Introductory Offer

You are welcome to try a free week of classes. For more information, click here!

Our Style

Wu Chi Fighting Arts is a unique system which seamlessly blends foundational principles of major martial arts fighting styles, drawing its main influence from Shaolin Kung Fu. We do not teach flashy techniques-- everything we do is practical and designed to be effective. Techniques are taught in a fun, relaxed atmosphere which is conducive to people who are looking for a powerful style at an easy-to-understand pace. You will learn the best parts of kickboxing and Kung Fu, as well as elements of Karate and Aikido. Wu Chi Fighting Arts will empower you to be your best: confident in any situation!

History

The Wu Chi Martial Arts Society is the product of over 40 years of experience. The Society itself was formed in 1990 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when Rev. Dr. Gary Cecil organized a school around his training and experience in Kung Fu, Aiki-Jitsu, Tai Chi, and Gang Rou Chuan, the latter being the Chinese influences behind Goju Karate. Taken together, these disciplines founded a cohesive unity within the methods and principles of Wu Chi Chuan Kung Fu, a little known kung fu system richly steeped in Shaolin, Wudang Mountain, and Emei Mountain histories and influences.

By blending these styles and their histories together, Sifu Gary Cecil created a unique well-rounded martial art and fighting system. It includes both an impressive selection of kung fu animal styles, one of the best kickboxing systems in the world, and practical real-world self defense techniques. Sifu Dr. Cecil was recognized for his efforts when he was inducted into the National Martial Arts Hall of Fame for “Kung Fu Instructor of The Year” in July of 2009.

Present

Lao Shi Ryan, the owner and head instructor of Wu Chi Fighting Arts, achieved his white sash (equivalent to a first degree black belt) in 1994 under the tutelage of Sifu Dr. Gary Cecil. Continuing his martial arts education, he attained his yellow sash (second degree black belt) in 1999. After achieving this accomplishment, Lao Shi Ryan explored martial art styles throughout the country, all the while acquiring a second black belt from a different martial art style in 2009.
Later in 2009, Lao Shi Ryan was awarded a green sash (third degree black belt) from Sifu Gary Cecil for his educational accomplishments in martial arts.

With over 20 years of experience, Lao Shi Ryan wished to share the knowledge he gained and opened his first school in Burnsville, Minnesota which he named “Wu Chi Fighting Arts” in homage to, and in honor of his instructor’s “Wu Chi Martial Arts Society” school. Lao Shi Ryan’s expertise is fired from his years in kung fu as well as his following years in aikido and karate. He teaches a unique style that draws most of its influence from kung fu, yet includes other fighting styles to create well-rounded students.

Erdan Scott Johnson, assistant instructor in the school, achieved the level of white sash in June 2006 under the instruction of Sifu Dr. Gary Cecil, Lao Shi Loren Ness, and Lao Shi Justin Breitwieser.  After practicing on his own from 2006 – 2008 and leading a small class of students at the St. Paul Gym on the University of Minnesota Campus, Scott earned his yellow sash in August of 2008. 

Scott specializes in Snake style Kung Fu, with an emphasis on precision striking.  He brings 12 years of experience in martial arts, with 8 years of teaching experience in both adult and child classes.