Chien Hong School of Kung Fu

We hired Gary and his team for lion dancing at our wedding 8/23/25. They did absolutely AMAZING. It was an incredible experience, and it really made our special night so memorable. We highly recommend!!

Kung Fu is more than just a martial art. It is a lifestyle of self-improvement. Shifu means master, someone who has practiced and refined their art until they know it inside and out. Someone who has dedicated their entire life to the craft. That’s what Shifu Gary Mitchell is. If you come to this school and stick around, I know you will become a better person. I know your life will improve, because that is what has happened to mine.

I have been studying Qigong and Tai Chi with Shifu Gary for 6 months now. Gary has dedicated his life to martial arts and it shows in the way that he runs his school. He is a great instructor that takes time to get to know his students and is tentative to their needs. If you are considering studying martial arts I would highly recommend that you stop by his school to learn more about him and his classes. I have been enjoying his instruction so much that my wife even enrolled in his school and has been studying with him for several weeks now too.

Shifu Gary was highly recommended by one of my wife's teacher friends when we were looking for an authentic Kung Fu school. When we brought our child to the Chien Hong school for the first time, we were attracted not only by the room setting, but also by the environment Shifu created: discipline, respect and community. Our child has been in this school for more than a year, and he enjoys it as much as his first time. Shifu’s teaching style is clear, firm and strict, but also very fair and engaging with the children. The most unique part of this school is its culture. My wife is Chinese, and she can see Shifu’s deep understanding of the philosophy behind the Kung Fu by his teaching, and the way he treats the students and parents. If you are just looking for your children to get some fun and exercise, this place may not fit. But if you want to join a community dedicated to respect, discipline, and personal growth, you should definitely come to see the school for yourself.

Shifu Gary Mitchell is the real deal. He moved to Taiwan to study under a traditional master for years, and it shows. His knowledge of not just the moves but also the art and culture of Kung Fu is encyclopedic. He’s also keenly perceptive as a teacher, and is incredibly good at pushing students to their limits but not too far, whether they are adults or even kids. The class I’ve been in is a diverse group that has become like family and it’s been great for both my physical and mental fitness. I strongly recommend this school to anyone considering martial arts in Atlanta. Even if you’re not close, it’s worth the drive.

I have always wanted to learn Kung Fu. Discovering Chien Hong School was and continues to be a real blessing. Shifu Gary Mitchell has over 40 years of experience! Not only do you learn fighting applications but also the history, meaning, and tradition of the styles. This school is for the student looking for a real traditional Kung Fu experience with a great sense of fellowship between students and teacher. Highly recommend!!!

After almost 3 decades in martial arts I discovered Chien Hong School of Kung Fu in Decatur GA. I wanted to get back into martial arts after taking a break for a few years and having moved to Georgia from Los Angeles, looked into different martial arts school in the Atlanta area. I was happy to meet Shifu Gary Mitchell and started taking classes at Chien Hong School of Kung Fu. Shifu Gary Mitchell is the real deal, and you can immediately tell his commitment and his knowledge to the art through his movements and lessons. Plus he teaches Hong Quan (southern style 5 animal kung fu) which is unique compared to many standard "northern / traditional" styles you see offered everywhere else. Lastly, the fact that he loves 80s action movies as much as I do is also a great bonus. In addition to kung fu which has 5 classes a week, he teaches Tai Qi, Wing Chun, Lion Dance (with a performance team), and self defense courses. Plus private lessons to build around your schedule. Classes are adapted to people's knowledge and fitness level, and push people forward as they advance. Also be aware when you come to this school, you will learn actual Kung Fu, it's not just some cardio exercise class. (though you will be sweating at the end of each class) I've been training here for just over a year now, and having experienced many different teachers and schools previously. I can say if you want to learn Kung Fu, or any martial art really, you should come train at Chien Hong. The school's knowledge, commitment to the art, and authenticity is top notch, and really that's what you want in any martial arts school.

I have been training at Chien Hong for years, and I have found Shifu Gary to be a great teacher with passion, encyclopedic knowledge and a straightforward no-nonsense approach. Not only that but the material being taught is top notch. Whether you are looking for fitness, self defense or you are interested in Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, Chien Hong is the best choice in the Atlanta area.