鹰爪派 · Eagle Claw Kung Fu & Wu Style Tai Chi
Strength of the eagle.Calm of the shadow.
Traditional Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Wu Style Tai Chi in Windsor Heights, Iowa. Safe, positive training with the highest level of personal attention - for kids (5+), families, and adults.
- Ages 5+
- Classes for kids, families, and adults
- The only school in Iowa
- certified under the late Grandmaster Leung Shum and authorized by the Ying Jow Pai Association
- 25+ years
- of Sifu experience in the style
Our Programs
Train with us
Classes are available for any skill level, ages 5+ (4+ for tumbling). Kung fu and tai chi classes are based on sash rank; tumbling is based on skill level.
鹰爪功Eagle Claw Kung Fu
Learn the art of self-defense with Eagle Claw kung fu, a martial art that trains people physically and mentally. These techniques are centuries old, but our programs keep evolving with the world.
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太极拳Tai Chi Chuan
Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese martial art for both health and self-defense. Beneficial for all ages, it builds physical strength and mental clarity.
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翻腾Tumbling & Acrobalance
A unique adjunct course to enhance balance, coordination, and the martial arts skills required for forms. Take it alongside kung fu or as its own program.
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瑜伽Yoga
A practice that connects body, breath, and mind through physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health.
Learn more →Our Teaching
Every student is different. So is every class.
Every student possesses a unique learning style, body type, and fitness level. Our instructors actively modify exercises in real time to match individual needs.
Style Alignment
Explanations switch between visual, verbal, or hands-on cues based on how the student learns best.
Custom Progressions
Exercises are scaled up or down based on current capabilities.
Health Accommodations
Alternates are provided to ensure safe participation for everyone.
Improve Fitness
We are trained martial arts experts looking to empower students who want to diversify their training, learn to defend themselves, or are lifelong learners.
Personalized Attention
We help our students build self-defense skills and confidence through safe, positive, and personalized martial arts training.
Feel Empowered
We envision a community where the traditions of martial arts help students overcome past traumas and build character through discipline and practice.
Our School
Step inside the studio
Our Lineage
Documented generations of Eagle Claw
- 1Yue Fei · Nok Fei
- 2Lai Chin
- 3Toa Jai
- 4Far Shing
- 5Lau Shu Chun
- 6Lao Shing Yao
- 7Chan Tzi Ching · Lau Kai Man · Lee Pu Yin · Lau Fat Man
- 8Ng Wai Nung
- 9Shum Leung
- 10Don Walth
- 11Aaron Giddings
From Yue Fei, the traditional founder of Eagle Claw, through Grandmaster Shum Leung and Sifu Don Walth, to Master Aaron Giddings teaching here in Des Moines. The full line reaches back much further than the eleven generations documented below.
New Students
What to expect on your first visit
No experience needed, and no pressure to sign up. Your first week of classes is free, so come and try a class.
What to wear
Comfortable workout clothes you can move in, and a water bottle. Once you enroll, your uniform shirt, pants, sash, and shoes are included in the one-time enrollment fee.
Parking
Parking is at the back of the building, between Baskin Robbins and Immanuel Pathways. The school is at 7676 Hickman Rd in Windsor Heights. Arrive a few minutes early so you have time to come in and get settled before class starts.
Bring a friend
Yes. Friends and family are welcome to come along and watch, and training is more fun with someone beside you. If they join, you receive a $50 credit for each new membership.
What Students Say
Loved by our community
“Everyone from the instructors to the students do a lot to both train hard and maintain a positive environment. No matter how my day was going before showing up, I'd always leave wanting to improve.”
“Classes are engaging, fun, and help develop skills for Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Wu Tai Chi. Over the last several months, I have gained confidence in myself and made great friends while learning authentic martial arts.”
“Great family atmosphere with small class sizes and regular events and demos. Master Aaron has well over 20 years of experience and was recognized as a master by Grandmaster Leung Shum, who brought this style to the US 50 years ago.”
Conveniently Located
Come visit us
Our school is conveniently located in Windsor Heights, on the backside of the building between Baskin Robbins and Immanuel Health on Hickman Road.