Programs - Master Nick Scrima's Chinese Martial Arts Center

Learn Kung Fu

With a history that spans more than 3000 years, Chinese martial arts emerged first as rudimentary techniques for survival and later developed into highly efficient skills. Known in the West as Kung Fu or Gong Fu, these arts evolved into many different styles. Other names used early in its history were Chuan Fa or Quan Fa, Chinese Karate, and Chinese Kenpo. Nowadays, the term Wushu is popular.

In our Wushu Guan, the martial arts hall, we teach traditional Northern Long Fist, which is often categorized as part of Shaolin Kung Fu. Our primary styles are Mizong Luohan (Labyrinth High Priest or Lost Track High Priest), and Ying Zhao Fan Zi, commonly known as Eagle Claw Kung Fu.

Benefits of Kung Fu

Regular practice in Kung Fu

promotes physical fitness
develops self-confidence
nurtures self-esteem
sharpens reflexes
teaches practical self-defense skills

What is the difference between Kung Fu and other martial arts styles?

Kung Fu, or Gong Fu, differs from Karate and Tae Kwon Do in principle and technique. Karate comes from Okinawa and Japan. Tae Kwon Do is from Korea. Kung Fu originated in China and its roots span more than 3000 years. Kung Fu is more fluid and makes more use of circular techniques. Power is generated in much the same way as a towel that is being snapped. A towel is loose and soft, yet if it is snapped quickly like a whip, it becomes powerful and rigid at the point of impact.

What are some of the characteristics of Kung Fu training?

The Kung Fu system taught at our school derives from the Northern School and is classified as Chang Quan or Long Fist. This method emphasizes quick agile movements, long-range techniques, and a variety of kicking techniques. It stresses soft circular blocking followed by fast powerful counters. Its techniques increase flexibility, improve balance, build endurance, and develop cat-like reflexes.

What is required of me in order to start taking lessons?

Beginners are always welcome, and our trial program makes it easy for new students of all fitness levels to get started. Beginner classes are geared toward introducing basic techniques. Students can progress at their own pace to gradually build a martial arts foundation and improve their physical conditioning.

What if I am not in very good shape?

Typically, most people who join my school are looking for a way to improve themselves. As a new student, you will be in a beginner class where training is progressive and paced so that you gradually build up your strength, stamina, and flexibility to prepare you for more advanced training. If you wait until you get into good shape, you might never get started. Let us help you in this process.

How much does it cost to take lessons?

The cost is determined by the type of program, and the number of family members on the program. We offer a 30-Day Free Trial Program (2 Classes per week) to give our school a try.

Mizong Luohan

Eagle Claw Kung Fu

LIMITED TIME OFFER
30-Day Free Trial Program
(2 Classes per week. Offer valid for new students only.)

Get Started Today!

Learn Tai Chi

Among the many martial arts styles to come out of China is Tai Chi Chuan, also known as Taiji Quan. This is a great treasure, highly regarded for its therapeutic benefits. Tai Chi can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. The slow, rhythmical movements, coupled with deep breathing, are the distinctive features of its practice.

At our martial arts school we teach Yang Style Taiji Quan as well as Wu Style Taiji Quan. Yang Style is the most widely practice system around the world. We also teach many of the Compulsory Taiji Quan Forms developed in more recent times.

Benefits of Tai Chi

The practice of Tai Chi

increases cardiovascular fitness
restores vitality
improves mental clarity
teaches relaxation
enhances balance
promotes restful sleep

What is the difference between Tai Chi and other forms of martial arts?

Unlike other forms of martial arts, Tai Chi Quan, also written as Tai Chi Chuan or Taiji Quan, can be practiced by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. This is because Tai Chi requires little effort to perform. Slow, even, rhythmical movements coupled with proper breathing are the distinguishing features of its practice.

Is Tai Chi an effective martial arts system?

Tai Chi is one of the world’s most renowned martial arts systems. It relies on the principles of yielding and redirecting the opponent’s force, and on softness overcoming hardness. These principles are harnessed through specialized training. Both solo and partner practice are required to develop the martial aspect of Tai Chi.

What are the health benefits of Tai Chi?

Nowadays many people are interested in the proven health benefits derived from Tai Chi. Scientific evidence suggests that there are three major therapeutic principles behind this effectiveness. These are:

The restoration of vitality through the development of Qi or Chi
The storage of physical energy through efficiency of movement
The massaging action of the internal organs through deep abdominal breathing

What is required of me to start taking lessons?

Beginners are always welcome, and our trial program makes it easy for new students of all fitness levels to get started. Beginner classes are geared toward introducing basic techniques. Students can progress at their own pace to gradually build a solid foundation and improve their health and overall physical condition.

