Sifu Adam Hsu on Learning Kung Fu
Adam Hsu on learning Kung Fu: “I am glad my instructors taught me in the traditional way.
Continue reading →Tag Archives: santa cruz tai chi
Four Things Hard to Believe
At the start of your training, if you’d asked: “What do I need to be a good martial artist?” you might have gotten a list which included strength, endurance, patience, humility, Ben-Gay, and a good pair of shoes. What would probably have been missing is the word “faith.” But anyone who’s done any kind of long-term training knows that that pinch of faith can often be all you have to guide you forward. You can’t check out every situation or problem that your chosen endeavor might involve–sometimes you just have to rely on those well-tested “rules of the road.” Martial arts … Continue reading →
Short Form Tai Chi for Beginning Students Starts August 10, 2026
New Series Begins August 10, 2026 New to Tai Chi? Get started, deepen your skills, or join and try it out! This 3-month series introduces the beautiful art of Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan). We will begin with the proper structure and biomechanics that give this ancient martial art its well-deserved reputation as a health and longevity practice. We will teach you a Yang-style short set that Sifu Ted Mancuso specifically designed to follow authentic and traditional principles. It is also learnable within three months. The class is oriented to beginners, but more experienced students who want to refresh their skills … Continue reading →
Tai Chi For Health in Santa Cruz
Tai Chi for Health Get started or deepen your skills Meets twice a week for 3 months Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-10 a.m. Sept. 6 to Nov. 24 (we may adjust the final class date to accommodate Thanksgiving) Academy of Martial & Internal Arts 1570 Soquel Dr. (across from Dominican Hospital) (We will meet in the parking lot in front of the school) taught by Narrye Caldwell, AMA instructor and 40 year practitioner Tuition: $285 (paid in advance for full 3 months) or $120 per month This 3 month series is an introduction to the beautiful art of Tai Chi. We … Continue reading →
Tradition Rebounds
We’re starting to open up classes to new students! Interested in trying a class at our world-recognized Academy of Martial & Internal Arts? Click HERE to let us know.
Continue reading →The Simple Art of Breathing
This simple method of breathing works well for people practicing Chinese martial arts, Chinese medicine, meditation and what is commonly referred to as Qigong (Chi Kung). We call it simple, but it is also profound; as it relates the physical act of inhalation and exhalation with the mind’s intent, keeping a special focus on a most familiar activity. A little investment of time each day is all you need to start, and, unlike more rigorous approaches, this one will never hurt you. Try it!
Continue reading →Shaolin Sheltering
Master Ted Mancuso, the proprietor of Plum Publications and founder of the Academy of Martial and Internal Arts, is my elder Kung Fu brother, or my Sihing (師兄) in Cantonese. We both trained in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu (Bak Sil Lum 北少林) under Grandmaster Kwong Wing Lam and our friendship spans nearly four decades now. Master Ted graciously allows me train alongside his students, my martial nieces and nephews, or my Sijat (again in Cantonese 師侄 – it’s not the same in Mandarin), and I’m very grateful to be part of his Academy. Thanks to Ted’s foresight, the Academy closed … Continue reading →
What Do We Mean By “Martial”?
People get the wrong idea: when they hear “martial arts” they assume tournaments and grudge matches in caged environments. By the same token, they look quizzically at the ninety year old lady who proudly proclaims that she studies a martial art. But true martial arts range through a spectrum of skills and practices.
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