PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Introduce
Nestled in the heart of Decatur, Georgia, PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is a unique and highly respected martial arts school and physical fitness program that offers a truly authentic training experience. Under the guidance of Sifu Craig Kiessling, this studio stands apart for its deep commitment to traditional Kung Fu, not just as a form of combat but as a holistic discipline for the mind, body, and spirit. It is a welcoming and inclusive space, known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and it has cultivated a close-knit community of students who are dedicated to mutual support and growth. For those in the Atlanta metro area seeking a genuine martial arts education and a path to substantial personal development, PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is a standout choice.
The philosophy of PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is that training is about more than just physical movements; it is an opportunity for personal improvement and mastery. This is a core reason why students speak so highly of the academy. The curriculum emphasizes basic foundational training, which, while requiring hard work, leads to substantial benefits. Sifu Craig Kiessling, a native of Atlanta, is not only an expert martial artist with over 20 years of experience but also a deep scholar of Chinese culture. His teaching style is described as approachable, thoughtful, and incredibly effective, making complex techniques easy to understand through relatable analogies. His dedication to his students' success is palpable, as he is invested in ensuring every student feels confident in their abilities and knowledge. The school's mission is to offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes not only physical training but also historical and philosophical education, creating a truly well-rounded practitioner.
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is located at 2507 Lawrenceville Hwy #02, Decatur, GA 30033, USA. The academy is committed to making training accessible to the local community. The facility offers on-site parking and a free parking lot, as well as free street parking, which adds a layer of convenience for students. For those with mobility needs, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot is also available.
The academy offers both onsite and outdoor services, which provides flexibility in how students can train. Classes are structured and held by appointment, which helps to ensure a focused and quality experience for everyone. The facility is equipped with a restroom for the convenience of its students. The location on Lawrenceville Highway makes it easy for residents of Decatur and the broader Atlanta area to find and access. This combination of a convenient location, flexible services, and inclusive accessibility makes PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu a practical and welcoming place for anyone interested in martial arts.
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu offers a variety of classes and programs that cater to the diverse needs of its students, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
- Authentic Kung Fu: The core of the academy’s offerings, providing training in traditional and authentic Kung Fu styles. The emphasis is on foundational techniques that lead to real, tangible skill development.
- Fitness & Conditioning: Integrated into every class, these sessions are designed to build a strong martial body, focusing on physical fitness, endurance, and overall well-being.
- Group Classes: Students train together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, where classmates help motivate each other and provide valuable insights.
- Martial Arts Conditioning: Specialized exercises aimed at improving the physical attributes necessary for effective martial arts practice, such as coordination, reaction time, and agility.
- Private Training: For students who desire more personalized attention or wish to focus on specific skills, private sessions are available to help them accelerate their progress.
- Trial Class: An opportunity for prospective students to experience the class atmosphere and the quality of instruction before making a commitment.
- Performances and Demonstrations: A chance for students to showcase their skills and for the community to witness the art of Kung Fu in action.
The school has many distinctive features that make it a compelling choice for martial arts students in Georgia.
- Expert and Knowledgeable Instructor: Sifu Craig Kiessling is highly skilled and deeply knowledgeable in both Chinese martial arts and culture. His ability to make complex concepts simple and his investment in his students' success are major highlights.
- Emphasis on Foundational Training: The focus on basic skills ensures that students build a solid and effective foundation, which leads to substantial long-term benefits and skills.
- Friendly and Supportive Community: The small class sizes create an intimate and friendly atmosphere where students receive more one-on-one time and feel motivated by their classmates. The school is also explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, reinforcing its inclusive environment.
- Holistic Curriculum: The training is not just about physical techniques; it includes historical and philosophical education, providing a comprehensive and deep understanding of the art.
- Comprehensive Approach to Fitness: Classes are a mixture of fitness workouts, form, and technique, providing a full mind-body experience that improves both physical and mental abilities.
- Flexible Services: The school offers both onsite and outdoor services, along with an appointment-required model, which provides a level of personalization and flexibility that is not always found in larger academies.
To learn more or to schedule an introductory class, you can contact PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu directly.
Address: 2507 Lawrenceville Hwy #02, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
Phone: (404) 919-9193
For anyone in the Atlanta, GA region looking for a martial arts school that offers an authentic and transformative experience, PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is an exceptional choice. The most compelling reason to train here is the rare combination of an expert Sifu who is a master of his craft and a supportive, inclusive community. It is a place where you are not just learning to punch and kick; you are learning to become a better, more focused, and more disciplined person. The emphasis on foundational training ensures that your progress is meaningful and lasting, and the one-on-one attention in smaller classes is invaluable for accelerating your skills. The school's commitment to providing a holistic curriculum—blending physical conditioning with philosophical education—sets it apart from other martial arts studios. Furthermore, the welcoming and friendly atmosphere makes it easy to feel motivated and to build strong relationships with your fellow students. For a true martial arts journey that will reward you with growth in all aspects of your life, PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu is a highly recommended and worthwhile investment.
