice both technique and respect. The people there are awesome, very friendly and welcoming. Both newbies and advanced students will find it a comfortable place. Thank you Sifu Julie and Sifu Dario for keeping the Kung Fu heritage alive!
Florence Dupont
My 12-year old daughter has been attending Kung fu classes at North Sky Kung Fu. I love the laid back atmosphere. Sifu Julie and Sifu Dario create a fun, playful yet disciplined environment for the children to learn Kung Fu. Their approach is powerful yet gentle.
How to reach North Sky Kung Fu
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Why North Sky Kung Fu may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at North Sky Kung Fu with your friends? Gathering at North Sky Kung Fu offers a unique, dynamic experience that goes beyond typical meetups like dining out or watching a movie. It’s a place where you and your friends can engage actively together in learning a martial art renowned for its rich history and impressive techniques—Eagle Claw Kung Fu. This environment fosters camaraderie, fun, and physical empowerment, making any group event both memorable and meaningful. Unlike passive activities, at North Sky Kung Fu, you will share achievements, laughter, and challenges, all in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. The school is famous for its welcoming vibe, where beginners and advanced practitioners feel equally valued, making it an ideal place for groups with mixed skill levels. The spacious, clean facility ensures you have plenty of room to move, interact, and enjoy the experience fully without feeling crowded. Whether your group’s goal is to bond over self-defense skills, get a full-body workout, or simply have an exciting outing, North Sky Kung Fu delivers a compelling and enriching setting that will energize and unite your friends.
What kind of activities does North Sky Kung Fu offer for groups? At North Sky Kung Fu, the core activities revolve around learning Eagle Claw Kung Fu, a traditional Chinese martial art emphasizing gripping and joint locking techniques that are both effective and elegant. The studio offers structured classes led by highly skilled instructors who balance technical instruction with a nurturing approach, making it accessible and enjoyable, especially for groups new to martial arts. Groups can participate in beginner-friendly sessions that focus on essential techniques and self-defense skills, perfect for those looking to gain practical abilities in a supportive setting. For those with some martial arts background, there are more advanced classes that delve deeper into forms, fighting strategies, and weapon techniques. Additionally, the school holds self-defense workshops, which are particularly appealing as group activities designed to boost confidence and personal safety awareness. With the owners and instructors Sifu Julie Ann and Sifu Dario Acosta leading the classes, participants receive expert guidance infused with positivity and encouragement, which makes every session rewarding. Beyond formal classes, there are opportunities for informal demonstrations and group sparring sessions, creating an interactive space where friends can challenge and learn from each other in a controlled environment.
Why is North Sky Kung Fu perfect for a group meetup? The studio’s environment is specially crafted to welcome groups, whether they are friends, families, or coworkers seeking a team-building experience. One major advantage is the spaciousness of the new location, equipped with a large training area that accommodates multiple participants simultaneously without feeling cramped. This means groups can train side by side and interact freely, fostering a sense of community and shared effort. Cleanliness and safety are paramount at North Sky Kung Fu; the facility features excellent ventilation systems, including HEPA filters and air-circulating HVAC units, along with strict equipment sanitation protocols after every use. These measures create a safe and healthy environment for social gatherings during active sessions. Moreover, the studio adheres to current vaccination policies and social distancing guidelines to maximize participant comfort and safety. The friendly, inclusive culture welcomes people of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, including being LGBTQ-friendly and woman- and Hispanic/Latinx-owned, creating a diverse space where everyone can feel at home. This cultural openness combined with high-quality instruction makes any meetup not only fun but meaningful, ensuring all group members walk away feeling connected and energized.
How can learning Kung Fu together strengthen your friendship or family bond? Engaging in martial arts training as a group has profound social and emotional benefits. At North Sky Kung Fu, the shared challenge of mastering techniques, correcting form, and practicing sequences requires constant communication and encouragement among participants. These moments forge strong bonds as friends and family cheer each other on through successes and help overcome difficulties. The teamwork inherent in partner drills and sparring exercises improves trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. Practicing self-defense in a group setting also raises collective awareness and responsibility for each other’s safety, deepening emotional connection. Furthermore, the physical exercise releases endorphins, promoting a healthy and upbeat group mood that naturally enhances social interaction. The positive atmosphere cultivated by the instructors—who praise progress and foster a growth mindset—ensures that members leave feeling proud and motivated, not just physically stronger but mentally bonded as well. Such experiences build lasting memories and a sense of shared accomplishment that translates beyond the studio into everyday relationships.
What other benefits does North Sky Kung Fu provide for hosting meetups? Beyond the physical and social advantages, North Sky Kung Fu offers a unique cultural experience that your group will appreciate. The martial art itself is steeped in tradition and fascinating history, giving participants a chance to expand their knowledge about Chinese martial arts philosophy, values, and forms. This adds an enriching educational layer to your outing. The owners, Sifu Dario and Sifu Julie, are known for their warm personalities and passion for teaching, creating a mentorship vibe that makes everyone feel valued and inspired. From kids to adults, novices to advanced practitioners, everyone receives personalized attention that cultivates confidence. Another plus is that the studio’s location in New York City makes it convenient to access and combine with other local group activities or dining experiences post-class, rounding out a perfect day or evening. Finally, the stellar 5.0 rating based on 23 glowing reviews reflects the high satisfaction of past attendees, reinforcing that North Sky Kung Fu is a safe, enjoyable, and memorable venue for your next group gathering.
In summary, choosing to host a meetup at North Sky Kung Fu transforms a simple social outing into a powerful, interactive adventure. Your friends or family will benefit from expert-led martial arts training, a welcoming environment, and the physical, social, and educational rewards of Kung Fu practice—all within a clean, safe, and culturally rich setting. It’s an opportunity to create lasting memories, develop personal skills, and deepen bonds while having fun. Whether for a casual get-together or a special occasion, North Sky Kung Fu is a standout destination that delivers a perfect blend of community, empowerment, and excitement.