A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES
BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP
千里之行 始于足下

— Lao Zi 老子, founder of Taoism

AS FEATURED IN THE SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT

Teachings of Master Yun

Our studio has its roots in traditional Chinese martial arts. Everything from the styles to the training regimen has its roots in centuries of tradition. This historical lineage is the foundation of our studio, thus creating a truly unique experience. Our training in the traditional martial arts offers many insights for our students whether that is having an understanding of ancient martial arts, improving one’s health, or building self-confidence.

CLASSES

Beginners and seasoned practitioners of our martial art styles all have a place in our studio. We offer all types of class settings whether you are looking for a group class or a private session. Our instruction methodology is a process that, over centuries, has evolved to create one of the best training regimens. All skill levels are welcome to join. Classes are offered at our studio in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara (921 State Street). Please contact us with any questions.

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a separate pair of soft sole shoes
that have not been worn outside (or wear socks during class).

Individual classes - $50
10 class package - $450

CHEN STYLE TAI CHI

Monday - Saturday | 10:00 a.m. (1 hour class)
Wednesdays | 4:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

Chen Style Tai Chi Quan is a traditional Chinese martial art that uses internal energy to generate power. This means that, in addition to self-defense, it is very healthy for your body. The style is characterized by a low stance and the sudden release of power. The power comes from one’s core in a twisting or coiling motion. The practice is relaxed and meditative, but Chen Style Tai Chi Quan is also a very effective martial art.

WU STYLE TAI CHI

Monday - Saturday | 10:00 a.m. (1 hour class)
Wednesday | 4:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

This class teaches traditional Wu Style Tai Chi Quan. This internal martial art style is practiced slowly, smoothly, and with purpose. Due to all of its movements originating from the core, it is an excellent option for general health and wellness.

Tai Chi Push Hands

Thursdays | 4:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

Push Hands is a two person exercise designed to improve one's understanding of the principles of Tai Chi Quan. Using the same ideas as when practicing the Tai Chi form, one works with a partner to explore connection, balance, relaxation, and alignment. This technique teaches you how to respond to external forces while maintaining proper Tai Chi principles. Push Hands compliments and enhances the health aspects of Tai Chi and is also the beginning of the martial component of Tai Chi practice.  

SEVEN STAR PRAYING MANTIS KUNG FU

Monday - Friday | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
Wednesday | 5:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
Saturdays | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (2 hour class)
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

This class focuses on teaching our students Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. This external martial art style is a complex system that incorporates rapid hand motions and mobile footwork to gain advantages in self-defense. Our primary focus in this class is to develop fundamental movements, strength, flexibility and coordination. All ages welcome!

SHANG STYLE XING YI QUAN

Monday - Friday | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
Wednesdays| 5:00 p.m. (1 hour class)
Saturdays | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (2 hour class)
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

Students learn the six elements that comprise the basic structure of the art. While each element is very short, they are difficult to execute correctly and require a great deal of practice and guidance to master. Once the student has gained some proficiency, they are taught “linking forms” that combine the various elements. Finally, the twelve animal forms are taught along with several “two-person” drills. Emphasis is placed on proper form and applications.

CHILDREN’S KUNG FU

Mondays| 4:00 p.m.
$50/class | $450 - 10 class package

This class is our children-friendly version of our Praying Mantis Kung Fu. This class consists of stretching, kicking, stances, and basic forms.

CHUO JIAO & FANZI QUAN

Chuo Jiao and Fanzi Quan are uniquely connected. They are essentially opposite sides of the same coin when it comes to training practices. Each form focusing on the same movements, but from completely opposite directions. Chuo Jiao utilizes a combination of jumps, quick kicks, and fast fists throughout its forms to generate power. A unique characteristic of this style is that the practitioner uses their feet and hand strikes in unison to find openings in the opponent’s defense. Fanzi Quan is much more linear and focuses on generating a flurry of quick fist attacks which are accented by specifically timed kicks.

Our martial arts styles & lineage

At Mater Yun’s Studio, we specialize in many different forms of martial arts. These forms are broken down into three categories: Internal, External, and Weapons. We encourage our students to look through each of the categories to understand the lineage history of the styles, as well as, the differences and complementary aspects of each style.

Internal Styles
内家拳风格

Known as Neijia (內家), internal styles focus on the mental or qi-related aspects of martial arts. These styles emphasize an awareness of the practitioners’ mind and extensive training instances, flexibility, and strength.

External Styles
外家拳风格

Chinese external martial art styles oftentimes exhibit extremely fast and powerful movements. These styles are typically among the most recognizable martial art forms today and throughout history. External styles utilize the student’s physical strength and agility.

Weapons Styles
兵器风格

Often the last aspect of training for a student to undertake the traditional Chinese weapons styles can be classified either by the type of weapon or by the martial art schools that incorporate them into their training.