Eastern Ways Martial Arts

My son just joined this martial art studio for 8 months now and Sifu Stroh and the other instructors are amazing. My son learned so much in the past 8 months, from the actual kungfu technique to know how to take instructions seriously... he enjoys coming to class each private lessons and group class. Private lesson is so important...

This school is outstanding, not just as a martial arts studio, but as a fun, family-friendly community to be a part of. I walked into this studio nearly 8 years ago with no martial arts experience whatsoever. I was in my early 30's at the time and out of shape. Within a few months of weekly kung-fu lessons I noticed improved strength and coordination. Now, 7+ years later, as I am working toward achieving my black sash, I can honestly say that my I'm stronger, more flexible, and more confident in my body at age 40+ than I may have ever been in my life.My 6-year old son also took lessons from this studio and very much enjoyed the experience. He's older now and his interests have turned to other things, but I would wholeheartedly recommend this studio to parents seeking to give their kids a positive physical activity. For older kids and teens, there are frequent age-appropriate activities, including lion dances at local festivals and halftime shows for the Sacramento Kings. Sifu Stroh and his team of instructors at Eastern Ways are friendly and polite, and they love teaching the traditions and stories that go hand-in-hand with the physical instruction. Most students have a single 30-minute private lesson each week, as well as the ability to attend unlimited group lessons that occur throughout the week. Hardcore students could attend lessons 6 days a week, and sometimes multiple times a day. But most students like myself attend their weekly private lesson and maybe 1 or 2 group lessons when their schedule allows. In my years at the studio I have worked exclusively on kung-fu, but I frequently see other students (typically adults) taking Tai Chi lessons. Both curriculums have a tremendous amount of material, but it's delivered at a pace that's right for you and your personal schedule. For people eager to get their kung-fu going, you'll get a rich abundance of material that could genuinely keep you busy the rest of your life. There's a reason it takes 7 years to get your black sash here! It's old school, and incredible! For others, you go at your own pace and there's always a teacher available to work with your unique needs or availability. Eastern Ways is a special place. It's had a major impact on my life, and I believe it offers something of value to anybody, of any age or skill level, who want to improve or maintain their health.

What shall I say? This is a great place to have your child build social skills, confidence, coordination, good health and culture. The traditions of the modality is very authentic and also people that learn are from all likes of ages. From early toddlers to older adults. You have a choice of Choi Li Fut or Tai Chi. You can simply learn both if you want.I have seen children in a few months become confident and also focused. Meet the teachers and they will assist you any way they can on any questions.

What a horrible martial arts school. The worst one out of all the martial arts studios I attended. The head instructor Matt Stroh is a huge hypocrite. He will say one thing but act totally the opposite. If you have any disagreement with him and shown him that a technique he shows does not work; instead of having a progressive discussion like a mature adult, he will accuses you are being disrespectful to him and find a reason to kick you out of the school, no matter if your manner was being very respectful to him the whole time. (of course, that's till you are being accused)I would not recommend this school if you have a different marital arts background, or have a logical mind that you want to question and discuss if a technique effectiveness with Matt. It would not work here because he requires people to follow him blindly with no question asked; Otherwise, he will accuse you are being disrespectful to him & kick the person out of school. It is not a school for anyone who wants to learn true martial arts.11/05/14 Update:Okay, more accusations from the head instructor Matt Stroh, I am more than happy to share my experience in detail and let the readers to decide if this is the type of instructor they want to be trained under.When I first visited the school, Matt tried to discourage me from joining once he found out I have training under a different martial art school. I still signed up since I just wanted a training place close by home and a reason to get myself out of the house; I didn't expect it would turn out to be a huge problem.* In the beginning everything goes well. The Tai Chi instructor Ms. Wong was extremely nice and being very patient with her instruction; all of the students I worked with were friendly and got along well with me. * The problem came only the head instructor Matt tried to provide his personal instruction to me during a casual push hand practice. * He kept on criticizing my technique being too forceful and aggressive even I was practicing with another advanced student who is much taller and at least 50-60lbs heavier than me (I am 5'6 tall; 135lbs). In a push hand competition, this gentleman would be at least one weight class heavier than mine (he is at least 5'11, about 200lbs gentleman).* While criticizing my techniques, Matt was trying to enforce more restrictive rules than the one used by the UC Berkeley Chinese Martial Arts Tournament (CMAT), even it was only a causal push hand practice. I went along with it because it is his school & I no problem following it.* He kept on criticizing that I am not "soft & gentle" enough to deflect the training partner's push even the other party is much taller, heavier, and with a longer reach. I was surprised by his teaching since It seems like he does not understand the basic Tai Chi concept which is based on the principle of leverage, a strong force is needed to deflect or neutralize a very strong push/attack.* I tried to explain it to Matt but he is not willing to listen. He claimed it is not the "Tai Chi way" (at least for his) and he tried to demonstrate it to me. I was able to deflect his push but Matt himself loss balance with my slow but strong push, even he is a taller and at least 20-30lbs heavier guy than me. * Once he recovered from the push, he got angry and accused me of being "disrespectful" to him and threatened me by saying he would take me down personally and "kick" me out of school if I try to being "disrespectful" to him. I was completely caught off guard by his disrespectful accusations coming out of nowhere since I am truly being 110% respectful to everyone in the school I met till his accusations. * We got into a pretty "heated" debate. It took me a while to realized he got upset by failing demonstrate the technique he preached and "loss face". I was so disappointed by a head instructor of a school being such a hypocrite. I was actually happy when I was asked to leave the school since it is definitely not a person I want to train with. I hope my detail experience is helpful the readers when they are choosing a school.After thought - By reading Matt Stroh's comments, he is accusing me having a "secret agenda" as a reason joining his school, and his reason is because I have extensive training background with another school. I am not sure if I should laugh or cry from such silly reason. It clearly shows that he is a very closed mind person and is lack of confident with his own skill. He is afraid to train with people with strong martial arts skill background and would find reason to kick them out of school so he can stay in his comfort zone.

