Pacific Wushu

San Francisco, United States

4.7

16 reviews

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 415-841-8848
Website:
www.pacificwushu.com
Address:
33 Vicente St, San Francisco, CA, 94127
b/t West Portal Ave & Santa Clara Ave
West Portal
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
690 ftWest Portal Muni
960 ftWest Portal & 14th Ave‎
970 ftUlloa & Forest Side Ave
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (San Francisco) 23:08 Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Hands-​on, in-​depth lessons in modern Chinese martial arts including Contemporary Wushu for kids and adults, Tai Ji Quan, Bagua, and San Shou.

History

Established in 1990.

Pacific Wushu has been helping its students achieve their best in the martial arts for over 20 years. Starting with first location in Berkeley, California, the school soon expanded to include classes at Stanford University and a second school site in San Francisco.

Meet the Business Owner

Phillip W.

Business Owner

Founder of Pacific Wushu and Stanford University Wushu Club, Phillip Wong is one of the few Americans to have competed as a member of National US Wushu Team and placed in international level wushu competitions in China. He has 13 national and international Grand Championships. He won the all-​around silver medal at the 2nd International Wushu Games, second only to China. Many of Phillip Wong’s students are members of the past and present US Wushu Teams.

Co-​founder Zhang Hong Mei began studying Wushu at the age of 9 and soon became a member of China’s first generation of elite Wushu athletes. At China’s National Games, she captured gold medals in Bagua, sparring routines, and double straight sword. In recognition of her skills and dedication, she was selected to join China’s National Team to compete in the 1st International Games where she captured a gold medal in the Women’s Straight Sword competition. To this day, her team is still considered to be one of the China’s best.

Related places

Explore similar places:
1
mi
Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center
925 Taraval St (Parkside)
1
mi
One Martial Arts
850 Taraval St (Parkside)
1
mi
Five Animals Kung Fu Academy
2408 19th Ave (Parkside)
1
mi
Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of San Francisco
603 Taraval St (Parkside)
1
mi
World Oyama Karate
550 Taraval St (Parkside)
1
mi
Hapkido USA
603 Taraval St (Parkside)

Nearby

Near this location:
10
ft
Zalkina Yelena MD
35 Vicente Street
10
ft
Khan S Salma, MD
35 Vicente St
10
ft
MacPherson & MacPherson Cpas
37 Vicente Street
10
ft
West Portal Counseling Associates
35 Vicente St
10
ft
Diamond Video
33 Vicente St
10
ft
Van Hagen John PHD
35 Vicente Street

