Who we are

We’re not your typical martial arts dojo—and we’re proud of it. You won’t find flashy gimmicks or a “belt mill” here. In fact, our model doesn’t always fit the standard mold for today’s martial arts schools—and that’s exactly the point.

A Traditional Kung Fu School…with a Modern Twist
At our core, we’re a Traditional Kung Fu school—but our teaching methods are anything but stuck in the past. Under the umbrella of the Cloud Forest Chin Woo Association, we operate the Cloud Forest Martial Athletics Club, which means while Kung Fu is our foundation, we actually offer instruction in nearly 20 different martial arts styles. Diversity is our strength.

Leadership You Can Trust
Michael Johnson serves as both President of the Association and Sifu in Charge of the school. He’s the 8th Duan and the 38th Generation Chief Inheritor of the Wei Family Lineage, carrying on centuries of family tradition. In 2019, when his teacher David Kash Sifu retired, he passed the certificate of inheritance—and the responsibility of the Cloud Forest name—directly to Michael.

Our Roots
Long before adopting the Cloud Forest Chin Woo name, Michael ran the Greensboro Martial Arts Academy, which he co‑founded in 2013 with his friend and training partner Sally Cochran Sensei. Sally retired from teaching in 2017 to focus on her equestrian career and her third published book, but her influence on our school’s early success is still felt today.

Our Legal Standing
Officially, we’re still Greensboro Martial Arts Academy “doing business as” Cloud Forest Martial Arts. As of late 2024, we’re also recognized by the State of North Carolina as a Private Members Only Club—another way we stand apart. Membership isn’t just a transaction here; it’s a commitment. Members play an active role in maintaining the school and share a real sense of ownership over the space.

Training on Your Terms
We believe martial arts should fit your life, not the other way around. Come train as often as you like—just respect the facility and your fellow members. Our atmosphere is family‑friendly by day, but if you’re an adult looking for a kid‑free workout, we ask that parents wrap up by 8:30 pm. After that, the mats are all yours until closing time.

Whether you’re drawn by our deep Kung Fu roots, our progressive teaching style, or the chance to be part of a true members’ community, we think you’ll find something special here. Come see why we’re not your average dojo—and why that matters.

Membership & Enrollment
To train with us, all students pay a modest annual membership fee. This membership unlocks access to our class offerings—but to step onto the mats, you’ll also need to enroll in one of our training programs. Our programs range from single‑art intensives to multi‑style curriculums—head over to our home page for full details.

Our Dedicated Team
Behind every great school is a great team. Our instructors and staff live and breathe martial arts—and they’re committed to making your experience at Cloud Forest the best it can be. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced techniques, you’ll find knowledgeable support at every turn.

Honor Bound Creations: Apprenticeships & Internships
You might notice a section of our 10,000 sq ft facility is tucked away from public view—that’s where the magic happens. Our apprenticeship and internship programs, under the banner of Honor Bound Creations, blend martial arts training with real‑world business skills. Apprentices gain hands‑on experience in:

Computer graphics and web design
3D printing and laser engraving
Day‑to‑day operations of a martial arts school
Managing both in‑house and online retail

Not only does Honor Bound Creations help offset our operating costs, it equips the next generation of martial‑arts professionals with the tools they need to succeed—on and off the mats.

CLOUD FOREST CHIN WOO

ASSOCIATION SINCE 1969

The Chin Woo (Jing Wu) association was founded in Shanghai China in 1909. Since then there has been over 50 independent HeadQuarters around the world in many different countries around the globe.

We are one of Four existing Independent HeadQuarters in North America.

In addition to our connection to the Jing Wu Association, we have a deep history in our Lineage.

Wei Leima, sifu, is the 38th generational lineage holder of the Tzu Jan men and Emperor’s Long Fist martial systems. Upon receiving his 8th Duan rank, he worked closely with his teachers and predecessor to modernize the family style under the Wei Family name, and is now known as Wei Shi Chuan or Guardian Fist Boxing.

By bringing all the systems together under the family name, it makes it possible to bring the ancient arts under one system name, rather than the eleven separate arts that the family lineage held.

Learn more