Who can train at Seven Star?

Seven Star welcomes all gender-marginalized individuals (cis women, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive people age 13+). We are LGBTQIA+ friendly. We are happy to refer cis men to local co-ed schools that are part of our school’s lineage and extended Kajukenbo family. See our full gender policy for details.

How old do I have to be to train?

Individuals age 13 and older can train at Seven Star. We offer private/small group sessions or work with organizations to provide self-defense classes for youth under age 13.

Why train at Seven Star?

Seven Star was founded in the early 1980’s to address barriers to gender-marginalized individuals training in a male-dominated martial arts world. Seven Star's lineage comes from women who fought hard to earn their place in the martial arts world and then subsequently formed their own schools so that generations after them would not have to fight for acceptance. For more than 40 years, our mission has been focused on supporting and uplifting historically gender-marginalized populations. We aim to create a space where our students feel accepted and supported so they can focus on building physical skills and community.

Our name is Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu, but we are more than a community of women; we are a gender-diverse community of martial artists. We believe in challenging each other to push the extent of our skills and abilities, while also being mindful of individual needs and constraints. We aim to create a space where our students feel accepted and supported so they can focus on building physical skills and community. We offer work study, sliding scale dues, and dues assistance to enable individuals to train at our school. If you have any questions about whether Seven Star might be the right fit for you, review our Gender Policy, and if you have further questions, email Sifu Gina gina@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com.

What should I wear to classes?

Wear long pants that cover your knees and a sturdy t-shirt or tank top that can be grabbed (no shorts, midriff tops, or spaghetti-strap tops). Your clothes should be loose-fitting so that you can move freely. Wear layers that you can remove during class, as our windows are open for the duration of a class. Remove all jewelry before training. You can train barefoot or wear non-skid socks or training shoes. Street shoes and plain socks are not allowed on our training floor.

We do not require uniforms at Seven Star. We have school t-shirts/hoodies available for sale, but you are not required to wear Seven Star gear. Students who continue training after the Beginner’s Cycle often get black kung fu pants and a school t-shirt (this is our “uniform” for demos and other formal occasions), but sweats/leggings and other casual wear are acceptable for regular classes.

Kajukenbo is a contact-based sport. We make contact to vulnerable parts of each others’ bodies with controlled kicks and punches. If you have questions about appropriate protective training gear, please contact us. We also have a student driven gear recommendations list you can view before training.

Am I physically ready/able to start martial arts training?
What if I have a previous injury or physical limitation?

Seven Star’s student population encompasses a wide range of age, size, and ability. We accept students age 13 and have current students in their 60’s. Many of our students who did not previously consider themselves athletic are excellent martial artists.  Our beginner’s class is designed to accommodate all fitness levels and includes stretching and warm-up exercises, as well as a gradual increase in workout intensity to prepare students to join All-School classes.

Kajukenbo is generally more open to modification to suit a person’s strengths or limitations than many traditional martial arts. In most cases, we can help you find ways to train safely and modify for your body’s needs. Please check with your health practitioner before starting to train if you are unsure about training with a past injury or other health concern.

Our teaching staff can make accommodations for injuries or physical disabilities. Speak to the class teacher about any concerns before or after your first class, so they are aware of your specific needs and can help you identify exercises that you may need to modify. You are also welcome to discuss any physical limitations or concerns with Sifu Gina Mares Kurtz before you decide whether or not to sign up for the beginner’s cycle.

What Covid safety precautions are in place?

Our building is masks optional with exceptions. If classes are larger than 18 people we require masking. Masking is also required if our windows are closed due to extreme weather conditions (AC is on, poor air quality, or cold weather that necessitates windows being closed). We have two commercial air purifiers running at the school 24 hours/7 days a week. All windows are open during classes for improved ventilation. View our full Covid policy.

Where do I change my clothes?

We have a detached building that is our changing room. There are two curtained areas where people can change clothes. There are also cubbies to store training gear and personal items (the changing room is locked during class). We have one all-gender, single-user bathroom in the main building/training space.

What if I change my name/pronouns while training at Seven Star?

We offer opportunities for all students in class to share their names and pronouns regularly. Many students have changed their names or pronouns while training at Seven Star. Talk to your sifu (teacher) about any support you need so that your correct name and pronouns are used.

Is the building ADA-accessible?

Our historic building is not fully ADA accessible. There is one step into the building and a second step to access the restroom. There are a few steps to access the backyard building/changing room. For more facility details, please see our Space Rental page.

What is the promotion/ranking system?
How long does it take to get a black belt?

Students who complete the beginner’s cycle are considered white belts, though they do not receive a physical belt for this rank. When the instructors decide they are ready (typically after 6 months to one year of training), students test for orange belt. Our belt rank system is as follows: white, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, and black.

Students who train regularly and frequently may reach black belt in 7 to 10 years, though it is not unusual for it to take longer. Students progress through the art at their own pace, supported by our teaching staff.

In many styles and schools, serious training doesn’t really begin until black belt, which is achieved relatively quickly. At Seven Star, students are considered intermediate ranks at purple and blue belt, and join the advanced class and become eligible to teach at green belt. Black belt is awarded only when a student demonstrates sufficient mastery of the core Kajukenbo curriculum, teaching principles, and martial arts philosophy. 

Can I observe a class?

If you are interested in training at Seven Star and want to observe a class, you must arrange it in advance (no drop-ins allowed).  See our class calendar and contact gina@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com to arrange a date/time. We do not typically allow cis-men to observe classes unless they are a parent/guardian of a teen interested in training at Seven Star.

How is self-defense incorporated into classes?

We teach beginners verbal and physical self-defense, focusing on de-escalation, projecting confidence, attacking vulnerable targets, and escaping from grabs. Individuals who take our beginners cycle learn the basics of Kajukenbo as well as practical self-defense skills, as we want our new students to have fundamental skills to defend themselves even if they don’t continue martial arts training after the beginner’s cycle.

After the beginner’s cycle, the focus turns more to Kajukenbo curriculum, but we continue to practice self-defense in classes. We teach more advanced strategies, such as how to defend against multiple attackers or attackers with weapons. As students move up through the ranks, they also begin learning aspects of Kajukenbo that are directly applicable to self defense, such as street fighting.

How much does it cost to train?
Will I have to sign a contract?

After the completion of the beginner’s cycle, dues are paid monthly. The cost to train: $135/month with a reduced rate option of $110/month or a solidarity rate option of $160/month. Dues assistance is available (reduced rates on a sliding scale) for our beginner’s cycle, self-defense classes, and monthly class dues. Seven Star does not have contracts or annual fees. You do not need to buy a uniform or any special equipment, though you may want to purchase your own sparring gear once you complete the beginner’s cycle.