Our Sifu (Master Instructor)

Master Alvin Raúl Cardona began his training in 1976 at the age of 5 under Master José Zúñiga of the Dragon Academy of Chicago, learning both traditional Japanese Shori Goju Karate and Wing Chun Gung Fu.

In the early 80s, Master Cardona and his family moved to Tampa, Florida, where he was introduced to the Northern Shaolin Eagle Claw Kung Fu system. He trained in Tampa for many years before returning to Chicago in 1988. In 1989, Master Cardona opened the doors to his Kung Fu school on Chicago’s North Side.

In 1992, Master Cardona had the honor of meeting and training under Grandmaster Lily Lau, the head of the Eagle Claw Kung Fu system worldwide. In 1995, they established The Lily Lau Eagle Claw Kung Fu Federation, International Chicago Headquarters, where Master Cardona served as the head Eagle Claw instructor until Grandmaster Lily Lau’s retirement in 2012.

Since her retirement, Master Cardona has developed numerous programs that continue to teach his students traditional Chinese Kung Fu, while also creating the Iron Eagle Kung-Fu curriculum and expanding his Tai Chi & Chi Kung practices to enhance energy work, anti-aging, relaxation, and Chi healing.

With over 45 years of experience in traditional martial arts, Master Cardona has taught seminars and workshops across multiple countries, including the USA, Israel, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Italy, and Greece. He continues to stay at the forefront of the martial arts industry, blending traditional teachings with modern approaches to meet the needs of today’s students.