A Complete Art For Body & Mind!

Learn to fight | cultivate discipline | sharpen concentration | develop wisdom.
Our Tempe, AZ, martial arts classes will help you develop self-defense skills, cultivate discipline, sharpen concentration, and develop wisdom.

Learn to Fight

Empower Yourself with Self-Defense Skills

In an unpredictable world, self-defense situations can arise suddenly and unexpectedly. When every second counts, the police are only minutes away. It’s a stark reality that we are all our own first responders!

Now, take a moment and ask yourself how your life would change

  •  If you were less afraid of things that go bump in the night?
  • If you could confidently walk through a parking lot late at night?
  • Or if you could stand up to that schoolyard bully without a second thought?

Self-defense isn’t just about fighting back; it’s about projecting an aura of confidence.

Learn to fight!

Criminals are always on the lookout for easy prey. When you carry yourself with assurance, you’re less likely to be targeted. And if you are? Predators are more likely to abandon their attack upon realizing you’re not the easy target they assumed. If they persist, you’ll have the tools to create an opportunity to escape. And if escape isn’t an option, you’ll possess the skills to “finish the fight.”

So, how do we instill this confidence and skill in you? Through our unique partner training methods known as spinning and sticky hands. These drills are not only safe but also fun and challenging. 

Our approach embodies the philosophy of Bruce Lee, who famously said, “Be water, my friend.” This philosophy emphasizes being present, formless, and neutral, akin to water, which effortlessly adapts to its surroundings. In martial arts, it means responding intuitively to the situation at hand, making our approach simple, fluid, and adaptable.

What Makes Us Special?

Simple, Fluid & Adaptable

Discover the transformative power of I Liq Chuan, the Martial Art of Awareness! Our unique approach blends ancient wisdom with an innovative curriculum, offering a systematic and logical approach to martial arts. It’s not about memorizing techniques; it’s about understanding the principles behind them, allowing you to move, adapt, and apply them freely in any situation. Our clear and structured pathway guides you to mastery, focusing on key skills and qualities.

Join Us Risk Free!

30 Day Trial

Unlock your potential with Falling Leaves Kung Fu! Unlike other schools that focus solely on group instruction, leaving new students feeling lost and frustrated, we offer a balanced hybrid approach. We combine the energy and diversity of group classes with the focus and precision of one-on-one instruction, ensuring you grasp the nuances, avoid unnecessary injuries and start from a strong foundation from the get-go. Worried about commitment? We’ve got you covered with a 30-day trial and a no-questions-asked refund policy, allowing you to explore martial arts with peace of mind. Plus, enjoy exclusive bonuses and discounts when you join. Start your journey with us and experience the transformative power of martial arts!

Ready to transform your life and unlock a world of confidence, awareness, and mastery? Dive into the enriching world of I Liq Chuan and become your own beacon of strength and assurance.


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I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed taking these classes for the last few months. Sifu Ashe breaks down all of the teachings and principles in a very detailed but easy-to-understand manner and gives each of his students equal attention and instruction. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill “karate” class. This is truly martial arts of the mind and body, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

~Myron
five stars

Cultivate Self-Discipline

Unlock Your True Path To Happiness!

We all want to be happier with our lives. It’s normal to think to ourselves, “If only I had more, I’d be happier.” More time, more money, more, more, more! But what if real happiness doesn’t come from having more but from having less?  Less of the things that bring us unhappiness…

We are all frequently our own worst enemies, making choices in the short term that sabotage our efforts to improve our lives and live happier, more fulfilling existences. We trade the “far” for the “near” when we don’t know how to deal with the anxiety and discomfort that comes with saying “no” to our immediate cravings and impulses.

"Discipline equals freedom." Jokko Willink

Diet & Lifestyle

We’ve all been there. That immediate pang of desire when we see a tempting treat or feel the urge for a drink after a grueling day. Saying “no” in that instant feels like the hardest thing imaginable, a discomfort that seems unbearable. But the irony is when we give in to these short-term impulses, we avoid the immediate discomfort of denying our cravings, but we unwittingly invite a more profound, lingering discomfort. The emotional turmoil when we’re unhappy with our reflection, the physical strain when our expanding waistlines make even the simplest tasks, like tying our shoes, a challenge. The bloated feeling after succumbing to fast food, the unease of gas, or the wild, roller-coaster swings in our energy levels. And let’s not forget the sleepless nights spent binge-watching Netflix or YouTube, only to combat the next day’s fatigue with copious amounts of coffee or energy drinks.

