With over a dozen certified black belt instructors, Spring Martial Arts runs both Kung Fu and BJJ classes. Aside from the regular structured class curriculum, SMA offers traditional weapons training classes, self-defense training, sparring, and other extracurricular martial arts activities.

About our Founder

Chuck Chretien’s martial arts journey began in January 1978 when he started training in an American style of Karate under the guidance of Mr. Bill Gray. This early system emphasized sparring, tournament competition, and practical self-defense. After 3.5 years of dedicated training, Chuck achieved his Brown Belt, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to martial arts excellence.

In 1983, Chuck transitioned to studying Northern Shaolin / Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu under the renowned Master Yun-Yang Wang. Over more than a decade of intensive practice, he earned the esteemed title of Sifu and achieved the certified rank of 4th Degree (Szu Tuan) Black Sash in 1994. His dedication to mastering multiple disciplines led to significant recognition throughout his career. Post retirement he has accomplished his promotion to Chi Tuan (8th Degree) in the combined art of Chuan Fa/Kajuku-ryu in by Professor Larry Brooks.

Accomplishments and Honors

• Shin-Nigare Karate: Promoted to 6th Dan (Rokudan) in 2006 by Prof. Larry G. Brooks (Hanshi-Sho) and Jack Allbritten (Shihan, Shuseki), representing the Professional Certified Martial Artists (PCMA).

• Shin-Shin Ju Jitsu: Certified as a 3rd Degree Black Belt (2008).

• Awarded the ceremonial position of Renshi Dai by the PCMA Board of Directors in 2003.

• Promoted to Professor (Kyoshi Sho) by the PCMA Board in 2007.

• Recognized as PCMA Instructor of the Year (2007).

• Achieved Level 5 Kobudo (Weapons Certification) in 2003.

• Inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame in August 2009, receiving the prestigious Master of the Year Award.

• Awarded 8th Degree (Pa Tuan) in Chuan Fa/Kajuku-ryu by Professor Larry Brooks post his retirement.

Fitness and Tournament Contributions

Chuck has played an active role in shaping martial arts both as a competitor and instructor:

• Competed regularly in Texas and Louisiana tournaments from 1977 to his retirement at age 41, finishing with a Grand Champion win in 1994.

• Certified Fitness Kickboxing Instructor:

  • Level 1 (1999) and Level 2 (2000) through the National Association of Professional Martial Artists (NAPMA).

  • Certified Fitness Kickboxing Instructor (2001) from The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas.

• Certified National Instructor and National Examiner (PCMA, 2003).

• Active tournament producer sanctioned by the USA Martial Arts Association.

• Recipient of the PCMA Dojo of the Year Award in 2004 and 2008.

Legacy and Leadership

In March 1991, Chuck Chretien founded Spring Martial Arts, a premier martial arts studio serving adults and children in the local community. Through this endeavor, he has inspired countless students to achieve personal growth, discipline, and self-defense proficiency.

Beyond martial arts, Chuck has made his mark in other arenas:

• Performed as a stuntman in the ninja action movie Pray for Death, starring Sho Kosugi.

• Served honorably as a decorated Vietnam Veteran (1971-72) in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1974.

• Proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders of Texas, where he continues to honor and support fellow veterans.

Chuck Chretien’s decades of dedication, leadership, and accomplishments stand as a testament to his unwavering passion for martial arts and service to the community. His legacy as an instructor, mentor, and martial artist continues to shape the lives of his students and the next generation of martial artists.

Continuing the legacy

Sifu Jacob Arenstein has been a student of Spring Martial Arts since 1995 and is the current owner. Over the years, he has had the privilege of training with many great martial artists, and learned from several highly knowledgeable instructors. Sifu Arenstein also had the honor of training and teaching in multiple dojos including Spring Martial Arts (1995 - Current), Crosswinds Martial Arts (2010 - 2012), and Mou Chuk Martial Arts (2012 - 2016).

At Spring Martial Arts, Sifu Arenstein teaches Northern Shaolin Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Chuan Fa – Wing Chun, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as part of the weekly curriculum.

Sifu Arenstein holds multiple rank achievements earned throughout his martial arts career and continues his education in BBJ as student of Larry Brooks. Learn more about Sifu Arenstein in his book “My Martial Life” available for purchase on Amazon.

Current Certifications & Black Belt Ranks Include:

• Chuan Fa - 6th Black - Jan 2024

• Renshi Sho - Jan 2022

• Northern Shaolin Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu - Sifu - May 2011

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (ATBJJA) - Coach - Aug 2019

• BJJ Brown Belt - Faixa Marrom - ATBJJA / IGJJI - Aug 2023

• Shin Shin Jujitsu - 3rd Black - Jan 2022

• Shin Nagare Karate - 2nd Black - Apr 2017

• Kenpo Karate - Brown Belt - July 2018

• Northern Shaolin Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu - 3rd Black - May 2009

• Hapkido - 2nd Black - Apr 2013

• Judo – 1st Black - Jun 2016

• Wing Tsun (Wing Chun); Leung Ting Lineage - Certified Instructor through Texas Wing Tsun - Jan 2018

• OSDT (Officer Safety Defensive Tactics) - Certified State Level Instructor - Jul 2018