This image above is for those who look for lineages. I really don’t have the need for any, because I am always learning everyday from all sorts of media, and there were other styles I dabbled in, but were shared with me by friends, and senior Classmates. Besides my main teachers listed below, there were several Masters that shared with me.
It all started when I was a kid of 9 years old. I ALWAYS wanted to learn Martial Arts before that since probably birth. All I know is being a baby holding onto the couch standing and watching Bruce Lee, David Caradine, and all the television Martial Arts stars and wanting to do what they were doing. One day it hit me to see if there were books in the school library on martial arts. Yes, there were, but all the Kung Fu books were always checked out.
Karate and Judo were what I would check out and study. My best friend and next door neighbor and I would try the moves together, and actually learned a thing or two. Later that year, I heard a teen aged friend from the block was training boxing, so I followed him to practice one day. Next thing I’m bobbing and jabbing with the Eye Of The Tiger blaring in the background.
Boxing, Karate
I trained as an amateur boxer at a local neighborhood Gym, in Fresno from 1982-84, from age 10-12 years old. I had the Eye Of The Tiger, but I still wanted to learn Martial Arts more than anything.
In 1985, I began learning the Okinawan Karate styles called Shorin Ryu for a few (3) months, before beginning my path of Kung Fu, or Chinese Martial Arts; (Choy Lee Fut style Kung Fu).
Choy Lee Fut
In July of 1985 I met and began studying under Master Fred Spencer in the art of Choy Lee Fut. (He actually walked into the Karate Dojo one day. I located him soon after that.) He taught me several forms of the Lau Bun lineage that he learned from Master Jew Leong in San Francisco in the 1970s. I quickly became his top student and always was referred to as such whenever I came to visit a class as a teen and later as a young man. I kept learning from him over the next 14 years, which included all the updated forms as we eventually and finally learned from the Great, Great, Grandson of the Founder, Master Ng, Fu Hang in Los Angeles Lincoln Heights district. Blocks away from Chinatown. (Great times.)
From 1986-1987, I was around in what I call the Golden Years of John Cho’s school too, in the mid 80s, and also was around when Master Julian Chen (from Beijing) was teaching Chen style at Fresno state. As a teen, I was all about the Kung Fu world here in Fresno, so I said I’d wait until I was older to learn Taiji! I was foolish not to…
Brief Encounter With Northern Long Fist
From John Cho, I leaned a few of the first level Long Fist sets, some of a Northern Mantis that he taught, and a small bit of Hung Gar and Wing Chun he also taught. Good times. And yes, I was 1 of about 3 Non-Asian accepted because of our skills and discipline. It was impossible to get in unless you were invited in those times. (Especially if you were Caucasian)
Buddha Hand Wing Chun
During the end of his life, My Big Brother Wayne Carisi shared his Buddha Hand Wing Chun hand forms with me. I only practice those for me and Him, but they show their hand from time to time.
The Internal Arts
My Latest focus has been the internal martial arts. Call it natural going from external to internal, fate, or whatever. All I knew when I felt it, was that I had to learn it.
In around 1999 I began my quest to learn the Internal Kung Fu styles. In fact, they seemed to have came to me. Through my best Friend, I met an amazing Master of Xing Yi, Bagua Zhang, Tai Chi Chuan and Qigong; Master Wang Shi Qing. I began my studies with him in:
- Qigong/Yang Shen Gong
- Xing Yi Quan
- Baguazhang
- Tai Chi Chuan
Like me, master Wang had an early foundation in Shaolin kung fu, and other kung fu styles before learning the Internal Styles. He noticed that the day he met me. When I heard that, I was even more eager to learn these arts.
