Print this pageAbout The Center
The Scranton Martial Arts Center (SMAC) TM has a very long and rich history in Northeast Pennsylvania. The roots of the Center stem from one of the first Chinese martial arts schools to open in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Academy of Chinese Martial Arts or better known as the Chinese Martial Arts Academy (CMAA) TM. The CMAA first opened its doors in 1981 and remained centrally located on Adams Avenue in downtown Scranton, PA for over 23 years. The Academy was know for its top notch instruction, hard training, and for producing highly skilled martial arts practitioners in the styles of Bai Lung Chuan Fa (Pai Lum Tao) and Northern Long Fist Kung Fu. In 2004, the Academy relocated to North Main Avenue on the West Side of the city, overlooking the downtown. It was at this time that the Academy's Headmaster and owner retired passing on the traditions of the Academy to his disciple and Lead Instructor Sifu PJ Zippittelli, and leaving him to carry on the legacy of expert instruction that the Academy was known for. Under the guidance of Sifu PJ, the Chinese Martial Arts Academy rose to new heights,continuing to produce many skilled students in the traditional Chinese arts.
Now the Scranton Martial Arts Center (SMAC) TM carries on the traditions that the CMAA began. The Scranton Martial Arts Center is one of the only Chinese martial arts schools in NEPA to openly teach the traditional Chinese martial arts forms, and is one of the only full time martial arts schools in operation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today the Center offers separate classes and curriculum's for adults and children, and incorporates into it's various programs many traditional and modern training aspects such as; Chinese calisthenics, body conditioning, strength building exercises, footwork, and martial arts techniques. These aspects coupled with traditional Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chinese Karate forms, traditional and modern weapons training, self defense, martial arts theory, and sport fighting practice expose students to an extensive and well rounded curriculum. With nearly 3200 square feet of hardwood floor space, the Scranton Martial Arts Center can easily accommodate class sizes into the double digits. The fifteen-foot ceilings provide ample clearance for large traditional weapons training, allowing students to focus on their training, not the training space.
The studio also has a variety of training aids available to the student. These items range from the traditional jong (wooden dummy), rotary dummy, and iron palm training station, to more modern equipment such as mechanical leg stretchers, free weights, strength training equipment, and human body form punching bags. In addition, a full complement of striking bags are available for use. The Center also boasts a full complement of traditional Asian weapons, many available in their harmless “dummy” form for beginners. * A change room and separate men’s and women’s restrooms are provided for the students’ convenience.
The Center is available for private classes and group seminars.
*weapon use is strictly monitored and is allowed only under proper supervision