About Us
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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 kid's classes are for developing discipline and focus. In contrast, Adult Tai Chi classes are for stress relief and relaxation.
About Master Rothrock
I have always been interested in martial arts since I started grade school. There were always your typical bullies growing up that would pick on you, take your lunch money, and threaten you with physical harm. I was a small skinny kid and tried to avoid them at all costs… even to the point of walking home from school following different routes.
Then one day, I watched the Olympics and saw a Judo match on the old black and white TV. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about it. So I rode my bike to the local W.T. Grant store (the Walmart of that time) and went to the book section. I found a book by Bruce Tegner on Judo, bought it, and hurried home to study the moves.
In my room, I opened the book and tried to mimic the pictures. The techniques made sense, but I still needed to learn if I was making the moves right without a partner. I learned to leverage and use my opponent's aggressive nature against them. My biggest lesson was that you could not learn from a book.
When I was 15, a karate school opened in Allentown, PA. And several of my friends decided to go and check it out. It was somewhat scary because we did not know what to expect. It helped, though, because we did know someone at the school. We all took our first trial class together, and I fell in love with the martial arts.
Later, I was introduced to a master of martial arts. It was a big deal then because only about three masters were in PA. It was scary, and his classes were challenging.
Now here was the fantastic thing, I still needed to learn about Kung Fu or Tai Chi. So one day, during a training session with the master, he introduced us to a few Kung Fu techniques. We used these for self-defense, and he stated that this was the origin of all martial arts. I was blown away by how easily these techniques could handle attackers. Kung Fu used the same principles I learned studying the Judo book: use the opponent's force against them.
One day the master comes to me and says, "You're driving me to Pittsburgh because I want to me Grandmaster Pai and train with him. What? A Grandmaster of Kung Fu." Now, remember, all I knew were a few Kung Fu techniques. I never saw the full breadth of techniques involved with Kung Fu.
Yes! We met Grandmaster Pai of White Dragon Kung Fu in Pittsburgh, and after he broke some blocks of ice, I was astounded. I heard about this type of power and never saw it. From that moment on, I started learning Kung Fu, which became my passion for learning everything I could.
At that time, Bruce Lee came out with his movie, Enter the Dragon. We were asked to do a demonstration at the outdoor drive-in. When the movie started, I was blown away by the quick techniques that showed the power and effectiveness of Kung Fu. It was not people battling it out for 30 minutes.
Later, Jackie Chan's movies became popular. He concentrated on specific Kung Fu styles, ancient masters, and teaching methods. But, of course, he was always the student trying to learn from a demanding master. The movies always started with strengthening his body and improving his flexibility before he could learn whatever style the film used. Snake in the Eagle's Shadow was the first I saw in Chinatown, New York. I went to the first showing on the first day it came out. I thought I would be early, but the line was 4 New York City blocks long when I got to the theater. If you get a chance, check it out.
A few years later, I heard rumors about another Chinese martial art called Tai Chi. Everyone was telling me that this was the Grand Ultimate of martial arts. I eventually learned that Tai Chi means Grand Ultimate.
Still going to college and working, I was busy. Then, Moravian College, where I was going, started a self-defense program for the women at the college. They preferred Judo, so that's what I was teaching. That created a passion within me to start teaching martial arts.
In 1972, I opened a Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy in Scranton, PA. It was tough initially, with little money, in a strange town, and no friends. I slept in the school on a wooden floor. I had to take cold water showers because I didn't have a water heater. It was rough, but I had a dream and loved the students I taught.
Eventually, my instructors moved away or just stopped teaching. I had to search for a new instructor. I wanted a system or style that fit my belief that I developed in grade school… use the opponent's force against them.
I trained with several instructors in various styles, including Master Colvin Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Praying Mantis in Washington D.C., Grandmaster Willy Lin (Yang Tai Chi), and White Crane in Chinatown, New York.
In 1974, I opened my second school in Wilkes Barre, PA. The Wilkes Barre school was on the old ballet school's third floor. It was perfect, and that's where I started my Demo/Competition team that became unbeatable on the East coast.
I was one day at Henry Cho's Madison Square Garden tournament in New York. He had a small Kung Fu competition division (usually in a hallway because they didn't like Kung Fu). One of the competitors did a fantastic Eagle Claw Kung Fu routine I had never seen before. I found out who his teacher was and where he was in New York City.
