Class Schedules

Martial Arts Mind-Body Workshops Life Science Tutorials

Martial Arts Programs

Saturday (8:30-10:30 AM): Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang of Mr. RW Smith
Aug 30; Sept 6, 13, 20; Oct 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec 6, 13, 20

Saturday (2:00-5:00 PM): Xing-Yi, Bagua, and Karate: Studies of Form & Application
Sept 6, 20; Oct 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15, 22; Dec 6, 13, 20
(Private and Semi-Private Instruction By Appointment Only)

Sunday (10:30 AM-12:30 PM): Yin Cheng Gong Fa Wu Style Taiji Quan Study Group
Aug 31; Sept 7; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14

Sunday (12:30 PM-1:30 PM): Yin Cheng Gong Fa Yin Fu & Liu Dekuan Bagua Zhang
Aug 31; Sept 7; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14

Sunday (2:00 PM-5:00 PM): Isshin-Ryu Karate Review Sessions
Sept 7; Oct 19; Nov 9; Dec 14

Thursday (6:00 PM-8:00 PM): Beginner Taiji (Primer Form) & Intermediate Taiji (Wu Style)
Sept 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20 (register via Hagerstown Community College)

Tuesdays & Thursdays (7:00 PM-9:00 PM): Isshin-Ryu Karate (through the Montgomery Karate Club)
Sept 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30; Oct 9, 14, 21, 23, 28, 30

Regular Martial Arts Classes (Fall 2008): Course Descriptions

Come to our classes and learn some very 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. Call or e-mail to inquire about our affordable tuition schedules for classes.

SATURDAY (8:30-10:30 AM): Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang of Mr. RW Smith
Aug 30; Sept 6, 13, 20; Oct 11, 18, 25; Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Dec 6, 13, 20
[15 classes in xing-yi and bagua from Taiwan; no classes Sept 27; Oct 4]

Fall Classes will meet at:
New Market West Pavilion
New Market, Maryland
Take Exit 62 off of I-70, take Rt 75 north to the light, turn left onto Rt 144 west, and go all the way through the town of New Market. About 1/4 mile after you go through town, turn right onto Royal Oak Drive (post office is on your left). Go 0.2 mile (through stop sign at Wicomico), turn left onto Talbot, and look to your right for tennis courts and playground and pavilion. Turn right off Talbot into parking lot and park next to the tennis courts. [Note: If you come to New Market from Frederick area via Rt 144 east, then you will be turning left onto Royal Oak Drive at the post office.]

Xing-Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang of Mr. RW Smith. This class features selected portions of the the xing-yi and bagua curriculum of Mr. Robert W. Smith, including: (i) the 5 fists of Hebei xing-yi from Guo Feng-chih, Chen Pan-ling, and Hong Yi-xiang, (ii) Hebei xing-yi linking forms from Chen Pan-ling and Hong Yi-xiang, (iii) Hebei xing-yi 12 animal forms from Chen Pan-ling and Hong Yi-xiang, (iv) Gao style ba gua methods from the tian gan, the 64 straight line forms, and the 8 circular changes from Hong Yi-xiang and Hong Yi-mian, (v) variations of the 8 circular changes in Cheng Ting-hua style bagua from Guo Feng-chih, Wang Shu-jin, and Chen Pan-ling, (vi) the 'quick hands' skills and Yunnan boxing form from Yuan Dao, and (vii) several representative chin na methods from Han Ching-tan. We also include Chen Pan-ling's 8 bagua staff changes in our curriculum.

You will learn the forms, the energetic and philosophical correspondences, and the fighting skills associated with these methods, as taught and passed on via Academic Training Traditions. The beginner and intermediate practitioner will want to perfect these methods as means to expand their training. The advanced practitioner will want to experience how Mr. Smith's core training method condenses their knowledge and skills into a manageable yet profound training regimen.

