Lam Tang Kung Fu Academy

At Lam Tang Kung Fu Academy, we take pride in being South Carolina's first Kung Fu and Tai Chi school, established in 1985. Our mission is to foster traditional values, not only in teaching authentic Chinese martial art systems, but also in instilling the values of an upright moral character, such as respect, honor, discipline, and loyalty. We strive to create an atmosphere of harmony and encouragement, where our students can grow and thrive.

Our History

Lam Tang Kung Fu Academy was founded by Sifu Saleem, who has a deep respect and appreciation for his ancestral lineage going back to Grand Masters Lam Sai Wing and Tang Fong, as well as Leung Wah Chew. The roots of Kung Fu date back further than the ancient traditional Shaolin arts, and Kung Fu means hard work. As an academy, many martial art forms can be learned here. Teaching the martial arts with a sense of tradition, Sifu Saleem endeavors to render it useful for modern applications.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of traditional Chinese Martial Arts, including Cantonese Style Hung Ga, Hasayfu Hung Kuen, and Tai-Chi-Chuan, which includes Yang Style, Wu Style, and Sun Style. Our classes also incorporate the ancient art of Qi Gong, either for healing or for body strengthening and conditioning. Additionally, we offer Iron Palm instruction, which is hand conditioning for brick-breaking powerful hand strikes. We also provide seminars covering curriculum subjects, such as specialized weapons and Chinese Wrestling.

Our Unique Approach

What sets us apart is our unique approach to teaching traditional Chinese martial arts. We have lineage traditions in all three branches of Hung Gar, and we specialize in Cantonese styles from both the Lam Sai Wing lineage and the Tang Fong lineage of Cantonese Hung Ga. Our Hasayfu Hung Kuen style comes from the Leung Wah Chew lineage, in which Sifu Saleem holds a discipleship through Grand Master Kwong Wing Lam.

Our Community

Throughout the years, we have been an active partner in the community of Columbia, SC, teaching accredited courses in Tai Chi for the University of South Carolina, as well as Benedict College, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Colonial Life Insurance, Fort Jackson, and giving demonstrations for businesses, public libraries, and local festivals. We have also been involved in charitable efforts, such as collections for Harvest Hope Food Bank and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.