Testimonials

Thanks for everything I've learned up to this point, Sifu! coming off of a lumbar spinal fusion and the past 4 years of pain and not being able to do nearly any physical activity.. my kung fu training combined with my family doctors acupuncture has restored me back to nearly full health. i ride a road bike daily, and can go to work without feeling like death after 10 hours of labor! definitely improves all facets of life! I'm honored to be your student, Sifu!

Matt K

I am a student of Mandarin Kung Fu. Although I had to relocate for a government job position. I can't put into the words the numerous ways I miss this school. The students, the work ethic, the principles, the black belts and Sifu himself, are second to none. I've never done anything I enjoyed more as a fitness and exercise routine. For me it became a passion. Though I've moved and am not attending currently I still and will always consider myself a student. Moreover, I plan on coming back and to continue my training. To anybody who reads this and is undecided wheather to join. I say stop searching you found the school you want to join. The school I miss greatly and can't wait to return to.

Dean

I read your web site before visiting your school. Quite frankly, I didn't put much credibility into the hard work ethics you describe on you site. Everyone claims to work hard. I was wrong. You guys are the real deal. I have visited many schools & have never seen such hard & serious training as I did when I visited your class last week. I will begin studying with your school as soon as this semestar is over.

Joe

I first attended a Mandarin Kung Fu class through a women's self defense course. After a few weeks I was hooked and joined the school. The training I have received is invaluable and I am forever grateful to Sifu for the lessons he has taught me. Everyone - men, women and children - can benefit from the school.

Jessica

Sifu...hey! Long time, no see. This is a formal yet in formal thank you for the help that you gave me. Eventhough I left a while back, I still think about all that you taught me and the confidence that you reinstilled in me. The techniques that I learned there will stay with me through any style that I learn and I hope that one day I will be able to thank you face to face. You are one of the great ones, Sifu!...That I guarentee.

David Cobb

When I first moved to Buffalo I already had many years of Kung-fu experience. Due to a couple of moves in my life I also had plenty of experience evaluating Kung-fu schools. It only took me 20 minutes of watching this school practice to conclude that it was built upon a rock solid foundation. Make no mistake, this is the real deal! If you like a good challenge, this is the school for you.

Paul Belanger

Sifu Mandarino, I must say I have tremendous respect for you. Obviously, Master Wong's contribution cannot be overstated. Nonetheless, judging by your students, I think you have brought more students farther along than Master Wong did. When I was a student of Master Wong, there were, maybe 1-2 students practicing the techniques & forms being worked on by many students at your Friday & Saturday sessions. They were quite impressive, & you deserve much credit. Great job.

David K.

First of all I would like to thank Sifu Norman Mandarino for having this beautiful art in the area. When I came to the class he was very polite and kind. He was the first sifu that was into me having a kung fu back ground. He really went out of his way to make me feel right at home.

Ramone Rose

I was in last week to watch one of your workouts & was very impressed with the fact that you treated the women in the class as equals. It was heartwarming to see that you did not patronize nor coddle them; but expected the same hard work ethics that you required from the men. Kudos!

Kim

We are truly greatful for your involvement in the MARYVALE CONNECTS TO WELLNESS THROUGH READING night on Tuesday March 21, 2006. Your participation was certainly a major factor in the success of this event. Thank you for contributing your valuable time to share your knowledge and expertise with the Maryvale Community.

Sue Licata, Wellness Committee

Just so everyone knows, this is a killer website!!! I work on the web all day and see a lot of garbage. So it's cool that we have such an impressive site! --->to all non-students, I'm a student in my eighth year at Mandarin and I can honestly say that if you want REAL martial arts, moves that work, and belt rankings that you actually have to earn, you came to the right place. If you just want to get your blackbelt as soon as possible and do not really care for hard work, please press the X at the top right hand corner of your screen now. To all others, this is really the best work out around!

Matt

Sifu Mandarino, I visited your class last week per your invitation. I'm pleased to report that all is not lost in the martial arts world. It was a pleasure to see a serious hard workout dedicated to the art of kung fu by you & your students. I will begin training at your school next Monday.

Sam S.

Sifu Mandarino is a great man. He has always been very understanding of each individual student, as our ability and personality both have some effect on how we learn Kung-Fu. When I came to this school I had a clouded view of the martial arts world, and lacked discipline. Even as I withdrew from class for what has now been almost a year for my own medical reasons, I felt that he knew I needed this time. Sifu has called to see how I am and given me news about my friends at the school. I hope to return soon and continue my studies, to feed my curiosity about martial arts and my own abilities. Sifu shows us the path we must take to become tigers. We must walk it on our own.

M.I.A. (Kevin)

Hello Sifu Mandarino..... I studied under Ting Fong Wong in 1972 for about 2 yrs. on and off. One thing is for certain...he was authentic. In one tournament in Toronto, he drilled his finger into a regular, red building brick!! It was really amazing. I remember you going to classes around the same time, and I also remember "Baku". Thank you for a great web site, and keep up the good work!!

Ted Malinkowski

Sifu is a good man. He has trained people for over 35 years. His lessons are very informative and cool. He has patience and always wants you to try your hardest. He shares his knowledge of Kung Fu to beginners so they can learn the Ancient Art Of Kung Fu.

JM

Hi Sifu, I thought I would leave a message for all visitors and students of our Mandarin Kung Fu Society. I really appreciate being in the class. It's a great mental and physical work out. I have noticed my strength improve critically through our intense training. It makes me feel good that I am doing something positive with my spare time.

David Halama

Sifu Mandarino, It was a pleasure watching your class last week.I was formerly enrolled in another school that catered to younger students. The workouts were not very hard & the instructors seemed more intent on running easy classes to keep them happy. I was promoted to the rank of Green Belt within a year. I never felt that I deserved my rank, although students with much less ability then me were wearing Black Belts. I can not begin to tell you how good it was to see a serious approach to the martial arts & hope to enroll in your school in the near future.

Ken B.

On behalf of the children we serve and the Board of Directors of Police Athletic League of Buffalo, our sincerest thanks to you for making a donation. Your thoughtfulness helps us to continue our efforts in improving the lives of area youths. We appreciate your vote of confidence in our work.

Susan Gonzalez, Exec. Director

Kudos on a great web site. It prompted me to visit your school last week. The thing that impressed me the most was that even though the workout was very intense, your students were eager to do it.I will be in next week to begin studying with your school.

Jason

Dear Sifu, Thank you for a great promotion. My friends were impressed with the forms and weapons demonstrations. I am very appreciative of all the extra help everyone gives. Thanks again,

Bonnie

From New York. Here on business. Visited your school last week. Traditional training, intense workout, small student body, large training facility. Great combination. Good luck

Jake

Sifu, I'm sorry that I didn't get to say a proper goodbye before I left. The last couple of weeks have been a bit hectic, though! I wanted to take the time to write and thank you for all I learned while I was at the school. You've created a school with a great combination of rigorous standards and a friendly atmosphere. It's not easy to get both, but you've managed to do it. I will really miss the school. In addition to great martial arts training, I also learned from you as a fellow teacher. You have a knack for pushing people hard while being very supportive at the same time. That's not an easy combination. I remember you telling us more than once that kung fu should be rewarding, but not fun. That's a great way to look at it, and I plan to keep that in mind with my own students. We are just getting settled in here, but I've started looking at martial arts schools here. I'll let you know what school I settle on. Thanks,

Steve Pailing

Dear Sifu Mandarino, Thanks again for your excellent kung fu demonstration. I'm sure the kids truly enjoyed your participation in this event.

Lance