How much does it cost to take lessons?

The cost is determined by the type of program, and the number of family members on the program. We offer a 30-Day Free Trial Program (2 Classes per week) to give our school a try.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
30-Day Free Trial Program
(2 Classes per week. Offer valid for new students only.)

Get Started Today!

Learn Qi Gong

There are many different methods of Qi Gong. Also written as Qigong and Chi Kung, its practice incorporates both static and moving postures that are coupled with proper deep breathing techniques. In Static Qigong, certain fixed postures are held for a determined amount of time. In Moving Qi Gong exercises, arm movements and stepping can be incorporated.

Qi Gong is an integral part of Chinese martial arts, especially the Internal Systems of Taiji Quan, Xing Yi, Bagua and Liu He Ba Fa where Zhan Zhuang, or Standing Post, play an important role for developing proper structure.

In traditional Chinese medicine, your blood, breath, and energy are closely related, and their harmonious flow reflects your state of health and vitality. It is important to keep your body’s vital energy, or Qi (Chi), in balance to restore and maintain your health.

Nowadays, QI Gong is classified under three major categories:

Medical Qi Gong
Martial Qi Gong
Meditative or Spiritual Qi Gong

These methods are often intermingled and aid one another.

Benefits of Qi Gong

When practiced regularly, Qi Gong exercises

develop body awareness
increase metabolic activity
improve mental clarity
promote deep relaxing breathing
restore energy and vitality
boost the immune system
elevate one’s spirit

LIMITED TIME OFFER
30-Day Free Trial Program
(2 Classes per week. Offer valid for new students only.)

Get Started Today!

Learn Self-Defense

According to FBI data, in 2023 in the United States, there were over 1.8 million assaults where hands, fists, or feet were used. In the same year, over 375,000 women and over 104,000 men were victims of rape or sexual assault in the United States. There are other alarming statistics which involve the use of weapons such as guns and knives.

The fact is that every day, more people die from crime than in armed conflicts or wars. And while violent assault, both physical and sexual, are the primary reasons for learning self-defense, there are many instances of violence that involve psychological assault and verbal abuse. Knowing how to defend yourself in an unprovoked attack has become ever more of a necessity. Learning fundamental self-defense techniques and how to strike the vital points are instrumental in disabling an attacker.

Benefits of Self-Defense

Developing situational awareness is important for self-preservation. Perceiving danger and knowing how to de-escalate a situation are just as necessary as the physical techniques you learn to cope with an attacker.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
30-Day Free Trial Program
(2 Classes per week. Offer valid for new students only.)

Get Started Today!

Learn Xingyi Quan

The internal martial arts of Xingyi Quan, also written as Xingyiquan and Hsing I Chuan, are said to have their origins in the Song Dynasty (1103-1141). The style was developed based on the use of the spear and, over time, split into the three major styles. These styles are Hebei Xingyi Quan, Shanxi Xingyi Quan, and Henan Xingyi Quan. In our school we teach the Hebei Style.

Known as the style of the 5 Elements or Wu Xing Quan, and the 12 Animals or Shi Er Xing, Xingyi is concise, dynamic, and economical. There is nothing flashy about the style. It is fast and extremely effective in close-in fighting. Kicking is typically aimed at low targets and used in conjunction with hand techniques. Xing Yi Quan is most suitable for people who don’t wish to engage in the physical requirements of Long Fist styles or might find Taiji Quan too slow.

Fa Jin, the release of explosive force in Xingyi Quan, is like a piece of rattan when it is bent. Rattan is pliable, resilient, yet sturdy; it flexes and snaps back with great force. Like rattan, Xingyi looks rigid on the surface but is pliable, lively, and energetic.

Nei Gong, Internal Training, is an integral aspect of the art, making Xing Yi an excellent style to learn for both self-defense and for nourishing one’s health.

My first exposure to Xingyi, although brief, was with Master B. P. Chan in 1983, who introduced me to the fundamentals of the system. I also studied Xingyi sword and two-person sword with Master Tao Pingxiang, and I continued to learn various aspects of the art from different teachers. My most profound and extensive Xingyi training has been with Master Di Guoyong of Beijing. His knowledge and skill are outstanding, and it is a privilege to study with him.

Note: Xing Yi training is only available through private lessons.

Benefits of Xingyi Quan

Xing Yi is an excellent in-fighting method that sharpens the mind and builds focus. It strengthens the internal organs, improves posture and nurtures your Qi, or Vital Energy. It is an excellent method for experienced martial artists who wish to move away from hard styles but wish to continue their martial arts journey.