This fall, we will continue to provide instruction and review in Mr. Smith's Gao style bagua tian gan and linear methods (elbow and leg series), and also in his xing-yi 5 fists and bagua circle changes from Guo Feng-chih, along with chin na methods from Han Ching-tan, and quick hands skills from Yuan Dao. Also, in association with the Chen Pan-ling International Martial Arts Foundation (Maryland Chapter, Shifu John Scott, Director), and in coordination with the upcoming workshop series with GM Chen Yun-ching to be sponsored here by the Foundation (Sept 24-28; see our News/Events Link), we will dedicate the first hour of our training sessions through September 20th to supplemental instruction and review of Chen Pan-ling's xing-yi 12 animal forms and 8 bagua staff changes.

Fall Instruction will take place at:
Academic Training Traditions
New Market, Maryland.
Please inquire about directions when you make your appointment.

Xing-Yi, Bagua, and Karate: Studies of Form & Application. This instruction is tailored for martial arts practitioners of any style and any level of experience, including new beginners looking for an introduction. The above three art forms can be studied individually in greater depth and detail than in group classes, and also studied in the context of cross-training. The instruction is designed so that one can better understand how the forms of traditional martial arts are developed, trained, and applied for self-protection, and how that knowledge can assist with the analysis of elements in their own style of martial art.

This training is private (for one) or semi-private (for two or three) and by appointment only for the Saturday afternoon dates listed above. Training sessions can be scheduled for 1 hour, 1.5 hour, or 2 hours. Please inquire by phone or e-mail about tuition rates for single or multiple sessions. Please wear suitable clothing and athletic shoes for indoor/outdoor activity.

SUNDAY (10:30 AM-12:30 PM): Yin Cheng Gong Fa Wu Style Taiji Quan Study Group
Aug 31; Sept 7; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14
[11 classes in Wu style taiji; no classes Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 12; Nov 30; Dec 21]

SUNDAY (12:30 PM-1:30 PM): Yin Cheng Gong Fa Yin Fu & Liu Dekuan Bagua Zhang
Aug 31; Sept 7; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14
[11 classes in YCGF bagua; no classes Sept 14, 21, 28; Oct 12; Nov 30; Dec 21]

Fall Classes held at:
Gilbert Academy of Martial Arts (GAMA)
9867B Main Street
Damascus, Maryland
The GAMA facility is located in Damascus on Main Street (Rt 108) across the street from the "Druid", in the back and downstairs of the dark gray Enterprize Rent-A-Car building (next to a Mobil Gas station). You can enter a Safeway shopping center as you approach Rt 124 on Main Street (Rt 108), or directly from Rt 124N, or enter directly off of Rt 27 via High Corner St. The area around the building has been undergoing construction lately and so parking may be problematic. You can park in the area near Safeway and walk to the rear of the dark gray building where the facility is located. Alternatively, you can pull in from Main Street along side the Mobil gas station and circle down around behind the station and park in available spaces near the GAMA facility entrance.

Yin Cheng Gong Fa - Wu Style Taiji Quan Study Group. This 2-hour class features the Wu style taiji passed on from GM Wang Peisheng via Master Zhang Yun. This class is ongoing and consists of continuing practitioners of this style, and practitoners who have studied other styles and who wish to join in at an intermediate level of form practice and martial arts applications. Two-person drills include methods from Wu style taiji tui shou (push hands) and da lu (big roll back), along with various internal application drills inherent to the taiji form.

Yin Cheng Gong Fa - Yin Fu & Liu Dekuan Bagua Zhang. This 1-hour class features instruction and practice of selected forms from the circular changes of Yin Fu style bagua, and from the straight line forms of Liu De-kuan style bagua passed on from GM Wang Peisheng via Master Zhang Yun. This class is designed mainly for continuing students of these styles. This fall we will provide continuing instruction and review for the first 16 of the 64 linear methods of Liu style, and also for the last 8 of the 64 circular methods of Yin Fu style.

