Master Rothrock,

I am a 49 year old woman suffering from fibromyalgia (I'm also in menopause) I was once an active person and loved to hike, ride bicycles and dance. Now it hurts when I move. I came to Rothrock's by a strong suggestion of a friend. I heard that Tai Chi helps my condition. I was impressed at the dedication of the instructors. Every client gets special attention. The warm up exercises and Tai Chi poses are not difficult. The movements of the routines are simple, natural but graceful. I felt motivated and valued. People began to notice I "looked happier" and "walked with my head up" Doctors say that low impact exercises helps fibromyalgia. I think it's being surrounded by this beautiful ancient art and people devoted to it. Truly, I believe its mind over matter. - Karlyn Costello 6/16/09 Note: Her doctor said she can come off her HBP medication and she lost 10 pounds. 

First I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing the rare kung fu of eagle claw to us and thank you for training so hard your whole life so that us future generations can learn the real deal. I am a student of Mr. Pacolay.I have been going to the West Mifflin Academy for about 5 months now.I have always wanted to go to your academy since i was a kid,but never really did because i had extremely bad experiences with my other teachers in karate and kick boxing. So I felt all schools were like that and never went.Then as i got older and got heavier had very high blood pressure and then my son was born i knew I had to do something. I didn't want to travel all the way to southside and then i found out that you had a school in west mifflin I was ecstatic to say the least,but very guarded as my past experiences effected me. So i called and made an appointment to do 2 free lessons with Mr. Pacolay. I was hooked and Mr.Pacolays' personality,knowledge and kindness to me sold me. I weighed about 415 when i started.I now weigh 340 and i am off my blood preassure medicine and continue to lose weight at record speed. All of this is wonderful,but i gained so much more then health joining the academy. In all of my life I have never had a teacher in school or anywhere as good as Mr.Pacolay. He is very Genuine and has great skill in all teaching abilities.Never in my life have i met a man with such devotion to anything let alone Kung Fu and his students. God Bless, Joshua Erickson

I wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to be involved in your school. I especially appreciate the openness, warmth, and attentiveness you extend to me and my boys. I’m always amazed at the range of benefits we’ve derived from your program. I don’t really try to explain it to people because I’m sure it wouldn’t sound believable. I’m able to do things that I know I wouldn’t have been able to do 15 years ago. My (improved) ability to control my body is something I never really expected and is something I don’t try to describe to people. Additionally, learning Kung Fu with my boys has given me something truly in common with them at a very important time in our lives. At the stage where a lot of kids and parents seem to move apart, we’re closer than ever. I wanted you to know that what you’re doing is really providing benefits beyond getting people into better shape. Thanks again, Jeff Matty  

I just wanted to thank you and Mr. White for everything you have done for me. Not only with learning Kung Fu, but also learning discipline, patience, and other qualities that I never thought I had. If not for this school, I could honestly say I would not have a direction in my life., I consider it an honor to be taught by such admirable men. Thank you for the last three years and many more to come. Matthew McBride

Through practicing Kung Fu I am working my entire body while focusing the mind, and bringing myself to a clearer understanding of my own physical and mental health.  This is far more than jogging, weight lifting or meditation would ever have accomplished for me.  I feel better than I have in years, and always have something new to strive for.  In this case, my personal potential is not something that I am stressed about; it is something to look forward to.  I now look forward to the challenges that bring me to new heights of healthy living and personal well-being.  Kung Fu is probably the best thing that I have ever put my mind and body into.  Thank you for all that you have helped me to do!
Jason Colditz

 I can not say enough good things about your South Side Kung Fu studio. Kung Fu is often the best part of my day! With much gratitude, Mari

I first came to the studio over a year and a half ago, hoping to learn self-defense. Kung Fu has not only taught me that but also given me flexibility, stamina and strength. My body was not the only thing Kung Fu helped develop. My mind has also improved. I noticed increased concentration on even the simplest tasks, and a greater awareness of my surroundings. Thanks to Kung Fu, I feel more confident when I take on new challenges, because I know some aspect of my training will be able to help me. Nathan Stoner

