Be Good, Be Kind, Be Honest

Student.  A burning desire for the mastery of not only his martial arts but of himself has led Arthur D’Agostino on a truly amazing journey that has spanned close to fifty years.  This warrior’s journey has led him to train with some of China’s most respected and accomplished teachers.  These teachers include Master Li Enjiu of the Hong Style Practical Method Chen Taiqi system and Taiqi Plum Flower Praying Mantis system, Master Chan Poi of the Hua Lin Tam Tui Northern Praying Mantis system, and Qi Gong and Taoist Self Cultivation with Taoist Master Ni Hua Ching.  As well as training with these famous masters, Master D’Agostino has trained at the legendary Shao Lin Temple on his many pilgrimages to China.

Competitor.  A gifted athlete, he received many accolades in his early days as an outstanding wrestler, winning many tournaments and championships.  This trend continued as he competed in martial arts events, winning at every level he competed at.  The culmination of his tournament career came in 1989 where, after taking a 10 year rest from the competitive circuit to focus on teaching, he was talked back into one more competition and was ranked as the number one practitioner of Chinese martial arts at the prestigious 1989 International Championships in Houston, Texas. This honor is the highest given in the U.S. to a Kung Fu practitioner.

Teacher.  Master D’Agostino has consistently taught his students to excel in the martial arts.  He has trained over 30 national champions since 1994 and his teams have won numerous gold, silver & bronze medals at major national & international events, making them some of the most competitive athletes in Chinese martial arts.

Arthur D'Agostino, Whit McClendon, Israel Flores

Master.  Recently, Master D’Agostino opened the Shang Wu Farm, a 13 acre spread in Florida with lakes, grazing horses, and all the kung fu a student could hope for.  The Farm has live-in quarters for his close door students and all classes are done outside.  He also is the head of the Shang Wu Association in North America and also the head of the Shang Wu Instructors Guild.

"Train hard, live long."

—Master Art D'Agostino