Dao Li Jiao

Latest News

7 March 2009:  The Dao Li Jiao is very pleased to announce the appointment of our fourth new Dao Li Yuan (Member) for 2009, Mr. Phillip A. Humphries of Fairfax, Virginia!  Phil has over 30 years experience in the Asian martial arts, beginning as a teenager in the 1970s with Goju-Ryu Karate in Anderson, Indiana, under Sensei Glenn Keeney at the Komikai Academy of Karate; then studying Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo in Columbus and Alexandria, Indiana.   He continued to explore a variety of martial systems over the years to seek out new fighting methodologies, including Tang Soo Do, Mizong Shaolin Gongfu (Kung Fu), Yang Family Taijiquan (T’ai Chi Ch’uan), Aikido, Kali-Escrima, freestyle American Karate, Krav Maga, Haganah, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

 

In the early 1990s while working with a city police force in Indiana, Phil began the study of Seieikan Karate at the Midwest Martial Arts Center in Richmond, Indiana.  He attained Black Belt (Shodan) ranking in Seieikan Karate in 1996.  Then in 2007, he undertook the study of freestyle Kempo Karate under the auspices of Gary Dill’s Self Defense Systems International, cross-ranking as a Black Belt in Bushido Kempo.  While serving in law enforcement, he was exposed to PPCT defensive tactics, and developed considerable “real world” practical experience in close quarter hand-to-hand tactics. 

 

After beginning a second career in the national security arena in the Washington, DC area, he began training in the Chinese arts of Xingyiquan (Hsing-I Ch’uan) and Qinna (Chin Na) under Sifu Clarence Burris, a student of Master Willy Lin, at the Chinese Martial Arts Institute in Virginia.  At age 52, Phil decided to focus entirely on Chinese Martial Arts, particularly the internal systems, taking up the study of Hsing-I Five Elements and Twelve Animals as well as Qinna under Sifu Burris.  Phil’s current training plans center on Hsing-I and Qinna, but may later expand into Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Liu He Be Fa (Water Boxing).

 

In addition to his civilian Federal service, Phil previously served in the U.S. Navy as a law enforcement and security specialist, then later in the Army National Guard as an intelligence analyst and counterintelligence Special Agent.  His wife Catherine is also a martial artist, and trains in Taijiquan at the Chinese Martial Arts Institute.  Phil and Cathy also enjoy walking park trails, nature and reading, and are bird enthusiasts who share their home with two Cockatiels.

 

Phil is a lay enthusiast of world religion and metaphysics with a keen interest in Taoism, Buddhism, and the mysticism associated with martial arts.  He considers himself a “Universalist” when it comes to religion, believing that no one path or doctrine is the sole true path to enlightenment.  These concepts are in perfect harmony with the goals of the Dao Li Jiao, and we look forward to all the contributions Phil can provide as we research the Universe and its effects on human life.  Welcome Phil!  It’s great to have you join us as Dao Li Yuan #76!  

 

30 January 2009:  The New Year is shaping up to be particularly auspicious for increasing membership in the Dao Li Jiao as we welcome our third new Dao Li Yuan (Member) in January alone!  Mr. Brad West of Norman, Oklahoma was certified today as Dao Li Yuan #75.  Originally from north Texas, Brad is a longtime martial arts practitioner, having studied a broad range of arts, and holds a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate in addition to being the top student and Assistant Instructor in Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt Silas Wolf’s classes in Norman.  Brad was certified as CYKFA Black Belt #77 in August 2008.  In addition to his martial arts practice and teaching, he is an all-around athlete of note and played basketball in college.  The warmest of welcomes to you, Brad!  It is great to have you join us in our study of the Universe and the Way of Reason!

 

29 January 2009:  Dr. Her Yue Wong, the Black belts of the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association, and the Yuan of the Dao Li Jiao wish to extend to Michael Alan Brown and his family our acknowledgement of the loss of their mother on 28 January.  Both Michael and his sister had the opportunity to visit their mother in the months prior to her passing – this was good.  Since it was her wish to pass from this world into the next without a lot of fanfare, we wish to simply stand by our Brother in saying goodbye to her.