New Students - Please Note: New students interested in taiji are welcome and should plan to come initially during the 12:30pm-1:30pm time frame. At that time, you can receive introductory instruction for several weeks in Wu style taiji that will prepare you to join in with the regular study group. New students interested in bagua can join in with the ongoing bagua group at any time.

Please wear comfortable clothing. In deference to the wishes of our host (GAMA), no street shoes may be worn on the training hall floor. Practice in bare feet, socks, or indoor-only tai chi shoes.

Note: These two introductory classes are sponsored by Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and are available only to those who register for the respective courses via HCC Continuing Education, Healthy Living. For course descriptions, go to the Healthy Living link and scroll down after you click here. You need to register in advance for these courses via HCC by September 16. No one is usually admitted to these classes after the registration period closes. But if you see this notice a week or two after the first class starts, please inquire by phone or e-mail with HCC staff to see if they can accomodate your enrollment.

Fall Classes will be held at:
Emma K. Daub Elementary School Gym
1221 South Potomac Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Take I-70 to Exit 29 and Route 65N toward Hagerstown. Proceed 1.1 miles on Route 65N (S. Potomac St.) and the school is on your left. Turn left into the parking lot and come to the side door at the loading dock to enter the gym.

6:00-7:00 PM: 10 classes, beginners, taiji primer form for wellness. This course is the same one that we will list again further below under our mind-body classes. The material covered in this particular course is strictly for health and wellness. However, it can also serve as a useful introduction to the intermediate level practice of taiji for health and martial art. See further below under Mind-Body Workshop classes for a description of our approach to taiji as a health practice for new beginners.

7:00-8:00 PM: 10 classes, continuing students, primer form review and Wu style taiji. This intermediate level course is listed here under our martial arts classes and includes continuing review of the primer form and the first one-third of the authentic Wu style taiji form. The class is offered mainly for those interested in health and wellness, but can also provide an introduction to taiji as a martial arts practice.

Wu Style Taiji Quan is passed on today by Master Zhang Yun of Pittsburgh, Pa., who inherited it from his teacher, the late Grandmaster Wang Peisheng of Beijing. GM Wang's Wu style taiji lineage derives from Yang Luchan, Yang Banhou, Wu Quanyu, Wang Maozhai, and Yang Yuting.

Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear, or practice in bare feet, socks, or tai chi shoes.

These classes are offered through the Montgomery Karate Club. The Montgomery Karate Club is affiliated with the Penn State Karate Club.

If you would like further information on these classes, or to join this karate club, please contact:
Sensei Liz Ehrstein (lizehrstein@yahoo.com) or
Sensei Dmitry Gulik (gkg_1@hotmail.com)

Isshin-Ryu Karate: Currently, these karate classes are FREE. But in exchange you must agree to work hard and train frequently. All new members wishing to progress through the Montgomery Karate Club belt ranking system in Isshin-ryu are expected to start at the white belt level, regardless of previous kyu or dan rank. Sensei Dane Sutton, Kiyoshigo, 8th Dan, and Head Instructor of the Penn State Karate Club, monitors and approves the student's progress through belt ranks. Through Sensei Sutton, we maintain affiliations with, and certifications through, the Okinawan home dojo of Sensei Kichiro Shimabuku, Hanshigo, 10th Dan (IWKA). Over the years, we have also maintained affiliations with, and offered certifications through, the Okinawan home dojo of Sensei Angi Uezu, Hanshigo, 10th Dan (OIKA), who recently retired from active leadership of this organization. At the Montgomery Karate Club, you receive regular instruction from black belts ranked from 1st to 4th Dan. We also feature instruction by highly-ranked, associated advisors and visiting instructors who have more than 25 years experience in Isshin-ryu karate.

