Testimonials

Hear directly from past students

Tony

Kung Fu has truly been a life-altering journey for me. It's not just about mastering the art of combat; it's about becoming a genuine, peaceful warrior. Through Kung Fu, I've embarked on a profound exploration of self-discovery, unlocking countless benefits along the way. But it's not just the martial art itself that has shaped me—it's the guidance and wisdom of my Master, my Sifu.

I count myself incredibly blessed to have you in my life, patiently imparting invaluable lessons to me, one-on-one. From the very beginning, I noticed subtle shifts in my life and character. Through dedicated practice, I've gained insight into my own energies in ways I never thought possible. With each session, I find myself becoming calmer, more focused, both in my actions and in my interactions with others.

Kung Fu has laid down a solid foundation upon which I continue to build and deepen my commitment to this practice. As I delve into the intricacies of Chi Gong, Tai Chi, and the mechanics of movement, I'm discovering the intricate dance of frequency and rhythm within me. My balance has improved, leading to a more tranquil, focused state of mind that flows seamlessly through my entire being.

With every step, I'm learning to harness the power of my entire body, generating a flow that emanates strength and grace. It's a journey of self-discovery that I never thought possible a year ago. Yet, I know I'm only scratching the surface of this infinite world of Kung Fu. This practice continues to mold me into a better man—calm, focused, compassionate, and considerate of others.

It's a path that brings me closer to God, guiding me to choose peace over conflict, to protect rather than harm. Kung Fu isn't just a physical discipline—it's a way of life, present in every aspect of our existence. And I am honored to be on the path to becoming that warrior, standing firm in the garden of life.

To my Sifu, I offer my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and humble teachings. Thank you for welcoming my son into your school, enriching our lives with your practice and friendship. Your guidance means the world to me.
Thank you, Sifu.

Emily

My journey has been one of resilience and transformation. Battling addiction for what felt like an eternity, I finally found solace in the art of kung fu. Four years of dedication taught me more than just martial arts; it gave me direction and purpose. Through every strike and stance, I discovered the strength within me to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals, no matter how long it took.

In the depths of despair, feeling worthless and lost, kung fu became my lifeline. It instilled in me a newfound confidence and resilience that I never thought possible. As a mother of three amazing children, martial arts had always been a dream of mine. It wasn't until my late 30s, during the darkest period of my life, that the opportunity arose.

Supported by the unwavering love of my boyfriend Dana and guided by the wisdom of Sifu Lauro Medina Jr., Ph.D., I embarked on this journey of self-discovery. Under Sifu's tutelage, my senses sharpened, particularly my hearing, attuned to the symphony of nature. Reflecting on my past, I realize how limited my awareness once was, how small my world seemed.

Now, mindfulness permeates every aspect of my life, transforming self-reflection from a
daunting task into a source of growth and empowerment. With gratitude to Sifu Medina for teaching me the Five Petals System, I've found my way back to the light. Thank you for showing me a path filled with purpose and possibility.

Jairo

More than a decade ago, I found myself engulfed in darkness, unsure of my purpose in life. It was then that fate intervened in the form of a simple flyer my uncle brought home from a local pizza shop. With a flicker of hope, I dialed the number on that flyer, unknowingly embarking on a journey that would alter my destiny forever.

When Sifu answered the phone, little did I know that this encounter would be the catalyst for profound transformation. As the day of our meeting arrived, anticipation mingled with apprehension within me. Yet, as I stood face to face with Sifu, a sense of serenity washed over me. He posed the simple yet profound question: "Why do you want to join the art?"

In that moment, my soul spoke truth:

"I am lost."

Over a decade later, I stand not only as a testament to perseverance but as a father, a husband, a friend, and above all, a Warrior and Guardian of the 5 pedal plum blossom fist Kung Fu system.

To my Martial Arts Father, Sifu Lauro Medina Jr., and to the sacred lineage of this martial arts system, I owe my deepest gratitude. For they, in their wisdom and guidance, bestowed upon me the gift of life itself.

Juan Ortiz

The art has woven its threads deep into the fabric of my being, shaping me in ways I could never have imagined. Firstly, its code – love, honor, respect, loyalty, and sacrifice – transcends mere words, becoming guiding principles that illuminate the path of my existence. These values are not just ideals; they are the very essence of my moral compass, guiding me through life's labyrinth.

Secondly, the art has gifted me a sanctuary within meditation, a refuge where I can detach from the chaos of the world. Through meditation, I've learned to tame the tumult of my thoughts and emotions, finding solace in the stillness, and discovering a profound connection with my inner self.

Thirdly, the art has revealed its lessons in the tapestry of life. It has taught me that nothing worth having is easily attained; every triumph is the fruit of relentless labor and unwavering dedication. For these invaluable teachings and profound revelations, I am eternally grateful.

