Class Schedules

Martial Arts Mind-Body Workshops Life Science Tutorials

Calendar Summary (Regular & Private Martial Arts Classes, Spring/Summer 2013):

Saturday (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Bagua Zhang (Taiwan Styles of Mr. RW Smith/Beijing Styles of YCGF)
May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3
(New Market, Maryland) (Note: Hebei Xing-Yi Quan is taught as part of private/semi-private sessions [see below])

Sunday (9:30 AM-10:30 PM): Beginner Wu Style Taiji Quan
May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4
(New Market, Maryland)

Sunday (10:30 AM-12:30 PM): Intermediate Yin Cheng Gong Fa Wu Style Taiji Quan
May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4
(New Market, Maryland)

Private/Semi-Private Martial Arts: Xing-Yi, Bagua, Taiji, Karate
(inquire about training in oriental weaponry)
Saturdays (1:00-5:00 PM)
Daytime Weekdays (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
Evenings Weekdays (4:30-9:00 PM) (except Wednesdays)
(New Market, Maryland; times available by appointment only)

Please check back soon for new mid-summer Martial Arts and Mind-Body classes planned for June 17-Aug 7. Fall 2013 classes will then resume early this year to run from Aug 24-Dec 21.

Please scroll down for further details on the Spring/Summer 2013 classes.

Martial Arts Programs

Regular Martial Arts Classes (Spring/Summer 2013): Course Descriptions

Come to our classes and private sessions and learn some highly effective martial arts forms for both health and self-defense. Each class is designed to provide high-quality, detailed instruction on material you can take home and use to enhance your personal practice. Attend classes often and build your skill set. Start any time during the semester. Call or e-mail about our affordable tuition schedules for classes.

Mark a calendar for dates and times provided. Please note any dates off or new locations. The class schedule may need to change on short notice, so please check back regularly.

[In Planning]: Mid-Summer Introduction to Chinese Internal Martial Arts Clinic: Planning to run one weekday evening class locally for up to 8 weeks starting the week of June 17 through the week of August 5. Please e-mail us for advance information on this activity. These 90 minute weekly clinics will be very focused and active and will focus on specially designed warm-up drills based in the Chinese arts, on the basics of Xing-Yi Quan (i.e., 5 Fists, 5 Tigers) and on the basics of Bagua Zhang (i.e., Walking the Circle, Single Palm Change, Selected Straight Line Skills). The purpose of this set of clinics is to introduce participants to the practice of basic forms so that they can develop a foundation for mastery of posture and movement in the internal arts. We will also introduce some of the martial applications to further enhance your form practice. We are working currently to set up a site and day and evening time for this set of clinics with an appropriate tuition rate. ATT is holding this set of clinics to promote my school and styles and lineages of internal arts, but practitioners of other martial arts styles at any level are welcome to attend the clinic and cross-train. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear. You must certify that you are 18 years of age or older and in good physical and mental health in order to participate in the clinic. Other exclusions may apply. See further below for our planned mid-summer Karate Clinic and Mind-Body Clinic.

SATURDAY (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): Bagua Zhang (Our School: Zong Yin Nei Jia Quan)
Taiwan Bagua of Master RW Smith & Yin Cheng Gong Fa Bagua of Master Zhang Yun
Note: Taiwan and YCGF Hebei Xing-Yi Quan taught only in private/semi-private sessions [see below]
May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8, 15, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3
[13 classes in bagua zhang; no class June 22 (Annual YCGF Seminar with Master Zhang Yun), Aug 10, 17]

Spring/Summer Classes:
New Market, Maryland.
Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)
Please inquire by e-mail about directions to the location when you want to attend.
Wear comfortable clothing for outdoor practice.

Zong Yin Nei Jia Quan: Bagua Zhang. We at ATT specialize in bagua zhang and xing-yi quan and will continue emphasis this coming semester on bagua zhang. Our school name (Zong Yin Nei Jia Quan), means the 'ancestor's seal (or symbol) of internal family boxing', and also 'following the seal (or symbol) of internal family boxing'.

