A. The main school in Arlington, Virginia opened in 1989, moved to Texas in the early 2000s and finally closed in 2020. The Stow, Ohio school opened in 2000, moved to Kent in 2009, and moved back back to Stow in 2022.

Q. What is the School philosophy?

A. �To offer traditional martial arts instruction as a discipline that anyone can benefit from in their everyday life. To do so in an atmosphere that is safe, friendly, and respectful to the teachers, students, and the art itself.�

While we do not promote any one Christian denomination over another, we do in our practice and actions try to exemplify the principles of the Christian faith to honor Christ and to build up and expand the Kingdom of God.

"Love the Lord thy God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind... and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37,39b)

Q. Who are the White Birch instructors and what are their credentials?

A. White Birch Kung Fu & Tai Chi was founded in 1989 by Robert LaPointe. The curriculum and teaching methods are based on his 30+ years of study in the martial arts.

Began martial arts training, 1974; Black Belt, Kenpo, 1982; Black Sash, Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, 1989. 4th degree awarded, 2002. Judged and competed on national and international levels. Attended 1st World Tai Chi Conference Beijing, China, 1994.

Styles of martial arts studied include Kenpo, Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yang Style Tai Chi and the following Chi Kung: Soaring Crane, Eight Pieces of Brocade, Six Healing Sounds, Qi Gong Wu Xhi Wah, Micro-cosmic Circle Qi Gong, and meditative Qi Gong.

Seminars attended include: Ed Parker, Helio, Royce, Rorion, Relson Gracie, Dan Inosanto, Yang Jwing Ming, Shou-Yu Liang, Nick Gracenin, and many others.

Presented numerous demonstrations and workshops to Washington, D.C. area businesses and agencies, including Georgetown University Hospital, Northern Virginia Hospital Center, Alexandria Hospital, Arlington Public Schools, Defense Intelligence Agency, Exxon-Mobile Corporation, USA Today, Intelsat, and the Annual Convention of American Physical Therapy Association, 1999.

B.A. Literature, University of Texas, Austin, 1982; M.A. Political Theory, University of Essex, U.K., 1985. Adjunct faculty in writing and social sciences, National Lewis University, 2002.

Larry Vincent owns the Stow, Ohio school, which opened in 2000.

Began martial arts training, 1991; Black Sash, Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, 1994. 5th degree awarded, 2019. Judged and competed on national and international levels.

Styles of martial arts studied include Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Yang Style Tai Chi and the following Chi Kung: Eight Pieces of Brocade and Qi Gong Wu Xhi Wah.

Seminars attended include: Relson Gracie, Dan Inosanto, Shou-Yu Liang, Shawn Liu, and many others.

B.S. Computer Science, University of Akron, 1989

Q. What programs do you offer for teens and adults and what will I learn?

A. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu � you�ll learn traditional Chin Na (Chinese controlling joint locks and escapes for self defense), and both empty hand and weapons, solo and 2 person forms. This program:

       develops powerful kicks and punches

       teaches devastating throws and their set ups

       builds lean body mass

       ensures maximum fitness, flexibility and weight loss

       instills confidence

       builds practical self defense skills

Yang Style Tai Chi � this program teaches the traditional Yang forms, plus pushing hands and meditative Qi Gong. You�ll also get a stretch and warm up with every class so you leave feeling relaxed and energized. This course:

       provides deep relaxation for reduced stress

       trains solid balance

       reduces back pain from years of improper exercise

       develops flexibility

       teaches centering for better focus

Fitness Kickboxing � At White Birch, teens and adults can get into incredible shape with Fitness Kickboxing. This class burns about 500 calories while teaching practical self-defense skills! Our kickboxing program:

       creates a healthy heart

       builds stamina, strength, and flexibility

       melts away body fat

       teaches self-defense skills

       promotes good exercise habits

       trims the abs, butt, and thighs

       reduces stress

       builds goal-setting skills

Q. Will I be required to attend class at certain times?

A. No. Classes are available 3 days a week. Students may attend as often as they like based on the program they've purchased. We have programs that allow for training 1 class per week, 2 classes per week, and 3 classes per week.

Q. Does your program come with a guarantee?

A. Absolutely! We're so sure you'll love our program that if after your first month, you�re not 100% convinced the School, instructors, curriculum, and people you�ve trained with are exactly what you�re looking for, you may discontinue your training without obligation, and you�ll have our thanks for giving it a try.

Give us a call to arrange a time for a trial course. Our classes are friendly and well run. You�ll leave sweating and smiling. (330) 329-5990