Wudang Research Association
About
Currently, I'm only teaching online due to COVID19.
My teaching methods and expectations are mostly traditional. Students should be prepared to commit to their training.
1 hour private lesson $80
I've been teaching for 30 years and practicing longer. I played sports growing up, formally studied dance in college and started my taiji studies in 1984. I learned traditional Yang style with Master Huang Weilun (1984-1989 Miami).
In 1990, I went to China and met Professor Liu Yuzeng (Shi DeYu; Wudang lineage inheritor) in Zhengzhou. I spent the next 30 years studying under his guidance and direction.
I am a three-time international taiji champion (including in China 1997) and have trained other national-level champions. After I retired from competition, I judged at the national and international levels for 15 years.
I am fluent in Mandarin Chinese and translate for the English/Chinese pair. For taiji and qigong, it is important to understand the fundamental concepts in the original language as well as their meaning in English.
The most enjoyable aspect of teaching is when a student first grasps one of the concepts or principles I'm teaching and can incorporate that concept into their practice.
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start by discussing the student's goals and what he or she hopes to learn or accomplish. Then, I create a plan for that student to either begin a long-term study or to obtain the results wanted. I look for what the student enjoys in practice and then help to cultivate that energy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
40 years practice and training. Multiple national and international awards. Contributor to a medical textbook on the topic of tai chi/taiji. Translations from Mandarin Chinese for Traditional Chinese Medicine and qigong practice.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$80/hr generally.
For specific coaching at an advanced level or focused competive training, $120
How did you get started teaching?
My first experience teaching a tai chi class was when I started leading a class for my Yang style teacher in 1986. I've been teaching - classes and private lessons - off an on ever since.
In 1990, I went to China as an English teacher. While there, I met Liu Yuzeng who was my teacher for 30 years. I have traveled back and forth to China for those 30 years. I'm fluent in Mandarin Chinese.
From 1993-2000 I taught a class on the campus at UMKC as well as private and group classes.
Since 2000, I've taught private and small group classes.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students who wanted to improve flexibilty, general body condition, and balance. I've worked with students who were interested in applications and competition. I've worked with students who wanted to develop advanced internal skills.
The one thing I insist on is that the person who is studying be the one who decides they want to come to class.
Students need to be prepared to practice on their own, even if that is only one hour per week.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Be open to the idea that what you may have learned previously may not apply.