About US

Our mission at North Sky Kung Fu is to teach practical martial arts while preserving a unique Kung Fu system. We teach the full Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu  system, and want to pass its benefits to our students: Good health, confidence, mastery of a beautiful and profound art, And if you're interested, great fighting skills. And in a time of uncertainty, we're also emphasizing the importance of good self defense skills.

We have remained open and in the studio, and have adapted regularly to New York City's health regulations. Our studio is spacious, airy, and we are fully vaccinated, and require students be vaccinated, as per NYC law.

Sifu Dario Acosta and Sifu Julie Ann, North Sky Kung Fu founders, have been practicing Ying Jow Pai or Eagle Claw Kung Fu for over 30 years each. They are direct disciples of Grandmaster Leung Shum, and received their training and certifications from Grandmaster Shum.

They started their school in 2012, and have built a warm community of martial artists, families, and dedicated students who share a fascination with Chinese Kung Fu. You'll find North Sky Kung Fu in possession of a true treasure of martial arts. Our program and kung fu classes includes the unique and famous "108 locks of Faanzi Eagle Claw." Learn more about how to join us.

 Sifu Dario Acosta is one of a handful of disciples who has achieved the level of "Master" from Grandmaster Shum. Sifu Acosta is one of New York's most accomplished martial artists. He brings a lifetime of study -- over 45 years -- of martial arts, and experience fighting, winning, and performing in hundreds of tournaments and championships in North and South America. He was on the national martial arts team in his country, and brings a unique level of insight and experience to his martial arts training, fighting skills, and coaching.

The school's other founder, Sifu Julie Ann, is the school's director, and develops meaningful, fun, and healthy programs for kids and adults, while looking for new ways to share Eagle Claw.  SIfu Julie has been practicing martial arts for over 35 years, and has experience in various martial arts disciplines including Wushu and Taekwondo.  

Sifu Dario and Julie take an interest in kung Fu as a lifestyle, with its discipline and focus on health, fitness, awareness, and balance. They are committed to helping students integrate kung fu practice into daily life.  Learn more by watching our videos. 

​We also teach Wu Style Tai Chi — an essential part of Chinese Martial arts that adds balance and harmony to one's practice.

We offer highly personal training and high-energy, varied workouts that cover all martial arts fundamentals.