 

“Empty yourself of everything.  Let your mind rest at peace.  The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return.  They grow and flourish and then return to the source...Being one with the Dao is eternal, and though the body dies, the Dao will never pass away.” Chapter 16, Dao De Jing

 

9 January 2009:  The Dao Li Jiao continues to make great progress into 2009 as we welcome Dao Li Yuan (Member) #74, Mr. Brian L. Kennedy of Chico, California!  Concurrently, Dr. Wong certified him as Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt and Lifetime Member #78.  Brian has just recently returned to the U.S. after living the past 15 years in Taiwan, and is an internationally recognized expert and author on the martial arts, Taoism (Daoism) and other aspects of Chinese culture.  He first became interested in Taoism while a philosophy major at San Diego State University, where he specialized in Chinese philosophy and religion, and has maintained that interest over the years through scriptural study, meditation and martial arts.  He and his wife Elizabeth Nai Jia Guo have written on Taiwanese Taoist temple culture for Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine and for the Journal of Daoist Studies. They are currently working on a book that will discuss Taoist training manuals.  Brian has also written regular articles in Classical Fighting Arts magazine, Kung Fu Tai Chi magazine, and published one book on Chinese martial arts history - Chinese Martial Arts Training Manuals: A Historical Survey.  His second book, which should be published this year, will be titled The Jing Wu Association: A Pictorial History of the School that Saved Kung Fu.  Several of his articles are now posted on the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Articles and Glossaries page at www.chingyikungfu.com.

 

Brian began his martial arts training in the Ching Yi Kung Fu System in the mid-1970s in San Diego under CYKFA President Michael Brown.  He also learned Southern Shaolin Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut from Sifu Dirk Johnson in San Diego, then subsequently undertook additional training in Xingyiquan's 5 Elements Fists (standard Hubei style) and Cheng Man Ching style Taijiquan.  He later added to his skills while living in Taiwan by training in Cheng Style Baguazhang (the 8 Major Palms and a sword set); Xingyiquan 5 Elements Fists, 12 Animals, 8 Forms of Tiger, 5 Elements Linked, and 8 Postures (Ba Shi); and Taiwanese Crane Boxing (two solo hand sets and a staff form).  In addition to the traditional Chinese martial arts, he also studied Western boxing, standup grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Taiwan under Andy Wang.

 

By profession, Brian is a California Attorney at Law and while in Taiwan wrote two law books that were published in Chinese, one on witness examination, the other on legal ethics.  It is truly an honor to have such a distinguished scholar and martial artist join with us as we research the Way of Reason.  His numerous contributions are already being appreciated, and we look forward to many more in the future!

 

4 January 2009:  We of the Dao Li Jiao are very pleased to announce our first new Dao Li Yuan (Member) of the New Year!  Mr. Kenneth Emerson of Tucson, Arizona has joined us as Dao Li Yuan #73.  Ken is the husband of Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt Instructor and Dao Li Yuan #57 Carol Emerson, and a longtime martial artist in his own right.   He began training in the martial arts in 1965 while in the U.S. Air Force, and joined the Armed Forces Judo Association, practicing Jujitsu until his discharge in 1967.  In 1970, he continued training in Jujitsu and Karate as preparation for his career with the U.S. Secret Service. He later transferred to the Department of Defense and continued in that capacity until December 1997, as Assistant Special Agent in Charge, when he retired to Seattle, Washington.  In 2002, Ken joined Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) in San Diego, CA and currently holds the rank of 4th Kyu-Yonkyu.  He began training in T’ai Chi Ch’uan in 2005 under the instruction of wife Carol, learned the complete 108–posture Yang Family form, and now serves as Assistant Instructor for their classes in Arizona.  In addition to the martial arts, Ken and Carol enjoy working out at the gym, practicing meditation, playing golf, and doing volunteer work in the community.  Welcome, Ken!  It’s great to have you with us! 

 

6 December 2008:  The votes are in and counted for the annual nomination of two new Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao)!  This year the Pacific Northwest rules!  Dr. Mikel Olsson of DuPont, Washington and Mr. Kraig Stephens of Pasco, Washington took the honors.  Mikel and Kraig have made inestimable contributions to both the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association and the Dao Li Jiao over the years, and both are still actively practicing and teaching in and around their respective home areas.  A quick look below at previous Dao Li Jiao News items will provide more information on their extraordinary accomplishments.  This year’s election could not have produced two more deserving Dao Li Shi, and we are all looking forward to their leadership in the years to come as we research the Way of Reason.  Super congratulations, Gentlemen!!

