Chinese Boxing Academy
About
The Chinese Boxing Academy offers training in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing, with a distinctive focus on internal martial arts like Ba Gua and Tai Chi. Head instructor Greg Hatza, a student of system founder Park Bok Nam, brings over 40 years of lineage-based expertise to his teaching. The coaching style is methodical and thorough, emphasizing proper form, technique, and the integration of qigong for health and dynamics, which students describe as essential to the internal arts. Classes incorporate weapons training, meditation, and pragmatic self-defense applications, appealing to both novices and experienced martial artists seeking lifelong improvement.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members describe the training as transformative, improving their physiology, breathing, and striking ability while offering meditation, cardio, and self-defense in one class. They praise Shifu Greg Hatza for being knowledgeable, patient, and methodical, with an emphasis on proper form and qigong integration. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, with many students training for over a decade, and classes leave participants feeling better both physically and mentally. Specific concerns are minimal, with one review noting a single negative comment that others attribute to individual perception rather than a systemic issue.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Ludwig Kragler
5 months ago
Great class, great teacher, he’s methodical and practices form very well and thoroughly, as well as sword and staff, and elements of qigong within the style. Which qigong is very important for actual body health and dynamics. Ba Gua and Tai Chi are both internal style martial arts, if there is no qigong then it’s not internal. And true strength comes from that not just muscle. Sadly those that don’t know, just don’t know. Tai Chi- great class , mostly older folks (men and more so women), that have been in class for over 12 years. Myself included, great form and technique. One should definitely stop in for a class. Ba Gua- excellent class great form and technique, great with weapons, qigong mixed into the class not every class but throughout the year does segments on qigong, because again, this is an internal art. Again most of his students we’ve been here for over a decade or so. He is thoughtful and patient to show proper technique and form. And classmates are great to support this. Not sure about that 1 star. I studied Aikido for 25 years prior, still do on occasion and I’ve never had anyone here make fun of me or push me out because of it. Not sure who that was, but that may be a perception issue with that individual. Many of us here have studied other martial arts before coming to Ba Gua. Anyways I cannot recommend. Sifu Greg enough. Very friendly, very knowable, great form and technique. Good seminars throughout the year too! I’ve always thought, what better way to get a good workout and learn to defend yourself!!
c michael
13 years ago
Studying Bagua with Sifu Greg is time well spent. I love the fact that I can meditate, improve cardio, increase flexibility and balance, harness chi energy, and learn self-defense all in one class. I am so happy I ended up HERE rather than a "punch and kick" school. Sifu Greg and my fellow students are great to learn from and have been VERY patient with me. Every time I go to class I leave feeling a lot better then when I walked in. I recommend this school to anyone who wants to be healthier and/or learn self-defense. There are many schools that claim to teach Bagua, but this one is the real deal.
Tommy Forsythe
5 years ago
Great schools are the result of great teachers and great students. The Chinese Boxing Academy has all of these components. Great place to learn an art that you can improve and work on for a lifetime, keeping yourself and/or making yourself healthy in body, mind and spirit in the process. Instructors teach with passion and are very welcoming. Try a class and see for yourself.
R L
4 years ago
Modern kinesiology has only just scratched the surface of the depth and wealth of information that this art provides. When I started I could neither breathe nor strike properly. Now having trained for a couple years my physiology is changing for the better, impacting all areas of my life. Dont be fooled by the humble appearance of this school. Shifu Hatza is knowledgeable and attentive, and teaches the art with a strong emphasis on pragmatic self defense.
Mark Merrell
13 years ago
Great school, great style, great teacher. I've been studying Chinese martial arts for a long time, and Pa Kua Chang is by far the best system that I've ever been a part of. From the novice to the most experienced martial artist the Chinese Boxing Academy will challenge you and improve your skills.
Contact
1400 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Greg Hatza
Shifu / Head Instructor
Student of Master Park Bok Nam
Head of the Chinese Boxing Academy. Teaches the Baguazhang system of Park Bok Nam, Yang Family Tai Chi, and has extensive training in Xingyiquan.
Park Bok Nam
System Founder / Lineage Holder
Fifth generation heir via teacher Lu Shui-Tien, over 40 years experience
The source of the Baguazhang system taught at the school. One of the most highly skilled Baguazhang teachers in the world.