Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Traditional Kung Fu Training in Buffalo, NY
Since 1974, Mandarin Kung Fu has been dedicated to preserving the rigorous traditions of Shaolin Temple Kung Fu in Buffalo, NY. Our school was founded on the principle of hard training, emphasizing the mastery of basic techniques and form training as the foundation for martial arts excellence. We believe the heart of our art lies in disciplined practice of stances, blocking, punching, and kicking, while the soul resides in form training that teaches application in real combat scenarios. Our curriculum integrates physical fitness, mental development, and self-defense instruction, delivered through small classes with personalized attention from experienced instructors.We maintain a one-price policy covering our entire curriculum, including weapons training and private lessons for new students. With separate adult and youth classes, we cater to serious students of all ages, prioritizing technical precision over speed and fostering lifelong dedication to the art. Our legacy is evidenced by students who have achieved significant health improvements, law enforcement professionals who train with us, and generations of martial artists who value our uncompromising approach.
Services
Traditional Kung Fu
Self Defense Instruction
Physical Fitness
Mental Development
Weapons Training
Private Lessons
Youth Classes
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We maintain rigorous Shaolin Temple training principles since 1974
- Our curriculum includes 50+ forms with detailed technical analysis
- We provide personalized video analysis for technique improvement
- Our one-price policy covers all training including weapons instruction
- We serve law enforcement professionals and offer insurance incentives
What people say
Exceptional respect for the sport
Healthier and happier than before
Real deal martial arts training
Expert tutelage and encouragement
Lifelong journey of learning
Services
Traditional Kung Fu
Our traditional Shaolin Temple Kung Fu program develops technical mastery through structured training in stances, forms, and combat applications. Students learn authentic techniques emphasizing proper breathing, power generation, and mental focus. The curriculum systematically progresses from basic movements to advanced forms and contact drills.
Self Defense Instruction
Realistic self-defense training focuses on practical applications from our forms repertoire. Students practice against multiple opponents using hand-to-eye coordination and reflex development. The program emphasizes situational awareness and de-escalation techniques alongside physical defense strategies.
Physical Fitness
Our martial arts conditioning builds strength, flexibility, and endurance through horse stances, movement drills, and form practice. The training develops lower body power, core stability, and cardiovascular fitness while improving coordination and mental discipline through repetitive technical execution.
Weapons Training
Advanced students train with traditional Chinese weapons including staff, sword, and spear. The program teaches weapon forms, contact drills, and historical context. Training emphasizes precision, control, and application of empty-hand principles to armed combat scenarios.
Youth Classes
Structured youth classes develop discipline, respect, and physical coordination through age-appropriate Kung Fu instruction. The curriculum balances technical training with character development, emphasizing perseverance and focus. Special pricing available for new students.
People
Sifu Norm Mandarino
Head Instructor
Sifu Mandarino has trained in traditional Kung Fu since 1974 under Master Wong Ting Fong. He emphasizes technical precision and mental discipline in his instruction. With decades of experience, he provides personalized guidance to students of all levels.
Questions
Do you offer trial lessons for new students?
Yes, we provide a free private trial lesson for all new students with no obligation to join.
What age groups do you accept for training?
We offer separate classes for youth (starting at age 7) and adults, with personalized instruction for all skill levels.
What martial arts styles do you teach?
Our primary focus is traditional Shaolin Temple Kung Fu, including Hung Gar, Choy Gar, and Fut Gar systems.
Are there additional fees for testing or promotions?
No, our one-price policy includes all testing fees and curriculum access without extra charges.
Do you offer special pricing for families?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for multiple family members training simultaneously.
Reviews (7)
Rj Jat Ana
May 23, 2018
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We had the pleasure of being a part of this school for over five years. I was looking for a school that was serious but fun. Somewhere my kids would learn the meaning of hard work and truly understand what it means to earn something. In a world of instant gratification and an expectation of a pat on the back for doing the basics, this school is… refreshing. It's the perfect combination of caring instructors and no mess training. My kids have developed into athletic and confident little humans. I joined and trained for the last couple of years and, although I hadn't been training for long
Eric M.
Dec 07, 2017
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Amazing school. One big family. They teach hard work here and this is not a school that sells "fake" belts that cost hundreds of dollars to receive a participation award. Lets face it, no 9 year old should be a black belt in any martial art and if any scool tells you different, they are just trying to take as much money from you as possible to make your chile feel better about him/her self. All in all, its been amazing experience for my 9 year old. He has learned self defense and the importance of hard work to achieve goals in life. Sifu Mandarino is one of the most nice and caring instructers
Lawrence Mentkowski
Oct 01, 2017
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I've been with Sifu Norm for 50 years. Other schools refer to us as the real deal. This is traditional Kung Fu training and the best anywhere in the country. Come join us and be part of this martial arts family.
Aaron Straus
Jul 01, 2017
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Located just Five minutes from the Buffalo airport, Mandarin Kung Fu offers quality martial arts instruction for a family-friendly price. Sifu Norman Mandarino is one of those rare Red Sash masters that puts quality training and form over fancy belts and expensive promotion fees. My wife and I are working through his program. I will send my… kids there too. Mandarin Kung Fu teaches all the major Kung Fu forms, weapons and instills in you a true sense of discipline and accomplishment when you master even the smallest new form. Truly reccomend!
Adolfo Mandarino
Jan 20, 2016
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Ì ďüñ ìt älĺ when ì was ýöuñģ man very ìmpörtañt föŕ èñý persöñ i àm ìtäĺìañ ìñ äüstäĺìa ì reäly ñeed för seĺf defender
Bertrand Juillet
Jan 29, 2013
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My 10 year-old son and myself have been students of Sifu Mandarino for a couple of years now. I value effort and patience in life, and this school offers that, not gimmicky trics to make people happy and give black belts to 8 year olds...A great school for serious kids and adults!
Eric Ghiandoni
Jan 20, 2013
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I just began taking classes at Mandarin Kung Fu, and so far I love it! The classes are a great workout and the instructors are friendly and helpful. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a rewarding martial arts experience.