Upcoming Events and Clinics - Academic Training Traditions Karate/Kobudo:

IWKA World Championship Tournament, June 18-20, 2009, Pittsburgh, Pa: We will be in Pittsburgh, Pa. next summer attending seminars by Master Kichiro Shimabuku and competing in the various events. For further information and registration click on IWKA Tournament 2009

Penn State Isshin-ryu Karate Club, Dan Rank Testing and Seminar, October 4, 2008, noon-5:00pm: We will be in University Park, Pa. assisting in the testing and seminar portions. This event is not open to the public.

Isshin-Ryu Karate Review Sessions: ATT will offer 4 karate review sessions this fall on September 7, October 19, November 9, and December 14. The sessions are held at Gilbert's Academy of Martial Arts (GAMA), Damascus, Maryland. These sessions are FREE for members and member dojos of the Penn State Karate Club. They are being held in advance of the Fall 2008 Rank Testing at Penn State (October 4, 2008), and as continuing review for the IWKA World Championship Tournament scheduled for June 2009 in Pittsburgh with Master Kichiro Shimabuku. These sessions are not open to the public except with special permission from ATT. We will review karate and kobudo kata. All belt ranks are welcome to attend. Sensei Dane Sutton, Kiyoshigo, 8th Dan, and head instructor from the Penn State Karate Club, has come down on occassion to oversee and instruct a number of these sessions in the past. Please contact us by e-mail (att8@verizon.net) at least one week in advance if you plan to attend any of these sessions. Directions to the GAMA facility are posted above under our Sunday taiji classes.

About Our Karate Clinics: Please contact us at ATT about offering a clinic or seminar at your dojo. Clinics like those mentioned above 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 30+ years experience with karate, and 20 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.

Mind-Body Workshops

Mind-Body Workshops
(Fall 2008)

THURSDAY (6:00 PM-7:00 PM): Beginner Taiji Course
Sept 18, 25; Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Nov 6, 13, 20
[10 classes, beginners, taiji primer form for wellness]

Note: This course is also listed above under our martial arts classes. But it is listed here again to emphasize to prospective participants that the material covered is strictly for health and wellness (see our approach below under Happy Way Tai Chi). However, the course can also serve as an introduction to the intermediate level practice of all aspects of taiji.

Note: This introductory class is sponsored by Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and is available only to those who register for the courses via HCC Continuing Education, Healthy Living. For course description, go to the Healthy Living link and scroll down after you click here. You need to register in advance for these courses via HCC by September 16. No one is usually admitted to the class after the registration period closes. But if you see this notice a week or two after the first class starts, please inquire by phone or e-mail with HCC staff to see if they can accomodate your enrollment.

Fall Classes will be held at:
Emma K. Daub Elementary School Gym
1221 South Potomac Street Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
Take I-70 to Exit 29 and Route 65N toward Hagerstown. Proceed 1.1 miles on Route 65N (S. Potomac St.) and the school is on your left. Turn left into the parking lot and come to the side door at the loading dock to enter the gym.


Kai Xin Dao Taiji Quan (Happy Way Tai Chi)

Come to these 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 more in the study of tai chi at a beginning, intermediate, or advanced level, with additional emphasis as a martial art, then please see our information under the 'Martial Arts' icon and click on Yin Cheng Gong Fa.

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 method is highly simplified and short, consisting of a few easy-to-do postures from Yang style and Wu style tai chi. 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. The KXD primer method does encompasses the 13 original ideas inherent to all taiji quan (ward, roll, press, push, pull, split, elbow, shoulder, step forward, step back, look left, look right, and central equilibrium). 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.

Please inquire with us about ongoing courses. Please wear comfortable clothing and either tai chi shoes or athletic shoes. Please note that tuition rates for these classes are generally established by the host organizer. However, certain classes may be attended by enrolling directly through Academic Training Traditions, so please inquire. Please inquire also through Academic Training Traditions about sponsoring a private contract course for your group in health education and mind-body exercises that combine tai chi, qigong, and yoga relaxation methods.

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 our areas relating directly to biological sciences and biomedical research.