Monk Wise, West Jordan

"My children have been learning Kung Fu at Monk Wise since 2012, and it has been (and continues to be) a fantastic experience for them. First, Shifu Woolsey and his team are friendly, engaging, patient and talented. They genuinely love what they do, and the techniques they teach are balanced by sound principles and wisdom that apply to other areas of life. Second, classes are a mix of fun, focus and exertion. From meditation, to forms to weapons, there's enough variety to keep it exciting while there's also consistency to foster achievement and progress. Outside of class, there are many different activities, clinics and other experiences that offer more opportunities to learn and to experience Chinese culture and tradition. Third, the impact that steady, long-term participation has had on my children is priceless. Since my first son started at eight years old, I've seen him grow in confidence and strength. His willingness to try new and challenging things has grown along with it, and I'm convinced that Kung Fu has been a positive part of shaping who he's becoming. Finally, when I look back at things we've had to eliminate to make room for Kung Fu in our lives, I have absolutely no regrets. The intangible value can't be measured -- but we feel it. We love Monk Wise!"

"I've been with Monk Wise for about 3 years now and it's been a fantastic experience. The instructors are some of the greatest people to work with, and they've helped new realize my full potential in terms of personal growth and living a healthy life. There's the sense of formality and discipline you'd expect from a martial arts school, but it's not so stiff that you can't ask for help or advice. Joining this school has been one of the best decisions I've ever made!"

"UPDATE September 2019: When I posted this review in 2014 I was pretty sure I would continue to be a student at Monk Wise for years. It has now been 7+ years (!) at the studio and am constantly amazed at the skills I've gained over the years. The environment remains the same: friendly, challenging, respectful but in a warm family friendly environment. My kids have grown up with Monk Wise as students for 6+ years and we all have competed in national and international tournaments as well as performed at local cultural events. My kids feel the skills they have learned are invaluable and have made them better physically, emotionally and have given them a strength of character that few other sports could. Where else can you strengthen these traits in a fun, safe, friendly and culturally enriching environment? I challenge you to find out. Original review: Monk Wise Martial Arts Academy is by far the best martial arts studio in Utah, if not all of North America. I have been a student at Monk Wise for over two years now and have been enriched by the spirit of the masters and instructors and the beauty of Chinese culture. I have grown as a person not just physically but spiritually as well in kung fu and tai chi. The adult program at Monk Wise is extensive but presented in a way that is welcoming and supportive no matter your background in martial arts. I came late to martial arts, having done some as kid, but when I hit 40 thinking I was too old to reap the benefits. How mistaken I was! I feel years younger and more fit than I have been in over 20 years! My children were already enrolled in a very popular local Tae Kwon Do studio before I joined Monk Wise. I knew Tae Kwon Do was not for me as I found it very boring after 6 months of training when I was a kid. I then explored the other local martial arts studios including kung fu, aikido and karate and was so impressed with Monk Wise that I signed up. No contracts, no hidden scams and amazingly priced for unlimited classes in both kung fu and tai chi, with fantastic family options as well. I then saw how bored my kids became with TKD and brought them to Monk Wise. I immediately saw the change in their attitude, their enjoyment in the classes and the excitement of going to Monk Wise. I was also disappointed to see the deficiencies in the training my kids received at the TKD studio - at Monk Wise they have become stronger, more flexible and more balanced physically and spiritually. The lineage of Monk Wise is strong in Chinese martial arts with a history that spans over 34 generations, a Grandmaster who was president of the Beijing Wushu team and Jing Wu Physical Association, and Masters who have won countless tournaments and awards in China and internationally. There is nowhere else except possibly in Taiwan and a few schools in China that can boast such a lineage and an ability to impart that knowledge in a way that is friendly to the busy American lifestyle. The classes are fun, friendly and challenging. My family is part of Monk Wise and Monk Wise is part of my family. See you in class!"

"If you are looking for excellent martial arts training options for yourself or for your entire family, Monk Wise Martial Arts Academy is one of the very best. Not only will you get a great work out, you'll get a great educational avenue for self-defense. At Monk Wise Martial Arts the really do teach the martial arts holistically in a fun and exciting way that keeps everyone motivated and coming back for more. Led by excellent instructors who have dedicated their lives to the martial arts. In the short time I have been affiliated with the Shifu and this school I can truly say you wont regret visiting this martial arts school, but please don't take my word for it or the other awesome reviews on this page, stop by and see for yourself! It wont be long before you write a review just like I did :-)"

"I have been learning martial arts from Monk Wise for about 7 months now. I absolutely LOVE this studio. The environment is very friendly and comforting. The teachers are amazing and they help each individual student 1 on 1. I have gained internal strength, focus, flexibility, fluid movements and physical strength. I haven't heard of any other studio that dedicates so much time to their students. They have several activities to keep us motivated and involved our martial arts. Trip to China, Summer retreat, Clinics and performances. I'm very proud to be a student of monk wise and I look forward to attending class as often as possible."