Our Programs

Our Academic Options

Online Education

Our Online Education Program is designed to bring the full depth of martial arts training to you—wherever you are in the world.

As one of only four Jing Wu Headquarters in North America, Cloud Forest Martial Arts offers a structured, lineage-based curriculum taught by Sifu Michael Johnson (8th Duan, Dim Mak expert). Students gain access to a blend of traditional systems—such as Emperor’s Long Fist, Natural Fist Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Bagua, Okinawan Karate, Ju Jitsu, and Muay Thai—alongside modern self-defense applications, tactical training, and wellness practices.

The program is divided into progressive courses, so whether you are a beginner seeking a foundation in martial arts or an advanced student looking to refine your craft, you’ll find step-by-step lessons that fit your goals. Classes include:

Video Lessons & Demonstrations – detailed instruction on forms, drills, and applications.
Dim Mak & Tactical Training Modules – exclusive lessons in vital striking and self-defense systems.
Wellness & Internal Arts – Tai Chi, meditation, breathing, and conditioning for health and balance.
Downloadable Resources – charts, manuals, and training guides to support your journey.
Live or Recorded Seminars – opportunities to learn directly with Sifu Johnson and special guest instructors.

This is more than an online class—it’s a global martial arts community, connecting students from around the world with the heart of traditional training and the innovation of modern self-defense.

Non-Accredited Degrees

Cloud Forest Martial Arts is both a private club and a non-accredited learning institute. This gives us the freedom to design educational programs that are rooted in authentic tradition, practical application, and lifelong wisdom—without being restricted by outside academic systems.

While our degrees are non-accredited and not recognized by state or federal boards of education, they carry value within our lineage, our community, and the martial sciences field.

We offer non-accredited degrees in several areas of study:

Martial Sciences – structured exploration of combat systems, self-defense, and tactical applications across multiple martial arts traditions.
Martial Philosophy – the ethics, strategies, and life lessons that underpin true martial practice, drawing from both Eastern and Western thought.
Metaphysical and Taoist Studies – teachings in Taoist philosophy, classical texts, and the integration of spiritual perspectives with daily living.
Qigong and Meditation – practices for cultivating internal energy, balance, and resilience, blending ancient methods with modern wellness science.

These degree tracks are meant to provide students with in-depth personal growth, lineage recognition, and structured advancement. They honor the traditions of martial training while embracing holistic development of mind, body, and spirit.

Though non-accredited, each program includes:

Guided coursework with Sifu Michael Johnson and Cloud Forest faculty
Reading and practice assignments
Written and practical evaluations
Certification within the Cloud Forest lineage

These degrees are a pathway for serious students who wish to deepen their study beyond physical training and enter the martial, philosophical, and spiritual sciences that have guided practitioners for generations.

Certificates

As a private martial arts club and non-accredited learning institute, Cloud Forest issues a variety of certificates to recognize achievement, progression, and participation within our programs. Each certificate carries the lineage, seal, and recognition of Cloud Forest Martial Arts and Sifu Michael Johnson, 8th Duan, making them an important record of training within our school and community.

Types of Certificates We Offer:

Rank Advancement Certificates – Awarded to students who progress through levels in their chosen martial art (Kung Fu, American Combat Ju Jitsu, Tai Chi, Karate, Boxing, etc.). Each certificate reflects formal recognition of skills, knowledge, and dedication.
Program Completion Certificates – Issued for completing structured training programs, such as self-defense courses, corporate safety workshops, or specialty programs like Iron Palm, Qigong, or meditation series.
Seminar & Workshop Certificates – Provided to participants of special events, such as the Royal Bodyguard Dim Mak seminars, guest instructor workshops, or community training sessions. These document continuing education and specialized study.
Apprenticeship & Discipleship Certificates – For students formally entering deeper lineage study, apprenticeship tracks, or discipleship recognition within Cloud Forest. These certificates represent commitment to long-term martial and philosophical training.
Non-Accredited Educational Certificates/Degrees – Issued upon successful completion of studies in Martial Sciences, Philosophy, Metaphysical and Taoist Studies, Qigong, and Meditation. While non-accredited, these degrees represent a structured body of work and lineage recognition.

