CLEAR'S SILAT
CLEAR'S SILAT
& STREET KUNG FU
& STREET KUNG FU
  113 E Broadway Ave, Maryville TN
 (865) 379-9997
CLEAR'S SILAT
& STREET KUNG FU
KUNG FU
for Street
Self-Defense
Discover what makes the 
"Street Kung Fu" system different from everything else you've ever seen.
Take a FREE class in person with Richard Clear
Join Us For A FREE Class
113 E Broadway Ave, Maryville TN
EXPLOSIVE
EFFICIENT
EFFECTIVE
Meet the Teacher
Hi!
 
I’m Richard Clear.  You may be wondering a little about how I came to be a Street Kung Fu teacher here in Maryville.

Let me tell you a quick story about having my life threatened when I was just a kid.

At the time I was trying to sell booster candy for a school field trip.  I was struggling just to get by as a kid growing up in a rough neighborhood.  

And I was getting more and more scared for my life (at just 10 years old).
Deadly Kung Fu systems from Southern China are called the "Kun Tao" systems. They emphasize QUICK, EXPLOSIVE movements, a survival-first approach, and a willingness to adapt at all times.
I lived in Dayton, Ohio. Here’s what Neighborhood Scout has to say about Dayton today:

“For Dayton, we found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes (both large and small). Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon.”

Just getting to and from school was a challenge. Playing outside with my friends was a risky proposition.

Then something really bad happened: two grown men pulled a knife on me.
I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
I had been selling my booster candy door-to-door, when I was stopped by the two men. One of them pulled out a knife and stuck it right in my face. He said, "Hand over the candy and the money, or we'll kill you and take it anyway."

Even at 10 years old, I could tell he meant it.

So I did the only thing I could. I gave it to them and hoped they would not hurt me. Fortunately they took the stuff and took off, but that meant I couldn't raise the money for my field trip. I couldn't even give the candy back.

As you can imagine, I was in bad shape. I was scared, embarrassed, and I realized that as I got older things would only get worse for me.

It was right then and there that I started to dream of moving out of "the hood" (and surviving long enough to do it).
Pencak Silat is the "Kung Fu" from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are tribal fighting systems, as deadly as the jungle that surrounds the villages they come from.
I knew that – if I was going to make it through High School – I was going to have to learn how to fight.

Many of the kids in “the street” knew how to fight. Even if they were a little crude about it, they had learned from experience, and they were tough.

But unlike the hoodlums and thugs in my neighborhood, I was only interested in self-defense.

I didn’t WANT to fight. I wanted to END the fight.

I needed to be able to handle tough situations, but I wanted to do it smarter, not harder.

I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
Meet the Teacher
Hi!
 
I’m Richard Clear.  You may be wondering a little about how I came to be a Street Kung Fu teacher here in Maryville.

Let me tell you a quick story about having my life threatened when I was just a kid.

At the time I was trying to sell booster candy for a school field trip.  I was struggling just to get by as a kid growing up in a rough neighborhood.  

And I was getting more and more scared for my life (at just 10 years old).
I lived in Dayton, Ohio. Here’s what Neighborhood Scout has to say about Dayton today:

“For Dayton, we found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes (both large and small). Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon.”

Just getting to and from school was a challenge. Playing outside with my friends was a risky proposition.

Then something really bad happened: two grown men pulled a knife on me.
I had been selling my booster candy door-to-door, when I was stopped by the two men. One of them pulled out a knife and stuck it right in my face. He said, "Hand over the candy and the money, or we'll kill you and take it anyway."

Even at 10 years old, I could tell he meant it.

So I did the only thing I could. I gave it to them and hoped they would not hurt me. Fortunately they took the stuff and took off, but that meant I couldn't raise the money for my field trip. I couldn't even give the candy back.

As you can imagine, I was in bad shape. I was scared, embarrassed, and I realized that as I got older things would only get worse for me.

It was right then and there that I started to dream of moving out of "the hood" (and surviving long enough to do it).
I knew that – if I was going to make it through High School – I was going to have to learn how to fight.

Many of the kids in “the street” knew how to fight. Even if they were a little crude about it, they had learned from experience, and they were tough.

But unlike the hoodlums and thugs in my neighborhood, I was only interested in self-defense.

I didn’t WANT to fight. I wanted to END the fight.

I needed to be able to handle tough situations, but I wanted to do it smarter, not harder.

STREET KUNG FU IS BORN
I took every kind of Martial Arts class I could find. I took boxing classes. I even did some Tae Kwon Do.

Then I discovered Kung Fu.

