Tai Chi Classes
TAI CHI SCHEDULE
(267) 592-0283
TAI CHI CLASSES
Monday 6:30 — 8:00 pm
Friday 6:30– 8:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 — 10:30 am
Weapons classes are scheduled as needed
CURRICULUM
Traditional Yang Tai Chi
Legend says that Tai Chi began when ancient Chinese monks observed a snake fighting a crane and led them to a system for cultivating and enhancing internal life forces (chi) by practicing and adapting the movements the monks observed.
At the Siu Lum Studio, Tai Chi is “played” in sequences of graceful movements originally adapted by the Yang family of China. Repeated practice of such forms mobilizes chi, promotes “meditation in motion”, and builds capacity for self defense. Thus, Tai Chi becomes an aid to better health.
TAI CHI INSTRUCTORS
Laoshi Mary Ann Leonard
Owner/Operator Siu Lum Academy
Mary Ann was a senior student of Dr. Steve L. Sun, a 10th degree Martial Arts Master of both internal and external Chinese martial arts. She studied with Dr. Sun for over 20 years Although Dr. Sun was her primary instructor in Yang Cheng Fu Traditional Tai Chi, she has also studied with Liang Shou Yu, Yang Jwing Ming, Yancy Orchard, W.C. Bey and several other Masters of the Internal Martial Arts. She has studied QiGong, Yang Style Tai Chi, Nei Gong, Yin Fu Bagua and Magua Bagua. Since the passing of Dr. Sun, Laoshi Mary Ann and Laoshi Frank (Wolek) have continued the training of students at the Siu Lum Academy.
Jeffrey Peezick
Senior Instructor
Jeffrey has studied Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan for over 30 years. He began studying under Grand Master Dr. Steve L. Sun in 2005 and has continued at Siu Lum Academy. In 2013 he began study in Magua and Yin Fu Bagua Zhang under Sifu W.C. Bey.
Jeffrey has sought out Masters to broaden his education in hand as well as weapon forms, medaling in national as well as international competitions. In 2018, he was a member on the U.S. Kuo Shu National Team that competed in the 6th World Kuo Shu Championship Tournament, receiving a Silver Medal in Bagua Zhang hand form. Notable Masters have been Yang Jun, Yang Jwing-Ming, Jesse Tsao, Paul Ramos and Joe Varady.
He continues his own study as well as teaching hand and weapon forms at Siu Lum. Jeffrey also heads the Tai Chi for Health programs offered at the Academy.
Michael A. Newman
Senior Instructor
During his 40 years of studying and participating in martial arts, Mike has studied Wrestling, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kuntao Kungfu, Tai Chi Chuan and Baguazang. Mike received multiple black belts in Tae Kwon Do studying under both Grandmaster Chea T. Goh and Master Neal Phalen. He studied Shaolin Kuntao for 3 years under Sifu Ken Doyle, which emphasized combat training. Mike then switched to the internal martial arts with Dr. Steve L. Sun and Shifu W. C. Bey. He holds a 3rd degree black belt in Tai Chi.
Mike is 63, married, and has 3 daughters. His daughters have participated in martial arts, along side of their dad, over the years.
Elise Hampson
Instructor
Elise began her Tai Chi training under Dr. Sun in 1999. She has attained the 3rd degree black belt level and continues to practice and teach Tai Chi. Elise enjoys teaching and sharing her knowledge, but she also recognizes that there is still so much to learn, and is expanding her understanding of Tai Chi under Sifu Bey, studying Luchan and more. Elise is joined in training at Sui Lum Academy by her husband, Al.
Elise studied Tai Kwon Do for over 20 years at both the Dragon Gym and Mainline Martial Arts obtaining the level of 3rd degree Black Belt. She trained in Tai Kwon Do with her husband and son Andrew.
Ta
Jack Warnock
Instructor
Jack Warnock has been learning and practicing Tai Chi as taught by Chinese
Master Yang Cheng Fu and Master Dr. Steven Sun since 2005. What led him to
Tai Chi was the need for a better physical, mental and metaphysical exercise
than he was getting in the traditional gym after his first of two hip
replacements. The benefits he has gained from disciplined learning and
repeated practice of Yang Style Tai Chi led him to becoming an instructor.
So, not only does his own learning of Tai Chi continue, but he is able to
share his knowledge with many more students at Siu Lum Academy.
Dave Carpenter
Instructor
Dave Carpenter began his tai chi training with Dr. Sun in 1999 and continued his training under him until his passing. He has focused on all aspects of tai chi – open hand, weapons and push hands but focused primarily on open hand. Since Dr. Sun’s passing he has expanded his training under Sifu W.C. Bey.
SIU LUM COURSES
Mary Ann Leonard
Yang Style Tai Chi
Sifu W.C. Bey
Master Instructor
Michael Bartley
Senior Black Belt
Southern Style Kung Fu