Kung Fu University: Husband & Wife create martial arts school in Forest Park

Kung Fu University: Husband & Wife create martial arts school in Forest Park

FOREST PARK, OH. (WKRC) – They’ve been open a little more than a month, but attendance is growing at Kung Fu University.

Arlanzo and Tiffany Harper have more than 40 years of experience between them and are transitioning from competition to instructor of Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu.

The married couple have competed at many levels locally, regionally, nationally and on the international stage under the tutelage of Shi Ye Martin Ware from 1996 to 2015.

“I started Kung Fu back in 1996 and I never would have thought that me and my wife would have our own Kung Fu school,” said Shi Fu Arlanzo Harper.

After all the years of competition, the Harpers say that it was time to expand and time to spread their wings and help people.

Back in November of 2016, they taught at a senior center in Forest Park. In May of this year, they took the leap and opened their own space, and the students followed them.

“It’s a strong passion that I have for it, I love teaching, I love doing the art itself, it’s a great way to manage stress take care of any anxiety you may have and help yourself grow and brought in your horizons,” said Shi Fu Arlanzo Harper.

At Kung Fu University, they’re teaching youngsters they call “Tiny Owls”, kids ages 3-7. The “Little Owls” are 8-12 years old. There’s also adults for those over the age of 18.

Eventually Shi Fu Tiffany Harper says they want to offer yoga, kick boxing and summer camps. Helping youth be mentally strong is also a goal.

“We are going to start running youth empowerment workshops. Today workshops so we’re basically going to give them the skills mentally to be able to deal with bullying,” said Shi Fu Tiffany Harper.

The duo also offers self-defense classes for young women heading off to college.