Excel Martial Arts School teaches a blend of some of the most highly effective self-defense systems in the world today. Chinese Kenpo Karate, internationally recognized as a second-to-none in the self-defense community, traces its origins through several a renowned martial arts clans all the way back tot he sixteenth century in Feudal Japan and Imperial China. The style was originally designed as a deadly art for tactical hand-to-hand combat in covert warfare, as well as being combined with weapons on the battlefield for siege assaults. the strikes and kicks of the Knepo techniques, involving precise hits to vital body points, are quick, subtle, and devastating. Multiple opponent strategies, referred to as “mass attacks”, are commonly dealt with. Truly, the experienced practitioner of this art is one who walks with confidence.
The Tiger and Crane Kung-Fu system, actually part of a much larger style known as the “Ways of Twelve Animals”, also traces its roots to medieval times to the mystical Shalin Temple in Hunan Province, China. the ancient masters of that fabled era are said to have been taught their arts by the “spirits” of animals, who showed them their fighting styles. In reality, the early masters were very observant of students of nature and adopted the movement patterns of various creatures into their fighting and exercise programs. Whether the modern-day student wishes to choose the mysterious origin of the art or the scientific origin, it does not change the fact that the Tiger and Crane is among the most beautiful and power of the Kung-Fu systems. The movements are graceful, fluid, and yet ultra-energetic. Excel Martial Arts School also teaches other “animal” styles in addition to the Tiger and Crane. These include the disciplines of the Horse, Lion, Monkey, Viper, Leopard, Cobra, Mantis, Dragon, Phoenix, and Eagle. The philosophy and psychology of these styles are extensively dealt with also.
Weapons are an integral part of the advanced martial arts repertoire. The ability to incorporate potentially lethal tools and objects into the symmetry of tactical movement is considered to be essential for the seasoned martial artist, as well as any serious pupil who has perfected the basics of the “Empty Hand” curriculum. Therefore, classical weapons such as knife, cane, staff, nunchaku, and sword are soon taught to those students who have demonstrated their readiness to learn these fine, supplementary arts.
A specialty of Excel Martial Arts is Tactical Cognitive Psychology and the Philosophy of Five Elements. According to Sun Tzu, the brilliant Chinese general of the sixth century B.C. and who wrote the “Art of War,” 90% of warfare and fighting is psychological. When one controls his opponent from a mental perspective, the fight is essentially won. Therefore, ancient and modern “psych-ops” techniques are incorporated into the curriculum in order to enhance a student’s perspective of the multi-dimensional aspects of hand-to-hand combat, as well as strategies for controlling and manipulating potential threats – whether from single individual or hostile groups.
The philosophical application of the ancient elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Light, give added insight into the minds of warriors in ages past…and how they waged successful campaigns against more powerful opponents. By applying the lessons of the elements…namely those of Form, Power, Speed, Focus, and Will…the student gains a greater understanding of the workings of human nature.