Earth and Wood Martial Arts teaches traditional Chen Tai Chi and Chinese Swordsmanship as practical martial arts by preserving the complete system through forms, applications, and realistic partner training in a friendly, no-contract environment.

Why Train With Us?

Sword

Taking a breather during a sparring session

Kevin visits for Neils last day before moving

Neil moves to Michigan. Farewell and best of luck in the new job.

What Students Say

I've studied under Bob and Neil for the past few years. They are great at encouraging students to improve and also take the time to focus on what each student wants out of their practice (such as forms, applications, health, or a combination of the three). They have created a safe, respectful, and fun community in which to learn martial arts.

- Ryan N.

I've been to many schools over the years and these folks are the real deal! They have a deep knowledge of the forms, the theory, and the applications. Most importantly they want to share that knowledge with anyone open to receive it. They are welcoming of beginners and people with experience in other arts. They frequently cross train with other styles in push-hands and weapons which has clearly deepened their use of forms and drills for real world applications. So glad to have found this school and plan on staying with them for as long as they're around. Highly recommend checking them out.

- Jared K.

Been training with Bob and Neil for over a year and ongoing. Chen style tai chi and swordsmanship are both great forms for leveling up hand, eye coordination and martial fitness. Spar if you want, practice forms for tranquility and body movements if you want. Nothing beats hands on training and personalized training and corrections. I strongly encourage anyone to give it a try and you might just fall in love with the people and art.

- Anita M.

Bob and Neil after a hot and exhausting sparring session with our HEMA friends at Per La Vita

Authentic Tai Chi and Chinese Swordsmanship in Milford, CT and Mount Pleasant, MI

It is easy to get started

Your first class is FREE (CT)

Inquire for Connecticut or Michigan

Who We Are

What We Train In

Earth and Wood Martial Arts provides a dedicated training space exclusively for adults (16+). Whether you are looking to build a lifelong health practice or explore historical martial arts, our classes are designed for you.

Cross-Trainers & Beginners: We welcome complete novices as well as martial artists from other styles (HEMA, JSA, CMA) who value open knowledge sharing, practical testing, and a relaxed, welcoming study group environment.

Tai Chi Practitioners: Adults seeking the physical health, structural biomechanics, and martial foundation of traditional Tai Chi. Perfect for both absolute beginners looking for low-impact vitality and experienced martial artists wanting deep internal power.

Historical Weapon Enthusiasts: A small, dedicated circle of students focused on the practical application of Chinese swordsmanship (Jianfa). This track is for focused individuals who want to move past forms with weapons and safely explore partner work, mechanics, and sparring.

Instructor demonstrating a Chen style tai chi posture

Bob and Neil testing techniques for Jian vs Miaodao.

Neil with Jian ready to spar with Ryan with Messer and Buckler from our partner HEMA group.

Earth and Wood Martial Arts is different from standard commercial martial arts schools. We are a dedicated adult study group centered around three main principles:

Uncommon, Practical Training: From the deep structural mechanics of Chen Tai Chi to practical Chinese Swordsmanship (Jianfa), you learn a complete art—including basics, forms, partner drills, push hands, and safe sparring. We are the only school between New York and Boston training historical Jianfa with live partner testing.
No Contracts, Purely Pay-As-You-Go: We believe training should fit your lifestyle. There are no registration fees, no expensive long-term contracts, and no surprise belt-testing fees. You simply pay a low mat fee per class ($15 standard / $10 for veterans & first responders). If you miss a week, it costs you nothing.
Verified Lineages: Our material comes directly from world-renowned authorities, including Master Chen Zhenglei, Master Aiping Cheng (Tai Chi) and Laoshi Scott Rodell (Jianfa).