The Taiping Institute aims to provide the most effective and true to its principles traditional martial arts training.
The Taiping Martial Arts Consist of many martial arts systems, some are very large or comprehensive (such as Da Liuhe Men, Chuojiao, Yanqing Men and Chahua Men). Most comprehensive does not mean most effective, that is up to you and how hard and focused you train. Also certain body types or personalities are often inclined into a system or other so as to leverage their natural inclinations. In general, one (1) of the following is normally selected (or determined by the head of the institute/by a student):
Cangzhou Martial Arts
Cangzhou is home to the largest range of martial arts than anywhere is in China. Since in ancient times the worlds largest man-made canal used transport goods, there were many Security Bureau that would be formulated to protect goods resulting in martial arts experts from the throughout the country.
Baoding Martial Arts
Baoding means protect the capital, being just on the outskirts of Beiping (Beijing) when Baoding was the capital of the Zhili province. It has always been of military importance and many martial arts experts would be hired in the Baoding area to train officers and troops or become Imperial officers themselves. This led to a significant number of different styles, second to only to Cangzhou in terms of diversity and depth. There many military academies and also heads of rogue warlords centred in Baoding and is even home to one of the most important Army academies until today.
Jiangxi Martial Arts
Jiangxi has historically been an important corridor between the north and the south. Forming a part of the Jiangnan (south of the Jiang/Yangzte river), it helped trade between the old kingdom in Xi’an and the far south in Guangdong, this is also one of the earliest migrations of the Hakka. Jiangxi later was a strategic location when the Jurchen invaded China during the Song dynasty, leading to the creation of the Southern Song dynasty. The well known general Yue fei’s family resided in the areas north of the Jiangxi province. Also Jiangxi played a pivotal role in modern history as the first uprising and base for the communist revolution and the important long march.
Lingnan Martial Arts
The martial arts of the Lingnan area are also rich in diversity and especially among different cultural groups. The important proliferation of martial arts occurred during the Qing dynasty, where a number of anti-qing revolutionary groups would be formed. The Tiandi Hui (Heaven Earth Society), also known as Hong Men was very prominent and influential in the martial arts canvass of the Lingnan region. Additionally Guangdong is home to a diverse culture including the Chaoshan (TeoChew) and the Kejia (Hakka) which have their own influences on the martial arts.
Fujian Martial Arts
Fujian on the eastern coast of China has historically been associated with maritime trade and was subject to attack by Wo Kou (Pirates) who pilfered villages and the land. This resulted in many expeditions to protect the coast during the Ming dynasty. Then in the Qing dynasty, rebellion against the foreign Manchu government were also prominent in those lands. Often ex Ming loyalists had to train local villagers and farmers, leveraging their natural skills with those of military systems, resulting in new systems of combat, that were fast to learn and practical.
Whilst it is not fixed, below are examples of the training options for different entry points into the Taiping Institute, catering for the relevant development stages of an individual. Note that there always exceptions depending on the particular person so these are just as a guide. Do note that we prefer not to take short term students (unless pre-arranged exchanged with known and pre-qualified other school of respectable standing), because the programs are designed to teach whole martial arts systems comprehensively. It is for this reason that long-distance, casual and other such approaches are not feasible for we believe it has great limitations to training.
To understand the Traditional martial arts training method and the commitment required, please note below a sample training schedule of a general student of the Taiping Institute. This can differ according to the students objectives and stage of learning.
Chinese martial arts do not have a belt based ranking or grading system. Also the definition of such systems vary significantly. Rather recognition is more like that of family, where the elders and family members play a role, it is based on heritage. In more recent years that practiced has sometimes led to commercialization, whilst there were always differences because again each style and area had slight variations.
Understanding that modern society applies some form of recognition when progressing we have integrated the family concept into the method of grading which is then based on achieving certain skills, combat abilities and depth within a particular system. As an example, the requirements of the first or lowest level would similar to the level of a black belt of other styles, it is just the beginning.
These levels consist of eight as follows:
Level 1 – Novice Students
Level 2 – Taiping Student
Level 3 – Taiping Member
Level 4 – Taiping Warrior
Level 5 – Taiping Enter Gate Disciple
Level 6 – Taiping Coach
Level 7 – Taiping Inner Chamber Disciple
Level 8 – Taiping Inheritor
The requirements or content for each level are specific to each martial arts system. There are 8 targets or key stages within each of the levels. There is no specific timeframe as it all depends on the dedication, ability to achieve and overall outcomes.
