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.

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 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.

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.

I contacted Shifu Mitchell to perform a dragon dance at my daughter's first birthday. We really wanted something different but exciting for our guests as well as leave a lasting impression - and Chien Hong delivered! There team of 4 (1 drummer, 1 cymbal and 2 dancers) were very professional. They arrived on time and even brought 2 sets of dragons for us to decide between: a vivid blue and a red. Based on their suggestion, we went with the blue since it would probably not frighten the young children and I am so happy, the dragon photographed beautifully! I cannot say enough great things about Shifu Mitchell and his team. They helped make our event so memborable!

I've been training at Chien Hong for a year now and have plans to be there for quite a while. I'm one of those who gets hopelessly bored at the gym, and elementary gym class flashbacks pretty much prevent me from ever going out for any team sport, ever, so martial arts is one of the few ways I can happily get a workout in. (Funny how the idea of a punch to the gut is way less frightening than the thought of hanging out in a baseball dugout, but apparently someone read way too much into Lord of the Flies as a child.) The school is run by Shi Fu Gary Mitchell, who has been training in kung fu for 20+ years. He offers traditional Hung Gar kung fu (for adults and for kids) as well as Tai Chi Chuan and self-defense, and there will also be a new Wing Chun class this fall. No matter the style, though, Shi Fu tailors the material depending on who is attending and what their level is. So, no two classes are the same: you may see elements of boot camp, shadow boxing, light sparring, etc., or you might focus on particular techniques (hand strikes, blocks, kicks, and so on). There is also a specific curriculum you have to know for your level, so you're always learning new things and finding ways to improve upon what you already know. Shi Fu is undoubtedly devoted to the art, so he has has high expectations for his students and is continually motivating us to give it our all. There's an awesome community at Chien Hong. The training brothers and sisters are super supportive and friendly, and they're always happy to answer questions and help you practice. Also, the school participates and performs in lots of activities around Atlanta--Chinese New Year and parades, notably--so that's pretty darn nifty to show off to your friends and family.

These folks are AWESOME! We have had the Chien Hong School perform at our library's Chinese New Year Celebration several times over the past five years, both the lion dance and their kung fu demonstration. We keep bringing them back because it is a terrific show. Shifu Gary is so personable! He manages his team well and is comfortable educating the audience about the traditions of the lion dance and Chinese New Year too. They always bring this big drum that fills the library with rhythm. The live drumming is a great touch. And the lion is absolutely charming. The team really knows how to bring it to life. These guys are serious professionals who know their stuff! There are moments I forget that there are more than one person inside the lion because the performers dance so seamlessly. The audience loves it when the lion bats its long eyelashes and wags its tail! The lion and his "trainer" dance together, play ball and more. When the lion moves from the stage area into the crowd the kids are so excited. They all want to touch it! The kung fu demonstration is great as well. I love that there are male AND female martial artists in the group - inspiring for all our kiddos! Shifu Gary shared some background information regarding the various forms of Kung Fu, then his performers demonstrated and finally the audience got to join in some punching and kicking action. Shifu Gary is a natural leader who had a room full of children following his every move. Many parents commented afterward what a great time they had and how impressed they were with Shifu Gary and the whole team.

I discovered Shifu Gary Mitchell when I first moved to Atlanta in 1995. I chose to study with him because I could tell immediately his commitment to tradition and authenticity in martial arts training, as well as philosophy and lifestyle. I learned so much more than just how to do kung fu techniques and forms. I learned discipline, tenacity, patience, humility, and I continue to learn from him even though I can't train at the moment. All of these things that I learned are amazing gifts that have helped me deal with very difficult things throughout my life. I don't think I could've survived some of the difficult things I've been through without my foundations from this training. After I recover from my injuries, I plan on learning Qi Gong.

I wanted to find a school that would honor the history of Kung Fu (and not just focus on fighting) while still being challenging physically. Chien Hong has been perfect for that, and I've been faithfully participating since mid-2015. It's not easy to progress here, but it's far more fulfilling as you'll truly understand the basics; that pays off more and more as you continue learning. I highly recommend Chien Hong for those that wish to honor the traditions more than they wish to fight.

I've been studying with Shifu Gary Mitchell for two years now, and both his ability to teach and his expertise and understanding of martial arts are clearly evident. Shifu teaches in a direct and organized manner, with deeper elements being layered onto a strong foundation over time. Very much attention is given to the basics to establish a strong understanding of the core mechanics and footwork that appear in a myriad of situations further in the training. Shifu demonstrates techniques effectively, both in form and practical application, and he explains clearly how they fit into the whole. On top of this, he has a great sense of humor, and it is clear he cares and takes pride in his students and school. I would recommend Chien Hong without hesitation to anyone interested in traditional martial arts.

I was in search of a school that not only focused on the fighting techniques of Kung Fu but also the religion of the art. I can say without a doubt I found exactly what I was looking for and more. I have had nothing but good experiences with Chien Hong, and I promote the school to anybody and everybody that will listen. Within just a few classes I noticed and experienced the special bond between the Shifu, or Master, and his students. Learning Kung Fu is about learning kindness, humility, and respect. And that is exactly what you'll get at this school.

This place is a gem. My son was having a lot of behavioral issues at school, and since attending Chien Hong, there has been a big change in his level of focus, his tolerance for frustration, and the choices he makes each day. Shr fu Gary suffers no fools and is very good natured, but he means business and takes the art of Kung Fu very seriously. Kids are not coddled here but they are treated with fairness and expected to be responsible for their actions. There are also classes for grown ups, which I can't speak for because I'm only at my kid's classes, but for anyone considering pursuing kung fu or Chi Gong, I highly recommend this school. It's got a lot of heart, and the price is extremely fair.