Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
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Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy
Students encouraged to adhere to social distancing practices or wear masks before and after each class when not on the training floor. No students with the following symptoms will be admitted: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, wheezing, and any other flu-like symptoms. If you feel ill, stay at home!.

Wushu ( ), in Chinese simply means "martial arts." In the west wushu is more commonly known as kung fu, from the Chinese "gong fu, " which refers to a skill or trade gained by discipline and hard work. Wushu/kung fu is an ideal after-school activity for children, as it is a great alternative to television or video games, and simulating enough to keep the interest of kids.
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At Mt Song, we consider our school more than just a place to exercise a few times a week, but rather a "College" for learning the Martial Arts. Here, students are given a four-year curriculum, starting as freshman, and "graduating" after completing their senior year. Graduate students continue their studies at Mt Song by choosing their own areas of interest among the many fighting styles and weapons of Shaolin gong fu or Tai qi.
Wushu/kung fu is an ideal after-school activity for children, as it is a great alternative to television or video games, and simulating enough to keep the interest of kids. As we move into the virtual age, it is becoming harder and harder to keep kids active, and so letting your child have fun and stay active in kung fu class is one of the best things you could do for him or her.
Students in our after school program benefit from 2 hours of high-energy kung fu classes each day. Before and between kung fu, our after school kids also get help with homework, work on character building, and engage in a Chinese language and culture lesson. Students are constantly challenged both physically and mentally, and ours coaches encourage students to improve each day in their school work, home behavior, and physical ability.
Sanda, which simply means, "free, or open, fighting, " is the Chinese style of kickboxing. Sanda is very similar to Muay Thai, though unique to Sanda is the use of elaborate throws and takedowns, with less emphasis on knee and elbowing techniques. However, our students also cross-train and spar with both Muy thai, and International kickboxing rules.
Your Child Will Love our Summer Camp, and SO WILL YOU! Come be a part of the most fun martial arts camp this summer break! Each day is packed full of exciting activities and kung fu lessons. Every day we have over 3 hours of martial arts training, acrobatics and kicboxing practice in addition to Chinese language classes and daily field trips.
Reviews (11)
Krista De La Cruz
Krista De La Cruz
Jan 16, 2022
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Shifu and Coach Megan have a real talent for teaching. They are so knowledgeable, helpful, and welcoming. I signed up with no previous experience in Martial Arts and it has been so much fun learning from them. It’s also a great way to get in shape. Please consider this school if you’re interested in practicing Martial Arts.
K. B.
K. B.
Dec 20, 2021
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I’m so thankful to the MT Song group for performing the Lion dance at my sister’s wedding. It was an awesome performance and well coordinated by Megan. They were flexible when we had delays at the wedding, and the performance was flawless and super fun. Furthermore, Megan helped ensure this was a surprise performance for my sister and all in attendance. Thank you for blessing the newlyweds!!!
Chuck Rowland
Chuck Rowland
Sep 29, 2021
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I am a relatively new student at Mt. Song and taking Tai chi. Shifu has an extraordinary gift for teaching and has great passion for his craft.There is no better in Tampa.
Doc Miles
Doc Miles
Jul 05, 2020
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I heartily recommend Mt Song Martial Arts Studio. I take TaiChi classes there, which also include a segment of Qi Gong. There is a broad spectrum of Martial Arts taught there also. The owner and main instructor is Mario Salazar, called by the honorary title of Shifu. He has deep, vast knowledge and a lifetime of experience. He is an extraordinary teacher. His teaching methods are very thorough. He teaches in such a way that makes you feel safe and confident in your learning process. This powerful teacher is also very kind, generous and humble. The practice of TaiChi has been proven to be profoundly
Kristen Inoa
Kristen Inoa
Feb 01, 2020
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My two children attend classes at Mt. Song and have been for approximately 2 years. They both have very different personalities and the coaches work wonderfully with both of them. Shifu, Coach Megan, and coach Brian are mostly who my kids interact with for their classes. They have an after school program where they pick the kids up from school and a summer program with a ton of fun activities. The kids learn more than just Kungfu here. They also learn about the Chinese culture, language, respect and much more...
Mathew Kinsey
Mathew Kinsey
Nov 27, 2019
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I spent a year looking for a martial arts school after I moved to Tampa. I had a hard time finding one that felt right but then I found Mt. Song. Immediately the atmosphere was different than the previous schools I had tried. They did not try to pressure me to sign up right away (though I did sign up after my first class). There was no judgement, no pressure, no negative energy of any kind. The coaches and the Shifu simply want to help you learn.
No matter if you want to do Tai Chi, Gong Fu, or Sanda, Shifu Mario has the experience to teach you and help you improve in your choice or choices. So
Heather Ramirez
Heather Ramirez
Oct 14, 2019
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My son has been going to Mt.Song for 2 years now (he started when he was 5) I can honestly say it has been the best experience ever!! As a parent with a young child, I had many concerns with what after school program he would attend and I made the best decision with Mt Song martial arts! He LOVES going there and truly appreciates the Chinese culture! Coach Megan, Shifu, coach Bryan, and coach Dan are AMAZING! They each offer something different and my son admires and looks up to each one of them. My son has taken such a love for this that he does his own lion dances and Kung fu at home-every day
Marion Haase
Marion Haase
Sep 29, 2019
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My daughter was 6 when she started Kung Fu (her very first time doing martial arts), and I also began kickboxing soon after. I have seen increased focus and discipline in my daughter. She looks forward to class every week and absolutely loves camp days! I had never done kickboxing before, but I was surrounded by other students who were encouraging and have learned so much in a very limited amount of time from Shifu Mario and coach Brian. My daughter is always thinking about coach Megan, coach Brian and coach Shifu, and seizes any opportunity to bring them a token of her appreciation. I am only
E. L.
E. L.
Sep 20, 2019
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Kind, honorable, wise, humble, gentle, and patient are only a few words that describe Shifu Mario. He embodies the whole essence of Shaolin. I’ve trained under Shifu for 3 years now and I have grown more as a person than I have in my life. His tutelage has granted me more flexibility, strength, endurance, patience, and wisdom than I could have ever imagined. I am a better person because of Shifu!
Shifu Mario teaches more than forms and simple movement. He explains and demonstrates the practical applications of the forms learned then guides us during practice. His approach allows you to learn
Jia
Jia
Sep 07, 2019
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My two kids went there for summer camp last year. They provided a lot of physical training on daily basis. I was amazed to see how well my back then 9 year old could use a staff, considering she never learned it before. If your kids enjoy martial arts, this is definitely a good place to go. I also felt my kids had more friends there than the aftercare they go to. BTW, their pricing is very reasonable without those outrageous testing fees. My kids can’t wait to go back this summer. They miss coach Megan a lot...
Tyronne R.
Tyronne R.
Jun 02, 2014
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This place is great! I saw them do a kung fu show and wanted to join up. After 2 years of training I switched to kick boxing and have been winning amateur fights. Couldn't ask for a better teacher and training partners!!