Upcoming events.
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
Tournament Prep Class with Shifu Cheyenne
Make it stand out
Shifu Cheyenne is a seasoned competitor, and will offer training to students who wish to optimize their performances during the upcoming tournament season.
New England Kung Fu
4 Jackson Court, Unit C
Oxford, MA 01540
$25 to drop in
$80 pre-paid
Minimum of 5 students required
Email Shifu Cheyenne to register.
3rd Chinese Martial Arts Autumn Invitational
3rd Annual Chinese Martial Arts Autumn Invitational
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2NDFore Kicks II Indoor & Outdoor Sports Complex
219 Forest Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
Doors at 8am, competition starts at 9am sharp.
Pre-registration only! Registration will be online soon. Check tournament site for details.
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
Adult Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all teen and adult students.
Enter the Dungeon
Join our extended Kung Fu family in New York for this wonderful opportunity not just to work with Shigong Gary’s teacher Shitaigong Gregg, but also Shitaigong Gregg’s teachers, Master Kwong and Master Ortiz.
It is very rare for a martial arts school to have three living generations of students and instructors; five is practically unheard of, so please do not miss this chance to work with some incredibly skilled and sought-after teachers. We’re very fortunate to have them in our orbit.
Students who attended Shitaigong Gregg’s workshop in August will have a chance to review short sticks.
Carpooling available!
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Kung Fu Test
Kung Fu Test
Saturday November 22nd
11:15am-12:30pm
Metrowest Kung Fu
69 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754
Ranking candidates will test for their sashes. In order to qualify, students must complete all charting and/or sign-offs by Saturday November 8th. This includes the $35 sash fee.
All students are encouraged to attend and support their classmates. Attendance is mandatory for black sashes. Photos and videos are welcome!
Adult Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all teen and adult students.
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
F.A.M.A. Tournament & Celebration
17th Annual F.A.M.A. Tournament & Celebration
Dana Barros Basketball Club
1776 Washington Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
We’ll be joining our friends from Bridgewater Martial Arts who are hosting this fun, friendly, and well-organized tournament.
This is an open tournament, meaning there are other martial arts styles besides Kung Fu, including a full contact fighting division.
This is a very beginner-friendly tournament. Contact us with any questions!
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.
Kung Fu Ranking
Kung Fu Ranking
Saturday December 6th, 10-11am
Metrowest Kung Fu
69 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754
Students who pass the Kung Fu Test November 22nd will receive their new sashes during this formal ceremony. All students are encouraged to attend. Participation is mandatory for black sashes.
This is a joyous occasion to celebrate our students’ accomplishments in Kung Fu. As such, family and friends are welcome, photos and videos are encouraged.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Holiday Stroll
Holiday Stroll with DOWSHU
Saturday December 6th, 5:45-8pm
Metrowest Kung Fu
Each December, the Maynard Business Alliance sponsors this festive event in celebration of the holidays. The evening begins in Memorial Park with holiday carols and the countdown to the lighting of the tree and menorah. Live music, refreshments, and decorated storefronts help make the season bright.
Metrowest Kung Fu will be featuring Sudbury-based jazz ensemble DOWSHU (Depends On Who SHows Up), Jo Gao Mark’s band which presents the sweet and sultry side of jazz standards, covering great songs ranging from Ellington swing to Jobim’s Bossa Nova.
We hope to see you there!
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
Adult Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all teen and adult students.
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Tournament Prep Class with Shifu Cheyenne
Make it stand out
Shifu Cheyenne is a seasoned competitor, and will offer training to students who wish to optimize their performances during the upcoming tournament season.
New England Kung Fu
4 Jackson Court, Unit C
Oxford, MA 01540
$25 to drop in
$80 pre-paid
Minimum of 5 students required
Email Shifu Cheyenne to register.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.
Beginner Yoga Series with Sam Shipman
Curious about yoga? Want to feel more confident and connected in your practice? Come join Sam Shipman for a welcoming series of four classes. We'll explore the foundational poses of yoga, focusing on proper alignment and providing modifications so you can move safely and mindfully. Whether you're a beginner or a regular on the mat, this series offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and build strength. Each 60-minute session includes a targeted warm-up and an optional 15-minute cool-down.
The class will run for 4 weeks on Fridays 6:30-7:30pm:
- Friday September 26th
- Friday October 3rd
- Friday October 17th
- Friday October 24th
Cost
$20/class
Students may pay the full price up front ($80) or per class
Members may use their punch cards or monthly memberships
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Maynard Drum Circle
Hello fellow drummers, dancers, and friends!
Thank you to everyone who participated in past MDC events.
● The MDC is a freestyle drum & dance event. No hand-drum or dance experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome!
