January is a busy time for California Academy of Martial Arts, located on the border of Toluca Lake and Burbank. Since opening in 1995, the school has reigned as Los Angeles’ go-to spot for authentic Wing Chun Kung Fu training – the very same style Bruce Lee studied under his Grandmaster Ip Man. The school offers Kung Fu programs for ages 3 & up, with classes available 7 days a week.

Kung Fu for New Year’s Resolutions

“If you’ve always wanted to learn martial arts, now’s the best time to join,” says the Academy’s Chief Instructor and Founder, Sifu (Master) Todd Shawn Tei. “People love to make fun of New Year’s resolutions because most people don’t keep them, but who says you have to be one of the quitters? The only thing stopping most people from achieving their goals is not a lack of ability but a lack of discipline.” Tough words, but Tei’s sentiments are echoed by Bruce Lee himself, who said, “The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”

“The most popular New Year’s resolutions are about self-improvement: lose weight, learn a new skill, make new friends … on any given day, if you walk into my school I can introduce you to a student who’s done just that through Wing Chun,” Tei says.

One such success story is Instructor Christopher J. Marshall, a longtime student and reformed couch potato who now instructs all ages at Tei’s school. “Before attending the school, I was overweight and unhappy, spending most of my time playing video games. I knew there was something very important missing from my life.” Marshall lost 50+ pounds by attending Wing Chun, Shaolin, weapons, and kickboxing classes at the Academy. He has continued training 5-7 days a week since joining in 2010 and has never looked back. “I can honestly say that it has been the best decision I have made in my entire life,” he says.

Martin Luther King Day Camp for Kids

Along with its regular class schedule, the Academy throws monthly events open to students and non-students alike. January’s offering is its annual Martin Luther King Day Camp, a leadership-themed camp on Monday, Jan. 20, from 9a—3p. For just $50, the kids will have a day of Kung Fu, movies, and games. Lunch and a trip to Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt are included in the price. Spaces are limited and advance RSVP is required.

The Academy will donate $10 per camper referred by Stevenson, Roosevelt, Toluca Lake, Edison, or St. Robert Bellarmine Elementary schools back to their school’s PTA.

For more information or to enroll in the Martin Luther King Day Camp, call California Academy of Martial Arts at or visit their website at kungfuwingchun.com.