Wu Dao directly translates to "Martial Way." It is composed of the Chinese characters Wu , or "martial," and Dao, or the "way" or "path." Wu Dao is therefore the martial artist’s path. This is characterized by the intense physical and mental discipline required to practice Kung Fu or Tai Chi. There is a strong correlation at Wu Dao to the Japanese term "Budō" which, same as in Chinese, means the "martial way", or the "way of war."
Taking lessons from these simple traditions, Wu Dao seeks to redefine the teaching and practice of Kung Fu by focusing on stripping away extraneous movements, concepts, and thoughts while refining and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of techniques. Through striving for perfection in structure and execution, we will improve our ability to perform martial techniques by increasing speed, power, and accuracy.
Shifu Lindsay Lambert, Owner, Head Instructor
Shifu Lindsay Lambert has been teaching for 25 years, beginning with dance at 14 and moving on to martial arts after college. Before that, she trained in various athletic activities all through school starting with gymnastics at seven. Presently, she owns and operates Wu Dao Kung Fu & Tai Chi and has since 2018. She has been training in Chinese Martial Arts since 2005. During this time she has had the opportunity to work closely with Shaolin Monk Shifu Shi De Cheng (Shaolin Kung Fu), Master Wei Lun Huang (Yang Taiji and Liu He Ba Fa), Sifu Daniel Tomizaki (Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu), Coach Tye Tonkin (Sanda/Chinese Kick Boxing, Shuai Jiao/Chinese Wrestling, Qin Na/Small Join Locking) and Shifu Sonny Mannon (Shuai Jiao/Chinese Wrestling). She has taught workshops and camps throughout New England, and continues to enjoy the journey of teaching at Wu Dao’s newest spot on Walnut St in Watertown.
In addition to her time in the martial classroom, Lindsay has also taught a variety of dance classes all through high school during her time at Thomas School of Dance in Bangor, Maine where she started in 1998.
Shifu, Tim Hartmann, Founder
Shifu Tim Hartmann started training in martial arts when he was 9 years old. His parents encouraged him to take up martial arts to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. At the age of 21, Tim met Sifu John Loupos, one of Chief Instructors in the Wah Lum (Praying Mantis) system. During his training with Sifu Loupos, Tim had the opportunity to train with many talented masters including Master Chan Pui, Master Wei Lun Huang, Shifu Shi De Cheng, and Master Lee Koon Hung.
In 1996, Tim moved to San Francisco, CA, and trained in the Choy Lay Fut system with Master Tat Mau Wong and Sifu Daniel Tomizaki. At TWKF, Tim returned to training with the basic principles of Kung Fu and gained a new perspective on Kung Fu and martial arts practice, decidedly preferring to focus on quality execution of several forms instead of memorizing many forms.
Since returning to New England in 2000, Tim has worked to refine and deepen his understanding of traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi, focusing on Choy Lay Fut & Shaolin Kung Fu, Yang Tai Chi as well as Liu He Ba Fa.
Senior Students:
Being a senior student at Wu Dao is about more than just rank. These are students who have shown that they are dedicated to their practice by rising above expectations and becoming inspiring and motivating members of our community. They will comfortably take on leadership roles, and are happy to work with and encourage newer students towards their goals.