The styles are unique and somewhat rare. I learned the Sun, Wu, and Yang Ban Hou small framed Tai Chi Chuan styles, and a unique hybrid Xingyi-Bagua system that hails from the famous masters: Zhang Zhao Dong, Dong Hai Chuan and Yin Fu. Rare indeed. Master Wang Shi-Qing learned from a master named: Zhang Kiu Wen, a Taijiquan student of Yan Ji Gao (Wu Style, Yang small frame), and Xing Yi and Bagua student under Jiang Song Yan. Master Wang also mentioned that GM Zhang Kui Wen also learned at the Ching-Wu School. I believe he learned Mizong Chuan (Lost track) there.
Master Wang learned Sun Taijiquan from a master names He Fu Fheng. Who was a first generation student of Sun, Lutang.
My System
My system is influenced by all that I have learned.
- Stance Training: Stances, drills, stepping methods of Shaolin and Wudang arts.
- Core Training: Internal and External Drills that co-ordinate with the footwork for external power and internal strength.
- Breath Work (Breathing): Various breathing methods for cleansing and refreshing. Qigong and various forms of inner transformation.
- Boxing Styles: Various forms of Kung Fu; Tai Chi Chuan, Baguazhang, Xing Yi Quan, Shaolin-based styles. Including 2-person drills, and some weapons.
This system is comprised of styles and systems I learned and practiced for many years. I do not mess around, and train like there is no tomorrow (there isn’t). I ALWAYS practiced this way, and do not bullshit around. My classes are small because I will only pour into someone who shares that quality.
Sets (Forms) I Practiced (Some Of Them)
Styles and routines I learned and practiced include: The 5 Wheel Horses and Fists, Small Plum Blossom Fist, Intercepting Cross-Pattern Tiger Fist, Small Cross Pattern Fist, Dragon Whirling Staff & Single and Double End Staff, Double Daggers, Double Hook Swords, Broadsword, and many drills and skills of the Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu style(s).
I also studied a few Qigong styles, including: 18 Lohan, 5 Elements, Primordial Qigong, Yang Shen Gong, Heaven/Earth, and two others I can’t mention. Internal Kung Fu: I currently study and practice the Taijiquan styles of Sun, Wu (Hao), and Yang Ban Hou small frames. I also learned and currently study a few forms of Baguazhang and Xingyiquan. I also learned many drills and skills that go along with them. I also and studying internal weapons like the Dragon /Tiger Wudang Taiji Sword, Bagua Broadsword, Bagua Seven Star Staff over the last couple decades as well. So I was blessed to have met all of my teachers. I will say that no-matter which way my life turned, these arts were there. Even if I moved hundreds of miles away. My life theme, I guess. Either way, I don’t care. I just want to do it.
Many have come to me (many when I was much younger, but not ready) and left. Many still get me to give them a chance, but cannot do it. I tell you now, to learn Taijiquan and the internal arts is impossible for 99% of people. It is the opposite of easy, and you have to go through a metamorphosis. Without the ‘Internal body’ you cannot truly do Tai Chi, Qigong, or any of the Internal Arts. And most people who come along either don’t know what the hell they’re looking for, or come for the wrong reasons (to get fixed). You will experience pain, and soreness when forging your body into the internal body over many years. Are you ready to commit to something like this? I don’t think so, for many! Go ahead, though. Give it a shot. You may be one that can.
I can say that nobody has learned even 1/3 of the things I have to share, and from this very moment, I do not foresee many of my students exceeding my ability or level by the time I pass to the next level of existence, unfortunately. I really don’t feel sorry about that, because this is my system that I made for myself. If someone wants to learn my versions of these arts mentioned above, I will only try to teach those I feel are genuine. (we’ll see about that…)
And if someone wanted to learn from the bottom, I would tell you, that if they put in the time and effort (and don’t question me or my methods), they will exceed me in all ways. Maybe not! Because I am still practicing like a beginner and looking for the constant breakthroughs… (This would be ideal for someone who has not developed an ego, or who is still in childhood, but No! Not today, I think) Adults can achieve high success if they can humble themselves and work honestly. We’re talking years of training correctly, though. So think it over. If you try, but can’t do it, I will respect that. (I’ve seen it a thousand times.)