Our Facilities
Grandmaster Chris Laing
Finding Your Path
Our responsibility as INSTRUCTORS is to teach you "line upon line" and "precept upon precept" what it takes to become a BLACK BELT... and we take that responsibility very seriously. We believe that we offer the best martial arts instruction around. The Academy's goal is to produce well rounded martial artists. The Academy teaches students true self defense for real life protection, as well as skills and philosophies to help the student become their best.
Welcome to Blue Ridge Kung Fu Arnis Academy. By signing up with the Academy, you are taking your first steps on what we hope will be a long journey in the martial arts.
PERSONAL COMBAT SYSTEMS
Grandmaster Laing owns and operates two BRKFAA locations.
The Mountain City, TN academy was the first second-generation school under Grandmaster Rick Ward's Internation Kung Fu Arnis Association. Laing took over ownership and operation over 15 years ago. The academy is located at 119 Village Square Lane, Mountain City, TN 37683.
The Abingdon, VA academy was the third second-generation school. Grandmaster Laing originally opened the school in Damascus, VA. Laing moved the academy to Abingdon 11 years ago. The move brought the school closer to those in Bristol TN/VA and the surrounding areas. The Abingdon academy is located at 128 Russell Road, Abingdon VA 24210.
For 30 years Grandmaster Chris Laing has studied many "styles" of martial arts, including Sil Lum, Tai Chi, Sasamba, Modern Arnis, and Emperor's Long Fist. Sifu Chris now holds the rank of 6th degree black belt in Sil Lum Kung Fu, 5th degree black belt in Shao Lin Long Fist, 6th degree black belt in Sasamba, Kali Arnis, 7th degree black belt in Comjuka-Kali, and a black belt in Modern Arnis. Sifu Chris is a certified Chi Kung instructor. Grandmaster Laing is a Vice President for the INTERNATIONAL KUNG FU ARNIS ASSOCIATION. In 1998, Chris was inducted into the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame as "Outstanding Instructor of The Year". He was inducted again in 2006 as "Weapons Expert". Also in 1998, Laing was inducted into the Who's Who of Martial Arts and was awarded World Top 100 Exceptional Martial Artist Gold Medal Award signed by Former President Bill Clinton and Former President George Bush, Sr. Grandmaster Laing is a Licensed Police Tactics Instructor and is the Tennessee and Virginia Representative on the Board of Directors for the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2007, Chris was nominated for induction into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
In 2012, Laing received the title of Datu or "Prince" (the title for next in line under a Tuhon) in Tuhon Rick Ward's Sasamba system. He also received the title "Doctor" after receiving the rank of PhD in Filipino Martial Arts. Chris Laing was ranked to Grandmaster in Grandmaster Rick Ward's Sunburst Natural System in 2014.
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