Short Bio on George Wood
Head Instructor of Zong Wu Men Internal Fighting Arts

George Wood is the head instructor and director of Zong Wu Men. He has been studying martial arts for over 20 years. He first learned as a child with the study of karate and tae kwon do, but his true beginning in martial arts came with the study of Chinese martial arts. While studying various shaolin forms of kung fu for over a decade, he also spent some time studying the Japanese arts of Judo, Japanese Jujitsu and some Aikido.

George's most concentrated period of study came when he moved to Taipei, Taiwan to study the internal martial arts of Baguazhang and Xingyiquan with Master Luo Dexiu, one of the world's foremost experts on these traditional combat arts. His study of Baguazhang and Xingyiquan with Luo Dexiu profoundly affected his view of the possibilities inherent within the Internal Martial Arts. George studied intensively for six years with Luo Laoshi while in Taiwan and was often given the honor of assisting Luo Laoshi in his teachings. George has also visited and studied with teachers in other parts of Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.

He began teaching Gao style Baguazhang after his return to the United States and founded Zong Wu Men in Arlington, Virginia in 2003. His initial classes were all conducted in various parks in Northern Virginia. He is now happy to be teaching in cooperation with Sifu Lacy Colley of White Birch Martial Arts in Sterling, VA. This partnership allows Zong Wu Men Internal Fighting Arts a dedicated practice location year-round.

George Wood continues to learn, teach and research the martial arts in general, and Baguazhang, Xingyiquan and Taijiquan in specific. He views these as life arts meant to enrich and enable one's life, and plans to continue learning and practicing throughout his years. He is also a loving husband and the proud father of two boys.