About Us
Rothrock's Kung Fu & Tai Chi was started by Master Rothrock in 1972 in Scranton, PA. Through the years, we have expanded to 5 facilities. We offer classes for Men, Women, and Children. Kung class is a fast-paced workout, and kid's classes are for developing discipline and focus. In contrast, Adult Tai Chi classes are for stress relief and relaxation.
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Rothrock's Kung Fu & Tai Chi was started by Master Rothrock in 1972 in Scranton, PA. Through the years, we have expanded to 5 facilities. We offer classes for Men, Women, and Children. Kung class is a fast-paced workout, and kids' classes are for developing discipline and focus. In contrast, Adult Tai Chi classes are for stress relief and relaxation.
What is Kung Fu
Kung Fu is a 2000-year-old art based on 5 Animal Movements, developed by Chinese monks for Health and Longevity. We have adapted this ancient art into a modern workout program for today's busy lifestyles. In just one 30-minute class, you'll have your mind and body working 3 to 4 times better than it does now. Imagine having greater strength, better flexibility, improved muscle tone, and unshakable confidence. Getting started is easy; check out our 3-Class Trial Starter Kit Program.
The 3 Components of Kung Fu
Basics is a Classical Kung Fu workout that develops your Strength and Extraordinary Power. I'm sure you've seen demonstrations of breaking boards and bricks. THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY POWER! The 3 aspects of basics: 1) Basics Postures – develop your lower body strength to enhance your power in the upper body. 2) Basic Strikes – develop your upper body power. You'll learn to pinpoint Your Body's entire power to a specific (one-inch) area on your hand. 3) Basics Kicks improve balance, flexibility, and leg strength.
Kickboxing is a High-Intensity Aerobic Class for endurance and muscle development. Kickboxing uses all four limbs that develop fantastic endurance, quick reflexes, and coordination. The three parts of kickboxing: 1) Stepping combinations. Each aerobic Kickboxing workout uses four different stepping combinations that develop what we call Springing Leg Power. 2) Combination techniques combined with 24 Kickboxing principles. You’ll learn various combination techniques that use the arms and legs in conjunction with each other. 3) Bag pounding. These combinations can be used with various modern training equipment, such as Heavy Bags, Body Shields, Forearm Bags, and Focus Mitts.
The 3 methods of self-defense:
1) The Sports Method teaches you techniques to use in a contest with rules and a ring. There are restrictions on techniques and judges to ensure compliance with the rules.
2) The Stylistic Method teaches you different punches, blocks, and kicks, but again, these are not street tactics. In addition, they do sports sparring practice with partners, and the techniques used have no relationship to the techniques they show you in class.
3) A True Combat/Defense System is the third type of defense, and that method is the martial arts of Kung Fu. The system that we teach here at the academy. This method combines techniques ranging from blocks, strikes, and kicks to locks and ground fighting.
What is Tai Chi
Tai Chi is composed of Gentle, Slow-Motion postures based on the 2000-year-old art of Chinese Tai Chi, modernized to fit today’s busy lifestyles. Tai Chi Chuan (Grand Ultimate Fist) has many origins. The most popular theory is that the style was created by Chang San Feng, who lived during the end of the Yuan Dynasty (1279 – 1368), after watching a fight between a crane and a snake. He imitated these moves and based the newly created Tai Chi postures on them.
The 5 Components of Tai Chi
Tai Chi Warm-ups are unique exercises that loosen the joints and muscles. What makes these exercises unique is their gentle, whole-body stretching. This is the natural way the body stretches. For example, I’m sure that after sitting down for a long time, you’ve stood up and stretched by raising your arms and gently tightening your body. It feels great! That is Tai Chi natural stretching.
Tai Chi Breathing and Hand Expression. One of the first places many people start getting arthritis is in their hands. The joints become inflamed due to poor circulation and lack of stretching of the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Tai Chi Hand Expression improves circulation with specific circular hand and arm movements, thereby enhancing blood flow and joint flexibility. In fact, many people with arthritis have achieved a 90 percent improvement. Tai Chi breathing originates in the lower abdomen and is referred to as natural breathing.