● The cost is $5 per adult. Kids 12 and under are free, but require adult supervision. Accepted forms of payment are cash or Venmo.
● There is ample street parking, as well as the "basin" parking lot flanked by Summer, Nason and Main Streets. Since it's a Sunday, parking is free.
● There will be some extra djembes and other percussive instruments for anyone who needs to borrow, but you're encouraged to bring your own if you have them. Didgeridoos and Native American flutes are also welcome.
● Several folding chairs and stools will be available, but you may want to bring your own for maximum comfort.
● Drumming will start by 2:15pm and go til 4:30pm. There will be a short social/snack break in the middle. You can arrive at any time (once doors open at 2pm) and leave when you must.
● Water, summery non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks will be provided, though you are welcome to bring something to share if you'd like.
● I will be raffling off something drum-related, TBD - you'll just have to come to the drum circle to find out!
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who you think would be interested in participating! You can also find this event on Facebook. Please share widely! RSVPs are encouraged so that I have a rough idea of how many people are coming.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me (MaynardDrumCircle@gmail.com) with any questions.
Thanks!
~Betsey
Cervizzi's Martial Arts Fall Invitational Karate Tournament
Cervizzi’s Martial Arts Boston Fall Invitational Karate Tournament
Malden Catholic High School
99 Crystal Street
Malden, MA 02148
Schedule is TBD. This is the best-organized tournament we attend, be even so, plan accordingly; tournaments are an all-day event.
We’ll be joining our friends from Cervizzi’s Martial Arts for their biannual tournament.
Competing is not a mandatory part of the Metrowest Kung Fu curriculum, but it’s an important part of a student’s development in the arts of Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Competition holds a mirror up to the student and the reflection shows where the student’s strengths and weaknesses are in their training.
As with other competitive sports, it’s also a good opportunity for students to test themselves by performing in front of a crowd, to win humbly and lose gracefully.
Importantly, it’s also an opportunity to meet other martial arts practitioners and witness other styles of martial arts.
We hope our school will have a strong representation at this event, both in terms of the number of competitors, as well as the quality of our Kung Fu and Tai Chi!
Tournament Prep Class with Shifu Cheyenne
Make it stand out
Shifu Cheyenne is a seasoned competitor, and will offer training to students who wish to optimize their performances during the upcoming tournament season.
New England Kung Fu
4 Jackson Court, Unit C
Oxford, MA 01540
$25 to drop in
$80 pre-paid
Minimum of 5 students required
Email Shifu Cheyenne to register.
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Beginner Yoga Series with Sam Shipman
Curious about yoga? Want to feel more confident and connected in your practice? Come join Sam Shipman for a welcoming series of four classes. We'll explore the foundational poses of yoga, focusing on proper alignment and providing modifications so you can move safely and mindfully. Whether you're a beginner or a regular on the mat, this series offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and build strength. Each 60-minute session includes a targeted warm-up and an optional 15-minute cool-down.
The class will run for 4 weeks on Fridays 6:30-7:30pm:
- Friday September 26th
- Friday October 3rd
- Friday October 17th
- Friday October 24th
Cost
$20/class
Students may pay the full price up front ($80) or per class
Members may use their punch cards or monthly memberships
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Adult Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all teen and adult students.
Tournament Prep Class with Shifu Cheyenne
Make it stand out
Shifu Cheyenne is a seasoned competitor, and will offer training to students who wish to optimize their performances during the upcoming tournament season.
New England Kung Fu
4 Jackson Court, Unit C
Oxford, MA 01540
$25 to drop in
$80 pre-paid
Minimum of 5 students required
Email Shifu Cheyenne to register.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Beginner Yoga Series with Sam Shipman
Curious about yoga? Want to feel more confident and connected in your practice? Come join Sam Shipman for a welcoming series of four classes. We'll explore the foundational poses of yoga, focusing on proper alignment and providing modifications so you can move safely and mindfully. Whether you're a beginner or a regular on the mat, this series offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and build strength. Each 60-minute session includes a targeted warm-up and an optional 15-minute cool-down.
The class will run for 4 weeks on Fridays 6:30-7:30pm:
- Friday September 26th
- Friday October 3rd
- Friday October 17th
- Friday October 24th
Cost
$20/class
Students may pay the full price up front ($80) or per class
Members may use their punch cards or monthly memberships
Beginner Kung Fu with Jo Gao Yaron
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30pmStarting May 7th.
For students thirteen years old and older.
This class is designed specifically for beginner students, and will cover basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks. It will also include strength-building, cardio training, and stretching. Jo Gao Yaron will cover basic Kung Fu forms including Genesis Set, Shaolin Stance Form, Luohan Stance Form, and Connecting Fist.