At that point, everything changed!  I finally figured out how to: 

• Defend myself against life-threatening street attacks (which I had to do over 15 times before I finally got out of Dayton)
• Use "Internal Power" to make myself stronger and healthier than I had ever thought possible
• Impress my friends (and when I got a little older, impress the ladies) with my new Kung Fu skills!
Because I knew Kung Fu, I was able to:
  
• Walk through my neighborhood safely, with a new sense of confidence
• Graduate high school, and then college, and finally move out of dangerous neighborhoods into a nice community
• Help people build confidence, get in the best shape they've ever been in, and live long and healthy lives safe from harm

Now I'm living my dream in Maryville, and I have a family of my own. There are still a few threats on the streets, but mostly it's just a great place to raise my kids.
It's been over 40 years since that first knife attack, and I never stopped studying Kung Fu. In fact, now I am a Nationally (and even Internationally) recognized teacher.

Other Martial Arts teachers come to Maryville so they can learn from ME!

I've learned a lot in the last 4 decades, and I put all the best, coolest, and most powerful stuff into my "Street Kung Fu" program.

But it won't take you 40 years to learn. In fact I made it so easy that what you see today, you can use TONIGHT.

Other martial arts schools will make you train for 5, 10, even 20 years before you can really use their stuff.

You need a Black Belt in traditional karate BEFORE you can really use it (and even then it’s pretty clunky).

MMA isn’t any quicker to learn, and you need to have a “thug” mentality to make it work in the street.

Even if you don’t mind the wait, who wants to roll on the ground when you’re on CONCRETE and ASPHALT?

(Personally, even on nice soft mats I don't want to roll around with a bunch of sweaty guys on a floor that smells like wet socks…)

Street Kung Fu is designed for the Street. It works where you need it most.

It’s Explosive, Efficient, and Effective...

And it's COOL!

That's why I'm so passionate about Street Kung Fu.

Every day of my life I get to share the smartest self-defense, the healthiest training, and the coolest Kung Fu skills out there.
I get to share these secrets with folks all over the world, and now I get to share them with YOU.

Right now you can take a Street Kung Fu class with me for FREE, and get another free private lesson tailored to you and your specific needs.
Feel Strong, Confident, and get in the Best Shape of your Life
Join me for a FREE Class!
I took every kind of Martial Arts class I could find. I took boxing classes. I even did some Tae Kwon Do.

Then I discovered Kung Fu.

At that point, everything changed!  I finally figured out how to: 

• Defend myself against life-threatening street attacks (which I had to do over 15 times before I finally got out of Dayton)
• Use "Internal Power" to make myself stronger and healthier than I had ever thought possible
• Impress my friends (and when I got a little older, impress the ladies) with my new Kung Fu skills!
Deadly Kung Fu systems from Southern China are called the "Kun Tao" systems. They emphasize QUICK, EXPLOSIVE movements, a survival-first approach, and a willingness to adapt at all times.
Because I knew Kung Fu, I was able to:
  
• Walk through my neighborhood safely, with a new sense of confidence
• Graduate high school, and then college, and finally move out of dangerous neighborhoods into a nice community
• Help people build confidence, get in the best shape they've ever been in, and live long and healthy lives safe from harm

Now I'm living my dream in Maryville, and I have a family of my own. There are still a few threats on the streets, but mostly it's just a great place to raise my kids.

I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
It's been over 40 years since that first knife attack, and I never stopped studying Kung Fu. In fact, now I am a Nationally (and even Internationally) recognized teacher.

Other Martial Arts teachers come to Maryville so they can learn from ME!

I've learned a lot in the last 4 decades, and I put all the best, coolest, and most powerful stuff into my "Street Kung Fu" program.

But it won't take you 40 years to learn. In fact I made it so easy that what you see today, you can use TONIGHT.

Pencak Silat is the "Kung Fu" from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are tribal fighting systems, as deadly as the jungle that surrounds the villages they come from.
Other martial arts schools will make you train for 5, 10, even 20 years before you can really use their stuff.

You need a Black Belt in traditional karate BEFORE you can really use it (and even then it’s pretty clunky).

MMA isn’t any quicker to learn, and you need to have a “thug” mentality to make it work in the street.

Even if you don’t mind the wait, who wants to roll on the ground when you’re on CONCRETE and ASPHALT?

(Personally, even on nice soft mats I don't want to roll around with a bunch of sweaty guys on a floor that smells like wet socks…)

I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
Street Kung Fu is designed for the Street. It works where you need it most.

It’s Explosive, Efficient, and Effective...

And it's COOL!

That's why I'm so passionate about Street Kung Fu.

