New studio in Sagamore Square teaches centuries-old martial arts technique

by Kathleen Steele Gaivin 

Cleveland native Alva Gilbert Ervin has opened Shaolin Kung Fu Institute in Sagamore Square at 500 W. Aurora Rd. As head instructor, she teaches Northern Shaolin kung fu, a centuries-old style of martial arts that originated in northern China, as well as tai chi.  

Ervin attended Kent State University and graduated from Cleveland State University. She later began learning martial arts; it was something she always wanted to try, and she began teaching in 1992. In class, she met her first instructor and future husband, John. They have four children.  

The Sagamore Hills studio, which opened this summer, is one of several Shaolin studios they own in Northeast Ohio.  

Shaolin kung fu is a system that teaches empty-handed combat and sparring. Ervin said it is an external form of martial arts, as it works on the physical body with things like stretching and bending. Children’s kung fu classes teach discipline, focus, self-confidence and self-defense. Adult classes focus on flexibility, health and fitness, stress management and self-defense.  

Ervin also teaches tai chi, which she said focuses more on the internal person. It is less intense, with gliding movements and meditation.  

The studio accepts students as young as 3. It depends on the maturity of the child, Ervin said. There is no upper age limit.  

“You’re never too old to start,” she said.  

Her oldest student is in her 50s, and she has taught students in their 70s. Arthritis, bad knees or a bad back shouldn’t hold you back, she said.  

“We modify [instruction] to what the student needs for mental and physical benefits,” Ervin said.  

Classes are offered in person in Sagamore Hills. When things began to shut down in March, Shaolin Kung Fu Institute offered remote classes from one of its other locations. Ervin is open to discussing remote learning if students are interested.  

For more information, contact Shaolin Kung Fu Institute at 330-748-4044. 

Feature image photo caption: Alva Ervin leads a class at the Shaolin Kung Fu Institute. She recently opened a studio in Sagamore Square. Photo courtesy Alva Ervin