Finances

Believe me, I’ve walked the challenging path of financial missteps. Not once, but twice, I’ve had to face the humbling experience of filing for bankruptcy. I remember the sinking feeling of standing in line at the grocery store or the gas station, praying that my checking account had enough to cover the bill after one too many “buy now, pay later” decisions. It’s a dread that’s hard to shake, the constant worry of whether the next swipe of the card will be the one that breaks the bank. But through martial arts, I’ve learned the value of discipline, of understanding the true cost of instant gratification, and the importance of making choices today that set us up for a better tomorrow.

“Discipline is the foundation upon which all success is built.” ~ Jordan B Peterson

The practice of martial arts is as much about studying the nature of the mind as it is the body.  When you begin to understand how our minds work, you come to realize that thoughts and feelings come and go like the wind. It’s a simple truth but profound in its implications. 

How does martial arts build discipline?

Water Can Flow, Or It Can Crash

In the practice of martial arts, there’s a profound lesson that permeates beyond the physical techniques and into the realms of our mental and emotional well-being: the art of learning to relax under pressure. It’s a principle deeply embedded in the training and philosophy of martial arts.

The Old Masters often said: “吃苦” (chī kǔ). Directly translated, it means “eat bitterness.”

“Eating bitter” embodies the idea of enduring hardship, embracing challenges, and willingly undergoing trials and tribulations to emerge stronger and wiser. It’s about recognizing that the path to mastery, whether in martial arts or life, is paved with difficulties.

Imagine being in a stance, muscles quivering, as you maintain a position that puts your physical endurance to the test. Or being in a sparring session, where every fiber of your being might want to quit, to pull away from the challenge and the confrontation. It’s in these moments that martial arts teaches us to relax, to breathe, to adapt, and to flow with the pressure, like water.

This isn’t about enduring pain or pushing through blindly. It’s about conscious, mindful adaptation. It’s about recognizing the discomfort, acknowledging it, and learning to be at peace with it. It’s about learning to navigate through the pressure, to find a path through it without allowing it to overwhelm us.

“Discipline is doing the thing you hate like you love it.” ~Mike Tyson

In martial arts, we repeatedly expose ourselves to these uncomfortable situations, not as a form of punishment, but as a method of teaching our minds and bodies to adapt, to find serenity within the struggle. It’s a practice that allows us to detach from the immediate emotional and physical responses to observe them without being overwhelmed by them.

And this principle becomes a metaphor for life. The financial strains, the dietary challenges, the daily stresses – they become the sparring partners that we learn to navigate with stillness and clarity. The dojo becomes a microcosm of the world, where we practice not just physical techniques but mental and emotional strategies that empower us in every facet of life.

In essence, martial arts doesn’t just teach us how to fight; it teaches us how to live, providing us with the tools to embrace each moment of each challenge with greater ease, turning discomfort into a pathway toward personal growth and inner peace. We learn to recognize that discomfort is only temporary and that we have the power to endure a little bit of temporary suffering. When we develop this skill, our fleeting thoughts and impulses lose control over our behavior; instead, we are in control. When we look in the mirror, we don’t see someone who has let us down repeatedly, who has betrayed us over and over again for their own short-term happiness; we see someone we can trust.  We see someone looking back at us that we know we can rely on when the chips are down.

What would your life look like when you develop discipline? Will you:

  • Lose 20 pounds?
  • Finally get in shape?
  • Get more sleep?
  • Develop stronger relationships?
  • Build financial peace?

Discover the Path to Your Best Self with Our Unique Martial Arts Training

Guided by the wisdom of GM Sam Chin, my mentor for over two decades, our philosophy is clear: “We are not training to be the best, but to bring out the best in ourselves—and in each other.” Our classes aren’t just about mastering techniques; they’re about forging discipline, resilience, and character.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  1. Community of Excellence: Step into an environment where everyone is invested in your success. Our community is a collective of like-minded individuals, all on a journey to better themselves.
  2. Elevate Together: You won’t be walking this path alone. Surrounded by peers who consistently uphold higher standards, you’ll be inspired and challenged to rise to the occasion every single class.