Every day of my life I get to share the smartest self-defense, the healthiest training, and the coolest Kung Fu skills out there.
I get to share these secrets with folks all over the world, and now I get to share them with YOU.

Right now you can take a Street Kung Fu class with me for FREE, and get another free private lesson tailored to you and your specific needs.
Pencak Silat is the "Kung Fu" from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are tribal fighting systems, as deadly as the jungle that surrounds the villages they come from.
Feel Strong, Confident, and get in the Best Shape of Your Life?
Our Students' Journeys
Lisa Dender
I have been a student of the Street Kung Fu program for almost three years. I enrolled in order to provide my son (who was 12 at the time) with role models and to demonstrate discipline and integrity. I have been pleased beyond my wildest expectations. 

Both my son and I recently passed the Phase 1 exams and I am very proud of him. Sifu Clear and the other teachers are patient and consistently demonstrate interest in the student learning the art. 
It doesn't take very long to see where this class will take someone. You will strike before they see you move and hit with the full power and momentum of your body. They teach body mechanics and different hit and block techniques that make you wonder why everyone isn't doing these things.

I honestly can't see how a fully trained practitioner of any other system would approach this material and not be horribly defeated.

This stuff is not for tournaments or showing off, it is very lethal and designed for survival hence 'Street.' If you want to learn a style to look good, go somewhere else, but if you're looking to defend yourself and your family against multiple armed surprise attackers that are bigger and stronger than you, you won't find a better place.
Steve Robertson
It doesn't take very long to see where this class will take someone. You will strike before they see you move and hit with the full power and momentum of your body. They teach body mechanics and different hit and block techniques that make you wonder why everyone isn't doing these things.

I honestly can't see how a fully trained practitioner of any other system would approach this material and not be horribly defeated.

This stuff is not for tournaments or showing off, it is very lethal and designed for survival hence 'Street.' If you want to learn a style to look good, go somewhere else, but if you're looking to defend yourself and your family against multiple armed surprise attackers that are bigger and stronger than you, you won't find a better place.
It doesn't take very long to see where this class will take someone. You will strike before they see you move and hit with the full power and momentum of your body. They teach body mechanics and different hit and block techniques that make you wonder why everyone isn't doing these things.

I honestly can't see how a fully trained practitioner of any other system would approach this material and not be horribly defeated.

This stuff is not for tournaments or showing off, it is very lethal and designed for survival hence 'Street.' If you want to learn a style to look good, go somewhere else, but if you're looking to defend yourself and your family against multiple armed surprise attackers that are bigger and stronger than you, you won't find a better place.
Steve Robertson
It doesn't take very long to see where this class will take someone. You will strike before they see you move and hit with the full power and momentum of your body. They teach body mechanics and different hit and block techniques that make you wonder why everyone isn't doing these things.

I honestly can't see how a fully trained practitioner of any other system would approach this material and not be horribly defeated.

This stuff is not for tournaments or showing off, it is very lethal and designed for survival hence 'Street.' If you want to learn a style to look good, go somewhere else, but if you're looking to defend yourself and your family against multiple armed surprise attackers that are bigger and stronger than you, you won't find a better place.
Karen Pettiford
We are extremely satisfied with the Street Kung Fu programs and the manner in which Sigung Clear instructs his classes.

His extensive background and world training as a Master in the Martial Arts arena is truly a rare commodity, one we don't take for granted. The value of having Sigung Clear as our personal instructor in our local area is an honor and a privilege.

I previously trained in Tae Kwon Do for a number of years. In comparing the techniques of Street Kung Fu with Tae Kwon Do, I believe this art to be the most practical and effective form of self defense training available in the times we are living in today.
I found the teaching style here very refreshing as it is more family style than Sensei/Sifu worship. I came in with a painfully debilitating elbow injury that after surgery wasn't functional to say the least. 

After two months of Tai Chi Chuan my elbow was usable and I began to study the other programs offered and haven't slowed down since. 

Having my arm back has changed my life. I am a musician of many years and my playing is returning to what is was before the injury. I have also been studying martial arts since the age of seven and continue to learn and do new things I never thought possible in this school. 

Richard Clear is a great teacher, friend, and still a student himself. I would recommend Street Kung Fu to anyone of any age or martial arts background!!!
Matt Everett
I found the teaching style here very refreshing as it is more family style than Sensei/Sifu worship. I came in with a painfully debilitating elbow injury that after surgery wasn't functional to say the least. 

After two months of TaiChiChuan my elbow was usable and I began to study the other programs offered and haven't slowed down since. 

Having my arm back has changed my life. I am a musician of many years and my playing is returning to what is was before the injury. I have also been studying martial arts since the age of seven and continue to learn and do new things I never thought possible in this school. 