Tai Chi Rooting Serves 2 Purposes: 1) It develops leg strength and improves muscle tone. At the same time, it strengthens the lower back and improves balance. 2) Tai Chi moves smoothly like water in a country stream. Moving your body gracefully and smoothly requires knowing how to shift your weight from one leg to the other. Likewise, walking requires the same action. In fact, just after a few weeks, you’ll find walking easier and feel lighter on your feet.
Tai Chi Massage is similar to acupressure, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. Tai Chi Massage employs all three simultaneously, using specific methods to target a variety of acupressure and acupuncture points. For example, have you ever had a headache? Most people have, and one of the first things everyone does is massage their temples. This is a prominent acupuncture point for relieving headaches and promoting mental relaxation. The Tai Chi massage will show you how to massage these points for maximum benefit.
Postures are dance-like movements that combine the previous 4 steps into a single, smooth, fluid action. These postures are performed slowly, without tension, and accompanied by deep rhythmic breathing. Each Tai Chi posture, in itself, is a gentle physical exercise and a form of stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, keeping your body in constant motion, like water in a country brook. Tai Chi postures are rooted in the feet, directed by the waist, and expressed with the hands.
What is Kids Kung Fu
Kids Kung Fu is based on the 2000-year-old art of Chinese Kung Fu, modernized to fit today’s busy lifestyles. 99% of our Parents bring their children to the Academy for Discipline, Focus, and exercise. They might have concerns with their child’s discipline at home and in school. Their grades might be suffering because of a lack of focus. Or maybe they spend too much time playing video games and never really get any exercise. And even if they watch just 1 hour of TV, they are more likely to be overweight. Parents in Ancient China sent their children to the Shaolin Monastery for education because the Monks were doctors and educators of the time. The first tools the monks taught the children were Discipline, Concentration, and Leadership. We use these same tools today.
The 3 Components of Kids' Kung Fu
The 3 Actions of Focus: 1) Focusing the Eyes – This is probably one of the hardest things for a child to do and one of the most important. In fact, 55% of learning comes from what you see. How often does your child look around and act as if they are not paying attention to you? We begin your child's Focusing the Eyes on day 1 in their first class. 2) Focusing the Mind – How do we focus the mind? Simple! Listening skills. Listening skills require three things: Getting Prepared to Listen, Stopping Talking, and Avoiding Distractions. 3) Focusing the Body – The body is the most distracting to listening. How often do you see your child fidgeting? This isn't very pleasant… especially when trying to get your child to listen to you.
Physical Skills involving punching, kicking, and blocking are part of maintaining your child's fitness and activity level. You'll get them away from video games, interacting with other kids, and developing a sense of responsibility. Unlike other playgrounds, your child will play hard at ours. They'll have fun interacting with other kids, and because of the modern training equipment, they'll always enjoy the Playground. For example, sports such as soccer and gymnastics are positive and enjoyable activities. Still, outside of the soccer field or the gymnasium, they only provide your child with something lasting. The training your child will receive here does exactly the opposite.
Leadership Skills Include:
Lead by Example
Decisions based on Knowledge.
Ask for Help & Advice
Find the Win/Win in every Situation.
Organized and Focused
Planning through Achievable Goals
Show Respect for Others
Chief Instructors
Bill White
Started training in 1994 under Master Rothrock in Pittsburgh. He’s been teaching and managing the Pittsburgh Academy for over 22 years
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Pittsburgh
Mike Solito
5th Level Black – Studied various styles of martial arts before finding a home at Rothrock’s Kung Fu in 2003. He manages the Wexford studio.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Wexford
Dave Belsky
7th Level Black Saash - Dave Belsky is the chief instructor and owner of the Wilkes Barre Academy. He's been training for 40 years under the tutelage of Master Rothrock.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Wilkes Barre
Rhett Lauffenburger
5th Level Black – Began his training with Master Rothrock in 2000. After earning his first Black sash, he decided that he wanted to help pass on what he’d learned. He manages the West Mifflin academy.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - West Mifflin
Alan Pesotine
Started his training under Master Rothrock in 1980. He’s been teaching and operating the Scranton/Duryea area studio for 36 years. He’s Master Rothrock’s second oldest training student and is a disciple.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Duryea
Rob Pagonis
5th Level Black – Began his training with Master Rothrock in 2000. After earning his first Black sash, he decided that he wanted to help pass on what he’d learned. He manages the West Mifflin academy.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Butler
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for Classes?