 

17 August 2008:  The Dao Li Jiao continues its positive growth this year as we welcome Mr. Marcus Albert Moore of Lompoc, California as the eighth new Dao Li Yuan (Member) of 2008.  The traditional Chinese view of the number 8 as particularly auspicious makes his appointment even more special!  Marcus was raised in and remains committed to the teachings of Jesus Christ.  At age 15, he began studying Ching Yi Kung Fu under CYKFA Black Belt #38, Antonio McLaughlin.  Having always been curious about the fundamental questions of life and the Universe, Marcus concentrated on the study of philosophy in college to expand his knowledge and experience in critical thought and analysis.  As his martial and philosophical curiosities intersected, he naturally became interested in Chinese philosophical questions and insights, and now his studies in Ching Yi Kung Fu and philosophy have brought him to the Dao Li Jiao.  Welcome, Marcus!  We look forward to your most valuable contributions as we research and discuss the Way of Reason.

 

29 July 2008:  It is with great pleasure that we welcome Dao Li Yuan (Member) #71, Mr. Mike Sigman of Durango, Colorado.  Having practiced martial arts since he began judo at the age of 15, Mike is well known and highly respected in the martial arts world, primarily for his extraordinary understanding and application of “Internal Strength.”  His martial arts résumé includes training in Judo, Uechi-Ryu Karate, Aikido, and various Chinese arts including Taijiquan, Xingyiquan and Baguazhang.  Among his many teachers over the years is Ching Yi Kung Fu Association (CYKFA) and Dao Li Jiao Founder, Dr. Her Yue Wong, who was Mike's first teacher in the Chinese martial arts, and who awarded Mike Lifetime CYKFA Membership and Black Belt certificate #50.  Mike's primary focus in Asian martial arts since 1975 has been on how Internal Strength (and all of its derivative skills) is trained and developed.  Internal Strength within the martial arts and Qigong has been the subject of numerous articles, videos, workshops and demonstrations he has done over the past 15 years or so.  He is also currently the administrator of the QiJin Forum, a private venue devoted to clinical discussions on the development and training of these skills within Chinese and Japanese martial arts.  Welcome, Mike!  It is great to have you with us as we research the Way of Reason.

 

21 June 2008:  Today is a red-letter day for the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association (CYKFA) and the Dao Li Jiao as we welcome Dr. Jerry Alan Johnson of Pacific Grove, CA as CYKFA Black Belt #74 and Dao Li Yuan (Member) #70.  Having studied for over 37 years, Professor Johnson is internationally renowned as a master instructor of Chinese Wu Dang Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, and Daoist Magic.  He was a National Kung Fu Champion for 4 years, and the author of 21 books, 25 instructional DVDs, and 2 Meditation CDs on Chinese Internal Martial Arts, Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, and esoteric Daoist Magic. 

 

He is an ordained Daoist priest in Zheng Yi Daoism, an 80th Generation Mao Shan Disciple of the Shang Qing sect, and a Long Hu Shan Disciple of the 65th Celestial Master (Tian Shi sect).  He is the Head Instructor of the Tian Yun Gong Zheng Yi Daoist Temple in Pacific Grove, California, specializing in Wu Dang Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, and Daoist Magic. 

 

Dr. Johnson is licensed through the People's Republic of China as a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dean of Medical Qigong Science at two TCM Universities in the United States, Professor and Overseas Director of the Medical Qigong College of the Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Vice-President (U.S.A.) of the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong from Beijing, China.  He is the founder of the International Institute of Medical Qigong, with academic and clinical branches existing throughout the world. 

 

This short bio cannot begin to capture the depth and breadth of Dr. Johnson’s amazing accomplishments so, for more information, please check out the International Institute of Medical Qigong website at http://www.qigongmedicine.com/ and a more detailed biographical sketch at http://www.qigongmedicine.com/info.php?i=2137.   Welcome, Jerry!  It’s truly an honor to have you join us!

