A. Since 1989

Q. What is the School philosophy?

A. “To offer traditional martial arts instruction as a discipline that anyone can benefit from in their everyday life. To do so in an atmosphere that is safe, friendly, and respectful to the teachers, students, and the art itself.”

Q. Who are the White Birch instructors and what are their credentials?

A. White Birch Kung Fu & Tai Chi was founded in 1989 by Robert LaPointe. The curriculum and teaching methods are based on his 30 years of study in the martial arts.

Began martial arts training, 1974; Black Belt, Kenpo, 1982; Black Sash, Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, 1989. 4th degree awarded, 2002. Judged and competed on national and international levels. Attended 1st World Tai Chi Conference Beijing, China, 1994.

Styles of martial arts studied include Kenpo, Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yang Style Tai Chi and the following Chi Kung: Soaring Crane, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Six Healing Sounds, Qi Gong Wu Xhi Wah, Micro-cosmic Circle Qi Gong, and meditative Qi Gong.

Seminars attended include: Ed Parker, Helio, Royce, Rorion, Relson Gracie, Dan Inosanto, Yang Jwing Ming, Shou-Yu Liang, Nick Gracenin, and many others.

Presented numerous demonstrations and workshops to Washington, D.C. area businesses and agencies, including Georgetown University Hospital, Northern Virginia Hospital Center, Alexandria Hospital, Arlington Public Schools, Defense Intelligence Agency, Exxon-Mobile Corporation, USA Today, Intelsat, and the Annual Convention of American Physical Therapy Association, 1999.

B.A. Literature, University of Texas, Austin, 1982; M.A. Political Theory, University of Essex, U.K., 1985. Adjunct faculty in writing and social sciences, National Lewis University, 2002.

Larry Vincent owns the Stow, Ohio school.

Lacy Colley owns the Sterling, Virginia school.

Q. What programs do you offer and what will I learn?

A. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu – you’ll learn traditional Chin Na (Chinese controlling joint locks and escapes for self defense), and both empty hand and weapons, solo and 2 person forms. This program:

       develops powerful kicks and punches

       teaches devastating throws and their set ups

       builds lean body mass

       ensures maximum fitness, flexibility and weight loss

       instills confidence

       builds practical self defense skills

Yang style Tai Chi – this program teaches the traditional Yang short and long forms, plus the sword form, pushing hands and meditative Qi Gong. You’ll also get a complete stretch routine and warm up with every class so you leave feeling relaxed and energized.This course:

       provides deep relaxation for reduced stress

       trains solid balance

       reduces back pain from years of improper exercise

       develops flexibility

       teaches centering for better focus

Adult submission wrestling – our ground fighting program is designed to meet the needs of martial artists who aren’t interested in fighting on the ground, but who want to know what to do if they end up there. It’s based on a combination of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and “Catch Wrestling.” We don’t wear judo uniforms or award ranks in this class. This class is a favorite among law enforcement personnel. The submission wrestling program:

       teaches effective escapes and reversals from the ground

       develops a great sense of position and balance

       builds stamina and lean body mass

       boosts your fighting skills with airtight joint locks and choke holds

       prepares you for ending up on the ground against your will

Children’s Kung Fu – At White Birch, children learn a fun combination of strikes, escapes, traditional form, and wrestling. Our program for children:

       develops good balance

       instills motor control that many children lack

       teaches practical self defense not “tournament karate”

       leads to good mental focus

       develops self control

       builds goal setting skills

       rewards safe, respectful behavior

Q. Will I be required to attend class at certain times?

A. No. Classes are available 6 days a week. Students may attend as often as they like.

Q. Does your program come with a guarantee?

A. Absolutely. If, after your second lesson, you’re not 100% convinced the School, instructors, curriculum, and people you’ve trained with are exactly what you’re looking for, you may discontinue your training without obligation, and you’ll have our thanks for giving it a try.

Helpful web sites:

Lin Kung Fu Website of Grandmaster Willy Lin