Class times vary from Academy to Academy. We offer a variety of times in the mornings and evenings. The best way to get all your questions answered is to try a Trial Course. That way, you can discover for yourself if the program is right for you or your child. At that time, we can cover the class schedule and answer all your questions in detail.
Do I have to be in shape to start?
No! That is a common misconception. Our beginner program gradually gets you back into shape, improves your flexibility, muscle tone, strength, balance, and enhances focus and discipline. As these areas develop, the more advanced training will challenge you to improve yourself even more. You'll never get bored.
How long have you been in business?
We've been in business since 1972. Master Rothrock started training in 1968 in Karate. Later, he discovered the ancient arts of Kung Fu & Tai Chi. He has have been teaching for over 50 years. His teacher Grandmaster Leung Shum is retired, and Master Rothrock still travels to New York to visit with him. He is one of only five disciples in the United States that have Mastered both Eagle Claw Kung Fu System and Yang and Wu Tai Chi.
What does a professional instructor mean?
A professional instructor is someone that has chosen to make their career as a Kung Fu & Tai Chi instructor. That's their full-time occupation and have 10 to 30 years of experience. The instructors have exceptional knowledge of teaching and take pride in helping you achieve your goals. Many schools use part-time help or volunteers who never had any training in teaching martial arts.
What Can I expect when I come in for a visit?
You'll be greeted by my friendly staff, who will give you a tour of the Academy. You will never feel intimidated, and you'll feel right at home... Guaranteed.
Am I or my child going to get hurt?
No! We have a safe and modern training environment. It's not like what you might have seen in the movies. In over 50 years, we never had anyone get hurt from the training program.
I've never done this before. Am I going to be able to do Kung Fu or Tai Chi?
Yes! Many people that have got started felt the same way as you. As I mentioned earlier, we start everyone with beginner classes. That way, people that have never done any type of Martial Arts before can quickly learn the techniques. You don't have to be coordinated or need unique flexibility. It's not like the movies that you might have seen. You can easily follow along as you have a fantastic workout.
What does it mean to Have my Mind Work Better?
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to be stronger willed? Do you want to find better ways to overcome the obstacles in your life? Kung Fu will help you develop a more energetic and more focused mind.
Do you offer classes Separated by Age?
Yes! We separate all classes by level and age. Every age group has its own needs. Children need help with discipline and concentration, while adults prefer a healthy workout geared towards improving muscle tone and flexibility as they learn self-defense. You'll be in class with other adults your age.
Are there testing fees?
No. We have no hidden testing fees or association fees.
How many times can I come for a week?
You can come as often as you want. However, we recommend for Beginners to start with two 30-minute classes a week.
What is the Cost of the Classes?
We offer a variety of options based on your needs. That's why we recommend a Trial Course first to get started. Not only does it provide you with an easy way to take Kung Fu for a Test Drive, but it also allows us to look at your balance, strength, and flexibility. Then based on our 50 years of experience, we can make some specific recommendations. To get the most up-to-date prices, we suggest you visit the Academy.
How can I get started?
You can get started with one of our Trial Programs. That is the best option for most beginners.
Why the Trial Course?
Many people are not sure whether they want to do Kung Fu or Tai Chi, or they know they want to do it but are not quite sure how to get started. Is it going to be too hard? Am I in shape enough to do it? How long do I have to do it? Am I going to get hurt? That's why I always recommend the Trial Course. That is an excellent way for you or your child to try out a few classes risk-free.