The Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan
Academic Approach

Integrating the Martial Art of Awareness into higher education and beyond.

The ZXD Academic Approach offers a curriculum designed to cultivate mindful awareness and experiential learning through the "Martial Art of Awareness." Courses like "Conflict and Cooperation" teach students to explore their own values, navigate social dynamics, and develop a "Beginner Mind, Zen Mind, Observing Mind" mindset. This program is particularly beneficial for students who need to learn how to learn, engage in respectful dialogue, and build the mental and emotional resilience necessary to transition into higher education and face life's challenges.

Dr. Nancy Watterson & Instructor Lan Tran

Bridging Martial Arts and Academia

Master Richard Kelly

Academic Approach Main Guest Lecturer

New Advancements: The Program's Foundation (Dec 2018)

The Zhong Xin Dao Academic Approach was established with the goal of integrating the martial art's principles into academic settings. Co-directors Dr. Nancy Watterson and Instructor Lan Tran led several key initiatives:

  • Presentations at prestigious forums, including the University of Pennsylvania's Ethnography in Education Research Forum and the Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education (ACMHE) conference.

  • The pilot launch of the **"Balance Learning Community"** at Cabrini University, a 3-credit course for first-year students titled "Conflict and Cooperation" that used the Zhong Xin Dao curriculum as its core.

  • Offering mini-workshops to faculty and staff, conducting online sessions for graduate students, and gaining media attention on campus radio and in the student newspaper.

Continuing the Momentum (Oct 2019)

The program continued to expand its reach and influence in 2019.

  • The "Balance Learning Community" at Cabrini University welcomed its second cohort, with 18 first-year students enrolled in the "Conflict and Cooperation" course, structured as both a seminar and a movement lab.

  • Co-directors Dr. Nancy Watterson and Instructor Lan Tran made their third appearance at the ACMHE annual conference.

  • A student, Henry Pitcairn, founded the official CCD ZXD ILC Club at the Community College of Denver. The club was open to students from nearby universities and community members, with an economics professor, Dr. Scott Brocket, serving as the faculty adviser.

Growth and Renewal (July 2021)

As the world began to open up, the Academic Approach saw renewed activity.

  • A successful post-Covid workshop was held in Philadelphia, led by Grandmaster Sam Chin. The event was hosted at a studio owned by Kun-Yang Lin, a Professor of Dance at Temple University, and welcomed both regular members and newcomers. Attendees also included students who have come through the Academic Approach.

  • The program has inspired many students, who have continued their journey from academic study to advanced practice and mentorship.

Cultural Dialogue: A ZXD & Flamenco Exchange (May 2022)

The Center for Global Learning at Cabrini University, as part of its new "Llamada Series," hosted a faculty development workshop featuring ZXD Philly instructors Instructor Lan Tran and Dr. Nancy Watterson in conversation with Master Flamenco teacher Ms. Elba Cena. This event, which showcased the mental-physical connections in diverse movement traditions, followed an earlier campus workshop led by Grandmaster Sam Chin in December 2021. The "Llamada Series" parallels the fully-academic course "Conflict & Cooperation" taught by Instructor Lan Tran and Dr. Nancy Watterson, which is a key part of the Balance Learning Community for first-year students.

Inspiration & Mindset: Meeting GM Fredia Gibbs (Sept 2022)

Students from the BALANCE Learning Community at Cabrini University, who were enrolled in the "Conflict & Cooperation" course, had the unique opportunity to meet Grandmaster Fredia "The Cheetah" Gibbs. As a Cabrini alumna, GM Gibbs shared her personal story of struggle and success, offering a powerful, real-world example of the Zhong Xin Dao / I Liq Chuan principle of experiential learning. This meeting provided students with a direct look at the mindset and resilience necessary to navigate life's challenges.

Beginner Mind, Zen Mind, Observing Mind (2022-2023)

The ZXD Academic Approach Team (Dr. Nancy Watterson, Instructor Lan Tran, and Master Rich Kelly) continued to expand its academic presence and community outreach.

  • Students in Cabrini University’s Balance Learning Community became the first to complete the new "Beginner's Mind, Zen Mind, Observing Mind—Entry Level" program, receiving certificates from Grandmaster Sam Chin.

  • The "Conflict and Cooperation" course, co-taught by Lan Tran and Dr. Nancy Watterson, used ZXD's movement-based learning to teach students about awareness and "learning how to learn."

  • Instructor Rich Kelly provided skills-building activities for students, faculty, and staff, and a community-based workshop "Refining the Balance Point" was held.

  • The team received a second Civic Imagination grant, leading to collaborative events with Bard College Annandale-on-Hudson and a Qigong workshop for senior citizens.

  • The team was accepted to present an interactive workshop at Gannon University.

Bring the Academic Approach to Your Campus

Our program is available for universities and colleges. If you are a faculty member or administrator interested in integrating the Martial Art of Awareness into your curriculum or campus life, please reach out to us to learn more.