16 reviews of Pacific Wushu

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Anza Vista, San Francisco, CA
I trained at Pacific Wushu on and off but the Sanshou classes are extremely well structured. It starts of with a warm up that last about 10 – 15 minutes, after hit pads with partner and Master Wong will announce what types of boxing combinations to do, after punching we begin our 100 rep kick routine which really warms up the bottom half and also listen to Master Wong if there’s any new combinations in kicking. And takedowns after all the punching and kicking which is my favorite part of the practice because coming from a wrestling background I’m able to use those skills and put them in during the takedowns, Master Wong also teaches traditional Sanshou takedowns which work effectively when combining all three components (punching, kicking, wrestling) and after that usually one group that has been training for more than 6 – 9 months spar and the other group that have been training less than 6 – 9 months wrestle or work on some of the other components. After everyone is drenched of sweat we usually have 5 – 10 min of just conditioning which are usually sit-​ups, push-​ups, neck ups, 6 inches up etc.
Place rating: 5
Los Angeles, CA
I love this school, I love my masters, this is more then a school. Master Wong and his wife are the best, they are my family along with there son. personally there one of the best in the world no joke they are the most bad ass family ever haha excuses my french. If your looking to loose weight, get strong, shredded, defend your self, build up cardio endurance, gain flexibility back! And way more!!! Come here!!! I’m preparing for the military and master Wong is my stone and is sharpening me. I have no patients and I have bin taking there tia qi class and I am now gaining patients and sooooo much core strength and balance this school has changed my life! No joke
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
After many failed trials and disappointment at other Kung fu studios my husband and I almost gave up trying to find an authentic and positive Kung fu studio where our daughter would learn not only discipline but also proper form. Then luckily we found Pacific Wu Shu! At pacific Wu shu your child will not be taught by some kid of a higher belt class, they won’t be overlooked and they won’t just be a number. I love the dynamic teaching style led by Masters Wong and Mei. There are very attentive, give tons of positive reinforcement, they pay meticulous attention to each individual child helping them to maintain proper form while having fun and building self esteem and confidence.
I honestly could not say more positive things about this studio. I highly recommend this place if you want your child to really learn.
One of my favorite things about this place is that upon dismissal of class the kids are not allowed to leave without the Master seeing the parent, they pay attention to every detail which is comforting. I look forward to my daughter learning more and getting into weapons training… Did I mention that in less 2 weeks time she learned how to do a one-​handed cartwheel!!! Impressive!
I love this place!!!
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
I’ve just begun my training with Master Zhang Hong Mei. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to practice the art and spirituality that is Tai Chi. The door of opprty finally opened when I discovered their studio.
I am a complete novice, joining an already advanced class yet, Mei keeps a watchful eye on my posture and flow of movement giving me individualism instruction throughout. I feel supported and encouraged by the members of the class as well. The energy in the studio is peaceful, confident, and intentioned.
I’d like to echo some of the other’s comments in that I feel better after her class. It is very clear that Mei lives and loves her work and as a result her students do as well. It’s a wonderful environment and lovely way to transition from a hectic day into a calm and centered evening.
My only regret is that I may have found Mei just as we are moving out of the city to the peninsula to cut the commute. Believe it or not, her class has become a consideration for NOT moving now.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
I have studied Taiji (Tai Chi) with Zhang Hong Mei for almost 15 years, and she is truly amazing as a coach and a person. When it comes to martial arts, she is the real deal. I feel better after her class than I do after any other exercise in the world. We do some stretching, some qigong and standing meditation, kicks, and then the Taiji forms. Mei possesses a profound understanding of the Taiji tradition and makes it accessible to everyone. I highly recommend her class.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Two of my kids take wushu here. The teachers, Phillip Wong and Zhang Hong Mei, are a husband/​wife team and are fantastic! They expect the kids to work hard and wear themselves out. The beginning class is about punching and kicking pads that the teachers hold and about learning the sets. When they get into one of the more advanced classes they get to have swords and do some sparring but my kids aren’t there yet.
It’s a little more casual looking that some of the martial arts studios we visited. The kids’ uniforms consist of a black t-​shirt and loose pants. Some of the instruction is in Mandarin, but they’ll repeat in English if the student doesn’t understand.
Their website is a bit out of date, so call to get the updated class times. As of 1⁄2011 the kids beginner classes are on Tuesday 4pm and Saturday 9:15am. You pay by the month and get to come to both classes each week. They give a discount for siblings. They’ll take kids starting at 4, but in my opinion they need to be able to concentrate pretty well. It’s a 45 minute class and it’s all wushu — no games or obstacle course type activities.
Place rating: 3
San Francisco, CA
So I trained at Pacific last summer. In short, the coaches are credible (I heart Zhang Hong Mei — great coach with China-​level standards and really good English, which is a rarity!), and I think my wushu improved a lot the summer that I trained there.
They utilize the slightly over 1 hour of class extremely well, with basically only a five minute water break serving as a respite from the wushu. Their routine is pretty set (running and stance-​based warm-​up, stretching, kicks, jumps, forms, conditioning). They focus a lot on stance work, which is very good. Conditioning at the end focuses on core work (V-​ups and whatnot). Both of those aspects of the studio, in addition to the coaching, is probably what improved my wushu the most.
The reason why I only give 3 stars is because the size and the floor of the studio is terrible if you’re serious about wushu. Basically, don’t expect to be able to do a lot of jumps. Floor is kind of hard and feels like (from what I remember) that it has a wood base. In terms of length, it’s EXTREMELY difficult to fit a jump combo. You do two butterflies and you’re already on the other side of the studio. Also don’t expect to be able to learn a long weapon although I do remember seeing people practice staff and spear once in awhile so I guess it’s not impossible.
However, it is one of the few credible schools in the area so I plan on coming back once I move back to the Bay.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
First things first: make an appointment if you want to stop by to either try a class or watch. The contact info is all on their website, so it’s not hard to set up. I dropped by unannounced today and was allowed to observe, but I think they definitely prefer a warning.
Impressions: Wushu makes me want to get hydrated, stretch, and stand up straight. This in and of itself is almost enough, but the work out you get looks suuuuper intense. Really, that’s what I was looking for in a martial art: tons of movement.
It’s kind of funny; when I was trying to decide which martial art I wanted to study, I had sort of discounted wushu, just because you see it in so many movies and whatnot. Just overexposed, I guess. That was a mistake.
