The School

Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA) and the Integrated Combat Training Center (ICTC) are both run in a traditional style. Students are expected to be on time and in uniform. Everyone bows before and after the class. Talking during class is discouraged, except for asking questions. Students are encouraged to keep notes regarding their training and areas in need of improvement. Twice a year Sifu offers sash testing for students who are ready to move up a level. Students must work closely with Sifu prior to being tested.

Sifu specializes in traditional and modern weapons use. All students must go through empty hands training before being allowed to train with weapons. Satety and self discipline are key factors. Sifu believes that a true martial artist trains to fight only as a last resort. Martial artiists are dedicated to peaceful resolution of differences.

Students are not required to spar, however we encourage everyone to participate. Sifu is always safe and trains everyone in a step-by-step manner, building confidence and trust.

Many methods of training are applied in CMAA and ICTC; four are emphasized:

Empty Hand Forms

Empty Hand Form is fighting an imaginary opponent, no weapons. Training forms are used to teach correct body movement, philosophy of attack and defense, philosophy of Yin and Yang, coordination, agility, patience, power, proper breathing and chi flow. Some students prefer to stay with the empty hand forms and not progress into sparring.

Two Man Fighting Forms

The Two-Man Fighting Form is a pre-arranged (choreographed) fighting set with a partner. It includes learning to move with correct timing of footwork using strikes, blocks and kicks against a partner to learn better fighting strategy.

Weapons

CMAA specializes in working with a variety of weapons (sticks, knives, and traditional weapons such as swords, staffs, etc.) for the purpose of developing timing, coordination, speed, strength and stamina. Each weapon teaches something different. This training is a very important part of the ICTC curriculum. We practice solo forms and two-man fighting forms with weapons.

Free Sparring

We practice many types of free sparring in the school. From slow sparring to a full contact with full protective gear, sparring is the only way to learn applied technique in a controlled setting. It is very important to know how to apply and execute punches, kicks and grabs in situations that are real, not just during drills. ICTC emphasizes this aspect of training.

CMAA Advisory Council:

• Dr. Chris S. Strelau, (Sifu) President, Owner and Senior Instructor
• Sije Bekki Crider, Assistant Instructor, CMAA/ICTC Advisor, Instructor – Little Tigers Kung Fu
• Sihing Jason Jones, Instructor CMAA Fitness, CMAA/ICTC Advisor
• Sihing Vince Spucces, CMAA/ICTC Advisor, Maintainance Man
• Sije Dawn Groves, CMAA/ICTC Advisor, Media Cordinator