Student Reviews & Testimonials
I've been taking at Chicago Wushu Guan for about 4 years and have loved every minute of it. I had taken martial arts at other places in the past and found that those schools focused more on getting into bar fights, and kicking ass. Chicago Wushu Guan seems to focus on the more true and traditional forms.
I recently went to China and took a random class from a monk in the middle of nowhere, and was greeted with a class that was almost identical to what I am learning here in Chicago.
- Erika D
I've been training at the Chicago Wushu Guan for almost a year now and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Sifu Daniel is incredibly knowledgable in various styles of Chinese Martial arts and very open about sharing what he knows to those who come to his school. He is a patient instructor who will show you something until you can understand it. I did not have any prior martial art experience so I was quite nervous when I first started. But I was quickly put to ease by the welcoming environment of the school . The other students and instructors are very friendly and supportive of each other. I highly recomend the Chicago Wushu Guan to anybody interested in Chinese Martial Arts.
- Harry V
Being in such a world class city like Chicago, a person has many options when deciding what kind of school to attend. What sets this school apart from the rest? What intangibles do you get that you'll carry on with you for the rest of your life? What does this school have that the others don't have? Does anyone really care if I'm wearing argyle socks with my white kung fu shoes?. All jokes aside, I can tell you that for me personally, I've discovered on the very first day what sets Chicago Wushu Guan apart from the rest. Family, Focus, Friendship and Fun are just a few words that come to mind when i think of this school. No matter what you age, background or level of experience or orientation is, every student considers the next an extended member of their own family. This family is focused in it's pursuit of personal development in the traditional martial arts and each "older brother or sister" to the younger or newer students are always willing to help one another. This extended family offers constant positive reinforcement and encouragement and even a little light hearted ribbing from time to time. The stories that Master Pesina tells the new students help to give the students a better understanding to the "WHY" they are doing a particular movement or just to break the monotony of practice. I've been to other schools where the head instructor only seemed concerned with the "business" aspect of running a martial arts school. Don't get me wrong it's important but at Chicago Wushu, the instructors recognize how far to push a student and when to ease off and really do care about the students physical and mental well being and not just whether or not they're paid up for the month.
A few years ago many of us had the opportunity to travel to China to train with one of the Grandmasters. The quality and level of instruction we received here in the states served us very well when training in China which is extremely important if you're looking for a traditional Chinese martial arts school and not one whose curriculum and forms seem "unrealistic" and loosely based. I've discovered here at Chicago Wushu Guan that learning never stops, that there is always something new to be discovered. An environment that fosters positive reinforcement and encouragement, is concerned for it's students health and well being, allows the students to interact outside of the school and gives the student a feeling that they are a part of something greater than themselves with a history and lineage that goes back for generations. These are the reasons why I've been attending Chicago Wushu Guan for 4 years. Look at the other reviews, reading them all convey the same sentiments and feelings that this school has created and binds us together. Anyone and everyone whose willing to experience what we are all currently enjoying are welcome.
- Mike A
As a traveling consultant, it is hard to find time to workout let alone practice martial arts. The training I've received from Chicago Wushu Guan has provided with a wealth of knowledge, which I've adapted into a workout routine that I perform while traveling for work. This routine has kept me fit and able to come back on the weekends and training like I haven't missed a class all week.
The classes at Chicago Wushu Guan are well rounded and founded on same training routines used by martial arts instructors in China. Master Daniel Pesina who is the head instructor at Chicago Wushu Guan is very knowledgeable in the Chinese martial arts system, and posses a skill most martial arts instructors lack - he knows how to teach.
I can go on and on about Chicago Wushu Guan or Master Daniel Pesina but I would suggest you stop by the school take a trial class and judge for yourself.
- Yusuf L
One of the most authentic martial arts places in Chicago. Here there are no "belts" and is a very pure study of several types of chinese martial art. When I looked around Chicago for places to go, most of the places I found were not very authentic.
I realized a friend of mine took martial arts and she referred me to her center (Chicago Wushu Guan) and when I went there, I immediately felt a sense of relaxation. Everyone works together and not only are people athletic, people learn real forms and understand the meaning behind every step. I've been there now for about 4 months and classes are very thorough. Our laushir (master) is very kind and helpful in every way. They offer up to two hour Wushu classes, divided into 30 minutes. A great way to work on flexibility, agility and strength all at the same time. Also, not only does CWG have fundamental Wushu Guan, there are Weapons fundamentals, Children's classes, Tai Chi Chuan, and Bagua Zhang classes... and they all break down into smaller things too, so you should check out their website. I'm 16 years old and taking the adults class.