I called a few days later and made an appointment to visit. The following weekend I drove the two-and-one-half hours to New York. When I arrived, I was greeted with a display of Kung Fu that I always saw in the famous Kung Fu movies at that time. Students were doing routines, 2-person fighting sets, various weapons, and even the traditional Lion Dance in the corner.
Grandmaster Shum came over and sat down next to me. I had my duffel bag, and I was ready to start. He looked at me and said, "You like what you see." I said, "Yes! It's fantastic." He replied, "Okay, you come back next week." Wow! I drove for two and one-half hours for 5 minutes.
The following week I drove to New York again. I had my duffel bag and money. I had no idea what I would pay, but I did not care. I arrived and sat in a chair, and started watching. A few minutes later, Grandmaster Shum sat down next to me. He said, "So you come back." I just nodded. He continued, "Okay, five hundred dollars." I was expecting that. Remember, this is 1975. I was ready, though. As I said, I was prepared. I took the cash from my pocket and handed it over (no credit cards back then for Kung Fu classes). After I gave him the money, he said, "Okay, you come back next week."
From then on, I would drive the 2 ½ hours every weekend to New York City to train with Grandmaster Shum. Then, after moving to Pittsburgh, I would fly to New York and spend four 8-hour days of training. The amazing thing was that group classes didn't start until five o'clock, so I got personal instruction in the finer points of Kung Fu and Tai Chi from Grandmaster Shum for five to six hours before anyone even came to the school.
I Receive my Master's Promotion
In 1980, I traveled to Hong Kong with Grandmaster Shum to meet his teacher, the Great Grandmaster Ng Wai Nung. He took me to the school where he trained, which was on the roof of a four-story building. Several students were working out. The Great Grandmaster asked me to perform several routines and other tests of strength and endurance.
He asked me to come back the next day when I was finished. Then, he awarded me my Master's Certification. Unlike most certificates on paper, this one was a handmade cloth scroll.
In 1986, I moved to Pittsburgh and opened my third school. Eventually, I opened schools in Wexford and West Mifflin. I've also helped some of my other Black Belts open schools, the latest in Butler.
Published Books
The Beginner's Guide to Kung Fu
The Secrets of Kung Fu
Kung Fu for Little Dragons
A Simplified Guide to Tai Chi
A Master's Handbook on Tai Chi
A Master's Handbook on Eagle Claw Kung Fu
An Instructor's Teaching Guide for Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Voted the Best
2005 - Voted Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the Gateway Star)
2006 - Voted Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the City Paper)
2007 - Voted Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the Tribune Review)
2008 - Voted Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the Tribune Review)
2009 - Voted Best Kung Fu School - (readers of the City Paper)
2009 - Voted Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the Tribune Review)
2010 - Voted One of the Kung Fu & Tai Chi School - (City Paper)
2010 - Voted One of the Best Martial Arts School - (Tribune Total Media)
2011 - Voted One of the Best (Gold) Martial Arts School - (Tribune Review)
2012 - Voted the Best Martial Arts School - (readers of the Tribune Review)
2013 - Voted the Best (Gold) Award - (readers of Trib Total Media)
Memberships
The National Association of Professional Martial Artists
The Martial Arts Teachers Association
The Martial Arts Industry Association
The Ying Jow Pai Association.
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
Rob Pagonis – 2nd Level Black – Began his training with Master Rothrock in 2010. After earning his first Black sash, he decided that he wanted to help pass on what he’d learned. He now owns Rothrock’s Kung Fu & Tai Chi in Butler.
Rothrock's Kung Fu - Butler
Frequency 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 if the program is right for you or your child. We can cover the class schedule and answer all your questions in detail at that time.
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, and 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 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 the 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 they have 10 to 30 years of experience. The instructors have exceptional teaching knowledge and take pride in helping you achieve your goals. Unfortunately, many schools use part-time help or volunteers who have not trained 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 different from 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 gotten 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 Martial Arts before can quickly learn the techniques. You don't have to be coordinated or need unique flexibility. It's different from 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 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. For example, children need help with discipline and concentration. At the same time, adults prefer a healthy workout to improve 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 that beginners 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. It provides you with an easy way to take Kung Fu for a Test Drive and allows us to look at your balance, strength, and flexibility. Then based on our 50 years of experience, we can make 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.
Check Out Our Try Offer
Many people are not sure they might want to do Kung Fu or Tai Chi, or they know that they want to do it and 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 to try our Trial Offer. That is an excellent way for you or your child to try out a few classes risk-free.