Classes run about 15 bucks a pop: Monday, Tuesday, Friday. No more Saturdays, but they haven’t updated the website yet (as of this date). You need flat shoes with a sole that won’t stick to the ground (many students tonight had the Feiyue brand), but the only thing they require you buy from them in terms of uniform is a t-​shirt.
As for the actual class, first was tons and tons of stretching and some jogging combined different jumps or other motions. Then they got gradually into punches and kicks, spinning, jump kicks. Finished up with form practice, a couple cool-​down exercises, and brief meditation.
I know that it’s going to be hard starting out, but I’m really looking forward to being a n00b at this school.
Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA
This is a great class. I enjoy going to every week. You can go up to two times a week. They teach you at your own pace, but there is always plenty of new things to learn to make it exciting. The moves done by the more advanced students and the instructors are simply breath taking, it also serves as good motivation. Since I have started I have improved in terms of flexibility and endurance.
The Wushu classes have multiple meeting times and locations catering to people with busy schedules. The instructors are quite amiable and extremely skilled at what they do. You can come to a class just to check it out, definitely worth it to people who want to know what they are getting into.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
My latest hobby crush. I’m still so new I’m on the motor-​moron end of the spectrum compared to some of the other students who truly seem to fly. But each class — with just a few simple tips from either the teachers or more advanced students — I seem to pick up a few new tricks. Soon, front sweep, we will make a graceful duo.
It took quite a bit of research for me to actually make my first move on Pacific Wushu. I’m picky. Not only are the co-​owners/​instructors Phillip and Mei incredibly accomplished, they’ve also put together a school that has not a drop of pretension. Standards are high, the training rigorous, and everyone helpful and encouraging.
The first class I attended was as an observer. I vacillated between awe and antsiness — a bit intimidated but dying to try it out. A few days later I participated in my first class and was immediately hooked.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Learn kung fu here from two internationally-​renowned champions. They are a husband and wife team, and the wife, Zhang Hong Mei, is a gold medalist in the 1st International Games. Her husband’s not too shabby either: he won 2nd all-​around silver at the 2nd international wushu games and his moves were motion-​captured for Tekken I, II, and III (the video game).
These amazing bios and all the positive Unilocal reviews made me call them last week to set up a trial class appt.
Background on me (for context): I am one of those people that hates gyms and gets very bored working out in traditional forums. I did some wushu as a kid and remember loving it. Phillip kindly gave me a free half-​hour of personal introductory instruction, and today, I had my first class. The work out left me drenched in sweat and excited to go back. I think it may be just what I needed…
Structure: You pay $ 119 a month and can drop in on as many classes as you’d like (they offer san shou (chinese kickboxing), tai chi, wu shu, and ba gua.). For wu shu, Phillip teaches on Mondays and Saturdays, and Zhang Hong Mei teaches on Fridays. They are both personable, humble, and easy to learn from.
update is forthcoming
Place rating: 5
Los Altos, CA
I am going to give them 5 starts, because this place deserves it. I have never trained at Pacific Wushu, but the trainers also train at Stanford and I went there for a trial class. I was completely blown away by the quality of their teaching. Absolutely unbelievable and the price is right, too… I have been provided with a list of prices for Pacific Wushu as well, and they were very affordable… San Francisco, is however too far away from me, so Stanford works better. These people can turn you into a champion if you have the right attitude about wushu and are committed to succeed,. They are modest and always willing to provide you with the best tips in order to make your learning experience a great adventure. I just love them! I would love to go to their classes this summer, but am also taking karate, aikido and kickboxing and at the moment it is just too much for me… But Pacific Wushu and their Stanford Wushu team… both places rock and I would highly recommend them!
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
This is a pretty good place to practice Wushu i feel… i trained in China for a few months and it’s the first school that I felt like kept most closely with the type of training you would get there. They don’t baby you too much, they don’t make you take tests and that other nonsense. you just go, stretch, work out, do your million kicks, forms, etc. and you’ll feel really really sore the next day! I only went once but compared to my other teachers I felt like the teacher here was competent if not moreso.
Unfortunately they do charge quite a bit, and last I checked you could only go to maybe 2 or 3 classes a week (the fourth lesson is a combination of adult and kids classes, so you won’t get a good lesson), so it wasn’t worth it to me and I quit wushu completely.
On the plus side the class size is very, very small (only 4 people including me when I went) but the room is also extremely small which is a little annoying.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Pacific Wushu is run by a husband and wife team– both of them internationally recognized in their field. But you won’t find garish displays of trophies and awards in this spare studio. What you will find is the real deal in terms of skill and spirit, and most importantly, the ability to teach others without browbeating or showing-​off or gouging your wallet.
We drove by this place almost everyday for a year before hubby rounded up the young ‘uns with the promise of ice cream afterwards and started them on their wushu career. It is a testament in itself that they are still going six months later, three days a week. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a martial art for their kid or for themselves to check this place out. I feel it is especially good for kids who do not suit the aggression of other martial arts, as wushu is basically non-​contact. However, it is very beautiful and require incredible skill, control and power.
Did I mention that Mitchell’s is just down the block?
Place rating: 5
Daly City, CA
This place kicks ass. I was getting pretty bored of doing the same old routine week in and week out at the gym getting hassled by roided up guys who think they’re the sh*t for having big arms and a small brain. I’ve been interested in taking up martial arts for a while and have been to many different schools to see which one was the best fit for me, and I think I found it here. There are no hierarchy’s here distinguishing one person from another with colorful belts. Just show up, practice, and go home feeling a sense of accomplishment knowing that you just had a real work out… then wake up the next day sore as hell but still relaxed because you took out all your stress by punching and kicking to your hearts’ content.
Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA
Where else can you learn your kung fu from two world class champions? Mei, one of the teachers, was teammates with Jet Li during their Beijing Wushu Team days. Philip, the other teacher, is in Tekken and is also a world champion. From wushu, to taichi, to sanshou (Chinese-​style kickboxing), this place has it all. And it’s not a business! It’s really a school! There are no belts, and no crazy gimmicks. Just come for a kick-​ass workout — best in the Bay Area. Give it 6 months — you’ll be able to do the splits too.