The White Birch program offered me the chance to build my own training regimen from an excellent variety of workout and fighting styles - including Kung Fu, Jiu-Jitsu, Tai Chi and San Shou.

Combining the intense San Shou fighting workouts with the well rounded Kung Fu workouts gave me just what I was looking for. Since starting the program, I've lost the extra 10 pounds I put on during a year of inactivity and regained much of my original speed and muscle tone.

I can tell you from experience that whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced student, this is exactly the kind of friendly, "no-nonsense" environment you want to train in.

Thanks White Birch!"

Jeff Briscoe

“Kung Fu and Tai Chi training at White Birch have given my life deeper meaning. I started the training at age 44 and have been studying for eight years. At first it was somewhat intimidating. I was never athletic. I was a jogger, but I had never done anything like Martial Arts.

The guidance, encouragement, high standards, and atmosphere that White Birch provides quickly transformed me and my experience. Under this program, Kung Fu and Tai Chi have brought me incredible health, spiritual fulfillment, an amazing increase in my physical and emotional self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment that only one or two activities in my life have provided.

Sifu LaPointe has an deep and profound understanding of his art, and designs his curriculum to facilitate hard work and accomplishment. I would not want to train under a teacher who’s standards were low and who awards mediocrity .

One of the things I like most about Sifu’s training program is its

broad, eclectic nature. I have learned and enjoyed not only traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi, but Chin Na applications, grappling techniques, sparring in full gear, Tai Chi self defense applications, Qigong, and many other martial arts practices.

At the same time, the White Birch program produces a deep level of accomplishment in the core Kung Fu and Tai Chi skills. This is not a "superficial" program, but one with both depth and breadth. After eight years of training I have certainly not "outgrown" what Sifu LaPointe has to offer. The program he designed was right for me as a beginner but also allowed me to grow and still learn as an advanced student.

As an educator, I see college students each day who are confused by those inevitable courses taught by unmotivated and unprepared instructors. From that vantage point, I can appreciate the skill and care that Sifu brings to his training programs. Kung Fu and Tai Chi are now a permanent

part of my life.

I will never be without them, and I hope to train at White Birch for many years to come.”

Joelle Presson

Dear Sifu,

I wanted to say a few words about the instruction I have received over the last 2 years. I cannot believe how much more flexible, more coordinated and stronger I feel today. After each Kung Fu class, I feel I have learned something important.

The fact that classes are divided into sections creates an upbeat rhythm and helps me stay concentrated throughout the class. The fact that you show us a movement two or three times and then help us individually correct our mistake makes it easy to learn. Also, the fact that we focus on attention to details is, in my opinion, essential.

Finally, I like the fact that we are taught to use what we learn in a positive, constructive way. I am infinitely less likely today to respond with force to a physical or oral provocation than I was a few years ago. I recognize this is a life long learning process, but at least I am confident I am learning the right way.

Julien Bois