Master Rothrock began training in 1968 at the age of 15. He has studied with a variety of Kung Fu and Tai Chi masters before finding a home with Grandmaster Leung Shum of the Northern Eagle Claw System.

Master Rothrock opened the first Rothrock’s Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy in Scranton, PA in 1972 at the tender age of 21. He has over 50 years of experience and his teacher, Grandmaster Leung Shum, has over 70 years of Kung Fu and Tai Chi experience.

In 1980, Master Rothrock traveled to Hong Kong with Grandmaster Leung Shum. He met the great Grandmaster Ng Wai Nung (Grandmaster Leung Shum’s teacher). Master Rothrock demonstrated numerous routines for Ng Wai Nung, and upon completion, he was awarded a Master’s certification… the only American to receive this honor.

Master Rothrock has completed the entire Eagle Claw system, Wu Tai Chi system, and Yang Tai Chi system under Grandmaster Leung Shum. He is a recognized Master under Grandmaster Shum and the Eagle Claw Federation.

 

Master Rothrock has published a number of articles and booklets on Kung Fu and Tai Chi that include:
-The Beginner’s Guide to Kung Fu
– The Secrets of Kung Fu
– Kung Fu for Little Dragons
– A Simplified Guide to Tai Chi
– A Master’s Handbook on Eagle Claw Kung Fu
– An Instructor’s Teaching Guide for Kung Fu &amp; Tai Chi</p>
In addition, he has published over 25 DVDs on a variety of Kung Fu and Tai Chi subjects.

What is Eagle Claw Kung Fu?
The main system or method of Kung Fu that we teach is Northern Eagle Claw (Ying Jow Pai). This is one of the oldest and most comprehensive methods of Kung Fu in the world. The Eagle Claw Kung Fu (Faan Tzi Ying Jow Pai) is an intricate system of locks, takedowns, and pressure point strikes, as well as punches, blocks and an arsenal of kicks.

General Ngok Fei, a famous Chinese general during the invasion by the Manchus, leaned the Eagle Claw Kung Fu method from a Shaolin monk named Jow Tong. He adapted and taught these techniques to his troops for hand-to-hand combat that helped his army achieve many battlefield victories. Because of his success, General Ngok Fei became one of the well-known generals throughout China.

The Finest Professional Instructors
Master Rothrock has headed the academy for over 40 years, and along with his staff of expert and Professional Black Belt Instructors, we offer you a unique, safe and fun classroom experience to meet or exceed your goals.

Many martial arts schools come and go or many are part-time clubs that are only open a few days a week. Many instructors do this as a hobby or are not qualified to teach a martial art. Contrary to what most people believe, a black belt does not make you an instructor or teacher.

Here at the Academy, you have the assurance that we have a long history of success and have trained thousands of students over the years. We are a full-time professional Academy. Along with Master Rothrock, he has full-time professional instructors and staff dedicated to your overall goals and success.

Chief Instructors

Bill White – Sifu Level Black Sash

Started training in 1994 under Master Rothrock in Pittsburgh. He’s been teaching and managing the Pittsburgh Academy for over 15 years

 

 Rob Pagonis – 2nd Level Black

Began his training with Master Rothrock in 2010. After earning his first Black sash, he decided that he wanted to help pass on what he’d learned. He now owns Rothrock’s Kung Fu & Tai Chi in Butler.

Alan Pesotine – Sifu Level Black Sash
Alan Pesotine started his training under Master Rothrock in 1980. He’s been teaching and operating the Scranton/Duryea area studio for 27 years. He’s Master Rothrock’s second oldest training student and is a disciple.

 

 

Michael Solito – 4th Level Black Sash

Mr. Solito studied various styles of martial arts before finding a home at Rothrock’s Kung Fu in 2003. He manages the Wexford studio.

 

 

Rhett Lauffenburger – 3rd Level Black Sash

Mr. Lauffenburger began his training with Master Rothrock in 2000. After earning his first Black sash, he decided that he wanted to help pass on what he’d learned. He manages the West Mifflin academy.

Dave Belsky – Master Level

Dave Belsky started his training in Wilkes Barre, PA in 1974. He’s been teaching and operating the Wilkes Barre area studio for 40 years. He’s Master Rothrock’s oldest training student, first Black Belt ever promoted under Master Rothrock, and is a disciple.

We’ve been voted the Best Martial Arts Academy 11 years straight. The reason is because of our excellent classes, exciting lessons plans, and friendly staff and instructors. All the instructors at Rothrock’s Kung Fu must complete a yearlong instructor training course that includes academic study of the 200-page Instructor Training Book written by Master Rothrock. They also must complete 50 hours of classroom study. All instructors follow the 100-page rotating lesson plan, created by Master Rothrock, to maximize a student’s training experience from the introductory levels of training to the advanced levels of training.

Voted the Best Martial Arts School

2005 – Voted Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the Gateway Star)

2006 – Voted Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the City Paper)

2007 – Voted Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the Tribune Review)

2008 – Voted Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the Tribune Review)

2009 – Voted Best Kung Fu School – (readers of the City Paper)

2009 – Voted Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the Tribune Review)

2010 – Voted One of the Kung Fu & Tai Chi School – (City Paper)

2010 – Voted One of the Best Martial Arts School – (Tribune Total Media)

2011 – Voted One of the Best (Gold) Martial Arts School – (Tribune Review)

2012 – Voted the Best Martial Arts School – (readers of the Tribune Review)

2013 – Voted the Best (Gold) Award – (readers of Trib Total Media)