Martial Arts

Dr. Scott A. Weiss is a New York City-based clinician, martial artist, Qigong practitioner, author, and educator whose lifelong pursuit of both Eastern and Western disciplines has spanned more than four decades. His unique integration of traditional martial arts, Chinese medicine, sports performance, physical rehabilitation, and Qigong has established him as a respected authority in both wellness and martial arts communities.

Dr. Weiss began his martial arts journey at age eleven, studying Judo at a local temple where he earned the rank of brown belt. At age thirteen, he began semi-private Tang Soo Do instruction under the renowned Janet Maisley-Moy at a community center in New York. Through dedicated training and competition, he achieved the rank of second-degree Black Belt in the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation by age seventeen.

As a young competitor, Dr. Weiss competed extensively throughout New York City’s five boroughs in both forms and sparring divisions, earning numerous trophies and medals. His success propelled him onto the regional and national tournament circuits, culminating in a run toward the 1988 Olympic Trials, narrowly missing qualification.

While switching gears and attending college in Buffalo, New York, Dr. Weiss expanded his martial arts studies into Daito-Ryu Aiki Jujutsu under Sensei Roy Goldberg, ultimately earning another Black Belt. Throughout this time, he maintained a growing fascination with Western boxing, inspired initially by the film Rocky and later by the explosive rise of Mike Tyson during the 1980s.

His passion for boxing led him to train under several accomplished fighters and coaches before studying with some of boxing’s most respected figures, including Hector Roca and Tommy Gallagher. Seeking a deeper understanding of Tyson’s legendary fighting system, Dr. Weiss pursued direct training under Kevin Rooney, Cus D’Amato’s protégé and Tyson’s former trainer, studying the famed Peek-a-Boo style for sixteen months.

This journey culminated in Dr. Weiss authoring Confusing the Enemy: The Cus D’Amato Story in 2013, widely recognized as the first comprehensive book dedicated to the life, philosophy, and legacy of the legendary boxing manager and trainer. Through this work, he further cemented his connection to both Mike Tyson and the enduring influence of Cus D’Amato.

Alongside his combat sports training, Dr. Weiss developed an early fascination with Bruce Lee and Eastern philosophy. Before the age of thirteen he immersed himself in the study of martial arts history, philosophy, and traditional Chinese practices. His exploration of the internal arts began in 1983 with his introduction to the 13 Shaolin Lohan Fist form, which sparked a lifelong dedication to Shaolin Kung Fu, Taoist philosophy, and Qigong.

Recognizing that true mastery requires balance between external power and internal cultivation, Dr. Weiss devoted decades to studying the principles of Yin and Yang, Taoist energetics, standing meditation and breathwork. His q\qigong education expanded to include the Eight Brocades, Six Healing Sounds, Five Elements theory, Five Animal Qigong, One Finger Zen, and numerous other classical systems including Tai Chi.

In 2008, while serving with the USA Sports Medicine Team in China, Scott was given the unexpected privilege of meeting Li Deyin, a distinguished inheritor of the Sun family lineage and one of the foremost authorities on Sun‑style Taijiquan. Dr. Weiss trained with him in Beijing for sixteen consecutive days, studying the principles and internal mechanics of the Sun tradition with as much sincerity and discipline as he could bring in such a short time. At the conclusion of this period, Master Li extended to him the honor of being recognized as an honorary master in Sun‑style Taijiquan in addition giving Scott a silk uniform, a gesture he accepted with deep gratitude and humility, mindful of the responsibility that comes with being acknowledged by a descendant of Sun Lutang’s lineage.

In 2016, Dr. Weiss earned his Doctorate in Medical Qigong under the guidance of Professor Li Xiang of Qingdao Hospital in China. His studies encompassed a broad spectrum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture theory, herbology, energetic medicine, and clinical qigong applications.

Today, Dr. Weiss serves as the Owner and Director of Paramount Wellness by Bodhizone, where he integrates his extensive knowledge of martial arts, qigong, rehabilitation science, sports performance, and Eastern medicine into a comprehensive approach to health, healing, and human performance. His work represents a rare fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science, empowering individuals to achieve greater physical vitality, mental clarity, and personal transformation.