There is no extra cost!
Read more about Jo Gao Yaron here.
Kids Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Black Sash Class with Shitaigong Gregg
Black sash students will be training with Shitaigong Gregg viz Zoom.
Cost: $20/student
Please pay Shifu Eliot via cash, check, or Venmo.
Maynard Drum Circle
Hello fellow drummers, dancers, and friends!
Thank you to everyone who participated in past MDC events.
● The MDC is a freestyle drum & dance event. No hand-drum or dance experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome!
● The cost is $5 per adult. Kids 12 and under are free, but require adult supervision. Accepted forms of payment are cash or Venmo.
● There is ample street parking, as well as the "basin" parking lot flanked by Summer, Nason and Main Streets. Since it's a Sunday, parking is free.
● There will be some extra djembes and other percussive instruments for anyone who needs to borrow, but you're encouraged to bring your own if you have them. Didgeridoos and Native American flutes are also welcome.
● Several folding chairs and stools will be available, but you may want to bring your own for maximum comfort.
● Drumming will start by 2:15pm and go til 4:30pm. There will be a short social/snack break in the middle. You can arrive at any time (once doors open at 2pm) and leave when you must.
● Water, summery non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks will be provided, though you are welcome to bring something to share if you'd like.
● I will be raffling off something drum-related, TBD - you'll just have to come to the drum circle to find out!
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who you think would be interested in participating! You can also find this event on Facebook. Please share widely! RSVPs are encouraged so that I have a rough idea of how many people are coming.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me (MaynardDrumCircle@gmail.com) with any questions.
Thanks!
~Betsey
Combined Sparring Class
New England Kung Fu
4 Jackson Court, Unit C
Oxford, MA 01540
The Oxford and Maynard schools will be training reaction skills (push hands and sparring) together.
Gear is required for sparring; if you do not have your own, you may borrow it from the school. The class is free, but cash donations to Shifu Gary are welcome.
Our sparring is safe and friendly; beginners are welcome.
Beginner Yoga Series with Sam Shipman
Curious about yoga? Want to feel more confident and connected in your practice? Come join Sam Shipman for a welcoming series of four classes. We'll explore the foundational poses of yoga, focusing on proper alignment and providing modifications so you can move safely and mindfully. Whether you're a beginner or a regular on the mat, this series offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding and build strength. Each 60-minute session includes a targeted warm-up and an optional 15-minute cool-down.
The class will run for 4 weeks on Fridays 6:30-7:30pm:
- Friday September 26th
- Friday October 3rd
- Friday October 17th
- Friday October 24th
Cost
$20/class
Students may pay the full price up front ($80) or per class
Members may use their punch cards or monthly memberships
Kung Fu Lab with Shigong Gary
Shigong Gary will be running a Kung Fu Lab.
This is an opportunity for teen and adult students (as well as Tiger Team) to attend a class in which Shigong Gary will do a deep dive on a specific form or technique.
Shigong Gary will run labs each month both in Maynard and Oxford. Students are welcome to attend both.
The first lab will be on Northern Style Fist 北派拳 (Běi Pài Quán).
Often referred to as Bāk Pài Quán (the Cantonese pronunciation) in our school, this form is a Zhǎngquán 長拳 (Northern Long Fist) form with Northern Shaolin 北少林拳 (Běi Shàolínquán) modifications. It was introduced to our curriculum by Sifu Joe Maury, and for many years, was the first form that students learned.
Date
Thursday September 25th
6:45-8pm
Location
Metrowest Kung Fu
69 Main Street
Maynard, MA 01754
Cost
$20/student. Cash preferred.
Lion Dance Class
We are proud to offer our school’s first lion dance classes.
These classes are open to all Kung Fu students ten-years-old and older, as well as Tiger Team students.
The class will meet every other Wednesday.
There is no fee but students will be expected to commit to the practice consistently in advance of an event.
Adult Sparring
We will be sparring. Students should bring their own sparring equipment if they have it:
Gloves
Helmets
Boots
Mouthguards
Cups (for male body students)
Shin guards (optional)
Chest protectors (optional)
Wraps (optional)
There are extra helmets, gloves, boots, and shin guards to borrow from the school.
Our sparring is safe and consensual. The best sparring gear is communication with your partner!
Kids Staff
We will be working on staff. Students should bring their own staff if they have one. If not, we have extras to borrow from the school. The class is beginner friendly and open to all students regardless of experience level.
Weapons are not toys. Even practice weapons can be dangerous, and need to be handled with respect and appreciation for the fact that they can cause serious injury. Students who cannot display sufficient self-control for weapon work will not be permitted to train during these classes.