Q: Which martial arts do you teach?

A: Sifu Burns is a professional, full-time instructor who offers training in Tai Chi, Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Long Fist, Ba Gua, weapons training, and self-defense classes. We start our black belt students in Hung Gar Kung Fu, a Southern Chinese kung fu style that will help build strength, endurance, and coordination.

Private lessons for other styles are available on a case-by-case basis, depending on your previous training.

Q: How do I know if 5 Elements is right for me?

A: We invite you to try a free private lesson to come meet the instructor, see the school, and experience our teaching style. If you had fun and learned something new, you know you’ve found a good match!

We encourage you to look for the instructor that suits you best, rather than a specific martial art. Sifu Burns can also help you identify what you might really be looking for in a martial arts education (even if it’s not his school). Give him a call today at 602-290-7043.

Q: Is my child too young?

A: We start the black belt experience as young as 6 years old.

Our instructors have experience with children and adults and provide a safe and exciting learning experience.

Q: Am I too old?

A: No one is too old!

Whether you want something exciting like Kung Fu, or more internal like Tai Chi, we have a program for you.

Q: What are the chances that I could get hurt doing martial arts?

A: The health and safety of our students is our first priority in every class. We teach proper form to avoid accidental injury, use special flooring, padded training gear, and strict safety rules for students and instructors.

Of course, in all martial arts, there is a small chance of injury. The most common injuries are small bruises or aches and pains you might get from any good workout.

Our students learn safety right away and our curriculum builds balance, stability, and proper form before anything else. Our instructors are all trained in first aid and we keep an updated first aid kit on site at all times.

Q: How can martial arts help my child with bullying?

A: At 5 Elements Kung Fu, we emphasize courtesy and respect for others and ourselves. We also work hard to instill confidence and self-esteem—two of the best tools to protect your child from bullies and prevent your child from becoming a bully.

Our students learn that martial arts is not about violence, but about developing inner skills to regulate their emotions and the physical skills to protect themselves only if they really need to.

Q: Do I have to sign a contract?

A: When you sign up with 5 Elements, we hope you will train with us all the way through to your first black belt and beyond! We know that sometimes circumstances change and you need to pause your training. We offer a month-to-month agreement for all students that can be paused indefinitely if needed. You are never locked into a long contract.

We also offer significant discounts if you want to pay for the full black-belt program upfront. Sifu Burns is always available to discuss financial or pricing questions!

Q: Do you teach full-contact martial arts?

A: We do light hand-to-hand sparring after students have demonstrated their ability to practice safely. We partner you with someone who will help you learn and grow while still challenging you to improve. If you don’t feel comfortable doing hand-to-hand practice, we have alternate equipment you can train on instead. Let us know if you want a more difficult practice that pushes you even harder! We can often pair you with an instructor or more advanced student so you can practice.

Q: What is your COVID-19 policy?

A: We clean and sanitize the school every day for your safety. Masks or other face coverings are optional at our school and we ask students to respect each others’ decisions to wear or not wear a mask.

If you do not feel well or have recently been exposed to someone who has been coughing, sneezing, or has a sore throat, please stay home and rest.

Q: What is expected of me or my child?

A: We expect that you show up to classes consistently and give your best effort. If martial arts were easy, everyone would do it! These classes require dedication and practice. Black belts are awarded based on a demonstration of skill, not by attending a certain number of classes. Of course, the bar is high, but our students will tell you that consistent practice brings many rewards on and off the mat! With better coordination, confidence, strength, and community, martial arts enhance your life even when you’re not in class, but only if you put in the time and effort.

Most importantly, we expect you to have fun! If you or your child are not having fun while learning at 5 Elements, talk to Sifu Burns to see what’s going on and what we need to adjust to make your time with us the best it can be.