Tempering Steel 2026

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”

DATE: October 09–11, 2026 | LOCATION: Silver Strand Beach, Oxnard, CA
PRICE: 1-Day $200 | 2-Day $300 | 3-Day $400

I’m approaching five decades of training in martial and healing arts, and 38 years of teaching. It has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding journeys of my life.

Through this path, I met my wife and many of my closest friends. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to dozens of countries and training with extraordinary teachers and luminaries in martial arts, Qigong, yoga, and bodywork. Each experience has left its mark on me.

I feel deeply grateful to now be in a place where I can pass on some of what I’ve learned to my friends, colleagues, and students. Sharing this work—and seeing others grow through it—continues to be one of the greatest honors of my life.

1-Day

2-Day

3-Day

Day One: Iron Wrapped in Cotton (Softness concealing strength) The first stage of forging is internal. Beneath softness lives density, structure, and unstoppable force. This day focuses on cultivating internal power that is subtle yet decisive.

Themes: Neijia Quan fundamentals, I Quan, Taijiquan Energies, and Xing Yi Quan.
Focus: Developing root, relaxed power (song without collapse), and intent-driven movement.

Day Two: Steel Sharpens Steel (Edge meets edge) Steel becomes sharper when tested against steel. Day Two moves into direct interaction, partner work, pressure, and the sharpening that only resistance can provide.

Themes: Silat & Kung Fu integrations, Sambuts (flow drills), and Weapons training (edged, flexible, fixed).
Focus: Meeting force with intelligent force, edge awareness, and sensitivity under pressure.

Day Three: Damascus (Layered strength. Mixed arts. Integrated spirit.) Damascus steel is folded and layered into something both resilient and beautiful. Day Three is integration: internal meets external, hard meets soft.

Themes: Martial integration, real-world applications, animal play, and unlocking forms.
Focus: Adaptive strategy, blending striking and grappling, and flowing between combative and restorative practices.

“I've continued training 1-2 such weekends with Sifu Matthew each year, including his annual Tempering Steel Martial Arts Camp at his home in California. Without fail, each time I attend one of these weekends, it strengthens not only my martial arts skills, but also my character, my self-awareness, and my bond with fellow practitioners.”
— Laura Thomas., Student & Instructor at Centerline Martial Arts

“This camp is a gem for anyone like me seeking an old-skool martial arts training experience. You'll build relationships, learn rarely found techniques and principles from a world class master, and build relationships with a great community of martial artists. The experience is challenging yet supportive. I can't recommend it more highly!”
— Collin Lieberman., Owner Centerline Martial Arts

“Most teachers I've known articulate their knowledge in a steady and cerebral way, Matthew takes it a graceful step further by connecting that knowledge through the emotional, physical and spiritual and allowing it to settle without force.”
— Minnie Driver, Actress

This intensive is not just about learning techniques; it is about principles, energetics, and refinement. You will leave:

Structurally Stronger (Rooted, grounded, and aligned)
Technically Sharper (Refined in your edge and application)
Strategically Adaptable (Able to meet force with intelligence)
Internally Grounded (Finding the quiet within the chaos)

1-Day

2-Day

3-Day

“It is better to be a warrior in a garden, than to be a gardener in a war.”
— Miyamoto Musashi

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