Welcome to Shorin Kung Fu

American Heart and Spirit With Asian Traditions

Our school is dedicated to preserving the art of self defense, offering classes in Shorin Kung Fu, Tai Chi and traditional wellness programs. We are not a martial arts mill offering a black belt in a short period of time for a few thousand dollars. Our carefully crafted programs, based on Grandmaster Brigham`s 40+ years of training will teach you much more than self defense tricks. We will instill an attitude of confidence, balance and discipline that you can apply to every aspect of your life.
You are always welcome to stop by the Dojo to observe a class, or meet with Grandmaster Brigham to discuss training opportunities.

An ancient form of martial arts, Tai Chi has gained great recognition and popularity in the West -- so much so, that the exercise dimension of Tai Chi practice has overshadowed the deeper martial arts heritage and meditative and health underpinnings that make Tai Chi such a potent ally for body and mind.

The result is that today you can find many facilities and instructors who teach Tai Chi movements and routines, but very few who have the deep martial arts background and contemplative spiritual experience that are core to the power of the practice.

Shorin Kung Fu is different. Here Tai Chi is taught not just as an exercise, but as the supreme martial art it is -- a subtle fighting style so balanced and powerful that it was known as the #ultimate hammer# or #boundless fist# by the ancient masters. Here you are instructed not by a Tai Chi trainer, but by Grandmaster Brigham, a 10th degree black belt Grandmaster whose 40+ years of training include residence and study in some of Asia`s greatest temples and centers of learning.

At Shorin Kung Fu, Tai Chi is taught in a manner that integrates the meditative and spiritual dimension of the practice with its healing and strengthening health aspects and its powerful self-defense origins. No two instructions are ever the same, as Grandmaster Brigham integrates stretching and strengthening routines with balance practice, meditation, hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice -- the full spectrum of #boundless fist# practices handed down from master to master over hundreds of years.

To experience the power of tai chi learned in an authentic dojo and instructed by an authentic master, visit Shorin Kung Fu.

Shorin Kung Fu was developed by Grandmaster Brigham, as a synthesis of the martial arts he mastered during his forty years` training throughout Asia, Japan, and the Philippines. Shorin Kung Fu combines inner power, effective technique and graceful movement in a singular, elegant art.

Shorin Kung Fu training teaches, first and foremost, self-control, a key element in peaceful resolution of conflict. At the same time, students learn how to protect themselves effectively, should it ever become necessary.

We believe the martial arts is a way of life, building not only a strong body, but a sound mind and good character.

The fact that children and adolescents with special needs require physical and mental stimulation to maximize their quality of life has been repeatedly confirmed. Many scientific studies have demonstrated that the people with or special needs improve their mental faculty, motor nerve coordination, physical well being, and their sense of community through structured exercise that increases the demand on their biological system, namely mind-body coordination, social interaction, sensory subsystems, communications and self esteem. Specific and successful programs have been developed to improve their well being.

Two examples of these programs are Special Olympics and the martial arts. Unfortunately, the Special Olympics program is to infrequent and not generally available to the multitudes of those who would benefit from such a program. As an alternative martial arts is available and is generally wide spread through out the United States, however, not all of these programs are structured to accommodate the special needs nor are their instructors experienced and educated on the required material and processes.

The community of Colorado Springs does have a program designed to service people with disabilities. This program is a martial arts based system and is taught by a chief instructor with three decades of experience, Grandmaster Gene Brigham. Known as the Black Python System, it is essentially comprised of a graduated array of structured and intricate mental and physical patterns that integrate into higher orders of movement and coordination as the practitioner masters the material.

The benefits follow:
Increased mental discipline and self awareness
Self Defense
Enhancement of one`s sense of self, relationship to environment, self esteem
Increased physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, motor skills, self confidence
Regular stimulation of the body-mind and sensory subsystem
Simultaneously combines mental and physical enrichment through learning
Fun, socialization, increased ability to express oneself, communicate
Increased ability to concentrate and focus, set goals and realize objectives.

Grandmaster Brigham, a tenth degree black belt, chose the Black Python System (BPS) for our students with special needs because of factors listed above. The art offers more straight line katas such as the #H# #L# and #T# patterns. The katas have movements that continually require right and left brain usage. This type of exercise promotes and stimulates cognitive and physical development for our students.

Undoubtedly, mastery of both physical and the mental discipline is required to learn the material offered by the Black Python System and is a vital aspect of learning and growing. Another part of the BPS is its self defense program. Its moves are quick, simple in nature, and extremely effective. Additionally, BPS employs the Bo and Kali Sticks as devices that are virtual extensions of one`s body. They are effective self defense devices that improve the student`s coordination, fluidity, and balance.

BPS is a complete martial arts system that accommodates students with special needs. We have educated many children and adolescents using this format and have several success stories. The Black Python System is currently being taught to young adults and adults with disabilities. We have three experienced Instructors under the direction of Grandmaster Brigham.

Why is this class important to the Shorin Kung Fu Dojo? Personal interest, because Grandmaster knows and understands the triumphs and the heartaches of both the child with disabilities and their families. It is a journey he has experienced himself with his son. He has seen Martial Arts training improve behavior, character, mind-body, and self esteem in his own child as well as others he has trained throughout his 35 years of martial arts instruction experience.

We are located in the northwest area of town, just off I-25 and Garden of the Gods Road.

955 Garden of the Gods Rd.
Suite E
Colorado Springs, CO 80907

(719) 268-9560

Info@ShorinKungFu.com