Academy of Self-Defense

Time proven methods of Self-Defense, Physical Fitness & Health Maintenance

Get in shape, increase your confidence, lose weight, learn self-defense & have fun...

The Academy of Self-Defense offers three Teen / Adult Programs: Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan and San Shou.

Shaolin Kung Fu is a method of self-defense that was developed in the Shaolin Monastery of China around 525 AD. The name Shaolin became renown for the skill of its boxing monks and eventually Kung Fu spread to neighboring Okinawa, Japan and Korea where it greatly influenced and enhanced their systems of martial arts known today as Karate and Tae Kwon Do.

Tai Chi Chuan is a soft style of Kung Fu and literally translates to: “Supreme Ultimate Fist”. Originally developed as a method of self-defense in the 14th century, Tai Chi is most often practiced today for its health benefits. Significant health benefits can be attained with only 15 – 30 minutes of practice twice per week. However, the Academy of Self-Defense does divulge the martial aspects of Tai Chi to those who desire it.

San Shou translates to Free Style Full Contact Fighting. San Shou is the Kung Fu cousin to American Kick Boxing and Muay Thai with a sprinkling of Mixed Martial Arts. It utilizes kicks, punches, throws and take-downs to defeat your opponent on a Lei Tai (raised platform without ropes).

Why Choose the Academy of Self-Defense?

Few schools in the country have the unique combination of martial arts, education and leadership that you will find in our Kung Fu and Tai Chi Programs. We are the oldest Kung Fu school in Oklahoma with over 13 years in our current location. Master Ray Hildreth is certified by the World Organization of Wushu Kung Fu Masters and with over 40 years martial arts experience is the highest ranking certified Kung Fu Master in Oklahoma.

Why is the Academy of Self-Defense Different?

There are many approaches to teaching martial arts. Some schools are very strict and militaristic. You cannot talk in class unless spoken to and you never approach your instructor without permission.

We believe that the best learning atmosphere is a relaxed and friendly one, sort of a “family-like” atmosphere. Our adult members are men and women who like to learn and train. They enjoy each other’s company and have ultimate respect for themselves, the instructors and each other.

We believe that you do not have to “re-invent the wheel.” In other words, the ancient masters created something that has stood the test of time. Kung Fu is still alive and viable in today’s world; whether it is for self-defense, health maintenance or physical fitness as the training and techniques still work. For this reason we teach the classical Kung Fu sets that were created by the ancient masters and we believe in a similar code of conduct. Not in a religious sense, but we do show respect with a salute to our country’s flag and to each other at the beginning and at the end of class. We value honor, courtesy and respect.

Shaolin Kung Fu Curriculum

First, students go through an "Orientation" process where they are taught the basics such as: etiquette, terminology, theory, stances, blocks, hand formations, kicks, and strikes. This becomes the Foundation from which they build their Kung Fu knowledge upon.

Solo fist sets are the heart and soul of our training. Defensive movements and counter-attacks have been choreographed into routines that simulate combat with multiple opponents.

The solo sets are analyzed to reveal their self-defense applications.

Ancient weapon forms are used to develop strength, speed, stamina and coordination.

Two person exercises develop combat agility, timing and accurate maneuvering.

Free Sparring enhances combat awareness and the ability to respond to un-choreographed attacks.

Tai Chi Chuan Curriculum

First, students go through an "Orientation" process where they are taught the basics such as: etiquette, terminology and Tai Chi theory / philosophy. This becomes the "Foundation" from which they build their Tai Chi knowledge upon.

Next the student begins to learn a Tai Chi Solo set or form. Learning just one set could take several weeks.

General Benefits: "Tai Chi teaches inner strength while toning muscles, increasing flexibility, and boosting immune power."Men's Health Magazine, Mar/Apr '93

Breathing, Aches, Blood Pressure: "Participants observed a big increase in breathing capacity, a disappearance of back aches; those with high blood pressure claimed a drop of 10-15 mm Hg systolic at rest and all claimed to have more energy."Hawaii Medical Journal, Aug '92

Balance: "A ten year study on aging through Harvard, Yale, and Emory Universities determined not only that Tai Chi was superior to more technological balance therapies, but that Tai Chi reduced the risk of falling by 48%. Complications from these injuries are the sixth leading cause of death in older Americans and account for about a ten billion dollar loss per year to the economy."USA Today May '96

To enhance their Tai Chi skill and application, the Intermediate student may learn an exercise called Push Hands.

Those wishing to increase their Tai Chi knowledge may learn a Tai Chi weapon form.

San Shou Curriculum

Our San Shou training is for teens and adults only. It is an intense, physically demanding work out session. A Kung Fu background is desired but not mandatory.