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Services
Martial Arts School
- Authentic Kung Fu
- Boxing School
- Fitness & Conditioning
- Group Class
- Kung Fu Training In
- Martial Arts Conditioning
- Martial Arts Training Training
- Martial Practice
- Our Kung Fu Classes
- Our Martial Arts Classes
- Performances And Demonstrations
- Physical Fitness Exercises
- Private Training
- Training Class
- Trial Class
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Details
Service options
- Outdoor services
- Onsite services
- Online classes
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Amenities
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Planning
- Appointment required
Children
- Family discount
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Photos
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Location
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu
2507 Lawrenceville Hwy #02, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
PATHS Atlanta Kung Fu Reviews
sifupracticelearnclassknowledgehistorynorthern shaolinapplicationsstudyingmeditation
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Training at Paths Atlanta Kung fu has been an amazing experience. I am honored to train under Sifu Craig Kiessling. It is very rare to find an instructor who is not only highly skilled in chinese martial arts, but who is also deeply knowledgeable in Chinese culture as well. I love attending class because of the friendly atmosphere, and my classmates are very helpful with keeping me motivated during intense training. There is a huge emphasis on basic foundational training. Thus, you really have to put in the work to truly gain something from your training, but the benefits are substantial. Every class is an opportunity to improve at your particular skill level. I’ve also met and befriended some amazing classmates as well. It is so good to have authentic and traditional kung fu in my native home of Atlanta, Ga. Thank you Sifu Craig for being an excellent teacher and mentor.
October 18 · Ezra DixonGreat Kung Fu class. The class sizes are much smaller than you would typically expect for a martial arts school, but it comes with the huge benefit of getting more one-on-one time during class, which is incredibly important especially for the beginner levels. The class is a mixture of fitness (in the form of circuit workouts) form/technique, and historical & philosophical education, all geared toward giving the practitioner a comprehensive Kung Fu curriculum (as opposed to just see opponent, hit opponent).Sifu Craig loves teaching and is invested in making sure that his students feel confident in their abilities and knowledge, so don't be afraid to ask questions! As with any discipline, it's important to practice regularly outside of class as well as that's where the vast majority of the improvement will come from.Overall a great introduction to Kung Fu. Highly recommend.
September 26 · Sherman BeltonI've been practicing Northern Shaolin with PATHS Atlanta for about a year now. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning Kung Fu.Class typically begin with a variety of stretching exercises and a circuit drill for conditioning. Following that we get into the substance of Nothern Shaolin. There is a heavy emphasis on forms and applications. I really like how we learn how each movement in a form could be used practically. We will also learn meditative techniques, history of Northern Shaolin and other styles, and the theories behind our martial practice.There is a lot of individual instruction in class. It is not uncommon for one student to be working on one thing while other students are practicing something else, but it never feels like you have been forgotten or excluded. Also common is that other students will momentarily pause what they are doing to offer you guidance or answer your question.The instructor is very knowledgeable, not just on Northern Shaolin but many other styles. Many times in class he will teach us some aspect of other styles for our martial education. We also are expected to learn the history of our lineage of Northern Shaolin which I think is really neat.There are two unique things about our class that I absolutely love. First, the classes are outdoors. While sometimes in extreme weather (August heat and January cold) I wish we had an indoor space, I almost always enjoy practicing Kung Fu outdoors. The second thing is the social aspect. Typically after class we go out for drinks and food. That aspect was a pleasant surprise as there I have really bonded with my fellow students and they all have interesting and diverse lives to learn about.Overall it is a lot of fun learning a historic martial art with a great group of people. Plus, you will get a good work-out and it will get you into shape (I have had many friends note that I look to be in the best shape in a long time.)
March 08 · Robert PendergrassComing to Altanta two years ago from Toledo, Ohio, I have had an amazing experience at PATHS. Sifu Kiessling has such a deep knowledge of Chinese culture -- history, traditions, language, medicine as well as martial arts. As you move up the levels from basic, he pushes you to explore applications from the forms so that you figure it out for yourself like a puzzle. I had trained for almost five years previously in a different Northern Shaolin lineage, but my knowledge and skills have improved dramatically here. Small intimate setting is also supportive, but to get a good result you need to put in the time.
June 06 · Todd MichneyThis was the first time that my wife and I had joined to take a Kung Fu class. It was way better than expected. From the accommodating class times to the very skilled and knowledgeable instructors, we decided that we still have a lot to learn. My wife and I spoke after a few classes and decided that this is definitely where we want to be and we would recommend PATHS to anyone! Thank you for being so welcoming in such a different environment for us!
January 12 · Phoenix Juice
More Tae Kwon Do Near Me

204 S Main St, Woodstown, NJ 08098, USA

1102 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA 19342, USA

113 N High St, Millville, NJ 08332, USA

267 S Whitford Rd, Exton, PA 19341, USA

840 Lincoln Ave Suite D1, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

812 Conchester Hwy, Boothwyn, PA 19061, USA

3220 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, PA 19061, USA

130 Eagleview Blvd, Exton, PA 19341, USA

500 Simpson Dr, Chester Springs, PA 19425, USA

14 N Village Ave, Exton, PA 19341, USA

240 Windgate Dr Ste A5, Chester Springs, PA 19425, USA

1502 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending TKD Insights Posts





