The classes usually consist of an intense warm up followed by stance training. From there, we move on to solo and two person peng lai martial art exercises, including fist and kicking drills, and forms based on the mantis style. Class ends with conditioning of the body.

Nashville, Tennessee is the home of the mantis boxing school led by Shifu Jim Smyer.

The main school is in downtown, Nashville. Beginning on Church Street in downtown Nashville, turn south onto 21st Ave, a one-way street. Go to the stop sign, turn left onto Hayes St. Immediately, turn left into the Baptist Hospital Plaza I & II Patient/Visitor parking garage. Park in an appropriate spot in the garage, and take the elevator to the lowest level marked (LL), step out of the elevator, turn right and walk about 125 feet--past the loading dock, and you will be at the Wellness Center. The official address and schedule is below:

Jim Smyer, Peng Lai Kung Fu
Baptist Hospital
The Wellness Center
2000 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37236

Class Times:

Tuesday from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Thursday from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Saturday from 11:00am - 12:30pm

Please be our guest, and come watch our class. If you decide to attend, the amount is $65 per month. For more information either email Shifu Smyer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call at 615-289-3509