Kung Fu has helped me in 3 main ways: First is physically -- my stamina and speed have increased dramatically since beginning. Flexibility has also seemed to reach new levels. Secondly is mentally -- not just memory but general clear-heatedness that I've never had before. The third area is what I would call spiritually. I am more confident, focused and have faith in myself. I've grown to both enjoy and respect. Tai Chi has been an added bonus. Relaxation has been the benefit I've noticed most. But I am sure there are other things I've yet to notice. It seems that With a little effort I can truly be "the leaf in the stream." The main thing I have learned from both of these is the drive to learn more about each. The never-ending cycle of learning is astonishing and exciting to me. I just hope my determination is ample enough to continue training for the rest of my life. Andy

I wanted to learn Kung Fu because I wanted some type of routine physical activity, but I also wanted to improve my concentration and joining a gym wouldn't improve my mind. Since starting Kung FU, my concentration and focus have improved as well as my overall health. I'm physically stronger and more flexible, which makes everyday activities and housework and gardening much easier. A surprise benefit is the muscle tone I've been developing. I feel more confident, safer (since I know self-defense techniques) and overall, happier. Kung Fu is wonderful for me. Julia Schnippert


I came to Kung Fu hoping for fun and a little exercise. I found that, but I also found something more, something to work for that is the most important part of Kung Fu for me -- but the exercise hasn't hurt either. I've lost 30 pounds since I started and I'm more fit than I've ever been in my life. More than that, I believe that I'm capable of more than I ever thought I was. I've only been coming here for a year, but I can hardly imagine my life without it. Alexandra

At age 51, I have no stamina or flexibility or other physical problems. I am much calmer. I have learned much about myself and also about how to interact With others in better ways. Mary Ann


I, David Green, a student of Master Rothrock's for 7 months, feel I received great training in Tai Chi. Master Rothrock is very patient and is well-educated in what he teaches. Thank you, Master Rothrock. David Green

I find that the deep concentration necessary to practice Tai Chi helps to erase all the concerns and stresses of the workday. I feel relaxed and at peace after performing these exercises. I also believe that it helps to stimulate my immune system, keeping me healthy. Conrad

Tai Chi and Kung Fu has made me a better person. It calms me down. I love it. It's part of me. Sincerely, Rudy

Tai chi is not only physically rewarding but also has a spiritual aspect as well. So, practicing tai chi is a rewarding journey for the mind, body, AND soul. Margaret

I found tai chi to be very relaxing. I came to Master Rothrock's school to take up kickboxing, to release stress, after speaking With Mrs. White on my active workday. We both found that tai chi would suit me more. My first class was great. After I left, my drive home was peaceful and my mind and body were in a great spirit. I enjoy coming to class when I can get here as much as I can. Thank you, Master Rothrock. Denise

Starting tai chi after two years of kung fu, I felt a bit out of place. I had learned to develop the efficiency and quality of my techniques through repetition and a search for greater speed and power. Tai chi was almost counter to this, in my mind-- searching for efficiency through a heightened awareness of the self, which was gained through slow practice and careful examination of my balance and posture throughout the technique. Initially, the progress was painfully slow. I wanted to know more of the postures, more of the forms, more of the applications. Patience eventually won out, and as it did, the desire for rapid progression faded away. The techniques became less important as self-defense and much more important as a learning tools. I am still gaining awareness of the most simple flaws in my movement, postures, and balance. Each discovery offers new insights into day to day motions and activities, which only furthers my desire to learn more. Tai chi is a superb way to learn to listen to all those messages form you body which are normally tuned out. Brandon Franklin

