The Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

The Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu Academy offers Girl Power, an all-levels martial arts program for the empowerment of girls and female presenting/identifying kids, and Peaceful Warriors, an all-levels martial arts program for boys and male presenting/identifying kids. It also offers Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu for Teens, an all-levels kung fu class for teens.

Programs

• Girl Power — Ages 6-12 · All levels; martial arts program for the empowerment of girls and female presenting/identifying kids.
• Peaceful Warriors — Ages 6-12 · All levels; martial arts program for boys and male presenting/identifying kids.
• Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu for Teens — Ages 12-18 · All levels; an empowering kung fu class for teens.
• The Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu Academy — Ages 18+ · Beginner level; a holistic and modern kung fu class for adults.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• General schedule: Kids and teens classes have 12-week sessions. Kids can join classes at any time in the session.

About the provider

The Portland branch was established in 2019. The school is led by Si Gong Matthew Ruhl and Si Mo Shannon Ruhl under the guidance of Si Tai Gong Robert Firestine. Its mission statement says the school focuses on the journey and development of the self through the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu, and values compassion, patience, and community. Si Gong Matthew Ruhl is a seventh-degree black belt. The school describes itself as a community and says it has its own online community that connects members over great distances.

The school does not take part in tournaments or approach the art as a sport. It seeks humble, kind, and compassionate students. Free try-out class available. Kids classes are for all levels. Teens class is non-gender specific and an hour and a half long.

Last updated October 1, 2026.