- Hugh S
I did a lot of research to figure out what I was looking for when I started to study Chinese martial arts before I moved to Chicago. Since I moved here 7 years ago, I attended a handful of different schools that were ultimately disappointing. The last school I went to basically signed me up, took my money (they still owe me 600 dollars), closed up shop and ran. Through that nightmare, I was very fortunate to find the Wushu Guan. It has been the most comprehensive, authentic and unpretentious martial arts school I've ever attended. Shifu Pesina is very reputable and part of a strong lineage of teachers - I saw him at tournaments and demos before I even moved here and was wowed, and folks in my circle at the time knew him too. He is very committed to his students. The school is run family style, meaning it has a real community of people who support and encourage each other's development regardless of experience level, age, or background. We all work out together, and in then in small groups, do drills, forms, applications, and weapons. You get to see what advanced students can do and watch the growth of newer students. The teaching style here is dynamic - technique is demonstrated through words, movement, and application - and the stories that go with the lessons are priceless. You get a dose of historical context to ground each move, and over time and practice, it melds together and becomes a model for ways I learn in life. The school functions with utmost respect without the teacher demanding it from you like other schools do by making you sign unrealistic contracts, pay every time you test for promotion (where you also buy a belt), or have to wear strict uniforms (which you also have to buy) and deal with lots of attitude or cult-like etiquette. Here, you work hard, you get a good workout, participate, have fun, and learn. Respect comes easy when you put an honest effort in. If you're looking for a watered down, hybrid martial art or want a strictly self defense or kickboxing class, or need someone to be your drill sargeant to get your butt in shape, or like the meathead or cult of personality school, go elsewhere. If you want to build core strength and stamina, understand how to control qi energy, improve martial applications, body movement and mechanics, i recommend you try the wushu guan. Oh yes, and props to the ladies!
- Sonia Y
Absolutely the best school to learn, practice and train WuShu. I looked at numerous schools in the Chicago-area before finding this perfect match. Whether you are interested in traditional or contemporary styles, this school has it all.
- John C
Any student of any level is welcomed and encouraged. I have 7 years of martial arts experience (plus 2 with Wushu Guan), and as a 33 year old professional woman, I no longer want to be "beat up" in class by fellow students and yelled at by my instructors because I can't do a male style pushup! Sifu Danny is truly a master, he is very very patient and so encouraging, yet pushes you to improve every step of the way. It's very common for the ENTIRE class to applaud a beginner and shout words of encouragement. This does not mean that you will not get a workout!!. Most martial arts scare women away, however wushu is a very female friendly sport as it emphasizes flexibility and balance, something that women generally excel at, making it an excellent complement to your existing workout routine AND you are learning to defend yourself in a patient, calm and thorough environment. Highly recommended.
- Wendy V
I have been at chicago wushu guan for almost three years and i will definitly say there is no martial arts place like it. the hands on attention is unlike any other. master pesina's knowledge and application of the martial arts is above and beyond anything i have expienced. The atmosphere in class and at the school is friendly and relaxed. the students and instructors both share a love for martial arts and it is a great place to learn wushu.
- Tyran L
I've been with Chicago Wushu for about 6 years now. Over the years I've learned many Chinese styles there including various empty hand styles and weapons. The instructor is very knowledgeable and is familiar with every Chinese martial arts system under the sun from animal styles, northern, southern, northwestern, as well as esoteric weapons. He also teaches various internal styles like taichi, bagua, and xingyi. For people looking for a well rounded martial arts education, I highly recommend it.
The school space itself is probably the largest when compared to other Chinese martial arts studios in the city. The ceilings are very high - a very important consideration when learning long weapons like spear, staff, and rope dart (yes, they teach that too).
The students there range from kids to seniors as they teach everything from kids classes to taichi. Everybody gets along really well and you get a sense of unity and camaraderie. The environment is pretty laid back. This isn't your pop's Cobra Kai Dojo. People here love the art and the skill involved - not the violence. That said though, the students work hard and they do pretty well in the local and regional tournaments.
As with any martial arts school, I recommend you visit the establishment, try a class and make up your own mind. Reading reviews online only gets you so much. You have to be there and see it for yourself.
- Pek P
A little over 2 years ago, my daughter (7 at the time) came home from camp after a martial arts activity/demo wanting to learn more. After looking at a number of different schools, we decided on Chicago Wushu Guan. What first attracted me to the school was the huge training space and the 5pm start time for the kids class. Other martial arts schools kids classes I checked out started around 4pm, which made getting there after school too much of a rush. However, we've stayed (and I say we because I also joined Chicago Wushu Guan) for better reasons than just a big space and convenient time.
One of the biggest reasons why the school is so good is that Shifu Danny and the other instructors make sure that the focus is on fun and that the kids enjoy learning kung fu. Now don't get me wrong, the classes aren't a free-for-all where the kids rule the roost. There is structure and the kids are challenged to continually build on the movements, forms (both hand and weapon), and difficulty level.