Training in kung fu and tai chi has helped me in many ways. First, it sharpens the mind. The training makes you think so much. Then you can work out non-kung fu/tai chi issues With greater depth and detail. Second, Tai chi develops patience. I can wait better in lines, in traffic, and in stressful situations. Third, tai chi develops calmness inside the body. This keeps the blood pressure and cardiovascular system healthy. Fourth, kung fu has given me confidence to deal better With verbal confrontations, in particular, tolerating the ambiguity when people have different opinions than I do. And fifth, kung fu and tai chi have helped me to understand what I have control over, what I don't have control over, and to see that balance. Kung fu and tai chi make me happy. Don't ask me why. Just do it. KB

Kung Fu has provided me With the exercise regimen that I've needed. Not only does it keep me physically fit, I am continually learning new techniques -- something that an aerobics class wouldn't do. The continuous challenges and the great people I've met here keep me coming back. I also appreciate Kung Fu because it keeps me more alert on the streets and gives me the confidence needed to hold my own in case of an attack. Keep up the good work!

Since I started Kung Fu I have gained a healthier self-image and attitude. Andrew Wilds

I began taking Kung Fu classes because a co-worker of mine constantly spoke about how awesome Kung Fu is. Frankly I became so tired of her speaking about it that I decided I needed to see what all the fun was about. It only took one beginner basics class for me to become hooked. I've been attending classes regularly and enjoying every one of them. I've gained so much more confidence, strength, awareness of my body and mind interaction and also concentration. This is a physical and mental challenge all wrapped up in one; it's a good thing. Diane Orion

Since I began learning Kung Fu, I have begun to understand what is meant by it being a mental rather than physical task. Sean Williamson

I can remember my first day. It was a basics class in the white-orange level beginners' class. I thought my heart was gonna pound out of my chest. The two-count jumping made my shins hurt for two weeks. Now I am at brown level I and I kept up With my two-count jumping. Now I can jump about two and one-half feet off the ground. I no longer fear to face anyone larger than me because I have sparred With classmates that are much larger than me and they weave much faster than most people on the street. I have also lost a lot of weight thanks to the hard exercise of Kung Fu. My flexibility now allows me to side kick to my upper chest level, my round kick to the head level and my hook kick to my head/neck level. By the time I take my black belt test I hope to be able to jump three feet from the ground and do a front snap kick to my neck level. I love taking Kung Fu here. David Wall

While being addicted to drugs and alcohol, being in and out of jail, unhealthy relationships and a life of crime, I wanted something more for myself and family after accepting Christ Jesus. In the rooms of alcohol and drugs they tell all members to do something that you always wanted to do (that's healthy) to stay on course for your recovery. Martial arts is what I always had an interest in. I went to other martial arts studios for Karate and Kung Fu. I always lacked in areas of self-esteem in my life and confidence in myself. So I had something to be working on and since being a member of Rothrock's family, I say that from being here, not only to work out but to be ears when someone needs it cause everyone has problems, including myself, but I get the family atmosphere cause we all care for one another and it's not fake, it's the real thing. I wanted them to know that I care. This is the best place to be when you're having a tough day at work, home where you could work on control. :) But seriously, I can't think of anywhere other than heaven to be. I've met some of the best people around, from Mr. Berkey, Young, Shiller, Harrington, all people who are instilled in my heart. I can't thank you enough. When I have a bad day I think of Mr & Mrs. White and their smiles when they greet you. I see their commitment not only to being married but to Rothrock's Studios. I learn a tremendous amount from those two. There's going to be tears of joy when I get my black belt, from reflecting on where I've been and what kind of person I've become. Thank you so very much. Love, peace and happiness, Michael Wilkes

Over the course of my study of Kung Fu, I have found myself With more self-control and self-confidence. Several years ago I suffered a leg injury that left me on crutches for several months. When I returned to Kung Fu after recovering, the exercises and principles of the art helped me regain my balance and relearn how my body works as a whole. I believe Kung Fu has helped me become a better person by helping me learn about myself. My goals are to continue my study of the art form and one day (hopefully) earn my black belt. Jennifer Casne