Chuntian Academy International

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Chuntian's programs?

Our programs are smart, simple, and based on real world, authentic martial arts from ancient times that is well suited to the needs of people in modern society. It is a complete system of training. The programs are organized in a progressive format, to help accommodate individual desires, training availability and time. It is an amazingly efficient and effective system that does not rely on physical size or strength. Dedicated students acquire not only a high level of martial skill and self defense ability in a relatively short time, they also develop a sense of relaxation, peace of mind, and greater confidence.

Is the Chuntian Academy way different from other martial arts?

Yes. Most martial arts are practiced as sports, requiring students to train for and demonstrate their fighting abilities in tournaments or other organized competitions. Conversely, C.A.I. programs are not a sport and students in C.A.I. schools are not expected to compete in tournaments. Additionally, a C.A.I. student does not receive instruction in an overwhelming number of self-defense techniques which may work in the controlled environment of a classroom or within the rules of an organized competition but may not work during an unpredictable street confrontation. Instead, C.A.I. teaches principles and concepts, with certain skills, tools, qualities and controls that can be applied in any number of situations and doesn't need to be assumptive and predictive of an attack, which is kind of a oxymoron if you understand real street situations. You are prepared for whatever, you are not thinking about what to do, the attack comes in, it's like one of your drills, in a relatively short you will react instinctively defend and attack almost simultaneously and without thought. This has been proven effective for over 400 years.
Moreover, while most martial arts schools require long-term contracts and charge fees for classes, testing and rank promotions, achievement tests, at C.A.I. we don't. We only charge a nominal fee for promotions, facilities and necessary overhead.
Every student learns at his own pace. Finally, in contrast to the strict military-style hierarchy, ceremony, and protocol common in other martial arts, C.A.I. students generally train in a relaxed and informal "family-style" manner.

What about traditional Martial arts self defense, will it work on the street?

The truth is much of what is taught in most traditional styles of self defense training and street fighting techniques should be much simpler and more direct than what is taught in most dojos and dojangs.
Many systems of self defense teach high kicking, complicated wrist maneuvers, hard to hit pressure points and other techniques that most likely would never work under the stress of a street attack.

Do most street fights go to the ground?

It has been said (mostly by those who are promoting grappling systems and videos) that most street fights go to the ground. But what is the basis for these supposed facts?
I don't know about you but most street fights, including bar fights and even road rage fights I have seen are over in about ten or fifteen seconds. Usually the person who lands the first good shot and follows up with several more, is the winner.

What are some C.A.I. Program's principles?

C.A.I. trains a student in the "Centerline Theory." Through a series of forms and drills a student is conditioned to occupy and control the body's centerline, the best position from which to attack and defend and avoid being taken to the ground. The system also provides extensive instruction in the principles of economy of motion, simultaneous attack and defense, and relaxation. The programs also incorporate the very different in style, personality, and theory of defense attack from the hard/soft Shaolin five animals, dragon, tiger, snake, crane and leopard. Mixing the Wing Chun concepts, and the attributes of the five animals., you'll find a highly functional system that teaches you to react naturally without thought, not a memorized pattern that typically only works in a controlled atmosphere. As Bruce Lee said, "let no way be your way".

What are the benefits of studying at C.A.I.?

C.A.I. offers a way to promote health, fitness, and well-being while simultaneously teaching powerful and effective self-defense. Although the general public primarily regards C.A.I. as limited to a system of fighting, C.A.I. goes well beyond martial skills. The system promotes personal growth as a student applies program's principles to all aspects of life.

Also, the C.A.I. organization also promotes and supports community safety and defense, understanding of different cultures and languages, as well as community involvement and enrichment. The student can also qualify as a seminar defense instructor, or health-longevity instructor or both. Or continue down the exciting road of mastering and living the kung fu way.

What do you do in a typical class?

Typically, students arrive and begin their training by stretching and doing a standardized warm up. Students then pair off and do training exercises called two-man drills. Students will switch partners several times during class to give each student the opportunity to train with different people. Some classes include group conditioning workouts with stretching, punching, and kicking exercises. Other classes focus on defense, control and applications of martial skills. Still other classes involve brief conversations led by the Teacher about C.A.I./kung fu training and kung fu life. Since taking breaks is also an important part of training, students rest several times during class.

Are the programs hard to learn?

No! The drills are simple and easy to practice. One of the amazing things about the system is that it teaches advanced martial arts principles and techniques through exercises that anyone can learn in a relatively short time.

These principles sound a lot like Wing Chun, Bruce Lee's style, related?

Yes, C.A.I.'s primary foundation is from a mixed Hong Kong family and street-style. Wing chun principles are widely adapted, as is the Wu xing Five Animal System, (akin to Choy Lee Fut) , Southern Kung fu as well as Silat.

How long does it take to become an expert in the C.A.I. programs?

A student who trains diligently can become an expert in C.A.I.'s programs in a relatively short time. During the first few years of study, the student is opened to forms and drills that lay the foundation for mastery of the system. After completing the basic program, a student has the opportunity to become an instructor in his school. C.A.I. is unique in the sense that the system does not require a lifetime of study for a student to achieve a high level of martial skill.; however, a dedicated student has the opportunity to spend a lifetime studying the system.

Are the programs a good martial art for women to study?

Yes! C.A.I.'s programs are ideal for both women and men of any stature. The system does not rely on physical size or strength.

Can kids learn at C.A.I.?

Yes! C.A.I.s Kid's program is a lot of fun for kids, and kids with sufficient physical
and mental maturity can begin C.A.I. training at a relatively young age.

What kind of uniforms do C.A.I. students wear?

The uniforms worn by students are similar to informal street clothes. The typical outfit includes a t-shirt decorated with a School insignia or logo, a pair of lightweight pants similar to jogging pants, and thin-soled shoes. After students have been training for some time they often practice in street clothes instead of the uniform. Uniforms are available for sale at a moderate price at our store.

Does C.A.I. offer weapons training?

Primarily for complimentary emergency defense training, intermediate to advanced levels are taught knife, short and long pole. Those same techniques are applicable and also practiced using everyday "legal" items, such as, ink pens, pencils, umbrellas, chairs, etc..

Does C.A.I. offer instruction in other martial arts systems or sport?

No. The class is a training space dedicated to the practice of authentic and functional real world defense concepts.

How can I learn at C.A.I.?

Simply contact us to schedule an appointment. We offer every interested person the opportunity to come to a class to participate in a class at no cost or obligation. Rather than have you sit on the sideline and watch other students train, C.A.I. allows you to participate in order to determine for yourself whether C.A.I. is right for you. Check our Schedule/Events page for time and places in Central Japan.

I want to learn, but I am not close to a C.A.I. Instructor, what should I do?

First, if you are serious about real world defense and you are not close to a CAI instructor, we suggest finding a Jeet Kune Do, Kali , Wing Chun, or Krav maga.
school with a REAL teacher. Many kung fu schools also have good programs, but a lot of the publicized and commercial schools are geared towards sport and competition as is karate and the like, so you must research them first. International School Directory.

Read C.A.I. Philosophy.
Remember, it is worth the time to travel a bit to a find a good teacher.
Chinese proverb: " It's better to spend ten years looking for the right teacher, than to spend ten years with the wrong one".