About Us

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

At the Tampa Bay Martial Arts Group, we emphasize personal growth and excellence in martial arts through our specialized focus on internal/soft styles like Tai Chi and Push Hands. Our club offers a unique training experience for martial artists looking to deepen their practice. With a holistic approach that incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual elements, we provide a comprehensive martial arts journey. Members can explore a variety of training opportunities, including forms, chi sau, shuai jiao, meditation, and qigong, all in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Our regular retreats and events promote intensive training and community building, set against the backdrop of our club’s rich history and stability. Join us to elevate your martial arts experience and achieve your personal goals within a supportive and passionate community.

Our Story

The Tampa Bay Martial Arts Group (TBMAG) began on January 22, 2012, with the first gathering of Zephin Smith and Ken Wildner. This humble beginning set the stage for what would become an inspiring journey in martial arts community building.

Our first retreat took place in the spring of 2013, on March 30-31, with 24 participants. The concept of TBMAG was born from the inspiration of partner training. We believe that training with a diverse group of people – varying in ability, shape, and size – enhances martial arts practice. This inspiration grew organically without a formal plan, envisioning our retreats to be like weekly practice sessions where friends come together to train, without the high costs associated with seminars.

Word spread, and over the past 12 years, our retreats have grown significantly, now attracting attendees from across the country. Today, we typically welcome 55 to 75 participants at each retreat, all coming together to share in the practice and joy of martial arts.