As a new school year approaches, many parents are looking for ways to help their children build confidence, improve focus, and navigate life's challenges. At Kung Fu Academy of North Texas, martial arts training goes beyond self-defense, helping students develop skills that support personal growth both on and off the mat.
At the heart of the academy are co-owners and husband-and-wife team Sifu Cory Gilbert and Mallory Gilbert. Together, they have built a family-focused martial arts school dedicated to helping students develop confidence, discipline, and character. While Cory leads instruction on the training floor, Mallory oversees operations, student experience, and community engagement, helping create the welcoming atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the academy.
Sifu Cory's 25-year Kung Fu journey began in college and grew into a lifelong passion. After earning multiple black belts and teaching under respected masters, he brought his vision of disciplined, high-quality instruction to North Texas. His background in endurance sports and wellness helps shape the academy's focus on strength, mobility, resilience, and personal growth.
“Today's children and teens are growing up in a world filled with distractions, constant screen time, social pressures, and increasing levels of anxiety,” says Sifu Cory. “Martial arts provide a structured environment where students are challenged, encouraged, and held accountable.”
As parents themselves, Cory and Mallory understand the challenges families face when balancing school, activities, and personal development. They intentionally designed the academy to be a place where students can grow in confidence and character while families feel connected and supported.
Through regular training, students develop focus, discipline, perseverance, respect, and confidence, all skills that carry into the classroom and everyday life. While many families enroll for self-defense, Mallory says they are often most impressed by the personal growth they see in their children.
“Self-defense is sometimes what brings families through our doors, but the personal growth is what keeps them coming back,” she says. “Many parents notice improvements in confidence, focus, listening skills, self-control, and perseverance.”
The academy teaches that confidence is earned through effort. As students master new skills and advance through belt promotions, they build confidence through achievement.
“We believe confidence is earned, not given,” says Sifu Cory. “Students gain confidence by accomplishing things they once thought were difficult.”
Goal setting is a key part of training. Through the belt system, students learn to break big goals into achievable steps while building patience and persistence. Beyond weekly classes, students can participate in tournaments, demonstrations, leadership programs, camps, seminars, and community events that build leadership skills, friendships, and teamwork.
Respect and character development remain at the core of every class, with students learning accountability, humility, integrity, and kindness along the way. For families considering martial arts for the first time, Sifu Cory wants them to know that experience and athletic ability are not prerequisites.
“Our focus is on growth, not perfection,” he says. “Our classes are welcoming, family-friendly, and designed to meet students where they are.”
Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand leadership programs, self-defense education, community events, and special training opportunities. For Sifu Cory, the greatest reward is seeing students realize their potential and grow into confident leaders.
500 N Custer Rd Ste 110, McKinney
972.746.9980