Wah Lum Lineage

Grandmaster Pui Chan introduced the Wah Lum System to the United States and is currently the only master in the U.S. teaching this system. He is the 6th generation successor of the Northern Praying Mantis System and 33rd generation successor of the Shaolin Temple, China. In addition to being a disciple of Grandmaster Lee Kwan Shan, he has studied under several masters of the style. Having given many exciting demonstrations throughout the United States, appearing on television, in newspapers and in martial arts magazines, his skills and knowledge are highly respected by martial artists and masters worldwide.

 

Sifu Michael Johnson has been practicing Wah Lum Kung Fu for over 30 years. He has been a Certified Instructor for Master Pui Chan since 1981 and had a Wah Lum Kung Fu school in Concord, Massachusetts, U.S.A. since 1986. In 1999 Sifu Johnson moved with his family to Switzerland. Along with his wife Peta (also a Wah Lum Sifu) Sifu Johnson now teaches Wah Lum Praying Mantis Kung Fu as well as Chen and Yang T'ai Chi at Wah Lum Kung Fu of Switzerland in Baar, Switzerland.

 

Sifu Andrea Sheffield became a a student of Sifu Johnson’s in 1995. Through the generosity of spirit, time, and effort of both Sifu Johnson and Master Chan, and the assistance and support of Sifu Payne and SiPo Suzy Chan, (see below), Andrea was able to continue her training without interruption after Sifu Johnson relocated to Europe. For more information on Sifu Sheffield, see the Instructor Bio.

 

T'ai Chi Lineage

SiPo Suzy Chan has been practicing the art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan since 1978 at the Wah Lum Temple in Orlando, Florida. She started her training with her renowned husband, Grandmaster Pui Chan, and later expanded her training and knowledge with famous Masters from China and Hong Kong, to include Master Liu Chengde, Master Zhang Bing Dao, Master Lu Jin Hai, Master Mok Poi On, Master Chen Dao Yun, Master Kwan Hing Lin, Master Yun Yin Sen, and Master Chen Ru Qing. Fifteen years ago, she discovered she had cancer but was misdiagnosed for two years. With the help of family, friends, faith, and the exercise and philosophy of T’ai Chi, she has survived this debilitating disease without conventional therapy. She has now written her book with the hope of helping those who have this disease or any illness and to inspire and to give courage to others. Her book, “The T’ai Chi World of Suzy Chan”, is available through her web site, www.wahlum.com/taichi.

 

Sifu Charles Payne has been studying the Northern Praying Mantis system since 1976. He has studied directly under Grandmaster P. Chan who is the 6th generation successor of the Wah Lum system. Charles has been a Sifu-level instructor since 1992 and has competed and placed in competitions in China in 1995 and 1998. He has also learned from various other notable masters including Zheng Ping Dao of the Plum Flower Mantis system and Lee Koon Hung of the Choy Li Fut style. Charles is also a proficient practitioner and instructor of Ch’i Kung and the Yang style of T’ai Chi Ch’uan.