train the warrior within
Step into a legacy of power, precision, and tradition.
Join us for the 12th Annual Combat Arts Training Camp — an immersive deep dive into combat arts training and the rare and formidable art of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
This is your opportunity to level up your skills in a highly focused, hands-on environment.
Combat arts TRAINING CAMP
August 6 - 9, 2026
ORTHDX TRAINING GROUNDS - MADISON WISCONSIN
TRAINING OVERVIEW
Whether you’re returning to build on past experience or attending for the first time, this year’s curriculum offers powerful tools for serious growth. This year’s curriculum may include but not limited to:
Shadow Boxing Forms:
Three Step Arrow, Kicking Dragon, Buddha’s Hand Sharpen your movement, timing, and precision through dynamic solo training.Combat Applications:
Explore real-world techniques across all ranges of combat — from striking to take-downs and ground fighting.Power Training Drills:
Develop explosive energy and full body power through specialized partner drills.Iron Body & Hard Qi Gong:
Forge resilience from the inside out with time tested impact conditioning and breath exercises.Weapons Training:
Two Person Combat Staff — Flow, structure, and precision with traditional weaponry.Essential Solo Tools:
Hands-on training with the Wooden Dummy, Steel Mace, and Emperor Ring — learn to incorporate these tools into your personal regimen for year-round progress.
Training Schedule
Training in 3-4 hour sessions, totaling 21 hours of focused training, each session is carefully structured with short rest breaks to keep you energized and engaged.
Thursday
Morning Session 9am-12pm
Lunch 12pm-1:30pm
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-5pm
Friday
Morning Session 9am-12pm
Lunch 12pm-1:30pm
Afternoon Session 1:30pm-5pm
Saturday
Morning Session 9am-1pm
Lunch 1pm
Sunday
Morning Session 9am-1pm
LET’S TRAIN - sign up today
FULL TRAINING CAMP
AUGUST 6-9, 2026
$950
$899 if you book before 7/1/2026 use code ForwardMantis
your instructor
David Welther is creator of the visionary training grounds that is ORTHDX Natural Fitness in Madison Wisconsin. A space for warriors and everyday heroes to hone and develop their skills in obstacle course racing (known as Ninja Warrior), Olympic Weightlifting, general strength & conditioning, and combat arts. He is USA representative of Chow Gar Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu under world renown teacher Paul Whitrod. He is the author of Southern Praying Mantis Fundamentals book. The originator of the Emperor Ring. The author of numerous training videos that cover Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Rattan/Emperor Ring, and Steel Mace for strength training. He lives in Madison Wisconsin with his wife (co-owner of ORTHDX) and his two children.