Pa-Kua Orange

Salam,
Lets get down to the nitty gritty. Pa Kua is one of a kind and if you are looking to learn some life changing Martial Arts, the owner of this location, Master David Clawson, is the go to guy. Without revealing too much of the goodies ill just say: he packs a punch (pun intended).
Positives:
I have studied some different disciplines over two years but am not even close to scratching the surface (Love it):
1.Yoga (Sintony): a circular practice that shatters the mainstream vinyasa asana-​to-​asana rectangular shaped yoga that the west is crazing about. Let me say to all you yoga-​mat-​junkies: I am certified to teach Hot Vinyasa yoga and this Sintony Pa Kua circular style yoga; you do not need a heated room and poppy music to have a downright dirty sweaty and enlightening yoga class; Sintony is a must have for anyone searching for a full yogic experience.
2. Acrobatics: Just plain fun, a great workout and full of laughter. A sweaty class with unique drills for muscle building (good tips for people looking to spice up their personal workouts). If you want to conquer your fears take this class to practice being a base or a flyer; it is reminiscent of acro-​yoga practiced else wear but more focused on the individual.
3. ***Martial Arts: the real deal. It is not what you expect, very non-​conventional and demands a desire to better yourself. If you want to hurt people and this is not for you. Pa Kua IS NOT A BLACK BELT FACTORY, it may take many months or years to become a black belt, progressing slowly, soaking details in and once you get a black belt you’re just the cake batter, you haven’t even begun to cook (not that I would really know I am not a black belt yet… y-​e-​t). More than anything this form of combat makes me take responsibility for myself on a lot of levels, it’s hard to explain, it’s deep: try it.
4. Jian –Tai chi with a sword. Very cool, very empowering.
5. Grand sword form– Tai chi with a bigger sword. Awesome.
6. Archery– Get a bow and some arrows and Shoot a target plain and simple. Then shoot while walking to and from a target, standing and sitting. Not so plain not so simple?
7. Chin Chi Kua– Healing with the hands: an energy class. Mind opening, revealing, empowering, enriching.
Negatives:
The international league has some technical difficulties (Inshalla they will be fixed in the near future).
1. Equipment needs to be ordered, Payment and receipts are a bit confusing. Pay on the international league website, then directed to paypal one may go through but not the other.
2. It may take a while to get your size available, I waited a long time to get a jacket in my size and when it came there was a rip in the sleeve. Master David offered to return it for me which is nice but I just manually sewed it myself.
3. Shipping comes with two options: directly to your address or pickup at one of the facilities. If you opt to pick up your supplies know the schedule of the drop off school beforehand by calling (online class schedules are not always up to date).
Neutral
Some things just are what they are
1. If you are looking for a clear answer to your questions you wont find one here; (it seems) you have to earn your answers in this place.
Conclusion
Clean, healthy, holistic and honest. I would say this place is like a home waiting for its family to come back in.

I’ve been taking my kids (now 5 & 7) to the Pa-​Kua studio in Old Towne Orange for about 2 years now and they LOVE it! It is so amazing to me to see both my kids learn so much about martial arts and grow in the art. My son is already an Orange belt. Master David, the owner, is an amazing person. He’s very welcoming and open-​hearted. My kids have both been with Master Josh for classes since they each started. Master Josh is the BEST for kids. He’s so patient, but at the same time makes them listen and do the work. If you’re thinking of getting your kids into martial arts, this is a great studio to start!

If you are thinking of participating in any type of martial arts class, you need to check out Pa-​Kua Orange. The staff is amazing, they are friendly, kind and respectful. They offer classes for all ages in various disciplines. The environment is clean and safe. Also, its in a great location in the heart of old town orange. Keep up the good work guys.

