Well, it didn't start out that way. Far from it actually. When the martial arts came to America it was an adult male dominated discipline. Many of the styles had come from a military background (link to military arts). The students and teachers of these arts, all being soldiers, were men. When the early martial arts schools sprung up they were very much like boxing gyms. They were back alley schools frequented only by men. There were no women or children in these schools. These early schools were mostly Japanese and Okinawan hard styles. At this time the words Kung fu were not known in this country. Kung Fu schools in America came about a little later. Many martial arts schools today predominantly cater to children. At Sheng Chi Kung Fu, we have programs developed for all ages.
