Reviews

For decades, students have come to the Chinese Martial Arts Center seeking authentic instruction, personal growth, improved health, and deeper understanding through traditional martial arts training.
Master Scrima at the Chinese Martial Arts Center is a rare find for anyone considering taking Martial Arts. He is a true Master of the Art and is great teacher. I started Tai Chi later in my life at age 63 as a way to get back in shape slowly so I can transition to playing sports like ice hockey and softball. I have come to realize that what I have found at the Chinese Martial Arts Center in Clearwater is the answer I have been looking for all this time. Not only is Tai Chi more physically and mentally challenging than I thought, but I can grow into learning Kung Fu as well, which is even more physically challenging. This is NOT Chinese yoga! This is a complete mind, body, and soul transformation to better health and life understanding. Anyone who learns under Master Scrima will benefit greatly. We are lucky to have such a knowledgeable teacher who shares his in-depth knowledge, history, and life lessons with us.
John MonteI have been training at the Chinese Martial Arts Center with Master Nick Scrima for more than four years, learning Tai Chi empty-hand forms and Tai Chi sword. The classes have helped improve my posture and energy level. I am more in tune with my surroundings and feel more confident. The Qigong practice has taught me to be aware of my breathing during my everyday activities.
Ever KirkGrowing up with Kung Fu I was taught a great school is not about the ‘bells & whistles’ on shoes, uniforms & school appearances. My old Sifu who is my family member helped me find Master Scrima over 20 years ago when my old Sifu moved away. Master Scrima is THE REAL DEAL!!! If your looking for a school that doesn’t sell belts & makes you earn your personal growth than this is the place. Perseverance, Honor, Integrity and Self- Discipline are just a few of the tools earned here! If you’re a beginner- this is a great place to start, if you’re advanced – this is a great place to continue to learn & peel another layer in the onion! There is no such thing as a superior style of martial arts as we all put in blood, sweat & tears, but if your looking for real Kung Fu look no further! Gratefully, Shannon Aaron ~ 42 years of Kung Fu life, almost 30 years of truly practicing & still learning!!! Thank you Master Scrima!!!
Shannon AaronIf you want to learn the art of Tai Chi and improve yourself, look no further that Master Scrima’s class. You will find structure, excellent content with plenty of practice during each class. Shifu Scrima teaches Tai Chi and Qi Gong to all levels of experience, doing so with patience and instilling confidence in each student. He will incorporate the historical significance of Tai Chi & Qi Gong in your practice and your daily life.
Dave JulioThe Chinese Martial Arts Center is a place of inestimable value to learn and practice Chinese Martial Arts. Master Nick Scrima has an unsurpassed depth of knowledge across many styles with an unequalled level of skill. Beyond being a matchless practitioner of martial arts, Master Scrima is a true teacher who is able to help each student grow no matter their level of skill and experience. I have been blessed to be a student of Master Scrima’s for more than 20 years. During that time in addition to helping me improve my skills and knowledge in Chinese Martial Arts he has helped me translate the values learned through training to all aspects of my personal life. Translating skills necessary to confront an opponent into skills that are necessary to confront obstacles in life. This has helped me remain and improve not only my physical health but also my mental and emotional well being. Thank you Master Scrima.
Gregory ToddI’ve been training at the Chinese Martial Arts Center under Master Scrima for over 10 years, and I can confidently say it is an outstanding place to learn authentic Chinese martial arts. Master Scrima’s depth and breadth of knowledge are truly remarkable—his expertise spans multiple styles, and he ensures that students gain not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of the philosophy and history behind the art.
Jamie CunninghamThe Chinese Martial Arts Center is one of the best martial arts schools in the country. It has produced many Champions in many different disciplines. I’ve been studying with Master Nick Scrima for over 27 years and because of him my life has been changed forever for the good. Words can’t express how much this school means to me. It has given me discipline, perseverance, and commitment to achieve hard goals. Whether you are interested in full-contact fighting or the elegance of Tai Chi, this is the place for you. Master Nick Scrima has given me the training that gives me peace of mind knowing I can defend my family.
Zephin SmithThis place is the real deal. I have been in the Tampa Bay area for 9 years and have trained with MANY teachers, including lineage holders, grand masters and a host of others (sometimes even traveling more than an hour each way to attend classes). None of them come anywhere close to the knowledge, dedication, and authenticity of Master Scrima. I studied in Taiwan and China and have been looking for a teacher like this since I moved to America. This is the guy. You will not find a better person to learn from, guaranteed. His curriculum encompasses all aspects of true Tai Chi Chuen. He understands the art in all its myriad and complex levels. I find him to be an agreeable and down to earth person.
Sarah UysI began training in Kung-fu in 1976. While my training has waxed & waned over these many years, my devotion has never changed. After becoming a snowbird some 8 years ago, I was extreme fortunate to find Master Scrima’s school. Having moved from Chinese Kenpo to TaiJi Chu’an about 15 years ago I needed somewhere to continue my journey while in St Pete. While it is a 45 minute drive for me, I could not think of a more highly knowledgeable instructor from which to continue my studies.
