About Us
At Earth and Wood Martial Arts we train in all aspects of Tai Chi and Chinese Swordsmanship. We welcome new members at any level of experience, from beginner to advanced. We welcome everyone regardless of previous training or styles. We welcome all areas of interest whether you wish to maintain physical health, spar, or preserve the traditional values of these arts. Our focus is on your growth for fitness, martial skill, or carrying on the traditional skills of Tai Chi and Swordsmanship. That is our North Star.
Our Instructors
Bob Shannon
Neil began his martial arts journey in 2001 in Michigan, dedicating himself to Okinawan Karate. He achieved the rank of 3rd-degree black belt and became a certified instructor, developing a deep passion for practical application and martial mechanics.
After relocating to Connecticut, Neil expanded his practice by diving into traditional internal arts and historical weaponry:
Chen-Style Taijiquan: Neil began studying Chen-style Tai Chi under Bob Shannon, immediately recognizing the powerful cross-training similarities in body mechanics and practical application. He has since competed in advanced-category Chen-style forms, instructed in Connecticut, and currently serves as the Instructor for the Michigan study group.
Historical Chinese Swordsmanship (Jianfa): Recognizing that authentic weapons sparring is exceedingly rare in modern martial arts, Neil and Bob sought out the world-class guidance of Laoshi Scott Rodell via the online academy and hosting workshops to study historical Chinese swordsmanship.
Cross-Training & Sparring: To constantly test and refine his skills, Neil regularly engages in live sparring with fellow Jianke (swordsmen) as well as historical European martial arts (HEMA) practitioners, promoting open knowledge-sharing across disciplines.
Neil believes Martial Arts should bring people together, be enjoyable, and enrich our everyday lives.
Neil White
Bob began his martial arts journey in the 1980s studying Choy Li Fut and Hung Ga. After taking a break to raise his family and build his profession, he returned to dedicated training in 1998 after witnessing a demonstration of Chen-style Taijiquan by the world-renowned Master Aiping Cheng.
Bob’s extensive training background spans over three decades of traditional internal and historical martial arts:
Chen Taijiquan & Hebei Xingyiquan: Bob studied directly under Master Aiping Cheng for 19 years, mastering the full Chen Tai Chi and Xingyiquan curriculums. He became a trusted instructor at her academy, continuing to teach there until 2025 following her retirement in 2017.
Grandmaster Workshops: To deepen his internal mechanics, Bob supplemented his education through intensive, in-person workshops with Grandmasters Chen Zhenglei and Chen Xiaowang, while actively collaborating with regional experts in Tuishou (Push Hands).
Historical Chinese Swordsmanship (Jianfa): Seeking to learn traditional Chinese weapons, Bob and his training partner, Neil, connected with world-class authority Laoshi Scott Rodell. Bob is an active member of his academy and has successfully hosted Laoshi Rodell in Connecticut for multiple in-depth historical swordsmanship workshops.
Today, Bob cares most about passing down these authentic lineages to a dedicated group of adults, ensuring the practical skills and traditional values of these arts are preserved for the next generation.
Our Virtues
传 (Chuan) - Tradition: We are proud to teach the traditional forms and methods of Chen Tai Chi and historical Chinese Swordsmanship.
保 (Bow) - Preservation: We strive to preserve the art, not profit from it. We have no long-term contracts and maintain low fees so cost is never a barrier to training.
工 (Gong) - Effort: We work hard to develop real skill but never to the exclusion of having fun.
长 (Zhang) - Growth: We care for the development of each student at their own pace. Progress is measured by skill, understanding, and personal growth—never belt promotions.
敬 (Jing) - Respect: We cultivate a supportive, ego-free environment where we respect each other and what we each uniquely contribute to the class.
趣 (Qu) - Fun: We love what we do. We enjoy laughter, camaraderie, and the genuine friendships established on the training floor.
Our Friends
The sites listed below are affiliates, suppliers, partners, and friends of our school.
Great River Taoist Center, online academy with detailed lessons on Jianfa and Daofa. https://www.chineseswordacademy.com/
Santosh Weapons. Supplier of quality wood weapons for training and full contact sparring, https://www.santoshweapons.com/
Per La Vita, HEMA group in Milford, CT. We share knowledge and experience sparring. https://www.perlavitaacademy.org/
Purple Heart Armory for protective gear. https://www.woodenswords.com/
Grandmaster Aiping Cheng https://www.aipingcheng.com/
Seven Stars Swords. Supplier of steel swords for practice, sparring, cutting. https://www.sevenstarsswords.com
Harmenotiks, anxiety, stress, trauma, and pain therapy for veterans and first responders. www.theharmonetiksproject.org/training-center
