Walk the
Eight Paths
Ba Shen Zhang — an original American Kung Fu system. Five martial disciplines forged into one transformative path. Practical self-defense, ancient philosophy, and a community that has your back.
Our Mission
Build strong bodies, disciplined minds, and compassionate hearts — warriors of wisdom who walk the Eight Paths in all aspects of life.
Class Schedule
Three classes.
One path.
Every class is designed for real-world application — whether you're 5 or 90, brand new or experienced.
Every Monday
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Mighty Kids Kung Fu
Ages 5–13
Kan · Water
Confidence, coordination, and discipline through age-appropriate kung fu fundamentals, games, and character development.
2nd Wednesday of Each Month
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Women's Self-Defense
All Women
Li · Fire
Practical awareness, escape techniques, and confidence-building in a supportive, women-only environment.
Every Saturday
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Ba Shen Zhang Kung Fu
Ages 14+
Qian · Heaven
The full system — striking, footwork, forms, conditioning, partner drills, and philosophy. Our flagship class.
Our Community
Real students. Real progress. Real family.
Five Influencing Arts
What We Teach
Training for
real life
Ba Shen Zhang blends five martial disciplines into one complete system — practical self-defense, internal development, and philosophy woven together.
Ba Shen Zhang
Eight Divine Palms · Qian · Heaven
Striking, footwork, forms, conditioning, and partner drills — built for practical self-defense and long-term development.
Self-Defense & Chin-Na
Joint Control & Awareness · Zhen · Thunder
Realistic scenarios, awareness, and joint-control techniques to protect yourself and others with confidence.
Shan Gudaide Shou Chuan
Mountain Ancient Palms · Kên · Mountain
A complete martial system in its own right — its own lineage, forms, weapons, and rank progression, trained alongside Ba Shen Zhang. Rooted in Taoist internal cultivation, MAP develops the breath, structure, and flowing power that deepens every aspect of your training.
Why 8 Paths
More than a gym.
A way of life.
You're not just joining a class — you're stepping onto a lifelong path of discipline, respect, and self-discovery.
Principles you can live by
Training develops focus, balance, resilience, and discipline you can apply at home, work, and in the community.
A dojo culture that feels like family
Students support each other with respect and humility — senior students lead by example, and instructors guide with patience and care.
A complete path of study
External skill, internal development, and philosophy — so you grow beyond technique into self-mastery.
Structured, measurable progress
A clear rank system from Novice to Master — 9 ranks, 23 sashes. You always know where you are and what comes next.
About Us
A living lineage.
A new tradition.
8 Paths Dojo is home to two complete martial systems: Ba Shen Zhang (Eight Divine Palms) — an original American Kung Fu created by Master Jonathen R. Talbott — and Mountain Ancient Palms Boxing (Shan Gudaide Shou Chuan), a traditional internal system carried through a direct lineage from Master Song Yishan. Students train both side by side: external and internal, force and flow, Heaven and Earth.
Master Talbott's foundation was built under his father, Grandmaster William “The Black Dragon” Talbott, and deepened through the direct teaching of Grandmaster Raymond “The Ivory Eagle” Pridgen — 2nd Generation Grandmaster of the Pu Moshi Wushu System and the living source of the Mountain Ancient Palms lineage at this school. Additional instruction under Grandmaster James Christopher Dean helped shape the philosophical approach of the school.
Today, 8 Paths Dojo serves the Boonville community as a place to develop practical self-defense, disciplined character, and compassionate leadership. Whether you are brand new or experienced, you'll find structured instruction, high standards, and a respectful dojo culture committed to preserving life and serving others.
June 13, 2026
2nd Degree Black Sash — Lynden Fox, Ray Pridgen & Blake Reyes · 1st Degree — Josh Biggins
The Lineage
Those who shaped
the path.
Ba Shen Zhang was not built in isolation. It carries the weight of the masters who gave their knowledge freely and trusted it would be honored.
Grandmaster William Talbott Jr.
Father & Primary Teacher
The foundation of Master Jonathen R. Talbott's martial training. Grandmaster William Talbott Jr. shaped the technical depth, discipline, and character that became the bedrock of Ba Shen Zhang.
Grandmaster Raymond Floyd Pridgen
2nd Generation Grandmaster — Pu Moshi Wushu System
The living source of the Mountain Ancient Palms Boxing lineage at 8 Paths Dojo. Grandmaster Pridgen carried a direct transmission from Master Song Yishan forward, and now trains under Master Talbott.
Grandmaster James Christopher Dean
Instructor & Philosophical Influence
Grandmaster Dean's instruction helped shape the philosophical foundations of 8 Paths Dojo — the principles of discipline, wisdom, and martial responsibility that guide the school's approach to teaching.
Simple Pricing
Invest in yourself
Your first class is always free. After that, choose what works for you.
Try It
Your first class, no strings attached
- Full class experience
- Meet the instructor
- No commitment required
Drop-In
Train when your schedule allows
- Pay as you go
- Any class, any week
- No long-term contract
Monthly
Unlimited classes, maximum growth
- All classes included
- Save $20+ vs drop-in
- Family & military discounts
- Priority rank testing
15% off for families, active military, veterans, and emergency service members. Discounts can stack up to 30%.
Contact
Ready to
begin?
Your first class is free. Reach out to schedule a visit, ask about class times, or learn what to bring.
Phone
(812) 329-0040Location
2nd Floor, 123 W. Main St, Boonville, IN 47601
Schedule
Mon 6–7 PM · Kids
Sat 5–7 PM · Adults
2nd Wed/month · Women's
FAQ
Questions? Answers.
If you don't see your question here, reach out and we'll help.
No. Beginners are welcome. We'll guide you through fundamentals step by step.
A white cotton t-shirt and black sweatpants, with socks or bare feet. No spandex, yoga pants, or short shorts. Remove jewelry and accessories before training. All uniforms must be clean and free of stains.
Yes. Your first class is free — reach out to schedule your visit and we'll walk you through what to expect.
Every student trains two complete systems side by side: Ba Shen Zhang (Eight Divine Palms) and Mountain Ancient Palms Boxing (Shan Gudaide Shou Chuan). Ba Shen Zhang integrates five martial disciplines — striking, forms, weapons, joint control, and philosophy. Mountain Ancient Palms is a traditional internal system with its own lineage, forms, and rank progression. Together they develop the full range of martial and philosophical ability.
Ages 5 to 90. Mighty Kids Kung Fu (ages 5–13) trains every Monday at 6:00 PM. Adult Kung Fu / Ba Shen Zhang (ages 14+) trains every Saturday at 5:00 PM. The Women's Self-Defense Workshop runs monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 6:00 PM.
Yes. 15% off for families, active military, veterans, and emergency service members. Discounts can stack up to 30%.