Programs
武術課程 · Traditional Chinese Martial ArtsAt Wu Tan New England, we teach in the time-honored traditional way. In most cases, a student learns forms (tàolù 套路), self-defense applications, and other dimensions of the curriculum simultaneously — with the teacher guiding the progression according to each individual's needs, physical condition, body type, and goals. This is how the art has always been transmitted: as a living, personalized practice, not a fixed course catalog.
That said, you are also welcome to discuss your specific interests at the beginning of your journey. If you have a particular focus — whether forms, combat, self-defense, or something else — we are happy to talk through what is possible and, with mutual agreement, shape the curriculum accordingly. The programs listed below reflect the full scope of what we offer; in practice, they often complement one another within a single training path.
We are currently accepting private students following Shifu's review and approval. We are also available to organize group seminars for corporate wellness events, children's programs, law enforcement training, community organizations, and other special contexts. Contact us to discuss your group's needs.
Inquire About Programs →
Tàolù refers to the set-routine practice — the form — at the heart of traditional Kung Fu training. A tàolù is a continuously connected sequence of pre-determined techniques, choreographed according to the principles and philosophies of a specific style, incorporating hand techniques, leg techniques, jumps, sweeps, stances and footwork, seizing, throwing, and wrestling.
Traditionally, tàolù routines were compiled to preserve the complete technical and tactical knowledge of a lineage — a living record encoded in movement. Practiced consistently over time, they develop flexibility, stamina, strength, speed, balance, coordination, and a deep instinctive understanding of the art's underlying strategy.
Tàolù include individual solo routines, partner and dual routines, and group routines. At Wu Tan New England, we teach the complete tàolù curriculum of all six Wu Tan styles — each form a window into a different dimension of the tradition.
The use of traditional weapons is an integral part of Chinese martial arts and of our curriculum at Wu Tan New England. Short weapons include the Saber (Dāo 刀) — the broadsword — and the Straight Sword (Jiàn 劍). Long weapons include the Staff (Gùn 棍), the Spear (Qiāng 槍), and the Guan Dao (關刀). Less commonly seen weapons such as the Deer Horn Knives (Lù Jiǎo Dāo 鹿角刀) and Judge's Pens are also practiced and taught within our lineage — spectacular traditional forms that develop extraordinary control and precision once mastered.
Sǎndǎ is a modern unarmed combat sport developed from traditional Chinese martial arts techniques, making primary use of punching, kicking, throwing, wrestling, and defensive technique. It represents the competitive application of skills cultivated through traditional training.
Competition bouts take place on an elevated platform — the lèitái (擂台) — with athletes wearing protective gear including head-guard, chest protector, gloves, mouthguard, and groin protector. At Wu Tan New England, combat training builds on a solid foundation of traditional technique, connecting the forms to their practical application under pressure.
Shuāi Jiāo (摔跤 — Chinese Wrestling) is one of China's oldest martial disciplines, originating in Hubei Province. Its defining characteristic is a suite of uniquely efficient takedown techniques that throw the opponent to the ground while the practitioner remains standing — methods not found in any other grappling tradition.
Rooted in the philosophy of Yin and Yang, Shuāi Jiāo uses the opponent's own position, momentum, and structure against them. Fast-moving footwork and leg sweeps combine with precise upper-body controls to uproot and project the opponent with remarkable speed. The balance between yielding and force, between reading and acting, makes Shuāi Jiāo both an effective combat method and a deep study in the principles underlying all Chinese martial arts.
If your interest is not to immerse yourself in the full world of traditional Chinese martial arts but to develop practical personal protection skills, our self-defense programs offer focused, effective training drawn from the same martial tradition — without requiring a long-term commitment to the complete curriculum.
We offer a Basic Self-Defense Course covering responses to common real-world situations, a Women's Self-Defense Course with techniques adapted to realistic scenarios, and Corporate Self-Defense Courses for workplace safety and awareness. All courses draw on principles from our traditional training, delivered in a practical and accessible format. Please contact us for availability and scheduling.
Private Students & Special Programs
Beyond our regular group classes, Wu Tan New England offers several specialized instructional formats for individuals and organizations seeking a more tailored experience. All special programs are arranged directly with Shifu Luis Mendez and are subject to scheduling availability.