Design & Presentation:
All certificates are professionally designed, carrying our official seals and Chinese calligraphy, and may include both English and Chinese inscriptions to honor our cultural and traditional roots. Some certificates are printed for display, while others may also be issued digitally for online students.

At Cloud Forest, certificates are more than paper—they are markers of growth, tradition, and connection to a living martial lineage.

Transfer Opportunity

At Cloud Forest Martial Arts, we believe that martial arts is a lifelong journey, and no one school has a monopoly on knowledge. Because of this, we actively support transfer opportunities for students coming to us from other martial arts schools, as well as those who may continue their training elsewhere in the future.

For Students Transferring In:

We honor the time, effort, and rank you’ve earned at your previous school, whether traditional or non-traditional.
Our instructors will assess your current level through respectful evaluation to place you in the appropriate class and progression path.
In many cases, your past training will accelerate your advancement in our programs, while also giving you the opportunity to explore arts not always available elsewhere (Kung Fu, American Combat Ju Jitsu, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Bagua, Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai, etc.).

For Students Transferring Out:

We provide transfer certificates or letters of recognition that outline your studies, rank, and accomplishments at Cloud Forest.
These documents can help you transition smoothly into a new martial arts school, showing verifiable proof of your training.
Since we are part of a wider martial community, we maintain respectful relationships with many schools and are always open to supporting your continued journey.

Why This Matters:

Martial arts is not about division but about growth and exploration. Cloud Forest stands by the idea that all schools contribute to the greater good of the martial arts community.

By keeping pathways open for transfers both into and out of our club, we ensure students have the freedom to continue learning without losing the value of what they’ve already achieved.

Career Training

Cloud Forest Martial Arts offers a unique Apprenticeship Program designed for those who want to take their training beyond personal practice and prepare for a career in the martial arts.

This program combines hands-on training, teaching experience, and lineage-based study, giving apprentices the knowledge and skills to grow as both martial artists and leaders.

What Apprentices Gain:

Instructor Development – Learn how to teach classes, work with students of all ages, and guide others in traditional and modern martial arts.
Martial Sciences Training – Deep study in systems such as Kung Fu, Tai Chi, American Combat Ju Jitsu, Boxing, Karate, and internal arts, along with Dim Mak and tactical applications.
Professional Experience – Opportunities to assist in classes, seminars, and community programs, building confidence and real-world teaching skills.
Leadership & Business Skills – Training in how to manage classes, support events, and even lay the foundation for running your own martial arts program or school in the future.
Lineage Recognition – Apprentices are formally recognized within Cloud Forest’s traditions, carrying forward the knowledge and responsibility of our martial arts family.

The Apprenticeship Program is not only a path to becoming a qualified instructor—it’s a career training track that prepares students for future opportunities in martial arts education, community leadership, health and wellness instruction, and beyond.

At Cloud Forest, apprenticeship is about growth, service, and legacy—helping dedicated students transform their passion into a lifelong profession.

Community Opportunities

At Cloud Forest Martial Arts, we believe martial arts is not only about personal growth—it’s about giving back. Beyond our training programs, we actively create opportunities for our students and members to serve the community, share knowledge, and make martial arts accessible to those who might otherwise go without.

Community Engagement Includes:

Youth Outreach – Providing martial arts opportunities for children and teens who may not have the resources to afford training, helping them build discipline, confidence, and a positive path forward.
Scholarship Programs – Offering reduced or sponsored tuition for dedicated students facing financial hardship, so martial arts remains open to everyone.
School & Church Safety Programs – Partnering with local schools, churches, and community groups to provide self-defense and security training.
Corporate & Workplace Wellness – Bringing martial arts, Tai Chi, and self-defense workshops to local businesses to improve employee wellness and workplace safety.
Community Seminars – Hosting free or low-cost events in self-defense, anti-bullying, women’s safety, and wellness practices, designed to serve the wider public.

Nonprofit Motivation

These community-driven initiatives reflect the heart of Cloud Forest—ensuring martial arts is more than a private practice, but a community asset. While Cloud Forest Martial Arts operates as a private club and non-accredited institute, we are committed to building partnerships and opportunities that align with nonprofit values: service, access, and empowerment.

Our long-term goal is to continue expanding programs that uplift youth, families, and underserved communities through martial arts.