Hi, I’m Marshall Buchholz, the instructor at Northwest Martial Arts of Salem, Oregon. When  I decided to try Martial Arts, over 30 years ago, I had no idea where to start, or what the differences between the styles were, or how to tell a good school from a bad one.
Looking back on that, I realize how fortunate I was that I found the system of training that I did! Wu Ying Tao was still a fairly new concept in those days, but was already, at that time, the largest Martial Arts Association in the Pacific Northwest.
Maybe you’re like I was, interested in Martial Arts training but not sure where to start. Or maybe you're looking for a system of training that will expand on the Martial Arts you've already learned -- classes where you can develop Personal Safety skills while Improving your Health?
At Northwest Martial Arts of Salem, we offer training in Self Defense that can make your life stress-free and give you the sense of personal freedom you get from knowing you can take control of a threatening situation.
The cardio workouts in our classes improve your health, release stress, and leave you feeling great! It’s true that people who practice Martial Arts only two or three times per week are happier, more energetic, and more confident!
But there’s more to what you learn in Wu Ying Tao than just the usual kick-boxing-cardio workouts almost every karate school offers…
The Wu Ying Tao system of Martial Arts is built on a unique principle called "The Formless Way."
Classes consists of training in...
- Martial Arts kicking, punching, blocking, and trapping
- Personal Safety and Self Defense Techniques
- Sparring to hone quick reflexes and quick thinking
Each class hour is divided into three parts:
- Warm up and basic Martial Arts training. 10-15 min.
- Sparring techniques and strategies. 25-30 min.
- Self-Defense and Personal Safety. 10-15 min.
Requirement for Advancement
Each belt rank is carefully structured to bring out the best ability of the student. In all of the ranks below black belt, the requirements are taught in two phases:
- Development of Conscious Competence -- The techniques are memorized and the student is able to demonstrate them.
- Development of Unconscious Competence -- The ability to perform the techniques automatically with little to no thought.
This Two-Part Training System Keeps Classes Interesting!
During the first month in any of the belt ranks, you are developing Conscious Competence. During the second month, we change the techniques and strategies just enough to give them some variety. The student is performing the same techniques, but in a slightly different way. (The changes at the higher belt ranks are more technical, and sometimes rather intriguing!)
Development of skills from Conscious Competence to Unconscious Competence is actually part of a Four Stage learning system.
You can read more about The Four Stages Of Martial Arts Training here!
Our group classes are informal, so you can be yourself. You’ll quickly make friends with others like you who are interested in developing Personal Safety Skills and Improved Health.
Belt Ranking System:
Wu Ying Tao ("The Formless Way") has a system of seven belt rank colors, with two degrees for each color up to black. There are five degrees of Black Belt in Wu Ying Tao. Each color belt rank requires about two months to develop the level of competence required to pass the test for advancement to the next rank.
The "First Degree" of each belt color is represented by a solid color. The "Advanced" rank of each color is represented by a belt of the solid color with a black stripe down the middle.
| Rank Color |
Rank Requirements
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Advanced White
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Single Attacks & Defense. Introduction to concepts of Critical Distance, Range, 5 Lines of Force. Introduction to Sparring. Zones of Engagement.
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Orange
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Double Attacks & Defense. Understand rules for point sparring. Use a kick as a closing technique followed by a hand technique. Principle of Measuring.
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Advanced Orange
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Multiple Attacks & Defense. Attacks and Defenses to 5 Levels – head, body, groin, knee, & foot. Principle of Controlling.
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Blue
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Turning Attacks. Folding Elbow. Continuous Attacks & Defenses. Principle of Causing.
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Advanced Blue
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Simultaneous Attacks & Defenses. Principle of Experiencing.
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Purple
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Kata/Form. The Gates Of Learning. (The Four Competency Levels.)
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Advanced Purple
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Close Range Attacks & Defenses. Principle of Adapting.
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Green
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Throwing Attacks & Defenses. Principle of Ranging. (Smooth, seamless movement from one range to another while continuing to engage.)
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Advanced Green
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Ground Fighting. Principle of Leveling.
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| Brown |
PDodging and Angling Attacks & Defenses. Principle: Assisting (Assistant Instructor).
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| Advanced Brown |
Principles of Teaching. Understand and demonstrate all previous ranks and principles.
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| Black |
Demonstrate the Beginning of Mastery of All Previous Rank Requirements & Principles.
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Earn Your Black Belt In Just Three Years
Students in the Wu Ying Tao system earn their black belts with about 3 years of training—a reasonably fast way of reaching your goals of personal safety, self-confidence, and fitness. In just three years, you can experience that sense of personal fulfillment that comes from knowing you have achieved something significant, something you worked hard for, and that other people respect.
Northwest Martial Arts of Salem is a member of the Professional Martial Arts Association based in Portland, Oregon, the Northwest’s oldest and most respected association of modern Martial Arts schools. For nearly 40 years, our association of schools have been teaching practical, realistic Self Defense training for real-world application.
We've Made Getting Started Easier Than Ever!
Click Here To Learn How To Get Started Toward Earning Your Black Belt and get Two Free Private Lessons.
Three Locations:
Northwest Martial Arts of Salem
3547 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE
Salem, OR 97302
503-689-3162 |
Northwest Martial Arts - Clackamas
13175 Sunnyside Rd.
Clackamas,OR 97015
503-813-7900
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International Wu Ying Tao Association
Professional Martial Arts Center
9212 SE Ramona St.
Portland, OR 97266
503-771-3000 |
NWMA-Salem is located at The Salem Gymnastics Center located at
3547 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, in Southeast Salem behind The Hoop.
View Map
How To Get Started
Class Days & Times
Children Ages 7-13 Tue. & Thur. 7:30 - 8:30 PM
Adults Mon. & Wed. 8:30 - 9:30 PM
Other times and days available by appointment.
Give us a call or send an e-mail and learn more about this innovative system of Self-Defense. Start today on a fun, exciting journey toward earning your Black Belt in just 2 ½ to 3 years of training. Or browse our site to learn more about "The Formless Way."
You’ll be amazed at the things you’ll be able to do when you’ve earned your Black Belt in Wu Ying Tao!
Click Here To Get Started Today!
What’s Different About "The Formless Way" ?
Wu Ying Tao – The Formless Way – is unique in the Martial Arts world for being a practical, realistic approach to Martial Arts training.
Are Your Nerves Putting You At Risk? What you need to know about your body to protect yourself.
Sparring – The Ultimate Training Method? Or…?
Has sparring practice become obsolete in Martial Arts Practice? If you believe what some Martial Artists say, Sparring is just a waste of time.
8 Easy Exercises to Release Stress
With just 15 minutes a day, you can become Stress Free and have more Relaxed Energy. Some people say these exercises are as good as a nap and a cup of espresso!
Flexibility Training Tips
Learn how to do the splits! You’ll amaze yourself once you understand the fundamentals of PNF stretching.
Develop Lightning Fast Speed!
There’s fast, and then there’s FAST. These 3 Easy Speed Exercises will help you develop lightning fast kicking and punching.
Learn About The History of Wu Ying Tao
Wu Ying Tao ("The Formless Way") was developed by Grandmaster Bruce Terrill in Portland, Oregon.
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© 2008 Northwest Martial Arts of Salem, LLC
Please read our disclaimer
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