ShiYe Martin Ware

ShiYe Martin Ware began his studies of the Chinese Martial Arts in 1979 under Master Huang, Chien Liang, the 64th Generation heir of Tien Shan Pai Disciple under Grand Master Huang, and in the presence of the Supreme Master Wang Chueh-Jen. He was one of the first Americans to be awarded this honor, and at age nineteen, was the youngest disciple in his class.

Between 1986-1994 Martin Ware was the assistant instructor and Team Travel Coordinator at his older brother's school.  On June 3, 1995 Martin Ware opened the Western Hills Kung-Fu Center with the goal of having eight students. The school now has over one hundred students who compete on all levels and tournament circuits.  Martin Ware's students have competed on the regional, national, and international circuits.

Martin Ware trained his first Full Contact Fighter in 1998. She placed 3rd in The International Kuoshu Championship in the same year. She went on to place 2nd in 1999, 1st in 2000, and 1st again in San Francisco in 2001 while her sister won 1st in 2001, 1st in 2002, and 1st again in 2003, on the east coast in Hunt Valley Maryland. Trained 2003 world cup Bronze metal winner Full Contact, Silver medallist Wushu, silver medallist 2 person forms, and northern men form. Taught at W.E.B. Dubois (K-12), CSR Academy (K-8) in Over-the-Rhine,, Mt. Healthy Preparatory & Fitness Academy (K-8).

Comments From ShiYe Martin Ware...

I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit our website, and I hope it has answered all of your questions.

I started Kung Fu when I was 10, my older brother had been taking classes for a year. He would come home and show me and my younger brother moves. When I started it was basically because my mother wanted me to have more self confidence and to be able to defend my self as I entered the public school system. What I knew about Kung Fu before that year with my brother was basically what I had seen on T.V., Green Hornet and Kung Fu the series. I will admit that it opened the door, but little did I know that it would be a life long journey.

After my third year studying Kung Fu, from Grandmaster Huang-Chien Liang, I realized that my goal was to someday teach and have quality students. I can honestly say I was not the fastest learner in my class, but I consider that an asset. It helped me develop even more patience than the normal instructor. I know what it feels like to struggle through classes and new techniques.

My instructor, Grandmaster Huang-Chien Liang, expected hardwork and dedication from all of his students, and knew how to push us to reach our next goal. Yet he was still approachable. Which is a quality that I strive to emulate myself. I remember one incident in my martial arts experience where I got suspended from the Kung Fu school for being disrespectful and, it just so happened that, at that time my instructor was going to cosign for my first car. I just knew it would not happen now, but on the day that we had planned to meet he called me at home and asked how come I was not at the school at the planned time. I ran to the school and we took care of the paperwork and finalized everything for purchasing my car, a 1978 Mustang Mach 2 with T tops and a 302 engine.

I firmly believe that there must be a relationship between student and teacher that is built on trust and dedication from both ends. This will form a bond that will never be forgotten.

Kung Fu, being the oldest of all the martial arts, was developed in a way that it may be practiced by anyone from the ages 3 and up. Therefore, it is my goal to let every student reach their maximum potential. Whether it be toning and getting in shape, creating focus and balance in life, for the art aspect of it (forms). Or from the Martial aspect of it, point fighting, continuous fighting, full contact fighting, or street self-defense.

I would like to thank my mom for enrolling me into martial arts classes, even when times were hard for us. I would like to humbly thank Grandmaster Huang-Chien Liang for taking me as a student and for letting me continue even though I was unable to pay for classes any longer after my parents divorce. As you can see Kung fu has affected my life in a tremendous way, and I'm not sure where I would be without your guidance. And I would like to thank my older brother who also allowed me to train and teach at his school for several years. I would like to take this time to also thank my staff, whom have always made me proud of the effort and energy they put forth.

Giving Back to the Community...

  • Gift certificates to local schools for free classes for students based on attendance and grades

  • Canned food drive for Freestore (Nov-Dec)

  • St. Jude Children's hospital kick-a-thon

  • Adopt a family through Mercy Franciscan Hospital (Christmas Gifts)

  • Sponsor two local soccer teams, one indoor one outdoor

  • Walk for diabetes

  • Adopt-a-Class 2011-2012, 2012-2013

  • Gift certificates for improvement or behavior to schools to pass out

 School or summer programs that the Academy has been involved or offered scholarships in the past:

  • W.E.B. Dubois

  • Westwood Elementary

  • Roberts’ Paideia

  • Cheviot Elementary

  • Riverside

  • Taft Elementary

  • Oak Hills Methodist Church/School

  • Mt.Healthy Preparatory and Fitness Academy