ACADEMY OF TIBETAN
MARTIAL ARTS
ACADEMY OF TIBETAN
MARTIAL ARTS
For the true warrior, there is no warfare.
The essence of warriorship, or the essence of human
bravery, is refusing to give up on anyone or anything.
To conduct our lives with fearlessness and rejoicing,
without destroying each other.
-- Chogyam Trungpa
Most people think of Tibet as a devoutly Buddhist land where lamas climb
Himalayan peaks to meditate. That's true. But it's also home to a very
proud people who have developed great skill as artists, farmers, herders,
horsemen, metalsmiths, musicians, traders, weavers and, yes, even as warriors
and martial artists.
Two of the most famous Tibetan martial arts styles are White Crane and
Tiger Claw.
Both of these arts incorporate seven strengths: Focus, Positioning, Angles,
Timing, Suddenness, Power Line and Blending. In addition, the breath is
developed to add power to strikes and to help defend against attacks.
Although the origins are shrouded in mystery, Tibetan White Crane kung
fu is believed to have been created by the nomads of Amdo (northeastern
Tibet) as a means of evading the attacks of wild animals and armed robbers.
This unique fighting style is said to have been learned by a monk named
Ah Dat To who named it Lion's Roar and brought it to the Potala Palace
in Lhasa. There it was eventually used by bodyguards to protect H.H. the
Dalai Lama. Over the years, the style was refined in the many monasteries
of Tibet and took many forms. Our particular lineage evolved in the monasteries
of Kham (southeastern Tibet) and is known as Charging White Crane. While
it retains much of the evasiveness of the original nomadic style, Charging
White Crane also has an aggressive nature. It includes powerful strikes
with full body integration, kicks, throws and a highly developed understanding
of footwork and angles.
At advanced levels, Tibetan Charging White Crane incorporates a variety
of weapons, including staff, short sticks, butterfly swords and hook swords.
Our lineage of Tibetan Tiger Claw traces its roots to the Ch'ang Tien Temple
in Southeastern Tibet where a lama named Tien Erose Twang is said to have
created the style from the older Fire Tiger kung fu system. Ch'ang Tien
Temple Tiger Claw is an extraordinarily aggressive style of self-defense.
It is designed to intercept the opponent's attack and overwhelm the opponent
with a continuous and confusing series of rips, strikes, kicks, whirls,
grabs, throws and Kahm Na (joint and stance manipulation). Tibetan Tiger
Claw trains exceptionally powerful stances, as well as full waist and body
integration.
Weapons used with this style include staff, short sticks, butterfly swords,
hook swords and three-section staff.
While nearly everyone can learn the techniques of a martial art, truly
mastering the art is much more difficult. It takes commitment, determination,
dedication and self-discipline. Yet those who commit themselves to mastering
the Tibetan martial arts will realize many benefits - physically, mentally
and spiritually. These benefits include increased self-confidence, flexibility,
strength, agility, quickness, stamina, awareness, self-discipline and an
improved understanding of non-violent conflict resolution.
Instruction includes martial techniques, meditation, strength training,
Tibetan history and culture, as well as self-defense techniques for all
situations - even encounters with multiple and armed assailants.
Classes are open to all women, men and children, ages 12 and up. Instruction is under the guidance of Gary LaMaster. He has been training
in Tibetan and Chinese martial arts for more than 20 years and was certified
as a full instructor in 1992 by Dr. Robert K. Cooper. Class times are as follows:
Beginning classes 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Advanced classes 7:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
All levels 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
3 month introductory program - $100 total cost
Advanced programs range from $35 - $50 per month
The Academy of Tibetan Martial Arts is centrally located in the Twin Cities.
Please call for directions and more information.
or gary@warbabiesinc.com
"Those who claim great prowess in martial arts
and anxiously show "what they know" to others,
always seriously lack ability.
Those who have great skill are at ease,
soft-spoken and positive.
Using their abilities at only the right times of need,
without prior boasting or announcement
and always succeeding."
-- Sifu Chou Dhieh Hsiang