Business Details
12 Years
experience
Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Training in Bellingham, WA
Impact Martial Arts of Cascadia has been dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional Chinese martial arts since its founding. Our school specializes in Wu Style Taiji Quan, Yin Style Bagua Zhang, Hebei Style Xingyi Quan, and Qilin Quan, offering comprehensive instruction for practitioners of all ages. Led by instructors with decades of combined experience, we integrate martial arts training with mental health principles to foster holistic development. Our curriculum emphasizes self-defense applications, internal healing practices, and philosophical foundations rooted in Chinese tradition. We maintain affiliations with recognized martial arts associations to ensure authentic teaching methodologies.Our family-friendly environment welcomes students aged five and above, promoting cooperation over competition through multi-sensory teaching approaches. We emphasize conflict resolution skills, mental discipline, and physical conditioning while maintaining accessibility without rigid uniform requirements. Our structured classes incorporate breathing meditation, character development, and community responsibility principles. With locations serving Whatcom County, we continue expanding our outreach through regular classes, workshops, and special events focused on martial arts education.
Services
Taiji Quan Instruction
Bagua Zhang Training
Xingyi Quan Classes
Qilin Quan Kung Fu
Martial Arts for Health
Youth Martial Arts Programs
Weapons Form Training
Push-Hands Practice
Breathing Meditation
Conflict Resolution Training
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of authentic Chinese martial arts instruction from certified instructors
- Our curriculum integrates mental health principles with traditional martial arts training
- Family-friendly environment welcomes students aged five and above
- Multi-sensory teaching methods accommodate diverse learning styles
- Emphasis on conflict resolution and character development alongside physical skills
Associations and certifications
- Yin Cheng Gong Fa Association
Services
Taiji Quan Instruction
Our Taiji Quan program teaches Wu Style Taiji through post-standing exercises, open-hand forms, and weapons training. Students learn 8-Posture Essential Form, 37-Posture Short Form, and 83-Posture Traditional Form while developing balance, flexibility, and internal energy flow. The curriculum emphasizes martial applications and health benefits through structured practice of Taiji principles.
Bagua Zhang Training
We offer Yin Style Bagua Zhang instruction featuring 64 palm changes and Cheng style Mother Palms. Our program includes circle-walking techniques, straight-line applications, and sword training. Students develop agility, spatial awareness, and adaptive movement patterns through systematic practice of Bagua's eight trigram principles.
Xingyi Quan Classes
Our Xingyi Quan program combines external animal forms with internal five element theory. Students practice Santi Shi standing meditation, twelve animal styles, and five element fists to integrate mind-body coordination. The curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense applications while cultivating internal energy through structured form sequences.
Qilin Quan Kung Fu
This adaptive martial art teaches animal movement principles through Qilin Quan's multi-generational curriculum. Our program develops focus, self-control, and conflict resolution skills using traditional forms and creative teaching methods. Students learn physical techniques alongside mental discipline through cooperative, non-competitive practice environments.
Martial Arts for Health
We offer wellness-focused martial arts programs combining physical conditioning with mental health benefits. Our classes incorporate breathing meditation, stress reduction techniques, and character development principles. The curriculum addresses physical fitness, emotional regulation, and social awareness through traditional martial arts practices adapted for modern wellness needs.
People
Rives Thornton
Instructor
With 15 years of martial arts study, Rives Thornton teaches Taiji, Bagua, Xingyi, and Qilin Quan. Holding advanced degrees in History and Mental Health Counseling, he integrates martial arts with psychological principles. He has studied under Master Zhang Yun since 2004.
Dr. Nina Spadaro
Instructor
A martial artist since 1976, Dr. Spadaro holds a doctorate in Mental Health Counseling. She developed psychological-based martial arts teaching methods combining positive psychology principles. Her expertise spans Qilin Quan, yoga, and family martial arts instruction.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach Wu Style Taiji Quan, Yin Style Bagua Zhang, Hebei Style Xingyi Quan, and Qilin Quan Kung Fu.
Are classes suitable for children?
Yes, our family-friendly classes welcome students aged five and above with multi-generational instruction methods.
What should I wear to class?
Students need sneakers, sweatpants/shorts, and a plain T-shirt. No formal uniform required.
Do you require prior martial arts experience?
No prior experience needed. Our curriculum accommodates beginners while offering advanced training for experienced practitioners.
What are your class schedules?
We offer Bagua and Qilin classes on Mondays, and Taiji with Bagua on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 PM.
What mental health benefits do you offer?
Our programs integrate mental discipline, stress management, and emotional regulation techniques through martial arts practice.