This class features selected portions of the bagua zhang curricula and applications from the late Master Robert W. Smith and from Master Zhang Yun (direct student of the late GM Wang Peisheng). The Zong Yin Ba Gua curriculum includes: (i) Gao Yisheng style ba gua methods from Taiwan featuring tian gan forms, the 64 hou tian forms, and the circular changes set, all from GM Hong Yixiang and GM Hong Yimian, (ii) variations of the Taiwan 8 circular changes in Cheng Tinghua style bagua from GM Guo Fengchih and GM Wang Shujin, and GM Wang Peisheng's Beijing bagua (YCGF style), including (iii) the Cheng Tinghua style ba mu zhang (8 mother palms) and ba da zhang (8 big palms), (iv) the Liu Dekuan 64 straight line bagua set, (v) the Yin Fu 64 circular bagua set. We will also train in Chen Panling's 8 bagua circular staff changes (Taiwan) during this spring/summer session. Note that our Taiwan and YCGF Hebei Xing-Yi Quan will be taught this semester via private/semi-private sessions only (see below).

Please inquire about the bagua curriculum selection for the spring/summer semester. Sessions feature fundamentals for all, as well as other intermediate and advanced training methods. Beginners should plan to start by attending the first hour of class, but are also able to expand to the remaining time. You will learn the forms, the energetic and philosophical correspondences, and the fighting skills associated with these methods, as taught and passed on via the Zong Yin Nei Jia school. The beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioner will want to perfect these methods as means to expand their training. The advanced practitioner will want to experience further how our core training methods can condense one's knowledge and skills into a manageable yet profound training regimen.

Summary of the Late Master RW Smith's Internal Martial Arts Lineages:

Xing-Yi Quan Lineage:
Zhang Junfeng------>Hong Yixiang-->Mr. RW Smith
Zhang Hongching-->Guo Fengchih-->Mr. RW Smith
Guo Hanchih------>Guo Fengchih-->Mr. RW Smith
Wu Yunting-------->Yuan Dao----->Mr. RW Smith
Chen Panling------------------------>Mr. RW Smith
Wang Shujin------------------------->Mr. RW Smith
These xing-yi lineages derive from Li Luoneng, Liu Qilan, Guo Yunshen, and Li Cunyi/Zhang Zhaodong/Sun Lutang/Keng Jishan

Bagua Zhang Lineage:
Gao Yisheng-->Zhang Junfeng-->Hong Yixiang-->Mr. RW Smith
Sun Lutang--->?---------------->Guo Fengchih-->Mr. RW Smith
Zhang Zhaodong---------------->Wang Shujin--->Mr. RW Smith
Cheng Haiting/Hsu Yusheng----->Chen Panling--->Mr. RW Smith
These bagua lineages derive from Dong Haichuan and Cheng Tinghua

Taiji Quan Lineage:
Yang Luchan-->Yang Jianhou-->Yang Chengfu-->Zheng Manjing-->Mr. RW Smith
Please inquire with us about Mr. Smith's senior lineage taiji instructors if you are interested in Zheng Manjing's Yang style taiji.

Summary of Master Zhang Yun's Internal Arts Lineages via GM Wang Peisheng:

Xing-Yi Quan Lineage:
Li Luoneng-->Liu Qilan----->Zhang Zhaodong-->Han Muxia---->Wang Peisheng
Li Luoneng-->Che Yizhai--->Bu Xuekuan------>Zhao Runting--->Wang Peisheng

Bagua Zhang Lineage:
Dong Haichuan-->Yin Fu---------->Ma Gui------->Wang Peisheng
Dong Haichuan-->Cheng Tinghua-->Gao Kexing-->Wang Peisheng
Dong Haichuan-->Liu Dekuan------>Gao Kexing-->Wang Peisheng
Master Wang also pursued bagua lineage study with Han Muxia (from Zhang Zhaodong) and Song Shutang (from Song Yongxiang)

Taiji Quan Lineage:
Yang Luchan-->Yang Banhou-->Wu Quanyu-->Wang Maozhai-->Yang Yuting-->Wang Peisheng
Master Wang was privileged to study also directly under his grandteacher, Wang Maozhai.
Master Zhang Yun began his studies with GM Wang's first disciple, Master Luo Shuhuan.
Master Zhang had the unique privilege subsequently to study directly under GM Wang for many years.
Please see below if you want to begin study in the Wu style taiji lineage of GM Wang Peisheng and Master Zhang Yun via ATT.

SUNDAY (9:30 AM-10:30AM and 10:30 AM-12:30 PM): Yin Cheng Gong Fa Taiji Quan
Beginner Wu Style Taiji Quan and Intermediate Wu Style Taiji Quan
May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4
[13 classes in taiji; no class June 23 (Annual YCGF Seminar with Master Zhang Yun), Aug 11, 18]

Spring/Summer Classes:
New Market, Maryland
E-mail: Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)
Please inquire by e-mail about directions to the location when you want to attend.
Wear comfortable clothing and sports shoes for outdoor practice.