This review is long overdue. The review is specifically for the lion dance performance offered by Eastern Ways. I engaged Eastern Ways several months ago for a lion performance as a surprise during a wedding reception. I found Eastern Ways through Internet searches and knew nothing about them. I was contacted by Alan H., who was very responsive, professional and courteous. I corresponded with Alan back and forth several times during the month leading up to the wedding and never actually spoke with him on the phone or in person. Despite that, Alan and his team followed through spectacularly. They arrived early with three lions, and gave an amazing performance. My family, who was very accustomed to seeing Chinese lion dances, commented that this performance was one of the best and most professional they've seen. I was so pleased with the great performance by Alan and his team. I only regret having turned down his offer for them to stay for photos afterward, since we're on a pretty tight schedule.I highly, highly recommend Alan H. and his team at Eastern Ways, for their lion dance performances.

My daughter loves it here, she has been going here for 3 years, and she loves the instructors here, great place for kids

Someone in another review criticized the contract for joining. I believe it is twelve months, not two years, so first off they are lying. Second, most contracts have early termination fees; and they are not required to let you out of it at all unless you take them to court and a judge modifies the contract with an order. Third, they made it clear when I signed up that a third party does automatic withdrawal. Terminating this type of account usually takes several days to process, and usually costs a fee. That being said, you DID sign the contract. By allowing you to terminate with just a fee was a courtesy they did not have to extend. This type of contract is standard for martial arts schools. It's not a scam, it's a legal obligation for them to teach and you to pay. If you don't plan to uphold your end of the bargain, don't sign a contract and then get mad when you can't get out of it. You will not get better quality instruction elsewhere. It's worth every penny.In case you're wondering where I got my information, I'm a certified paralegal with 8 years of experience working in a legal office and I have been a student at Eastern Ways for a year with zero complaints.

Really great place for kids to go and learn some disipline while still becoming their own person. Teachers and other students are truly amazing. They also do lion-dances for parades and such--- its quite breath taking if you havnt experienced it-- you must! Studio is super clean and organzied, a must for any potential student from 5-500!

I've been a student of Sifu Stroh since Feburary of 2014. I have enjoyed improved mental clarity, reduced stress and better overall health in that time. He is a positive instructor who is concerned about his students and goes out of his way to answer all questions. Breaking down postures to make them easy to assimilate. He is very considerate in that he gives of his time past the normal class time. I have had Tai Chi training from other instructors in my past and I find he consistently encourages his students to challenge themselves to perform and learn at their highest level. Superlative teacher and a great place to learn this ancient art.

@ Gursimrat S being an educated person I know when you sign a contact whether it's cell, cable , Internet, gym, etc you can't cancel and expect to be let out of your contract just like that! I don't know what you were expecting. My little one watched her dad pass away. We tried so much counseling, sports, different types of martial arts and schools but nothing helped and no one could get thru my child. I wanted my kid to study Martial arts that was more authentic so I signed up for a year contract and paid for the year up front. I knew if my kid decided to quit I won't get my money back just like any contract you sign! I made time to bring my kid in to every class and today I'm very proud that Eastern Ways has turned my child into a very confident strong teen! She does not bend by peer pressure or swayed by friends to do things she knows it's not good. A teen making smart choices and decision is the best thing a parent can ask for and for that I'm very thankful to Eastern Ways, their instructors and staff! Thank you!