Print this pageScranton Martial Arts Center Instructors
Sigung PJ Zippittelli
Scranton Martial Arts Center Headmaster and Lead Instructor
Mr. Zippittelli started examining fighting styles such as American Boxing and Kick Boxing at the age of 12 and began his martial arts career with the study of Long Fist Kung Fu at the age of 14. Over the years he has gained extensive experience and knowledge in the study of several martial arts styles and systems such as Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Southern Shaolin Kung Fu along with Bai Lung Chuan Fa (Pai Lum Tao), Hung Gar Kung Fu, White Lotus Kenpo Karate, Mi Zong Quan, Tong Long, Five Formed Fist Shaolin Kung Fu and Modern Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan just to name a few. Mr. Zippittelli also has experience in judo, several forms of karate, as well as ninjutsu. Sigung PJ has had the honor of training under and being in presence of many legitimate masters and grandmasters some of which are Grandmaster David J Everett, Grandmaster Lin Chih-Young, Grandmaster Dr. Maung Gyi, Master Miles H. Grody, and Master Brian Felter.
Over the past 17 years PJ has enjoyed the pleasure of taking part in many martial arts demonstrations and charity events. He has hosted several defensive tactics clinics in NEPA for law enforcement, as well as designed and instructed specialized self defense classes for women and children. While Sigung PJ's heart and expertise lies in the "real world" hand-to-hand combat applications of the traditional martial arts, he is an accomplished sport and/or tournament competitor as well. PJ has received gold, silver, and bronze medal rankings in advanced level competition in the Keystone State Games as well as many other 1st place standings in several annual state and interstate competitions spanning over many years. Though retired from competitions he still enjoys using his experience to train and prepare students who are interested in sport martial arts for many different exhibitions.
Sigung PJ is the Lead Instructor and Headmaster of the Scranton Martial Arts Center at its location at 319 N Main Ave 2nd Floor in Scranton and the Carbondale Martial Arts Center at 5 John St in Carbondale Pa. He is the owner and heir to the longest running Chinese martial arts school in the history of the Scranton area, the Chinese Martial Arts Academy. PJ is the co-founder of AR Security Concepts a private security firm that deals with personal and business related security issues. Sigung PJ has served as personal protection and body guard for many private citizens in the Northeast, as a bail enforcement agent, bouncer, as well as a law enforcement and military personnel trainer and is the only Chinese martial arts instructor in the Scranton area with "real world", life or death martial arts experience. Sifu continues to strive to new heights as a martial artist by continuing his martial arts education and learning from the founder of the White Lotus Integrated Martial Arts Association, Grandmaster Tao Ch’I Li David J. Everett, and expanding his knowledge of the internal and external arts with several other masters.
Certified Faculty Members
Sifu Matthew Wicksnes Lead Instructor Scranton Location
Mr. Wicksnes began his training in the martial arts by learning and studying the Bai Lung Chuan Fa (Pai Lum) or the White Dragon Fist System under the direct guidance of Sifu PJ Zippittelli at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy in late 1999. Matt was known for is hard work and dedication to training, often seeking Sifu PJ out to train on days that the Academy was closed. After receiving his first level Black Sash in 2004, Mr.Wicksnes decided to begin the difficult task of pursuing his instructors certification. After many long days training late into the night, his efforts paid off. In late 2006 he successfully passed the three day instructors examination and received the prestigious title of Sifu. Today, Sifu Wicksnes serves on the teaching staff here at Scranton Martial Arts Center and continues to expand his knowledge studying & training in Northern Long Fist, Pai Lum, Tong Long, and Baji Quan.
Sifu Josh Keiper Lead Instructor Scranton & Carbondale Location
Mr. Keiper began training in the martial arts at the young age of six at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy in Scranton Pa training in Bai Lung Chuan Fa and Long Fist Kung Fu. In 1993 he parted ways with the Academy for personal reasons and pursued an ultimately disappointing martial arts career at an other area school learning the Northern Eagle Claw System. After years of frustration Josh sought out other means of education and was accepted here at the Scranton Martial Arts Center under Sifu PJ. After arriving at the Center, Mr. Keiper began an in-depth study and refinement of the Chinese arts and successfully passed the three day long instructors examination. After joining the faculty of the Scranton Martial Arts Center, Sifu Keiper was placed in charge of the weekly morning classes and the Center's physical conditioning classes. As well as expanding his study of Northern Long Fist, Northern Eagle Claw, Pai Lum and Baji Quan, Sifu Josh is also a certified massage therapist offering discounted appointments to (SMAC) students in need.
Sifu Richard Boki Lead Instructor Scranton & Carbondale Location
Sifu Rich began martial arts training in the early 1990's with the study of Karate. Discovering the superior attributes that the Chinese based martial arts styles had to offer, Rich then decided to switch gears and began training in the Bai Lung Chuan Fa (Pai Lum) system of martial arts. Rich trained in the Bai Lung system at another area school for over 10 years achieving the rank of black belt. Rich then was invited to expand his knowledge in the system under his teachers master at the Chinese Martial Arts Academy in Scranton. Under the Academy's Headmaster, Rich refined his technique and continued on to pass a three day long intensive test to receive the prestigious title of Sifu. Sifu Rich has had great success competing in several national martial arts tournaments, and has belonged to various national martial arts organizations over his career. Sifu Rich has utilized his training knowledge and gained real word martial arts experience serving as security for various night clubs in NEPA. After returning to the Center from a break in training, Sifu Rich enjoys expanding his knowledge of the Chinese martial arts with SMAC and CMAC Headmaster Sifu PJ Zippittelli studying Shaolin Chang Chuan Kung Fu, and Yang Style Tai Chi. Sifu was granted the position of Lead Instructor overseeing the childrens martial arts program at the Scranton Martial Arts Center.