C.A.I. is an international, interfaith, non-political organization dedicated to providing and promoting affordable martial arts, reality self defense, safety, health and longevity. Also to promote individual and community responsibility. This is accomplished through internationally accessible as well as community, family and personalized seminars, workshops and progressive programs. We also provide special services . C.A.I. is based in central Japan.
We also provide training and services in security, languages and cultures, travel , community and charity involvement and more.

Please read and enjoy our website! For more information about us please click under the "Main Menu" - on the left side column. There you will find detailed information categorized in the sub menus. For contact and other information see the "Navigation" menu or header.

This website is quite comprehensive and detailed with a lot of information and content. We suggest you read it as it is very interesting and filled with useful information.

Thanks.

Matt Plewes
International Director and founder

Our History in Brief

In December 1976 C.A.I. Founder and Director Matthew Plewes began his formal martial arts study under Terumasa Ogawa, studying Seikukan Shorinji-Karate-Do. ( 34 years ago )

In May 1984, Matthew Plewes after trying different styles and schools, changed his studies to a street-wise Five Animal Hong Kong Kung fu.
Having changed his studies to Kung-fu under Samuel Cheeks, a Teacher under Master Nicholas Banks, Grand master Ho Lee Ho a year and a half earlier, on November 21st 1985 he received his Brown Sash and Assistant Instructor status. As part of his training, he was required to teach. Matt started a small club under the name Chuntian Martial Arts. ( Chuntian Academy is born). He liked the Chinese word "Chuntian" as it meant "Springtime" Matthew's favorite season and also the beginning of new life and growth. It was also akin to "Chun" as in Wing Chun, which concepts and tactics play an important role in systems drills and blocking. An appropriate symbol and name for Matthew's newly found club to expand his kung-fu studies and skills. Matthew and His teacher Master Cheeks, still operated their joint school also during this time. ( Cheeks-Plewes Martial Arts Club).Matt and Master Cheeks: circa. 1987

In 1987 Matthew became the primary teacher to all students and trained privately with his teacher until receiving Full Instructor Status in 1988 and Full Teacher status in 1992. This was the beginning of Chuntian Academy. ( 25 years ago )

We have decided to chart our anniversary to the beginning of the Chuntian "Club" rather than Chuntian Academy. Our name has changed several times over the years but has been Chuntian .... since 1985.

Chronology

1968-1980: Man-o-War Karate and Chinese Combat (Banks-Cheeks School)

1984-1988: Cheeks-Plewes Martial Arts Club ( Virginia,U.S.A.)
(Man-o-War Chinese Combat was Cheeks' teaching certification and Plewes')

1985-1987: Chuntian Martial Arts Club ( Virginia,U.S.A.)

1987-1998: Chuntian Academy of Martial Arts ( Virginia,U.S.A.)

1998-2003: Chuntian Academy of Martial Arts and Oriental Studies ( U.S.A. and Japan)

2001-Present: Chuntian Academy International. (C.A.I.) (Japan, U.S.A., U.K.)

2007 Chuntian Academy Martial Arts Federation (C.A.M.A.F.) Formed for standard and organizational control to maintain excellence, yet keeping school autonomy.

2011 Chuntian Academy International, has redefined it's mission and reverted back to it's original mission of research and teaching martial arts. The Charity and Missions branch, will be active under a new name and joint venture.


First Commercial School: Suffolk, Virgina USA circa.1998
( NOTE: Basic self-protection was taught to anyone that answered the question: Why do you want to study martial arts? If: To better myself, or to learn self-defense, or something close, was the answer, we accepted them. If they said to "learn to Kick Ass" we denied them. Advanced students were hand picked and taught "Closed Door" after hours, non-commercially. This practice is still used today with all Chuntian Academy Classes and Locations.

A Historical Time-line Video Below