Richard Clear is a great teacher, friend, and still a student himself. I would recommend this school to anyone of any age or martial arts background!!!
I found the teaching style here very refreshing as it is more family style than Sensei/Sifu worship. I came in with a painfully debilitating elbow injury that after surgery wasn't functional to say the least. 

After two months of Tai Chi Chuan my elbow was usable and I began to study the other programs offered and haven't slowed down since. 

Having my arm back has changed my life. I am a musician of many years and my playing is returning to what is was before the injury. I have also been studying martial arts since the age of seven and continue to learn and do new things I never thought possible in this school. 

Richard Clear is a great teacher, friend, and still a student himself. I would recommend Street Kung Fu to anyone of any age or martial arts background!!!
Matt Everett
I found the teaching style here very refreshing as it is more family style than Sensei/Sifu worship. I came in with a painfully debilitating elbow injury that after surgery wasn't functional to say the least. 

After two months of TaiChiChuan my elbow was usable and I began to study the other programs offered and haven't slowed down since. 

Having my arm back has changed my life. I am a musician of many years and my playing is returning to what is was before the injury. I have also been studying martial arts since the age of seven and continue to learn and do new things I never thought possible in this school. 

Richard Clear is a great teacher, friend, and still a student himself. I would recommend this school to anyone of any age or martial arts background!!!
Albert Lyons
Street Kung Fu is a very effective and easy to learn, real-life type of class. No fancy forms, no fancy uniforms. Just real life moves with in depth instructions on how they can be applied in any real life situation.

One of the things I love about this school is that from top to bottom there is not a lot of big headed ego freaks running around claiming to be "Billy bad ass", but at the same time the instructors, and senior students have lots of practical knowledge, and will not hesitate to answer questions and/or lend a hand if something does not make sense during class. 

Over all I have seen a very open and welcoming bunch of people at this martial arts school, and the material taught is not a bunch of flowery and pretty forms. They simply teach you how to protect yourself and provide you with the means to get yourself home to your family safely, and be effective in protecting yourself as well as them if the need arises. 

Sigung Clear can and will teach you some fancy forms if you want them as well, but what is taught in the normal classes are simple, and easy to use self defense techniques that can be easily learned and applied in real life on the streets.  
Martial Arts is a skill I wanted to learn my whole life, however life somehow always gave me a reason to not start. At 39 years old with a family I finally said enough excuses and found that I could only go once a week. I am so glad I stepped up one day and tried it out. It was abundantly clear that after the first class I needed this in my life. 

The moves were a bit awkward and challenging at first but everyone was respectful and patient. The class has harmony with Richard Clear and his students. There is a good balance with safety and precaution while still providing solid self-defense instruction. 

I look forward every week to going and am able to practice most of the skills I learn on my own, in-between classes. I have noticed in the last 4 months my body has changed too. The Street Kung Fu program has strengthened me in ways I've never experienced. This is coming from someone who worked out with weights for years at a gym when I was younger.

My only wish is that I would have started this much earlier in life. The only reason I checked out Street Kung Fu is because of its location being convenient. Knowing what I know now, I would drive much farther to be a part of this. After three months I have full faith in Richard Clear and feel very honored to be in his class.
Bill Kitelynn
Martial Arts is a skill I wanted to learn my whole life, however life somehow always gave me a reason to not start. At 39 years old with a family I finally said enough excuses and found that I could only go once a week. I am so glad I stepped up one day and tried it out with the 6 week trial. It was abundantly clear that after the first class I needed this in my life. 

The moves were a bit awkward and challenging at first but everyone was respectful and patient. The class has harmony with Sigung Clear and his students. There is a good balance with safety and precaution while still providing solid self-defense instruction. 

I look forward every week to going and am able to practice most of the skills I learn on my own, in-between classes. I have noticed in the last 4 months my body has changed too. The Bagua exercise and my most recent addition of Tai Chi have strengthened me in ways I've never experienced. This is coming from someone who worked out with weights for years at a gym when I was younger.

The effects I am benefiting from in this class are much greater than those I ever experienced in a gym. My only wish is that I would have started this much earlier in life. I plan to practice this for the rest of my life though and believe I will be able to achieve great things. It seems that most anyone can join this and benefit in some way. The only reason I checked out Street Kung-Fu is because of its location being convenient. Knowing what I know now I would drive much farther to be a part of this. After three months I have full faith in Sigung Clear and feel very honored to be in his class.
Martial Arts is a skill I wanted to learn my whole life, however life somehow always gave me a reason to not start. At 39 years old with a family I finally said enough excuses and found that I could only go once a week. I am so glad I stepped up one day and tried it out. It was abundantly clear that after the first class I needed this in my life. 