When thinking of a martial arts studio and the instructors/​masters/​personnel that run it, I think most would envision things like discipline, kindness, communication, organization, aiming to meet objective goals, and a peaceful and safe environment.
Unfortunately, this was not my experience. The classes with other students and instructors were intimidating, with others involved, cold and unfriendly. After class, many (mostly the instructors) would bunch up in their comfortable little groups, with only one main instructor being kind and supportive. He is the owner and seemed to care a bit more than the others. Even when I reached out, I was surprised by many Luke warm reactions. The higher belts would hang out together. I would not have been as surprised if this was the case among students, but was disappointed and frustrated that instructors that have been trained by the owner and main master for many years would be cold, arrogant, and not make an effort to get to know me and many others.
My son enjoyed his classes for awhile and made it up to a higher belt, but he and I became very frustrated that there were no guidelines on achieving goals and their next belts. This was all based on the instructors experience with the child, but we had no clue what they were looking for. Also, they learned many exciting techniques, but rarely were we informed of why student was being shown this or how it would be beneficial. I understand that it is not meant to be a competition, but for an 8 year old kid to continue to move up through a few belts, without any enthusiasm, little training, and the inability to kick hire than a few inches off the ground, is embarrassing. Many of these kids had no clue! Also, I guess it is part of the program where they let the kids interpret on their own how they are to do the kicks, punches, etc. I saw very little instruction on showing the kids how to do it, what they were doing incorrectly, using positive reinforcement, etc. although, when the kids would get ancy, loud, talk excessively, or misbehave, the instructors would get upset, often yell, have them do push-​ups. Again, I liked seeing my son get a bit more disciplined, talk a bit less, take pride in helping the other kids a bit, but there was much more negative reinforcement than positive. I also didn’t appreciate that my son would receive a punishment when he was doing what he was supposed to, but the other kids (usually the new ones) would screw off and the entire group would suffer for it. I am not suggesting that my son wouldn’t screw off on occasion, because he would, but to punish others that have no control over the other kids, and that helping, being kind, and encouraging the kids was frowned upon is not right.
I won’t go in to deep on these items, but must mention that communication and organization was non existence. Much of the personnel wasn’t paid or were paid very little, and because of this, there were only a few that showed true leadership and passion.
With all of this happening, you can guess that there was little peace in our experience.
What started off as a positive for my son, ended with frustration, disappointment, and a big hit to his confidence.
Obviously, I would highly recommend pursuing another form of martial arts or another sport altogether. One that promotes improvement, camaraderie, positive reinforcement, positive recognition on goals that are objective and measurable.

My Son (Age 8) has been attending Pa Kua Martial Arts classes here for 5+ years, that’s right, we started him out when he was only 3! And the instruction has been a very positive influence on him. It has helped teach him discipline, balance, self confidence, self reliance, self respect as well as self protection. All of the instructors here are fantastic no matter what age student you are. The location is a beautiful setting in the heart of Old Towne Orange and a pleasure to visit nearly twice a week for 5 years! Drop the student off and stroll around old town or relax in the studio. Prices are very reasonable.
From the owner: «Pakua Plaza offers classes in Martial Arts, Sitony (Chinese) Yoga, Acrobatics, Tai-​Chi, Reflexology, Kids Martial Arts, Sword, Pakua Rhythm, and special family events.»

The Pakua plaza school in Orange offers a wide variety of classes for students between 3 and 93. From gentle classes like tai chi to the sweaty workouts of acrobatics and cardio kickboxing, this school offers something for everybody. Although the majority of students take a single discipline, like yoga or martial art, people who have been in the school longer will tell you that the thing that really sets the Plaza apart from other schools and studios is the ability to study several different things from the same set of teachers, so that it all works together.
The school features teachers from many different backgrounds and of an assortment of ages, which makes it easy to find someone who fits well with you. From the 18-​year old young man who teaches children’s martial art to the 50-​something (it’s not polite to ask!) yoga/​martial art ladies, almost anyone can find a teacher who fits with their personal style and who can relate well. The one thing that they all have in common is their love for Pa-​Kua and the excellence of their teaching.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I should admit that I am one of those excellent teachers, as well as one of the most enthusiastic students in the school.)

I practiced Martial Arts at Pa-​Kua Orange for a few years before moving out of town. During my time with Pa-​kua I met and worked out with some great people especially Master David Clawson. David is a great teacher and instructor and works hard to help students of all ages, sizes and physical abilities. While my preference was martial arts, Pa-​Kua also teaches other skills including yoga, weapons, acrobatics and Tai-​chi.
The up side: Pakua is all about the individual student. No competition and aggressive fighting. Evaluations are always paced and never pushed. You get to learn at your own rate. No one is going to make you feel bad because you can’t kick high or if you have different skill sets.
Classes are always varied and will challenge you. You can really get and stay in shape if you attend regularly and work hard. You will get sweaty and get your heart rate up.
The down side: there are not that many down sides but I guess if you are looking for an aggressive in your face kill-​someone martial art, Pa-​kua may not be for you. You will get to practice plenty of basic kicks, punches, blocks, falls and self defense moves, but if you are looking to spar or hit or be hit, Pa-​kua won’t do it for you.
Pa-​kua Orange is a great dojo and studio even if you are older — younger — or right in the middle.
I give a full two karate hoots on this one.
Kyap kyap!