Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in Wake Forest, NC
American School Of Martial Arts, established in 1964 as Suh Do Kwan, has provided traditional martial arts instruction for over six decades. Founded by Grandmaster Suh Young-ik and now led by Grandmaster Don Baird, our school preserves authentic Kung Fu techniques while adapting to modern needs. With nearly 50 years of teaching experience, Grandmaster Baird combines historical lineage from Chinese Chuan Fa through Korean Kang Duk Won to deliver comprehensive martial arts education. Our curriculum emphasizes practical self-defense, physical conditioning, and mental discipline, serving students from age four through adulthood. As technical advisor to law enforcement and 2009 Masters Hall of Fame inductee, Baird maintains rigorous standards while fostering a family-friendly learning environment.We offer structured programs in animal techniques, sword and staff forms, Tai Chi Ch'uan, and advanced grappling methods. Our legacy includes developing the first Christian Karate Club in 1979 and maintaining continuous operation through sister schools in California. The renamed Suh Do Kwan system honors our founder's teachings while incorporating additional influences from WuShu and White Crane traditions. Our Wake Forest location continues this heritage with accessible classes that balance tradition with contemporary practicality.
Services
Kung Fu Instruction
Self-Defense Training
Tai Chi Ch'uan
Grappling Arts
Animal Techniques
Push Hands
Personal Protection
Conditioning & Discipline
Chi Kung Breathing
Traditional Martial Arts
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of continuous martial arts instruction
- Direct lineage from Chinese Chuan Fa through Korean masters
- Technical advisor experience with law enforcement agencies
- Family-oriented school environment for all age groups
- Preservation of 37 traditional forms and 72 animal techniques
Associations and certifications
- Masters Hall of Fame
Services
Kung Fu Instruction
Traditional Kung Fu instruction rooted in Suh Do Kwan lineage, emphasizing precise techniques, forms, and historical preservation. Our program develops physical skill, mental discipline, and cultural understanding through structured practice. Students progress through 37 traditional forms while learning practical applications for real-world scenarios.
Self-Defense Training
Comprehensive self-defense curriculum combining proven techniques with situational awareness training. Students learn effective countermeasures against real-world threats while developing confidence and de-escalation skills. Our methods integrate grappling, striking, and pressure point applications for complete personal safety.
Tai Chi Ch'uan
Traditional Tai Chi Ch'uan instruction focusing on flowing movements, balance, and internal energy cultivation. This practice enhances physical health, mental clarity, and martial arts principles through meditative motion. Classes emphasize proper form and energy flow for both health and combat applications.
Grappling Arts
Specialized grappling instruction covering joint locks, pressure points, and control techniques. Our program teaches practical applications for self-defense situations requiring close-quarters engagement. Students develop sensitivity and adaptability through partner drills and form practice.
Animal Techniques
Animal-inspired movement training replicating various creatures' combat styles. This unique approach develops agility, instinctive reactions, and diverse fighting capabilities through specialized forms and applications. Students learn to adapt animal characteristics to personal self-defense scenarios.
People
Grandmaster Don Baird
Founder & Chief Instructor
With over 45 years teaching experience, Grandmaster Baird holds a 2009 Masters Hall of Fame induction. He served as police technical advisor, received life-saving commendations, and continues traditional Suh Do Kwan instruction in Wake Forest, NC.
Grandmaster Maria Baird
Co-Instructor
Co-leading American School Of Martial Arts with Grandmaster Don Baird, Maria contributes to the school's welcoming family environment while maintaining traditional martial arts standards established by Grandmaster Suh.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Suh Do Kwan Kung Fu, including animal techniques, Tai Chi Ch'uan, and grappling arts. Our curriculum preserves 37 traditional forms and 72 animal techniques from our historical lineage.
Are beginners welcome at your school?
Yes, we accept students of all experience levels from age 4 upward. Our family-oriented environment provides structured programs for complete beginners through advanced practitioners.
What makes your instruction unique?
Our direct lineage from Chinese Chuan Fa through Korean masters combines with Grandmaster Baird's police technical advisor experience to deliver practical, historically accurate martial arts training.
Do you offer family training options?
We provide family-friendly classes with separate sessions for different age groups, including Pee Wee Class (4-6), Junior Class (7-12), and Adult Class (13+).
How long does it take to achieve proficiency?
Our structured curriculum typically requires 3-5 years for black belt certification, though individual progress varies. Students systematically master forms, applications, and teaching methodologies through consistent practice.
