Shaolin Kung Fu school looks to expand

Shaolin Kung Fu has a rich history that goes back thousands of years to the ancient temples of northern and southern China. This is where martial artists convened from China to study and practice together.

That type of martial art became a popular choice in China, and Grandmaster Sin Kwan Thé brought Shaolin Kung Fu to the United States about 75 years ago.

Locally, Shaolin Kung Fu is taught at Finger Lakes Shaolin-Do. A school that has made a couple of different stops across Tompkins County, it is currently located between the borders of Groton and Freeville on 983 Peruville Rd.

The school, which was founded by Kevin Harris and is currently run by manager Dan Barrow, has been part of the county for over 15 years. It includes instructors with experience that totals over 75 years of training and teaching, according to Barrow.

As a whole, the Shaolin-Do has over 18 students in each of its youth and adult levels. Now, they’re looking to expand.

Finger Lakes Shaolin-Do will hold an open house Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., its first since before the pandemic. The itinerary includes a youth open house from 9 a.m. to noon, a demonstration from noon to 1 p.m. and an adult open house from 2 to 6 p.m.

“It’s a chance for people to come in and meet with the instructors and students,” said Barrow, the school’s manager for five years and a student for 10 years prior to his current role.

Barrow noted that the school will be running improvisational classes for those interested by doing exercise and drills.

The Shaolin-Do teaches Chinese martial arts, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, meditation and other internal arts such as Qigong. The school’s other internal styles include Yang, Chen, Sun Tai Chi, Hsing I and Pa Qua.

For the youth level, mainly kung fu is taught. As for the adult level, kung fu is an option, but Tai Chi and meditation can also be taught to these students.

The school teaches kung fu in a variety of animal styles, including tiger, monkey, mantis and dragon (and more). A number of open hand and weapon forms are also taught, including swords, nunchucks and staffs, Barrow said.

“It’s the variety,” he added. “There’s so much to learn that I really don’t think that you can really find the end of it. It’s what appeals to most people.”

Barrow mentioned that those who study with Finger Lakes Shaolin-Do “tend to stick around for a good long while.”

“We teach in a supportive way,” he said. “We’re a very tight-knit community. People enjoy what we’re studying. We always find ways to help people keep growing and moving.”

Those interested in joining Finger Lakes Shaolin-Do can register at the open house in November. Barrow noted an enrollment special is included, and refreshments will be on hand at the event. Those looking to attend the open house do not have to sign up for it ahead of time.

Barrow noted that the school offers a 10-day free trial for those who are unsure about joining. Individuals can also register outside of the open house and come by another day to register.

For more information, contact Finger Lakes Shaolin-Do at (607) 269-8023 or go to its Facebook page at facebook.com/fingerlakesshaolin/.

Dryden Dispatch appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.

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The Krebs family, including Arlene, Matt and Laura Krebs, dedicated the bench to Jim.

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Dryden Senior Citizens to meet Oct. 24

Dryden Senior Citizens (DSC) are scheduled to meet Oct. 24 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building on 2272 Dryden Rd. (Route 13) in the town of Dryden.

The meeting and announcements will begin at 11:45 a.m., and lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.

The lunch menu includes beef stew with potatoes and carrots, tossed salad, biscuits and apple crisp. The cost for the meal is $8 for DSC members and $9 for non-members.

Bob Lyna will sing country and modern songs as part of the meeting’s entertainment.

The cost for a yearly DSC membership is $5. DSC meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Those 55 and older in the area are welcome to join the group.