Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys is a martial arts program for boys (ages 6-12) that teaches them to build inner strength, and respect for themselves and others. When a boy finds his true power, it releases insecurity and fear and brings peace and self-confidence.


In Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys, we build a foundation of self-discipline, self-confidence, and an ability to focus that leads to greater success in school, sports, and social situations. In a fun, upbeat, non-competitive atmosphere, we teach practical self-defense, safety awareness, and the ability to think clearly during an emergency. We do not enter tournaments which emphasize winners and losers. We teach our students to compete with themselves, to accept themselves, while constantly working to improve.  We have demonstrations where our students can exhibit their skills and are honored for their progress. Children have different levels of coordination and body strength. Unlike school sports where you have to make the team, no one is excluded from Shaolin Kung Fu for Boys because of difficulty in mind/body coordination. Everyone has the right to learn to defend themselves.

Who teaches Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys?

Si Gong Robert Firestine is the lead instructor in all the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys classes. He has studied the art of Shaolin Kung Fu for over 30 years and is a 9th degree black belt. As a father of four girls and one boy, he has a strong desire to empower children.  Positive messages are interwoven into the program, such as our motto: “I am humble, I am kind, I am honest, and I am strong in spirit!”


How did Shaolin Kung Fu Academy begin?

In Kung Fu, we learn that, as we cultivate strength, it must be guided by compassion.  We obtain the most power when these two forces are balanced. Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys and Girl Power were born out of a desire to see greater balance in boys and girls and therefore create a more solid foundation for them as men and women.  Si Gong Robert and his family decided to move to Tucson from the San Francisco Bay Area to bring this dream into a reality.

In September 1999 Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys (aka Peaceful Warriors) was born! Si Gong Robert opened the Universal Center where he taught Girl Power and Shaolin Kung Fu (for adults, teens and boys). Today, Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys is offered at 3915 E. Pima (at Alvernon) and is also taught at  Khalsa Montessori as an after-school program.


What are other benefits of the program?

Self-Confidence
One of the greatest benefits of the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys training is improved self-confidence. There are so many fears that our children confront on a daily basis. Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys allows them to challenge and triumph over these fears, leading to greater confidence in themselves and their own power. This renewed confidence then spreads to their social and academic life as well.

Self- Expression
In Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys, there is a strong emphasis on self-expression.  We incorporate music and encourage creative interpretation of the movement. We believe in individuality and therefore encourage the boys to express themselves through the martial arts. We do not want everyone to look the same, but to honor their unique gifts.

Perseverance, Patience, and Hard Work
We want to show our students how to achieve their dreams. In Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for Boys, if a boy dreams of becoming a black belt, he can achieve it, but not without perseverance,  patience, and hard work. This then becomes a model for success. If you have a dream, vision, or goal, assess your gifts, work hard, believe in yourself, have patience, never give up, and you can achieve it. Once a child learns this is in one arena of life, they can carry it into all arenas of life.

A Better World
Martial arts training brings power. We teach our students to use that power for good. Students are taught to be respectful, kind, and helpful. By these simple values, we can all make the world a better place.