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What can I expect when I come in for free introductory lessons?
Wear loose fitting clothing and come prepared to have fun.
How is your training conducted?
Our school uses the same training methods as the other successful schools in the Professional Martial Arts Association. The classes are structured to teach children self-discipline and respect. Students are required to wear a clean school uniform and abide by the school's Code of Conduct at all times.
Boundaries are important in Martial Arts training. After all, we are learning how to use our bodies as weapons in a safe and responsible manner.
Establishing mutually respectful parameters between students and teachers makes the friendships that result more meaningful when they are friendships built on a foundation of respect.
Will I ever be pressured into signing up for classes?
Never. First, we do not believe in using sales pitches to advance our business. We believe we are offering one of the best and most practical approaches to well-rounded martial arts training, and we let our system of martial arts sell itself. Secondly, we realize that Wu Ying Tao may not be what every potential martial arts student is looking for, and that’s okay. If it is, you’re more than welcome to join us. If it isn’t, there are several other good martial arts schools in our community that we will be happy to refer you to.
What does "Wu Ying Tao" mean?
Literally translated, "Wu Ying Tao" is a Chinese phrase meaning, "The formless way." This name derives from our approach to martial arts practice. Traditionally in martial arts, students were taught to perform techniques by imitating their teachers, and, in some styles of Kung Fu, imitating the movements of various animals. One drawback to this approach is that what works for your instructor may not work exactly the same way for you, depending on your size, age, strength, muscle mass, bone density, or even emotional disposition. In Wu Ying Tao, we practice to develop the skills of martial arts without having habits or patterns that may be predictable.
For example, if you are playing with a cat who becomes too rough in its play, you will probably withdraw your hand from the range of the cat’s claws. But you would not necessarily make a point of avoiding the cat’s rear legs the way you would when walking behind a horse. Cat’s can be counted on to use their arms and claws with swift agility. But a horse uses its size and strength to launch an effective attack.
In the same way, some people are more adept at moving with swift precision, while others focus on developing gross motor skills for strength and power. Wu Ying Tao is a unique approach to martial arts practice in that every student is able to apply its principles with sometimes different but equally effective results.
Where did Wu Ying Tao come from?
Wu Ying Tao was developed by Grandmaster Bruce Terrill in Portland, Oregon. For more information go to History link on this web site.
Is Wu Ying Tao a traditional or contemporary style?
Wu Ying Tao is taught in a what most would consider a contemporary manner, emphasizing a practical, realistic approach to in-class training, sport competition, and self-defense. While this defines our approach to the practice of martial arts, many of our students and instructors have a strong appreciation for the rich traditional heritage of the arts. Because of this appreciation, we include some facets of the traditional arts in our regular training, and offer additional classes in those areas to interested students.
Is Wu Ying Tao a soft or a hard style of martial arts?
Some martial arts styles, such as White Crane Kung Fu, practice what are called "soft" energy techniques, meaning fluid, usually circular motions. Other styles, such as Tae Kwon Do, use mostly linear energy directed by a straight line of force with a harder impact. Since Wu Ying Tao is able to utilize almost any martial arts technique, the answer to this question is, both soft and hard, depending on the student. This is because our training is conducted in a way that encourages each student to apply the skills and concepts in a manner that best suits his or her own physical, mental, and emotional composition. In other words, a shy, reserved nine-year-old will not practice Wu Ying Tao in the same manner as a muscular, gregarious thirty-year-old man. Although they will each learn the same sets of attacks and defenses, their application will be tailored to what gets the best result for them, individually. As they progress through the belt ranks, most students find they prefer to practice in either a soft or hard style manner, and begin developing their preferred approach. Of course, many Wu Ying Tao students apply both approaches, varying according to the specific technique, and how it works best for them.
Does Wu Ying Tao training include teachings in Eastern religion or mysticism?
No. As mentioned above, the simple English translation of the name of our style is "The Formless Way," meaning that we train to be unpredictable to our opponent or sparring partner. Therefore, there is nothing mystical or religious about the name or the practice of Wu Ying Tao. The concepts taught in the classroom are focused toward applying martial arts skills in a manner that is fun to practice and easy to apply to real life situations. We do not teach meditation techniques, mantras, or Eastern mysticism.
Wait a minute—don’t you offer additional training in some areas of Tai Chi, and isn’t that part of the Taoist religion?
It is true that the origin and modern practice of Tai Chi is closely related to Taoism. However, at PMA-Salem, our approach to the practice of Tai Chi is void of any such teachings. How do we reconcile this?
First, Tai Chi teaches that chi energy can be harnessed and directed to flow through the body, thus giving the practitioner better health and well-being. This is really no different that going to an acupunturist for treatment for, say, a pinched sciatic nerve. In both instances, the treatment or the technique is believed to work by unblocking energy channels in the body. At PMA-Salem, while we do not teach that chi energy is God, or part of who or what God is, we do believe it is energy that exists within and around our bodies. Some Wu Ying Tao instructors simply believe that chi energy is part of God’s creation.
Secondly, Tai Chi offers a great variety of low-impact self-defense techniques that are remarkably effective and require very little strength to perform. In this respect, removed from any forms of Eastern mysticism or religious beliefs, Tai Chi can be approached as a safe and practical way of learning self-defense.
Why should I consider martial arts training over other forms of exercise?
Martial arts, when properly taught and practiced, is one of the most fun and enjoyable activities there is! It is rich in heritage and fascinating in its detailed theory of methods and applications. Learning a new technique, or applying a new strategy is often compared to solving a puzzle. At first, the components don’t seem to make sense. Then, after sufficient time and practice, you experience that "aha!" moment when it all comes together.
Also, at PMA-Salem, we believe in being practical and realistic. Although self-defense can be a serious subject, if the practice of martial arts is not fun, there is definitely something missing!
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
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