The Rhode Island Kung Fu Club is based in Providence and Pawtucket, RI and has taught the martial and cultural arts of kung fu and lion dance to Providence-area youth since 2007. The RIKFC shares these arts with both Chinese and non-Chinese audiences throughout the state in many different settings, from demonstrations to martial arts competitions.
Venues have included WaterFire in Providence, Pawtucket Arts Festival, FirstWorks Providence, Rhode Island Heritage Festival, and numerous other cultural events and fundraisers for charities and schools. The local Chinese community also calls on the RIKFC to perform at cultural events throughout the year, particularly at Lunar New Year.
RIKFC members have participated in numerous martial arts competitions throughout New England and the east coast. Demonstrations and competitions are not primary motivations for our group's practice of kung fu, but can serve as valuable complements to a young person’s training, while providing opportunities for personal growth.
Our mission is to utilize martial arts training to assist young people in their maturation and growth. The effort and commitment required to develop kung fu and lion dance skills cultivates patience and perseverance, which are cornerstone ideals of the Rhode Island Kung Fu Club. We believe developing these traits will serve our members well in the future.
In the Community:
We collaborate with local schools and community centers through an outreach program, with the purpose of providing access to kung fu instruction to Providence-area youth. The RIKFC is also committed to supporting individuals and groups that better our local community. We collaborate with arts organizations to share the cultural arts of kung fu and lion dance throughout RI. Since our inception, we have consistently performed pro bono to support many worthy events and causes.
Director and instructor Luyi Shao is a student of the Wong People Kung Fu Association and Sifu Raymond Wong in Washington, D.C. In addition to being a kung fu practitioner, Luyi is a professional educator with classroom teaching experience. He is committed to helping youth both in and outside of martial arts.
The RIKFC is appreciative of the continued support it receives from families, friends, community members and partners, both locally and outside Rhode Island.
For information regarding our program, please contact:
Luyi Shao 邵鹿邑 301.221.4012 shaoluyi@gmail.com
RIKFC members of different ages
RIKFC with Sifu Raymond Wong
RIKFC with local Chinese senior citizens
with Cranston, RI Mayor Allan Fung
RIKFC wearing shirts by RI Threads (HOPE- RI state motto)
with senior citizens/grandparents
RIKFC lion musicians at seniors center
RIKFC awarded 1st place at Wong 2010 tournament
with head of RI State Council on the Arts
RIKFC following a tournament
with local martial artists, instructors at demonstration
lions at a Lunar New Year event- one of many RIKFC participates in during this time of year