On top of that, my daughter has been challenging herself by participating in various kung fu tournaments that are held around Chicago (3 so far). Kung fu and the school has done wonders to build her self-confidence and has helped her get over previous fears of performing in front of a crowd. Now an older daughter has recently joined us at the school and we're continuing to have a blast.
On some levels I feel similar things can be said for the adult classes too. We're learning a wide variety of kung fu styles along with weapons. It has a great atmosphere, lots of camaraderie amongst the students, and feels like a big family. Shifu Danny is a great coach and I echo similar compliments about his teaching ability, passion, and expertise
I'm really glad my daughter asked me to find a martial arts school for her because I think the school has ended up helping me the most. I had basically turned into an inactive, inflexible desk jockey who couldn't touch his toes anymore and crossed past a self-imposed 200 lbs. line. So a little over 2 years in that desk jockey is long gone. I can touch my toes again without warming up. I've lost about 15-20 lbs without even thinking about diet. I'm having a lot of fun and did I mention weapons?
- Daniel K
Chicago Wushu Guan is a true jewel among schools, and among teachers Master Daniel Pesina is a "Living Treasure". He would never say this about himself, but those of us who have been brought up under his caring and encouraging instruction, don't hesitate to call him such. The Guan is a reflection of Master Pesina's character. The atmosphere is open , inviting and genuine. That's Master Pesina all over, just read the reviews and then go visit. No doubt you will be pleasently suprised and, when you train with Shifu Daniel and his excellent core of instructors, you will be inspired. This is your open invitation to a rare and awsome martial arts school and you'll like what you find!
- Kevin M
I've studied the internal Chinese martial arts for about 12 years, and my wife and I decided to try some other styles a couple of years ago and found Chicago Wushu Guan. Chicago Wushu really strikes a great balance between people who are friendly and supportive but serious about martial arts. The adult classes have been great for us as beginners in Shaolin kung-fu, and the other, more advanced students are a big help.
- Peter M
Being Chinese who grew up watching kung fu movies and reading about wushu, I was certainly skeptical about taking wushu class from a non-Chinese instructor. Needless to say, 6 or 7 years later, that concern has proven to be unnecessary. Coach Daniel brings both passion and expertise for the art like no one else. What I love about CWG is that you can be a part of it regardless of your goal. If you simply want to do it for exercising purpose, all the basics will have you sweating and panting in no time. If you are aiming to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympic, well, you may be too late. However, CWG has the means to get you ready for the 2012 Olympic. The point is, whatever your skill level or motive is, you will find yourself loving every minute of your time there. Coah Daniel is so confident that he is willing to offer anyone a free trial class with no strings attached. I have studied with other Chinese wushu instructors, all of them were wushu professionals from China, and coach Daniel is second to none.
The training space at CWG is probably the best I have seen. It was converted from an old firehouse, so the space is huge and perfect for wushu. It is great for running a compulsory form, practicing long weapons and class breakouts.
- Alan C
I'm the type of person that doesn't believe anything until I see things first hand. I've trained with multiple world wushu champions, lived abroad in various cities in China and have helped multiple instructors come to America because of Master Daniel Pesina. His everyday coaching helped prepare me for what training is like across the seas and gave me a first hand appreciation for his knowledge of wushu.
Master Daniel Pesina has wowed various crowds, trained with the best and has a true understanding of what martial arts really are. He has been a role model of mine since he was featured as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat in the early 90s. I have seen him at various tournaments/tours dominating the circuits and causing pandemonium among his competitors because they feared to compete against him. He could always be seen in the grand finales representing Chinese martial arts to the fullest. Master Pesina was the quiet competitor on the side lines with the 6 foot tall trophies and all of the gold medals/championship patches on his uniform(s).
All though he was a proven competitor, Master Daniel Pesina posses something that even the most talented martial artists fail to possess: his ability to teach. His teaching style sets him apart from other schools because not only do you learn the moves but you learn the actual applications. He has experience teaching students of all levels: beginners, intermediate and advanced with or with out previous martial arts training. Other martial art instructors fail to connect with their students because they can't explain the movements/martial applications behind what they are practicing and don't have the experience to teach everyone. This is the scarey reality of most martial arts schools across America.
The experience at the Wushu Guan is unlike any other martial arts experience that I've had because the it is based on ethics, integrity and offers a unique training culture. There is also a wide variety of student diversity, multiple styles of training and is about 5 x larger than other training facility. Master Daniel Pesina offers a large variety of classes and is available for private lessons as well. It's open 6 days of the week and located in the city off of the Brownline, Western bus, Montrose bus and is 5 minutes from 90/94.
- Eric Z
I was at the school for a brief six months. The only reason I left was because of a work related move to San Francisco. I did a lot of research before going to this school. I had also done Karate and Judo previously, so I had been exposed to different martial arts and schools before going to Chicago Wushu Guan.
