OUR MANY STYLES
The Academy of Martial and Internal Arts has an unusually rich curriculum. Not only from the work of its head instructor, Ted Mancuso, but from the efforts of many top teachers who have entered its doors, the AMIA has gathered more martial information than most schools in the Western world. Profound and excellent instruction has enriched the mixture from such notables as Adam Hsu, Howard Slatoff, John Ottenberg and the on-going and major contribution from Linda Darrigo. The level of martial arts training is entirely different from what are often children’s classes taught at adult level. Among our many offerings are styles and methods hardly known to even 1% of martial artists in the Western World. These include:
Chi Kung “Internal Work”: In the last few years Chi Kung (Qigong), especially the so-called “medical” branch, has grown tremendously in popularity. Authentic Chinese martial arts ALWAYS contains Qigong training and sometimes of very high quality. Each of our styles not only uses Qigong but trains methods specific to that style, making these ancient forms even more interesting and beneficial.
Bagua Zhang one of the most esoteric of Chinese martial arts, and that means esoteric indeed. Based on Chinese philosophy it uses change and movement as its basic method.
Recommended: You should have at least 3 years experience in martial arts.
Self Defense is not “kick ass” but a rational, mature approach to self protection which should not victimize the learner. No one wants to use SD but every student can be benefited by a reasonable increase in this skill set.Recommended: For anyone regardless of age or sex.
Tai Chi Chuan. Many people are familiar with the lowest level of Tai Chi (Taiji) training. But they don’t know it’s other disciplines such as Chi Kung and Partner practice. No matter what anyone tells you, Tai Chi IS a martial art
Recommended: For those seeking slow progress toward health or for advanced martial practitioners wanting to improve their skills.
CHEN style Tai Chi Chuan. The Chen family first developed the art we now call Tai Chi. This style is considerably more “snake like” than what most people think of as Tai Chi. The movements are generally more sophisticated and martial.
Recommended: For people with good legs and knees. Particularly appropriate for martial artists wanting to learn Tai Chi. Prerequisite: Yang Taiji or instructor permission.
Weapons Work. This traditional and beautiful aspect of martial training is a complete confusion top many people. Weapons retain their use in training because each weapon has a special character and therefore concentrates the skills of the practitioner. The straight sword, for instance, requires an very agile wrist and fast footwork. The Spear requires a lively waist and good stance. At the Academy we teach classical Chinese weapons which have been practiced for thousands of years.
