Answers for New and Returning Students.
Learn more about our training, class structure, traditions, and what to expect when you begin.
Whether you are new to martial arts or returning to training, these answers will help you understand how Golden Steel approaches practice, progress, and class etiquette.
No. Golden Steel Athletic Association follows a traditional kung fu family structure rather than a belt-ranking system. Your instructor is your sifu, which means teacher. Senior students are treated like older brothers and sisters, and newer students are treated like younger brothers and sisters. This structure emphasizes respect, responsibility, humility, and care for the training community.
Students still progress, but advancement is measured through consistent practice, improved skill, deeper understanding, and the trust of the instructor rather than by colored belts. The goal is to grow as a martial artist and as a member of the school.
No experience is required. Beginners are welcome. New students are introduced to basic stances, footwork, hand techniques, conditioning, and class etiquette at a pace appropriate for their level.
Your first class will likely include warmups, stance work, basic techniques, movement drills, and an introduction to how we train. You do not need to know anything in advance. Come ready to listen, move, and learn.
Wear comfortable workout clothes that allow you to move freely. A T-shirt, athletic pants, and clean training shoes are fine for your first class. Avoid jewelry or anything that could catch, tear, or interfere with movement.
No. Training is how you build strength, flexibility, stamina, and coordination. Students are encouraged to work at a responsible pace and improve over time.
Classes are open to students of different experience levels. Beginners, returning martial artists, and experienced practitioners are welcome. If you have questions about age, physical limitations, or whether the class is a good fit, contact us before visiting.
Golden Steel Athletic Association meets in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District:
Golden Steel Athletic Association
International District/Chinatown Community Center
719 8th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104
Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Sifu Shawn Miller
Related classes are also taught by Sifu Ricky Thatsanavongsa through Golden Sun Athletic Association:
Golden Sun Athletic Association — Renton
Family First Community Center
16200 116th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98058
Phone: 425-517-0810
Instructor: Sifu Ricky Thatsanavongsa
Golden Sun Athletic Association — Tukwila
Tukwila Community Center
12424 42nd Avenue South, Tukwila, WA 98168
Phone: 206-768-2822
Instructor: Sifu Ricky Thatsanavongsa
Please contact the appropriate community center or instructor to confirm current class times before visiting.
Please contact Golden Steel Athletic Association, Golden Sun Athletic Association, or the appropriate community center for current class fees and registration details.
All of the above. Golden Steel teaches Baat Ying Baat Faat, a neoclassical kung fu system rooted in traditional Chinese martial arts. Training includes forms, basics, partner drills, conditioning, weapons practice, and practical application.
Forms are a way to preserve and practice the lessons of the system. They help students develop structure, balance, coordination, stamina, timing, and proper technique. Forms are not the whole art, but they are an important tool for understanding how the art works.
Yes. Partner training helps students develop timing, distance, control, awareness, and practical understanding. Partner work is introduced responsibly and with respect for safety and skill level.
Yes, sparring and live partner work may be part of training when students are ready. The goal is to build control, composure, timing, strategy, and the ability to apply techniques safely and responsibly.
Yes. Weapons training is part of the curriculum. Students may learn staff, saber, straight sword, spear, and other traditional weapons as they progress. Weapons practice develops coordination, strength, focus, timing, and range awareness.
Students are expected to train respectfully, listen to instruction, support their classmates, and practice safely. Humility, discipline, patience, and consistency are important parts of training.
Progress is measured through improvement in movement, control, understanding, endurance, coordination, and confidence. Over time, techniques become clearer, stances become stronger, and forms become more natural.
Yes. Visitors are welcome to contact us about observing or trying a class. Watching a class can help you understand the training environment and decide whether the school is a good fit.
Contact us, visit during class time, or come prepared to try a beginner-friendly class. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, and arrive with an open mind.
The Golden Steel Athletic Association class in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is taught by Sifu Shawn Miller. Related Golden Sun Athletic Association classes in Renton and Tukwila are taught by Sifu Ricky Thatsanavongsa. Other instructors may assist with training, events, or special sessions.