Join us, and let’s bring out the best in each other.

Discipline is the master key that unlocks improvement in every facet of our lives. Whether in our personal relationships, careers, health, or passions, discipline paves the way for growth, success, and fulfillment. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as the doors to your best life swing wide open.

Join Us Risk-Free!

Don’t let another moment slip by in the waiting room of potential. Discipline is your ticket to a life transformed, and our community is here to support every step of your journey. Dive into a world where growth is not just a goal, but a shared mission. Are you ready to unlock your true potential? Our commitment to your success is unwavering, and that’s why we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Join us now and take the first step towards a brighter future.


“I’ve gone to several Kung Fu/Tai Chi schools in the past, but this one surpasses them all.

You will not regret training with these guys.”

Dave W.

Which Martial Art Is Right For Me?

Are you considering starting your martial arts journey but overwhelmed by the vast options available? Are you asking yourself, “which martial art should I learn?” Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article aims to guide you through the exciting world of martial arts training.

Read: Which Martial Art Should I Learn?

Which martial art should I learn?

Veterans & LEO Discounts

Use the button below to ask about our military and public service officers’ discounts!

We love our service members and public safety officers! If you’re active duty military, a veteran, or a member of our local public services like fire and police, we’d love to have you as part of our classes, and we want to thank you for your service by offering you a discount!


Ancient Solutions For Modern Problems

In modern times, ancient practices like traditional martial arts may seem obsolete, but they are more important than ever. Anxiety and distraction are becoming public health epidemics in today’s digital world. The ways of the old masters bring mind and body together. They help you find your center; from the center, stillness and clarity can arise. You feel focused, calm, and confident.


Overcome Adversity & Limiting Thoughts

By definition, martial arts teaches us the skills to deal with adversity. Our greatest obstacles are often self-imposed by our limiting thoughts and feelings.

There is no more urgent, intense, or difficult experience than fighting another person. Training to fight can help you discover what your true limits are. It can empower you in every area of life, not just because you can fight but because you discover what you’re truly capable of when you know yourself.


Develop Real Connections

While social media has us in contact with friends, family, and coworkers more than ever, it often also divides us. The old institutions that used to unite us have largely broken down, and many people feel isolated and alone. Self-defense training can be difficult and sometimes painful; nothing brings people together more than shared struggles. During partner training, we put our safety in the hands of our training partners.

When you join our classes, you become part of a community united by our mutual hard work, trust, and respect.


“Don’t waste your time searching anymore, just go see Sifu and experience I Liq Chuan for yourself. You won’t regret it.”

~Rick W.

Group Class

If you’re in Tempe, AZ (or the East Valley)

Safe, controlled partner exercises teach self-defense skills in a fun, exciting way while improving self-confidence, concentration, coordination, and stamina.

Learn more about our adults-only martial arts classes here.

Online Classes

In 2020, with the increase in demand for online classes worldwide, we began offering a weekly live Q&A class to make remote learning possible.

If you are interested in learning remotely with Ashe, you can learn more about our online martial arts zoom classes here.

Fit To Fight

Many people are interested in joining a martial arts class to lose weight and get in shape.

Martial arts can be a great choice of activity, and at the same time, many people need to make different choices outside of their martial arts class (or other activity) to see the results they really want.


Aside from this art being the most comprehensive internal martial art to which I have been exposed (have practiced Taiji since 1965), Ashe is able to convey it like few others that I’ve met. This is a rare find.

Roger S.

“It’s a true martial art. It’s not a sport, where you only learn to score points, and it’s also not a self-defense system, where you just learn a few techniques that work most of the time. It’s a martial art, where you learn the principles and their application and then use time and effort to master them.”

~Barry

About Our Instructor

I Liq Chuan Instructor Ashe Higgs

Get to know our instructor Ashe Higgs! Ashe has been teaching martial arts in Tempe, Arizona, since 2005 and is one of the world’s highest-ranking I Liq Chuan students. You can find out more about who he is and how he got started with martial arts by clicking here.


Had a great experience in my private lesson. Got clear instructions on the basic principles with good, simple but thorough explanations and powerful demonstrations of this fascinating martial art!

~Collin
five stars

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