1. Entrance into the Taiping Institute programs is by introduction (through a Taiping Institute member or affiliate) and requires approval/consent. The objective and commitment to study should be clear.
2. The intention of the Taiping Institute is to pass down the complete martial arts system heritage. Casual students interested in joining for short term interests are usually deterred unless they have a clear and specific objective agreed. All programs are intended to pass the full content of the system/s. The objective is to teach the whole martial art system without reservation. Excursions abroad and attendance at seminars from further Masters of the members chosen specialization is required these maybe both short or long term depending on circumstances.
3. The Taiping Institute is a representative of the respective martial arts and as a result, the morality and ethics of students is utmost importance. Students can be asked to leave if they are not dedicated, are not socially responsible and do not hold the virtues of the Institute.
4. Classes are in Singapore. Beginners or new students are required to attend the standard 3-4 hour weekly class (held on Sundays) until they reach a sufficient level of proficiency. Thereafter they may be asked to join some of the week night style specific programs.
5. If you do not know anyone in the institute, please write an email (note links on the top bars of the page) introducing yourself, motivation for learning, objectives and why you would like to learn traditional martial arts with us. The more thorough the better. Please note we only respond to proper applications (if you are not contacted then probably you did not provide sufficient information)
6. We receive a lot of international inquiries for seminars and also for Distance Education Programs. Apologies, we do not provide distance education programs and our seminars schedule is very limited.
7. In accordance with the entry methods (within martial systems tab) – normally when new members join they will select a specific system to practice. Note that all systems are good, there are some more involved with more content, but inevitably it is about the practitioner and their efforts. It is ideal that you achieve adequate proficiency in a system before seeking other ones.
8. Remember that training at the Taiping Institute is based on the concept that “the teacher can open the door (teach methods) but the Gong Fu (Skills & Proficiency) is up to the student” . That means that you will need to train daily and be focused, responsible and have perseverance. Traditional martial arts take a lot of time and effort.
Different entry stages:
Kids to adults Program (starting age: >8 yrs until 21)
The student program consists of the most comprehensive martial arts systems and ensures a comprehensive foundation, followed by development of skills and combat. However throughout their course of studies the students will received foundation training in all the methods of the Taiping Institute. They will develop skills in hand to hand combat that encompasses striking with all parts of the body, Qin-na (grappling), Shuaijiao (Throwing, Wrestling & Takedowns), Dishu (Ground Fighting), Dianxue (pinpoint striking, sealing the breath) as well as with over 72 different weapons inclusive of Sword, Saber, Spear, Archery, Daggers/Knives, Short Sticks, Halberds, Spades, projectiles, and so forth. They will also receive progressive training on sports science including training and conditioning, as well as therapeutic techniques such as kinesiology, Tui-na and the use of herbal ointments.
Young Adult to adult Programs (starting age: >18 until 35)
The young adult program consists of a major system and a minor system. The program focuses on early adoption of combat methods since young adults are expected to be mature enough. Therefore concurrent with the respective skills of the systems, the core combat principles, drills and fighting practice are trained consecutively. Students are expected to learn a wide array of combat methods as well as 18 main weapons. The program would allow students to complete two full martial arts systems
Adult Programs (starting age: >35 until 55)
The Adult program focuses on a specific martial arts system. It combines both self defense as well as Health cultivation. Students will progress through initial foundation methods and then study the practical combat techniques, they will consecutively learn about injury prevention, health preservation and structural integration. The intention is that they complete the full program inclusive of the weapons that from part of the specifically selected system.
Senior Program (starting age: >55 )
For seniors preference pending, the focus is usually higher weighted towards health cultivation and cultural interest. Therefore programs are designed to emphasize those aspects in training. Although techniques are learnt and understood some of the intensity and risks are reduced. The emphasis on healthy mind, body and spirit is essential and many aspects of health inclusive of nutrition, lifestyle and natural therapeutic techniques are a part of training.
** Please note that throughout the course of training, those that aim to be coaches or teachers are expected to obtain their First Aid Certificates, Fitness Instructor Certificate and undertake courses in relation to Sports Science, Health Science and Physical Science to complement their studies.