About US

We're one of New York's leading Kung Fu schools in New York City. We teach the Ying Jow Pai system or Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu, acquired by the school's founders from one of the most esteemed Kung Fu practitioners in the world, Grandmaster Leung Shum. Our mission at North Sky Kung Fu is to teach practical martial arts while preserving one of the world's richest traditional Kung Fu system. 

We teach the full Shaolin  Eagle Claw Kung Fu  system including kung fu weapons, joint locks, and more. We pass its benefits to our students: good health, confidence, calm, mastery of a beautiful and profound art and, for those interested, great fighting skills. In a time of uncertainty, we also emphasize the importance of self-defense.

Sifu Dario Acosta and Sifu Julie Ann, the school's founders, have been practicing Ying Jow Pai  and other systems for over 40 years. Sifu Acosta is one of the few Masters in the system, earning his rank from Grandmaster Shum. The school offers a full system of belt levels through black belt. 

North Sky offers a studio that is spacious, bright, designed for martial arts. It's located in Chelsea in the heart of Manhattan. You'll find our school is an oasis of good spirit in New York City. You can get to our school

Sifu Julie and SIfu Dario 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.  Our program and kung fu classes are varied and interesting, and include the unique and famous "108 locks of Faanzi Eagle Claw." Learn more about how to join us.  We also teach Wu Style Tai Chi — an essential part of Chinese Martial arts that adds balance and harmony to one's practice.

Our Instructors

 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.  Siu Julie has been practicing martial arts for over 40 years, and has experience in various martial arts disciplines including Wushu and Taekwondo. 

Kung Fu is a lifestyle, with discipline and focus on health, fitness, awareness, and balance. Our Sifus are committed to helping students integrate kung fu practice into daily life.  Learn more by watching our videos. 

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