Yin Cheng Gong Fa - Wu Style Taiji Quan. The first hour of the class (9:30-10:30am) is for beginners and for any who are interested in the health-related aspects of Wu style Taiji Quan and selected qigong exercises. The next 2-hours of the session (10:30am-12:30pm) are for those at the intermediate level (full 37-posture form and applications, along with the practice of Wu style push-hands sets and selected qigong exercises). These classes feature the Wu style taiji quan that has been passed down from GM Wang Peisheng via Master Zhang Yun.

Summary of Master Zhang Yun's Taiji Quan Lineages via GM Wang Peisheng:

Isshin-Ryu Karate (Okinawa)

[In Planning]: Mid-Summer Okinawan Isshin-Ryu Karate Weekly Kata Clinic: Planning to run one weekday evening class locally for up to 8 weeks starting the week of June 17 through the week of August 5. Please e-mail us for advance information on this activity. These 90 minute weekly clinics will be very focused and active and will focus on a specially designed set of warm-up drills based in the Chinese arts, on selected Ishhin-ryu upper and lower body techniques (i.e., stances, blocks, punches, and kicks), and for this round, we will feature study of Isshin-Ryu style Seisan kata and Naihanchi kata and their martial applications (i.e., bunkai for evasion, deflection, striking, grappling, and 'kyusho'). We are working currently to set up a site and day and evening time for this set of clinics with an appropriate tuition rate. ATT is holding this set of clinics mainly as a means to promote interest in my school, style, and lineage of Isshin-ryu karate, but practitioners of other karate styles at any level are welcome to attend the clinic and cross-train. If you practice karate, please wear your gi and obi when you attend the clinic. You must certify that you are 18 years of age or older and in good physical and mental health in order to participate in this clinic. Other exclusions may apply. See above for our planned mid-summer Chinese Internal Martial Arts Clinic and see below for our planned mid-summer Mind-Body Clinic.

Isshin-Ryu Karate Club Lineage and Dojos
ATT maintains an affiliation with the Penn State Karate Club.

ATT is affiliated locally with the Montgomery Karate Club as an advisor where we teach special class sessions on occassion. ATT is also affiliated locally with NOVA Isshin-ryu club, where we also teach on occassion. If you need further information on our karate lineage, please click on the link above. If you want to see about regular weeknight classes offered by the local Montgomery Isshin-Ryu Karate Club (Takoma Park, Md), or by the NOVA Isshin-Ryu Karate Club, please click on the above link.

About ATT Karate Clinics: Contact us directly at ATT about offering a karate clinic or seminar at your dojo. Clinics feature general training in karate methods, and so your style of karate is not an issue. We do conduct clinics in certified orthodox Isshin-ryu Karate, for the novice, intermediate, and advanced practitioner, but we also can incorporate a number of advanced training methods from other martial arts styles that are highly relevant to all karate, including Isshin-ryu. Many of these methods are based on my 38 years experience with karate, and 25 years of cross-training in the Chinese internal martial arts. You will definitely learn many new ways to apply your traditional kata, and the principles upon which these applications are based. Karate practitioners can develop more power, using less muscular contraction, through the application of proven methods that refine your root and body alignments for generating such power. Practitioners of internal martial arts can further discover some of the higher level fighting applications and principles inherent to karate kata.

All belt or sash ranks from all styles are welcome to ATT clinics. For these classes, formal uniforms can be worn, and any belt or sash that you are entitled to wear. Gi pants and T-shirts are also acceptable.

Private/Semi-Private Martial Arts Classes and Seminars (Spring/Summer 2013)
Xing-Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang, Taiji Quan, Karate
May 6 through August 7, 2013
Please inquire additionally about training in oriental weaponry.
ATT private classes in New Market, Maryland are by appointment only and times depend on availability at the time you call. Please inquire also about private seminars at your site or institution (minimum of 8 to 10 participants required).

These classes are for individuals pursuing studies in the Chinese internal martial arts and Okinawan karate, to complement or extend those offered through regularly scheduled group classes. These private classes are about what you need to learn. They are especially geared for those who want private training in the very basics and fundamentals of these art forms in order to build their foundation for entering regular group classes, or for continuing in regular classes to achieve a more advanced level of skill. This session, we will continue to teach private and semi-private classes in xing-yi quan for individuals wishing to begin with this art form, or to extend their study of this art form. We will also provide studies to begin, extend, or complement your studies in bagua zhang and taiji quan. Will will also feature studies in Okinawan karate basics and kata for all levels. Although these classes are intended for the study of martial arts forms, techniques, and applications, we will also consider your wishes to accomodate beginning to advanced study for awareness, health, and wellness (e.g., see below under Mind-Body). Please inquire by e-mail about private and semi-private tuition on site at ATT.

