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Ken is a full time Tai Chi instructor who has
been studying the art for twelve years. He has obtained five
gold medals in Tui Shou which include the Cheng Man Ching Open
2002 in France and the Zhong Ding International Push Hands
Competition 2003 in Malaysia.
Prior to taking up Tai Chi, Ken studied Tae Kwan Do and only
came to take a Tai Chi class because a few friends were
attending and he decided to join them. It was at this point that
he met his first Sifu, the late Ian Cassetari with who he
studied Chen Man Ching Tai Chi with for 6 years. He subsequently
became an "inside the door" student of Ian.
As his experience in the art grew, Ken had the opportunity to
travel to Malaysia in 2003 to study with Master Nigel Sutton.
This was an opportunity to grow his Tai Chi skills and to also
study Baguazang and Xing Yi Quan. He continues with these arts
today and they have proved to be useful tools to help further
develop his Tai Chi.
A further trip to Malaysia in 2006 provided the opportunity to
study Silat Tua with Guru Zainal Abidin and Master Nigel Sutton
which has further extended his Martial Arts portfolio. In
addition to this, he has also studied Capoeira, Hapkido and
Aikido in the UK .
He is a Reiki Master and has studied meditation. He has also
qualified as a Reflexologist, and Masseur.
Ken’s current focus is in education and is at University
studying part time for his Certificate in Education. He is
interested in how Tai Chi can be more effectively taught to all
people in society. He currently works with people with physical
disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues and
those recovering from substance misuse. His philosophy follows
that of his late teacher, Ian Cassetari and Master Chen Man
Ching in that Tai Chi is for everyone.
He believes stress is big sickness in the West and Tai Chi can
reduce stress and improve self esteem. He is currently starting
a programme teaching children and hopes by teaching kids, it
will catch them while they are young and reduce possible health
issues occurring as adults.
Since Ian Cassetari's passing, Ken is now an "inside the door"
student of Darren Roberts and has recently taken on his first
"inside the door" student.
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