Deno De CiantisI have been a student of Master Scrima’s for six years. I’m eternally grateful to Master Scrima, who changed my life. While living in Baltimore, I practiced tai chi. I loved it. I moved to Florida and wanted to continue my Tai Chi journey; lucky for me, I found the Chinese Martial Arts Center. Master Scrima is the real deal and a great teacher. I learned to stand, walk, breathe naturally, move my body most efficiently, and defend myself. Master Scrima explains the how and why of every movement and history of martial arts – a complete education. I learn something every day about myself, even in my daily practice.
Cathy GreenawaltKung Fu (the English translation would be “skillful endeavor over time”) is on full display at the Chinese Martial Arts Center in Clearwater, Florida. I started training under Master Nick Scrima when I was 17 years old back in 2002 and after years of hard work I earned my Black Belt. This was just the beginning of my journey. Kung Fu training has been one of the most impactful and fulfilling experiences of my life. There is a reason that students continue to follow Master Scrima even after 20 years, me included. If you put in the work, the rewards are boundless.
Wesley RhodesMy personal Martial Arts journey did not begin until my thirties, but I always had a lifelong interest in Chinese Martial Arts. Although I wasn’t actively searching for training, I was certain that I would recognize the opportunity when it presented itself. Everything clicked for me in 1998 when I entered the Chinese Martial Arts Center. The encyclopedia of traditional techniques, diverse styles, and deep training curricula were signs that I had arrived. My training path began through various dynamic Kung Fu styles (Mizong Luohan and Eagle Claw Kung Fu) and later evolved into less rigorous, internal styles such as Yang Style Taijiquan. Master Nick Scrima has dedicated the bulk of his life to the pursuit of martial excellence through traditional Chinese Martial Arts. His multi-faceted, hands-on approach to instruction is uniquely generous because of his sincerity about the functional meaning and basis of the arts. CMAC students of all ages are blessed with a rare chance to train locally with a knowledgeable Master. As well, other Chinese Martial Arts Masters (many of whom are Master Scrima’s teachers) are periodically hosted at the school to bring affordable, world-class workshops that share their deep understanding of their styles. What makes training at the Chinese Martial Arts Center challenging is that the mental and physical aspects must be connected within. Dedication is required. There will be sweat. As a venue for building skilled, full-body fitness and longevity, one will quickly learn more about oneself through the purposeful, functional movements of traditional Chinese Martial Arts than could ever be learned through slinging weights at a gym.
Jeff SullivanThe Chinese Martial Arts Center is not just another school. It is one of a kind as is Master Instructor Nick Scrima. My journey to the school started years ago as I searched for a real traditional teacher that had the depth of knowledge and skill necessary to pass on the true essence of the systems he taught. He has verifiable lineage to the sources for the systems that he teaches. There are very few teachers with the type of credentials he has. This is what drew me to this school over 24 years ago. It’s not often that as an adult you maintain a relationship with a teacher for this length of time unless there is something special about him. I felt from my first day at the school that this was were I belonged. In all of the years I have spent at the school, I do not think there has been one day that I have attended class that I have not been surprised by the depth of the knowledge and skill of Master Scrima. My experiences at the school over the years have allowed me to learn more about myself and continuously discover new facets of the systems that are taught.
Michael QuinlanMy son and I started our journey with Master Scrima over a year ago. There have been noticeable improvements in our strength and flexibility from the training and forms that Master Scrima has taught us. I have also begun learning Qi Gong and Tai Chi lessons to increase my internal strength, which has improved my overall well-being and will continue to enhance my physical recovery. We look forward to many years of learning from a Master with a legacy that offers a lifetime of growth and improvement, which I believe only Master Scrima can provide.
Matthew FrizzleI started with Tai Chi and Qi Gong for three months and added in Kung Fu after. Within my first six months I gained strength, flexibility, endurance, a much better posture, and self-confidence. My long-standing lower back pain slowly improved and has now disappeared. After training for a while, I was surprised to discover that most of the students have been with this school for over 20 years. This boosted my confidence in knowing I selected the right school to train and grow with. Master Nick Scrima focuses on all aspects of learning which are part of a traditional Kung Fu School. Training incorporates forms, applications, self-defense, philosophy, history, and Chinese Culture to enrich the experience. I look forward to each and every class.
Jeremy DetwilerI believe this is best place in Clearwater and Tampa if you want your kid to learn not only karate but added benefits of self confidence and discipline. My son recently started this school but I really like the master, the way he is so humble and teach young kids. The master is no doubt the best known person to teach karate. I’m so thankful to front desk and all staff for being kind and helpful. Thank you so much.
Dr Priyanka chirag PanchalA true Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Center.
Shifu Nicolas Scrima is Grand Master Young Chen fu’s Lineage Sixth Generation Shifu.
Shifu Scrima’s life has been dedicated to Kung fu with great passion. He teaches external and internal styles with great attention to detail. The benefits are many, besides the ability to self defend but equally important the great benefits to my health!Chris SakelariouBest Dojo in Tampa Bay. Master Scrima is one of those masters almost impossible to find anymore. He is the best I have seen in 20 years. He will teach you different techniques, life applications and also life suggestions. He is a true martial artist. I highly recommend master Scrima for your kids and yourself. Excellent place.
E. Mauricio Castellanos
