Philly Shaolin



Instructors: Kevin Knight, 2nd Dan
Sarah Ramos, 1st Dan
 

Kevin Knight began studying under Master Joe Schaefer in 2003. He was promoted to the rank of second degree black sash by Grandmaster Thé in February of 2007.

Sarah Ramos began studying under Master Joe Schaefer in 2004. She was promoted to the rank of first degree black sash (internal system) by Grandmaster Thé in February of 2007.

Both Kevin and Sarah still study under Master Joe Schaefer, whose school is in Austin, Texas. He has been teaching Kung Fu and Tai Chi since 1987. He has personally led over 250 students to black belt. Of those 250, almost 100 are still active and 5 have reached as high as 4th degree black belt (which requires at least 11 years of training). In addition to teaching at his own school, Master Schaefer was on the teaching faculty of the Academy of Oriental Medicine as the Chi Kung and Tai Chi instructor.

Master Schaefer has trained in Shaolin-Do Kung Fu since 1984. From 1987-1994 he studied directly under Grandmaster Sin Kwang Thé. Since 1994 he has been a private student of Elder Master Bill Leonard (who is Grandmaster Thé’s most senior student). He was awarded 6th degree Black Belt in 2005 by Grandmaster Sin Thé.

Why Internal Kung Fu?
 

For Everyone
Internal Kung Fu has many benefits that are not offered by other types of exercise. It provides a full body workout without the heavy impact that can eventually damage joints and other body parts. It can increase balance, flexibility, and muscle tone, without requiring the use of extensive equipment or dangerous exertion.

Research (conducted at the Medical Academy of Shanghai, the Tangshan Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital in New York City) has shown that Tai Chi can stimulate the central nervous system, lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and tone muscles without strain or damage. Tai Chi also enhances digestion, elimination of wastes and the circulation of blood.

According to Chinese medicine, illness is mainly caused by an imbalance in the body's "chi" (qi), or life energy. The correct and regular practice of Tai Chi, Pa Kua, and Hsing I are all believed to guide chi through the proper "meridians" or pathways in the body, thus restoring proper balance and health.

Last but not least, Tai Chi is a good system of self defense. Because many of the techniques do not rely on the practicioner's physical strength, it can be used effectively by smaller and slighter people.

For Martial Artists
Tai Chi can enhance your power and control. Try this: tighten the muscles in your shoulder and arm, then throw a punch. Next, relax as completely as you can, then throw the same punch, tightening your muscles only right before the punch is fully extended. Note the difference in the range and speed between the two punches. This is a small example of the difference that can be made by using the principles of Tai Chi. Apart from merely gaining power of your own, you will learn how to turn an opponent's power to your advantage. Add to this the benefit gained by rigorously training balance, posture and coordination. Keep in mind that Tai Chi Chuan translates as "Grand Ultimate Fist", and was once considered to be the most powerful martial art in China.

For the Elderly
Various studies have shown that Tai Chi may be quite effective at reducing arthritic pain. Tai Chi is a very slow and low impact form of exercise, so it can be practiced without causing damage. As with most forms of exercise, it increases blood circulation, which is vital to your body's healing process. Regular practice of Tai Chi will also build up stabilizer muscles, which can strengthen your joints and prevent further arthritic damage.

Studies have also shown that physically active seniors are much less likely to suffer a damaging fall than sedentary ones.

For the Injured
Many of the same reasons that make Tai Chi an ideal exercise for the elderly also make it ideal for athletes recovering from injury. Tai Chi is slow and low impact, which means that there is very little risk of injury or re-injury. Increased blood circulation aids healing, and the regular practice of Tai Chi will build stabilizer muscles which help prevent re-injury.

Philly Shoalin
 

Homepage: http://www.phillyshaolin.com

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