Going to Chicago Wushu Guan was one of the best decisions I made at the time and my only regret was not starting at the school earlier so today I could be a more advanced student. The school is absolutely packed with talent. The variety of styles mastered by Sifu Daniel and the other Lao Shi (s) is staggering.
Not only is Sifu Daniel one of the most knowledgeable martial artists in the industry with over 30 years of experience, he's also very caring and attentive. Very few schools will give you this level of personal attention and patience. I was never the sharpest tool on the shed when it comes to martial arts, but Sifu Dan and senior students like Dave, Victor, Pek, Jay, John and Yosef were always helping me improve and encouraging me to become a better student. Once I felt and saw the physical improvements I became absolutely obsessed with the school and began attending four times a week.
I lost 20 lbs in the six months I was at the school and significantly improved my flexibility and overall confidence and "body awareness." After moving to San Francisco I had to look very hard to find a school that even came close to appealing to me the way that Chicago Wushu Guan did. While there are many authentic schools here and great martial artists, the true Sifu, as in the meaning, is also a great teacher, and I have not found a greater teacher / coach than Sifu Dan. This was evidenced by the level of knowledge I saw from the other students at the schools I've attended here. I also noticed that other schools that I've attended here in the bay area don't take the time to show you the application of some of the forms and moves that are taught. Sifu Dan and the Lao Shi(s) in Chicago Wushu Guan always took the time to show what the real world application of the sometimes complex looking moves were.
I realize how this may sound, but it's no exaggeration. The hardest part about leaving Chicago for me was leaving Chicago Wushu Guan. I truly feel like they are a welcoming family and the school will forever hold a special place in my heart. And thanks to Sifu Dan I will continue to study Wushu. If you are considering martial arts, please look no further and stick with it. These guys are the best there are.
- Cristiano A
My kids have taken classes at Chicago Wushu Guan for about 3 years, and they love it. The teachers are wonderful with kids, treating them appropriately for their ages and making sure they are supported and encouraged as they learn. I highly recommend it!
- Nancy E
I've taken a few classes at this martial arts school. As someone with a little bit of kick boxing experience, but no martial arts training, I was a little worried I would feel intimated by the other students and teacher. Totally unfounded. They offer open classes and I was warmly received. The sifu (or teacher) was extremely patient with me. He even took time on several occasions to break the movements down even slower for me, and make sure I was really understanding what I was being shown. The gym itself is in a shared space with a gymnastics training facility. While the school has a good amount of space to work with, the building itself is sort of old. But it adds a certain character and warmth. Like your favorite pair of worn in jeans. You can tell the core students see it as a second home, and everyone pitches in to help out. I really enjoyed my experience there and would recommend it for anyone looking for a cool alternative for working out, and certainly anyone looking to explore or expand on their martial arts training.
- Kim W
I have about 6 adult years in Wushu.
Chicago Wushu Guan (CWG) is a very traditional, family orientated school. The instructors are attentive and plentiful. There is a very good instructor-to-student ratio that fosters and excellent learning environment.
And speaking of learning...pick your poison; there are so many choices of open-hand forms you can re-create any fight scene of your favorite movie(s).
Did you say weapons...weapons-o-plenty! More than you can shake a stick at. How about swinging around a 2 foot blade attached to a 5 foot staff! (pudao) That's how I like to spend my Wednesdays!
This no Cobra Kai (thank the heavens) but a place that allows you to grow at your pace and treats you like family.
And as Pek P. noted, the place is huge. Is it for you? I dunno, but you should come in and check it out for yourself. First class is free I hear.
- Anonymous student
I lived in Chicago for 5 years, and trained with Shifu Daniel for nearly the whole time I was living there. He is a truly amazing instructor and Chicago Wushu Guan is a gem among the schools in Chicago, and is arguably one of the best in the country. In addition to the phenomenal instruction in both traditional and contemporary wushu (kung fu), Shifu Daniel's positive, open, and inquisitive personality infuses the school with a sense of camaraderie and team-work that is hard to find anywhere.
Shifu Daniel's understanding of wushu is amazing in both it's breadth and depth, and it's hard to find anyone with as much knowledge. Despite having such a thorough understanding of wushu, I have always been impressed at how humble he is, especially when learning from other instructors. When we have studied with other Masters together in China, I have witnessed Shifu Daniel soaking up everything so the he can increase his own understanding, and pass what he has learned on to his students. This selfless pursuit of knowledge is unique and precious.
I highly recommend you go by the school, talk to some of the students, try out a class, and see if it's the right place for you. Learning martial arts is not just about the instructor having a lot of knowledge, or the students being enthusiastic about learning there, it requires the combination of an instructor who cares about the growth of their students, is enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge, and has a group of students who want to help each so they can improve together. Chicago Wushu Guan has the whole package, so you should definitely check it out!