Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Martial Arts Academy in East Brisbane
Established in 1958, we are Australia's oldest Kung Fu school, with a legacy of over six decades in martial arts education. Our founder, 9th Degree Grandmaster Henry Sue, began his martial arts journey at age 11 under Master Nat Yuen, a 9th Degree Gold Belt from Hong Kong. With over 56 years of personal training and half a century of teaching experience, Sifu Henry Sue has developed a unique fighting system called Circular Tong Long, blending Kung Fu with Tai Chi's circular principles. Our programs cater to all ages and fitness levels, offering structured training in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Young Mantis, and Lion Dancing. All instructors are accredited by the Australian Kung Fu and Wushu Federation, holding current Blue Cards and First Aid Certificates to ensure safe, professional instruction.We maintain strict adherence to the Martial Arts Industry Association's code of practice, prioritising student safety and ethical teaching standards. Our global network of branches delivers consistent, high-quality training, combining physical fitness, self-discipline, and personal growth in a supportive environment. With a focus on practical, no-nonsense techniques, we empower students to develop both martial prowess and character. Our lineage as direct descendants of the Chen School of Tai Chi reinforces our commitment to authentic, time-honoured practices. Whether pursuing martial arts for fitness, self-defence, or cultural enrichment, our academy provides a pathway for lifelong learning and development.
Services
Kung Fu
Tai Chi
Lion Dancing
Young Mantis
Online Training
Tai Chi Forms
Introductory Kung Fu
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- Australia's oldest Kung Fu school with continuous operation since 1958
- 9th Degree Grandmaster with 56 years of martial arts expertise
- Instructors hold AKWF accreditation, Blue Cards, and First Aid Certificates
- Unique Circular Tong Long system blending Kung Fu and Tai Chi principles
- Strict adherence to MAIA code of practice for ethical, safe instruction
Associations and certifications
- Australian Institute of Sport
- Martial Arts Industry Association
- Australian Kung Fu & Wushu Federation
What people say
Friendly, qualified instructors
Safe environment
Passionate and helpful
Holistic fitness
Oldest in Australia
Services
Kung Fu
Traditional Kung Fu training combining striking, grappling, and weapon techniques. Our curriculum develops physical strength, mental discipline, and self-defence skills through structured grading systems. Classes cater to all ages and experience levels.
Tai Chi
Gentle Tai Chi instruction focusing on slow, flowing movements and breath control. This ancient practice improves balance, flexibility, and stress management while teaching internal energy cultivation principles from the Chen School tradition.
Lion Dancing
Dynamic Lion Dancing classes preserving Chinese cultural heritage. Students learn rhythmic movements, coordination, and teamwork while mastering traditional lion dance routines for festivals and performances.
Young Mantis
Specialised Kung Fu program for children aged 7-12. Develops motor skills, confidence, and discipline through age-appropriate techniques while introducing traditional martial arts values in a fun environment.
Online Training
Remote martial arts instruction through structured video lessons. Accessible from anywhere, these sessions maintain technical accuracy while offering flexible learning options for students unable to attend physical classes.
People
Henry Sue
9th Degree Grandmaster
With 56 years of martial arts experience, Sifu Henry Sue developed Circular Tong Long by integrating Tai Chi principles into Kung Fu. He personally teaches five weekly classes, maintaining hands-on instruction while overseeing global academy operations.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer traditional Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Young Mantis (for children), and Lion Dancing. Our unique Circular Tong Long system combines Kung Fu and Tai Chi principles.
Do I need prior experience to join?
No prior experience required. Our programs cater to complete beginners through advanced practitioners with structured progression pathways in all disciplines.
What age groups can participate?
We accept students from age 7 upwards. Young Mantis classes specifically cater to children aged 7-12, while adult classes accommodate all ages with appropriate modifications.
Are instructors qualified?
All instructors hold Australian Kung Fu & Wushu Federation accreditation, current Blue Cards for child safety, and First Aid Certificates. They undergo regular professional development.
Do you offer online training options?
Yes, we provide structured online training programs with video lessons covering all disciplines, allowing flexible learning while maintaining technical standards.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Minh Dinh
Aug 08, 2021
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A great style to add to your martial arts arsenal. The style enabled me to defend myself in several dangerous situations - against larger opponents, multiple opponents and armed opponents.
Been a member for 10+ years and can say it's also a great community to be a part of.
Been a member for 10+ years and can say it's also a great community to be a part of.
Grant Dewey
Dec 25, 2018
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This school offers the whole package. Its built on principle. It has a fantastic philosophy based on respect for elders parents and teachers. The motto is to train to be kind, humble, and generous first and then to train kung fu. But from day one you begin learning some of the most practical defenses possible. With tai chi and lion dancing, weaponary and chi gung this art challenges the highest achievers. If you are a perfectionist or looking for inspiration, if you want to defend or discover yourself this school is structured such that if you stick at it you will learn. I would recommend this
Alisa Omar
Dec 12, 2018
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Great school to learn martial arts. They teach you on how to understand your energy and capabilities regardless how big, tall or short you are. Don't feel intimidate to try at all. They welcome everybody!
Harmony Douwes
Dec 10, 2018
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I've been going to the women's self defence class for about 9 months, and joined the beginner Kung Fu classes more recently. In both, the teachers are very dedicated to developing their student's skills at the students own pace, while being very encouraging. The women's classes are a bit more casual, however Grandmaster Henry tutors us himself and the skills I've learnt have really built up my confidence to deal with something unexpected that could happen in the real world. The techniques are designed for defending yourself against a much larger/stronger opponent, and are very effective. The women
Steve Feeney
Jul 13, 2018
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Has always been a challenging but very rewarding experience training at the CKFA. Highly recommended for people who are looking to challenge themselves both physically and mentally. All of the instructors are very open and giving of there time and are very willing to work hard to get the best out of their students.
Taylor Beckett
May 27, 2018
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I joined up to the women's class last year & really enjoyed the experience. The women's class is overseen by Grandmaster Sue, red & brown belt masters and we often have one instructor per 1-2 students. For someone who has never done martial arts before & is more than a little uncoordinated, having such close attention was invaluable. I really like how every class is different & we cover a wide range of techniques (hand pads, punching bags, small weapons & hand-to-hand fighting). The price is very reasonable considering how much time you have with the masters. Everyone is super friendly & the class