Days and Times for Private and Semi-Private Martial Arts Study
(inquire about training dates and times that are still available)
(inquire also about training in oriental weaponry)
Saturdays (1:00-5:00 PM)
Daytime Weekdays (9:00 AM-3:00 PM)
Evenings Weekdays (4:30-9:00 PM) (except Wednesdays)
(May 6-August 7; no sessions June 22 or on Sundays)
Please inquire by e-mail about private seminars or evening classes for your group or institution at your site.
[minimum of 8 to 10 participants required depending on your choice of art form(s) to be covered].

Mind-Body Workshops

Kai Xin Dao (KXD) Tai Chi (Taiji) and Qigong for Health

[In Planning]: Mid-Summer Kai Xin Dao Tai Chi and Qigong Clinic for Health: Planning to run one or two weekday evening classes locally for up to 8 weeks starting the week of June 17 through the week of August 5. Please e-mail us for advance information on this activity. These 60 minute weekly clinics will be low impact training and will focus on warm-ups, kai xin dao primer tai chi form, and Hao style 16 posture tai chi form. The purpose of this set of clinics is to introduce participants to the practice of tai chi and qigong forms for health purposes (i.e., this is not a martial arts clinic). We are working currently to set up sites and days and evening times for this set of clinics with an appropriate tuition rate. ATT is holding this set of clinics to promote community development, a public exercise forum, and the pursuit of a healthy life style. We will include health educational aspects of mind-body integration and health in relation to eastern and western traditions. Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear. In order to participate in this set of clinics, you must certify that you are 18 years of age or older and in reasonable physical and mental health; other medical or aging-related exclusions may apply so please inquire.

Please inquire with us by e-mail about KXD tai chi (and qigong) courses to start up in May, 2013 through June 14 at locations locally in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area and suburbs, including in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland. We have been active teaching regularly at several venues since 2003. We do not post the locations and schedules presently on this website, but we can provide you with additional contact information and a further description of each course if you inquire by e-mail. Please inquire by e-mail about tuition for private seminars or evening group classes for your group or institution at your site [minimum of 8 to 10 participants required].

E-mail: Academic Training Traditions (att8@verizon.net)

Kai Xin Dao (Happy Way) Tai Chi and Qigong: Come to our KXD classes and enjoy an introduction to the basic postures and movements and mind-body aspects of taiji quan (tai chi). As a mind-body exercise system, tai chi is all about the maintenance of correct posture and balance through slow movements, coordinated breath, and mental attention. Attend classes often and build your awareness for regular daily activities, or use the course as a primer to develop improved states of sensitivity, meditation, and awareness. See our information under the 'Mind-Body' icon for our approach to the practice of taiji quan for bridging health and martial arts, and on using traditional and modern biomedical approaches to communicate this art. Kai Xin Dao tai chi classes also include elements of qigong and yoga relaxation methods. If you are interested instead in the study of tai chi with emphasis as a martial art, please see our martial arts class schedule above, or click on our 'Martial Arts' icon at the top of the page and then click on the Yin Cheng Gong Fa tab.

KXD tai chi is a much simplified approach to learning tai chi that was developed by Academic Training Traditions. In this approach, the art and practice of tai chi are communicated using modern biomedical principles, recent published studies of research on tai chi, and the relationship of these activities to traditional meanings. The KXD methods include selected easy-to-do postures from several traditional tai chi form routines. Some postures are modified slightly so that they are easy to do for most people, and so they can ultimately build toward doing the regular postures. More postures can be added as one progresses. Advanced practitioners may find the KXD methods useful for possible applications in biomedical research approaches and for special needs groups. As always, please wear comfortable clothing and either tai chi shoes or athletic shoes.

Life Science Tutorials

Please inquire through Academic Training Traditions about sponsoring a private contract course for your group in life sciences relating to behavior and lifestyle, and embodied education. Currently, we are NOT offering contract courses or life science tutorials in areas relating directly to biological sciences and biomedical research.

Academic Training Traditions® is a registered tradename of Academic Training Services, Inc. All website contents are Copyright © 2005-2013 by Academic Training Services, Inc., and Paul J. Cote. All rights reserved. Please request permission in writing to copy or use contents of this website.