Why I Teach Kung Fu in Cycles

When people join my Kung Fu coaching program Kung Fu Scholars, they’re sometimes surprised by how structured it is. We don’t just show up, stretch, do a form, and call it a day. There’s a system — and a rhythm — behind every session. That rhythm is built around cycles.

Cycles are the backbone of how I teach. And they’re one of the reasons my students progress consistently, even when they’re training on their own.

The Three Core Blocks

In the Scholars, three main blocks make up the Kung Fu core:

1. Technical – techniques, combinations, footwork

2. Forms – routines aka forms

3. Exercise Methods – unique training methods

The technical part is the anchor — it guides the other two blocks. Because if the technique is off, everything else will eventually fall apart. And this is where cycles come in.

What Is a Cycle?

A cycle is a focused phase of training that comes back around — but always at a higher level. Think of it not as a flat circle, but a spiral staircase. You're moving in a loop, yes, but every time you come back to a topic, you're standing a little higher. You’ve grown. You understand more. You move better.

For example: Let’s say we’re in a Striking Cycle. That means we’ll spend more time on offensive techniques — refining punches, kick timing, combinations, entries. We might connect that into form training by emphasizing the striking sections and into physical training by building more explosive power.

Then, we might move into an Application Cycle. Now we’re thinking more like fighters. How do we apply what we’ve learned? We’ll shift the focus to combining blocks, strikes, movement, and reactions. More time in fight guard, besides the typical kung fu stances. More thinking about the function.

And eventually — yes — the Striking Cycle will come back. But you’re not where you were last time. You're a level up.

Why It Works

Training in cycles helps in a few powerful ways:

• It brings clarity. You know what the main focus is right now. You’re not pulled in a hundred directions.

• It builds progression. Because we revisit the same themes, you get to measure improvement clearly.

• It keeps you motivated. There’s variety, but also a sense of structure and return. You’re not stuck in a loop — you’re growing in a spiral.

• It respects your time. 

The Bigger Picture

Cycles also reflect how we truly learn — not in straight lines, but in returns and reinforcements. We revisit, we refine, we remember. And that’s what makes learning feel natural instead of overwhelming.

If you’re the kind of person who gets frustrated with disorganized training — or if you feel like you’re doing a bit of everything but not really improving in anything — then this kind of structure might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

And if you’d like to know more about how my cycles work and how they can help your Kung Fu make real, steady progress, just reach out. I’d love to hear where you’re at in your journey.

Let’s take that next step on the spiral — together.