Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy

Hank Carter _{on Google}

Feb 21st, 2023

I started learning Shaolin Kung Fu at Al Bender's Kung Fu academy 2 months ago, and I am loving it! The group classes are a great workout, and compared to my past experience in martial arts, this school strikes a great balance between teaching a traditional martial art as well as very practically-focused self-defense applications. I will be practicing here for a long time to come!

Laura LoForese _{on Google}

Nov 6th, 2019

Came to this school in 2016 after moving to the area, looking to expand my scope in martial arts and maybe make some new friends. With a previous background in Taekwondo I was nervous about joining and adjusting to a new school/style. However, before I knew it, I found a place as a student and a member of a warm and welcoming Kung Fu family.
Sifu Al is truly a force of grace, humility, and strength in all aspects of his teachings (soft, as he likes to call it, but we can all see the shine of steel). His instructors are knowledgable and dedicatedalways helpful and encouraging. It has been such a pleasure to study and be a part of this amazing school. Highly recommended!

Alexander Buoye _{on Google}

Sep 22nd, 2019

As a student, you learn to defend yourself, but that's just the beginning. The training challenges you to do more than that - to do things that you may not have thought that you could; to become not only a better martial artist, but also a better person - more focused, more disciplined, more patient. One of Sifu Al's favorite quotes is "overcome your opponent with basic technique, overcome yourself with advanced technique", and that is the ultimate goal...to overcome yourself. To be more than you were. The school is a very welcoming place and many students consider each other family. Sifu Al is a patient and generous teacher with a wonderful sense of humor...but very serious about Kung Fu, of course. He is the real deal. I trained with Sifu Al as I child. I am training with him now as an adult. I cannot overstate the positive benefit I have received from Kung Fu.

Tito Rodriguez _{on Google}

Sep 9th, 2019

My child has been studying under Si Fu Al Bender for about a decade The benefits go well beyond learning Self Defense, and Kung-Fu. He has learned how to appreciate self discipline, balance and that "time and effort" is a key principle that shapes long term goals through incremental steps. The time and effort that he has put into studying Kung-Fu has built grit, perseverance and has shaped him into an outstanding young man. His Kung-fu is not only amazing but so is his acadmeic performance and his character. I am glad that he is enthusiastic about his art because he has turned into an amazing son. Thank you Si-Fu Al!!