About & Lineage
Those who shaped
the path.
The story behind Ba Shen Zhang, Master Jonathen's journey, and the masters who gave their knowledge freely.
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.
Kuroshi Ryu Jiu Jitsu
Grandmaster William F. Talbott Jr.
Father & Primary Teacher of External Arts
The foundation of Master Jonathen R. Talbott's martial training. Grandmaster Talbott shaped the technical depth, discipline, and character that became the bedrock of Ba Shen Zhang — a legacy built through decades of rigorous instruction across multiple systems.
Trained Under in
Pu Moshi Wushu System
Grandmaster Raymond Floyd Pridgen
2nd Generation Grandmaster — Pu Moshi Wushu System
Master Talbott's primary master in internal and healing arts, and his direct lineage transmission from Song Yishan — a living thread carried faithfully forward through the Pu Moshi Wushu System to 8 Paths Dojo.
Trained Under in
Xiao Zhang Kung Fu
Grandmaster James Christopher DEan
Grandmaster of Xiao Zhang Kung Fu
Though his time with Master Talbott was brief, Grandmaster DEan's imprint runs deep. He trained Master Talbott in Xiao Zhang Kung Fu and Kyusho Jitsu — but it is two lessons above all that Master Talbott carries closest to his heart:
Perseverance
“Limitations are the stepping stones to being more than you believe possible.”
Community
“A dojo is a family. We sweat together, we cry together, we bleed together, and we fight together.”
Ready to walk the Eight Paths?
Claim Your Free First Class →