Chuntian Academy International

Matt Plewes started martial arts training in December 1976. First, for several years he studied Seikukan Karate under T. Ogawa, 10th Dan. From 1982-84, Matt sampled and studied many styles. For example, Okinawan Shorin ryu, Phillipino Kali, Phillipino Escrima, etc.. Eventually he found exactly what he was looking for with Master Cheeks's Hong Kong family style five animal based Gung fu . Mastering chin na and escapes, reverses as well as the advanced applications of the Five Animals.

Matt also worked on the streets as a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Private investigator. He also consulted with professionals, police, military, security, street-wise inner city residents, general research and of course 30 plus years martial arts experience to the level of Master.

He later coordinated, refined and blended a very unique and functional defense, Health and longevity , cultural understanding, total family care, community active system that is now becoming international one local community school at a time.

The following is a brief background of lineage pertaining to the formation of Chuntian Academy today.

Basically Chuntian Academy today is a mixture of the most functional ideas, doctrines and techniques through years of training, research, trial and error and professional input.

It's a mixture of Hong Kong Gung fu, Shaolin Wu Xing Kung fu, Wing Chun Kung fu, Ji jitsu, Jeet kune do, Karate, Aikido, military basic hand to hand combat, police seize and arrest techniques, bodyguard tactics, security, investigative procedures and tactics.

Also, Tai chi, Yoga, Chi kung, meditation, nutrition, complementary medicine, advanced first aid, medical and health studies, etc.
All eclectically chosen and put into a highly organized, progressive, functional, easy to learn and apply format and teaching method.

A lot of the techniques are from Gung fu's chin-na,(seize,lock and control). We mention the other styles in which at least one technique, idea or drill routine was borrowed and implemented in our progressive programs. However the advanced levels at C.A.I. are primarily a Hong Kong-type Gung fu.

We believe in the old Chinese proverb: One good form/style mastered is worth more than one hundred tasted. So you master the foundation Hong Kong system.
The other mentioned styles and concepts we adopted only choice training drills, exercises, and techniques that are complimentary and fit well with our philosophy and concepts of real, functional defense and survival in todays world.

Note: Below are important people and/or instructors in this families (Chuntian Academy) "formative lineage". Either charter or important members. Members with professional, expert or other significant contributions, etc.

*(i.e.Police, military, security, experienced in a fighting art and/or Instructor level or higher in a fighting art, medical, health fields, traditional Chinese medicine, exercises, practices. etc.

See Kung fu History

Man-o-War School (1960's and 1970's)

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Grand Master Ho Lee, Teacher of Master Nickolas Banks ( Man-of-War )

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L.Grant
I.Washington
J.Jue

Si Gung, Master Samuel Cheeks, Jr.
( Director Plewes' Sifu - Chinese Martial Arts Teacher)

..Man-of-War and Co-founder of Cheeks-Plewes Martial Arts Club and Style (1984)

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Other significant martial art teachers and/or associates of M.Plewes.

T. Ogawa, 10th Dan, Seikukan Karate-Do

J. Wong, Wing Chun, Hong Kong Style

L.Sun, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung, Instructor, Shanghai Tai Chi Association.

More;
Victor Inacio, Fillipino Martial Arts Early 1980s

In Japan, several teachers and or practitioners of
various disciplines. Karate, Aikido, Shorin ji kempo, etc.
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Chuntian Club
M.Plewes*,(USA) Founder and Coordinator/ Chuntian Academy's Eclectic Programs. (1994-present)

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U.S.A.

J.Pevahouse, (3rd Rank).Charter Member. (Chuntian's Advanced Intermediate Wu-xing only)

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(U.S.A.)

Charter Members;

B.Dunlow, J.Pevahouse, D.Whitehurst , R.Johnson* ,J.Johnson*,
R.Gilbar*, S.Fuller, D.Goodwin, M.Byrant*, J.Ravis* .

Charter members; (L-R) Dunlow, Pevahouse,Bryant,Goodwin

(Japan 2001 to present)
Revised and newly developed International Programs for Today's World:

Matt Plewes*, Founder, President, International Director, 7th Rank honorary by generations.

Silver Dragon Members

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Sheik Ally*(2006)
Karl Emerson*(2006)

Charter Members:

First Group in Shizuoka, Japan

S. Ally*
K.Emerson*
S.Mochizuki
J.Kristanti
L. Mejia
H. Kageyama

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(United Kingdom)
Charter Members;

X.Fernandez*(2005)

Lifetime Member;

X. Fernandez*(2005)
Sheik Azmir Ally ( 2008)