It was originally called the Pickle Family Circus School, but changed to its current name three years ago. The school, which was originally based on Potrero Hill, got a second location 10 years ago across from Kezar Stadium on Frederick Street that used to house Polytechnic High School. The large brick building became the school's main facility and the Potrero Hill facility was dropped about a year ago. Lu Yi, has taught Chinese acrobatics throughout the world for more than 45 years. While some people take classes at the school just for exercise, students wishing to perform who are skilled enough can do so through the two independent circus groups that are run out of the school building.
Some students complete the training program in six months while others do it in five years.
Avalanche has dedicated himself to reaching this goal by coming in twice a week for regular class and three times a week to practice on his own. In all, he practices about 25 hours a week. It is also for anyone who wants to develop the body and instill the mind with a sense of discipline. Parkman began learning circus arts in San Francisco about 21 years ago. In those days, circuses were part of social and political movements.