Thomas Wright (l) and Aquinas Pizur practice a Kung Fu drill. When Mark Hill wanted to continue his Martial Arts training after moving to Columbia, S. C., from his home in N. Y., he chose the Lam Tang Kung Fu Academy.

The school has been open nearly 25 years and offers a variety of disciplines from healing and meditation to wrestling and Hasayfu Hung Gar — a rare, old style of Kung Fu. The variety the Kung Fu School offers is one reason Hill chose it. “Whatever I wanted to learn, I could get under one roof,” he said.

And since Hill began taking private lessons seven years ago he began training to be an instructor at the school.

But the most important discipline the school teaches is that of kindness. The school’s Sifu, or teacher, Saleem Alumadeen teaches students the importance of helping their neighbor and challenges them to be involved in their community.

Some of the Lam Tang students that participated in community service in 2009 are (l-r) (front row) Juan Castro, and Aquinas Pizur; (back row) Thomas Wright, Christopher Larsen, Rob Bush, Brandon Haltiwanger, and Tyler Scott. Alumadeen said giving back to the community is quickly becoming part of the school’s philosophy. He has gained a lot throughout his career and education in Kung Fu. “We want to give as much as we’ve received over the last 25 years,” he said.

The school adopted two children from the Angel Tree — an outreach that provides Christmas gifts to inmate’s children through the community’s help — and participated in various food drives from local food banks over the holiday season. “We’re just trying to be a good neighbor,” said Hill.

Aquinas Pizur is also training to be an instructor. He helped organize the charitable drives. “Kung Fu is about more than just physical activity,” he said.

Alumadeen said the school plans to sponsor in 2010 at least two more children who need food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities. This charitable effort will coincide with the school’s 25th anniversary in August.

For more information about the Lam Tang Kung Fu Academy, visit www.hasayfu.com or call 606-5672.