The moves were a bit awkward and challenging at first but everyone was respectful and patient. The class has harmony with Richard Clear and his students. There is a good balance with safety and precaution while still providing solid self-defense instruction. 

I look forward every week to going and am able to practice most of the skills I learn on my own, in-between classes. I have noticed in the last 4 months my body has changed too. The Street Kung Fu program has strengthened me in ways I've never experienced. This is coming from someone who worked out with weights for years at a gym when I was younger.

My only wish is that I would have started this much earlier in life. The only reason I checked out Street Kung Fu is because of its location being convenient. Knowing what I know now, I would drive much farther to be a part of this. After three months I have full faith in Richard Clear and feel very honored to be in his class.
Bill Kitelynn
Martial Arts is a skill I wanted to learn my whole life, however life somehow always gave me a reason to not start. At 39 years old with a family I finally said enough excuses and found that I could only go once a week. I am so glad I stepped up one day and tried it out with the 6 week trial. It was abundantly clear that after the first class I needed this in my life. 

The moves were a bit awkward and challenging at first but everyone was respectful and patient. The class has harmony with Sigung Clear and his students. There is a good balance with safety and precaution while still providing solid self-defense instruction. 

I look forward every week to going and am able to practice most of the skills I learn on my own, in-between classes. I have noticed in the last 4 months my body has changed too. The Bagua exercise and my most recent addition of Tai Chi have strengthened me in ways I've never experienced. This is coming from someone who worked out with weights for years at a gym when I was younger.

The effects I am benefiting from in this class are much greater than those I ever experienced in a gym. My only wish is that I would have started this much earlier in life. I plan to practice this for the rest of my life though and believe I will be able to achieve great things. It seems that most anyone can join this and benefit in some way. The only reason I checked out Street Kung-Fu is because of its location being convenient. Knowing what I know now I would drive much farther to be a part of this. After three months I have full faith in Sigung Clear and feel very honored to be in his class.
   Where to Find Us
113 E Broadway Ave. Maryville, TN 37804
Join me for a FREE Class!
What Is Street Kung Fu?
Kun Tao
Deadly Kung Fu systems from Southern China are called the "Kun Tao" systems. They emphasize QUICK, EXPLOSIVE movements, a survival-first approach, and a willingness to adapt at all times.
Deadly Kung Fu systems from Southern China are called the "Kun Tao" systems. They emphasize QUICK, EXPLOSIVE movements, a survival-first approach, and a willingness to adapt at all times.
Kun Tao systems come from centuries of mixing and matching the best martial arts from Southern China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, and India. Because of the violent nature of the area, only the arts (and artists) with the best skills survived.
"Drunken" 
Kung Fu
I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
These arts rely on "ghosting", or making your body so soft and fluid that your opponent cannot land a hit.
Using this deceptive body movement your attackers are likely to overextend as they try (and fail) to hit you. That draws them into horrific positions that allow you to end the fight on first contact, before they can react.
Drunken Kung Fu is about staying relaxed under pressure, which is definitely a skill you want in a real street attack. It is NOT about getting drunk, and we do not encourage drinking alcohol.
"Drunken" Kung Fu
I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
I've had a lot of experience in Drunken Kung Fu in its pure form, along with similar training from Tai Chi Masters and the Russian Special Forces (Spetsnaz). 
These arts rely on "ghosting", or making your body so soft and fluid that your opponent cannot land a hit.
Using this deceptive body movement your attackers are likely to overextend as they try (and fail) to hit you. That draws them into horrific positions that allow you to end the fight on first contact, before they can react.
Drunken Kung Fu is about staying relaxed under pressure, which is definitely a skill you want in a real street attack. It is NOT about getting drunk, and we do not encourage drinking alcohol.
Pencak Silat
Pencak Silat is the "Kung Fu" from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are tribal fighting systems, as deadly as the jungle that surrounds the villages they come from.
Pencak Silat is the "Kung Fu" from Indonesia and Malaysia. These are tribal fighting systems, as deadly as the jungle that surrounds the villages they come from.
There is a saying in the Islands: "There is no Silat without a knife." Even if you yourself do not have a weapon, you must expect that your attackers will.
Silat assumes there will be multiple armed attackers, so the training puts heavy emphasis on smart footwork, positional awareness, and never taking unneeded risks.
These arts are entirely dedicated to surviving brutal assaults.
Feel Strong, Confident, and get in the Best Shape of Your Life.
Feel Strong, Confident, and get in the Best Shape of your Life
Join us for a FREE Class!
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