Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Traditional Shaolin Martial Arts in Boise
Established in 1990, Idaho Shaolin has dedicated over three decades to teaching traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Ch'uan in Boise, Idaho. Our mission is to equip students with techniques and knowledge to achieve optimal health, fitness, and self-defense capabilities. As the leading Shaolin school in the Treasure Valley, we emphasize practical defense skills rooted in 1,500 years of tradition rather than tournament training. Our programs cater to all ages, from teens to seniors, with specialized courses in Northern and Southern Kung Fu styles, classical animal forms, and internal martial arts like Tai Chi, Pa Kua Chang, and Hsing-I Ch'uan.Under the guidance of 8th-degree black belt John D. Keller, certified by Grandmaster Sin Kwang Th, we maintain the authenticity of Shaolin teachings while adapting methods to modern needs. With locations in Boise and Caldwell, our community values respect, tradition, and lifelong learning. We offer a $20 trial week for newcomers to experience our structured training system, which includes weapon techniques, meditation, and Chi Kung. Our instructors, including Associate Master Russell Lesko, bring decades of combined experience to ensure students develop confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense abilities.
Services
Shaolin Kung Fu
Tai Chi Ch'uan
Senior Martial Arts
Internal Martial Arts Training
Children's Martial Arts
Kung Fu Weapons
Chi Kung Meditation
Pa Kua Chang
Hsing-I Ch'uan
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of authentic Shaolin Kung Fu instruction rooted in 1,500-year-old traditions.
- Our certified instructors hold advanced black belt rankings directly authorized by Shaolin Grandmaster Sin Kwang Th.
- Programs specifically designed for seniors maintain traditional techniques while addressing age-related concerns.
- We emphasize practical self-defense skills rather than tournament-focused training methods.
- Students gain access to a comprehensive curriculum including rare internal martial arts and weapon systems.
What people say
Excellent and understanding teacher
Nothing to lose trial
Confidence and security
Never too late to start
Best decisions I made
Services
Shaolin Kung Fu
Our Shaolin Kung Fu program teaches traditional combat techniques developed over 1,500 years. Students learn empty-handed defense, animal style fighting, and classical weapon systems. Training builds physical strength, mental discipline, and practical self-defense capabilities. The curriculum includes Northern and Southern Kung Fu styles, with progressive instruction for all skill levels.
Tai Chi Ch'uan
This comprehensive Tai Chi program covers Yang and Chen family styles along with rare animal forms. Students practice traditional 24-posture forms, weapon techniques, and meditation. The training improves balance, flexibility, and mental focus while maintaining the martial art's self-defense applications. Classes accommodate all ages and fitness levels.
Senior Martial Arts
Specifically designed for adults over 40, this program adapts traditional Shaolin techniques to address age-related concerns. Training focuses on mobility improvement, fall prevention, and confidence building through practical self-defense. The curriculum provides low-impact workouts that enhance cardiovascular health and joint flexibility while maintaining authentic martial arts principles.
Internal Martial Arts Training
Advanced students study Pa Kua Chang, Hsing-I Ch'uan, and internal energy development. This training combines fluid movements with breathing techniques to cultivate Chi energy. The program emphasizes mind-body connection through meditation, Nei Kung exercises, and weapon forms like the Tai Chi straight sword and Pa Kua broadsword.
Children's Martial Arts
Our youth program introduces traditional Shaolin principles to students aged 12+. Training develops discipline, respect, and physical coordination through basic forms and controlled sparring. The curriculum balances technical instruction with character development, fostering confidence and focus in a safe, structured environment.
People
John Keller
Head Instructor & Founder
8th-degree black belt certified by Grandmaster Sin Kwang Th, John Keller has taught traditional Shaolin martial arts in Boise since 1990. With over 45 years of personal training experience, he specializes in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and internal martial arts systems.
Russell Lesko
Associate Master
5th-degree black belt Russell Lesko has trained under John Keller since 1997. Certified to teach Shaolin martial arts, he directs the Caldwell location and continues annual training with Grandmaster Sin Kwang Th.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi Ch'uan, Pa Kua Chang, and Hsing-I Ch'uan, including classical animal styles and weapon systems.
Are there age requirements for classes?
Our programs accept students aged 12 and older, with specialized instruction for teens, adults, and seniors.
Do you focus on competition training?
No, we emphasize practical self-defense skills rather than tournament preparation, following traditional Shaolin principles.
Do you have locations outside Boise?
Yes, we operate a second location in Caldwell, Idaho under Associate Master Russell Lesko since 2004.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer a $20 trial week with no obligation, allowing you to experience our training system risk-free.