The art has not only impacted my life—it has become the very essence of it, shaping me into the warrior I am today.

Xander Hue

I've faced my share of battles with low self-esteem and the relentless pace of life. But through the practice of Kung Fu, I've found a path to trust, love, and self-respect. This ancient art has equipped me with invaluable tools like intercepting, peace, and the unity of the mind, body, and spirit.

Sifu Medina embodies the principles he teachers, living his life as a testaments to the power of Kung Fu. I feel truly blessed to be under his guidance, to look up to him as a role model, and to be grateful for the transformative impact of Kung Fu on my life.

Leslie Avila

This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to edit the content and make sure to add any relevant information that you want to share with your visitors.

Val

I first met Sifu Medina on the steps of our apartment building. I remember feeling that he was… imposing. He was also quiet. And had a kind of peace about him. But you could also tell there was power there. It didn’t exactly unsettle me, but I had a feeling that there was something different about him. And it took me a while to find out why.

After a few other random encounters we talked a bit about more about ourselves. This is when Sifu told me about his art. He was humble about it and I could tell how much it meant to him. Then one day he told me about the books he was writing and some of his other accomplishments, again, humbly. But being a bit of a skeptic I had to dig a little bit. And the more I found out about him and saw what he had done in his past the more interested I became, both about the art and in him as a person.

I had been going through a really challenging part of my life and one day while talking he told me, “Whenever you are ready to explore the beautiful art, let me know, and I will show you.” It wasn’t long after that I decided to start training.

I remember that first day. Training with Sifu was almost always one-on-one, something I never experienced in any sport or any school. I remember the first time I bowed in respect upon entering. And my first kung fu greeting, where I stood across from him and he looked me in the eyes. I remember the strength and intelligence and mostly the reverence I could see he had for the art.

I had never had a single strong male or female figure in my life. I was not comfortable locking eyes, even in that friendly greeting. Then he showed me the swimming back qigong which is very beautiful and still one of my favorites. I’ll never forget thinking how amazing it was that someone so clearly powerful and formidable could at the same time look so peaceful and graceful. I don’t believe I ever told him, but it is still one of my favorite parts of training with him.

I was always athletic enough to pick most things up without too much trouble but I had never experienced anything like training under Sifu. The details. The progression. The effort. The strength. The grace. The flow. The learning. And the unlearning.I started with a two-hour class once a week and before long I was going three times a week.

I changed my daily workouts to incorporate all the qigongs, the strength training, the forms, the thinking. The more I learned the hungrier I became to learn more and progress. And I began to see how broad and deep the art was. It was an entire world I knew nothing about and it didn’t take long to realize I could spend lifetimes learning it and always find something more. I’ve experienced many things but I know of nothing in the world that offers so much.

As my teacher, Sifu constantly refined the smallest details- the tension in a pinky finger, a slight lean, a microsecond of timing. And he was critical whenever it was necessary. This is something else I had never experienced. I wanted to do so well and was occasionally hard on myself and would internalize my frustration both with myself and Sifu. But slowly I came to trust him more and more until I realized that he was truly teaching me what I needed to know to learn the art that was the most important thing in his life. And that’s when I began to truly change.

It wasn’t the fact that I was getting stronger, and started to believe I could defend myself, it was that the art was becoming part of everything I did and thought. Sifu often told me that “everything is Kung Fu” and now I understand. It changed how I carried myself, my bearing, my thoughts, my words, my actions. At some point greeting Sifu at training, looking with respect into each other’s eyes, was no longer uncomfortable, I looked forward to it, and it was at a level, for me, spiritual. I would laugh to myself when I’d feel any shame or embarrassment at his corrections. That voice was a small and distant one now. And those are the things that stay with me constantly.

I feel Kung Fu now when I play soccer, when I talk to my daughters and colleagues, when I drive, when I walk in the woods, when I shoot a game of pool, when I stand in line at the grocery store... Regardless of how much I love words, I still can’t find the right ones to describe these things.

I only know that Sifu gave me something beautiful that changed me.

He is the only strong positive influence I have ever experienced that didn’t come from a book.

And I also gained a friend.

I was in serious bicycle accident half a year ago and had to stop active training. I’m just getting my strength and fitness back now. I also have to move away and will not be able to train in person with Sifu on a regular weekly basis. But it is my hope that he will have me back for intensive training when I’m able to return while I continue to heal and get back to the art in earnest.

I am a better human being for having met and trained under Sifu Medina and will always be eternally grateful for that. I will always wish him the very best and it is my hope that he will continue to share all he has to offer with anyone fortunate enough to know him.

Thank you Sifu.

Highest Regards~

Your Devoted Warrior