 

17 June 2008:  The rolls of the Dao Li Jiao continues its positive ascent in 2008 with the addition of Dr. Matt Hayat as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #69.  Matt has been studying the Eastern arts for 19 years and has studied extensively the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for the martial and healing arts.  He holds a Masters in Medical Qigong Therapy (MMQ) degree in TCM from the International Institute of Medical Qigong, a sister school of the Henan University of TCM in Zheng Zhou, China.  His educational background includes a doctoral degree in Biostatistics from the Medical College of Wisconsin.  He currently works on studies of astronaut health at NASA, and will be moving to Baltimore to join the faculty at Johns Hopkins University this summer, focusing on studies of alternative medicine and mind-body research.  Matt has already been contributing to the growth and understanding of the Dao Li Jiao as one of the editors for Dr. Wong’s upcoming publication Inside the Way of Reason, and will join the ranks of Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belts in July.  Welcome to the family, Matt!  It’s great to have you with us!

 

1 May 2008:  CYKFA Black Belt Instructor, Dao Li Yuan (Member) and Founder of the Old Warrior Horse Kung Fu Academy in Pasco, Washington, Kraig Stephens, has created a Dao Li Jiao Forum for discussion of relevant Taoist topics ranging from the philosophical foundations to internal martial arts to Qigong and meditation.  The Forum is open only to current Dao Li Yuan and Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao) and is double password protected to maintain the integrity of the exchanges.   Kraig is contacting all current Members for whom he has an email address to give them a password and let them know the procedures for access to the Forum but, if you’re a current Dao Li Yuan or Dao Li Shi and haven’t been in touch with Kraig, drop him an email at silverback98418@yahoo.com to join in the discussion.  This is a most significant development in that it provides what was a founding principle of the Dao Li Jiao - a medium to share ideas and experiences in our study of the Way of Reason.  Excellent!  Thank you, Kraig, for all your efforts!

 

21 April 2008:  The Dao Li Jiao is moving toward another banner year for membership as Dr. Dacun Li of Houston, Texas joins us as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #68.  Dr. Li is a senior reservoir engineer with the Hess Corporation, and a Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Editorial Review Committee member.  His diverse international academic and occupational background includes three degrees respectively in three different areas - a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Master's degree in Health Physics, and a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering.  Before joining Hess, he was a reservoir engineer with BP Alaska.  In 2004, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Emerging Leaders Program (now called Young Professionals) of the SPE Gulf Coast Section in Houston.  Also of note, he was one of the main characters featured in the July 1993 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation TV documentary entitled Red Capitalism.  With a personable character, Dr. Li enjoys singing, dancing, photography, calligraphy, sledding, jogging, table tennis, and traveling.  For a closer look at Dr. Li’s extraordinary accomplishments, check out the link http://www.geocities.com/dacun_li.  Most impressive, to say the least!  Welcome, Dr. Li, it’s great to have you with us!

 

2 April 2008:  We of the Dao Li Jiao are pleased to announce that Mr. David Y. Tang of Houston, Texas has joined us as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #67.  David is noted entrepreneur who owns and manages three restaurants, and has been a realtor in Texas for more than 12 years.  In addition to his business endeavors, he is very active in community affairs.  David is currently Secretary General of the Texas Council for the Promotion of China’s Peaceful Reunification and has served as President of the American Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Houston; Secretary General of the Chinese School Association in the United States (CSAUS); and as a member of the board of the Houston Hua Xia Chinese School.  Also, he is Secretary General of the Guang Dong Association of Texas and Vice President of the Chinese Civic Center in Houston.  David earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one from Beijing Normal University in China and another from ITT Technical Institute in Indianapolis.  Then, he received Master of Business Administration degree from American InterContinental University in Illinois.  It is indeed an honor to welcome David to the Dao Li Jiao!

 

1 January 2008:  After a banner year of new Dao Li Yuan (Members) joining our Way of Reason, we are already off to a great start in 2008!  Dr. Simon Tang and Ms. Sylvia Q. Ho have joined us as Dao Li Yuan #65 and #66, respectively.  Dr. Tang is a distinguished attorney practicing in the areas of international business, franchising, licensing, immigration, private placement, and equity investment.  His extensive educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Utah, M.A. from Brigham Young University, and Ph.D. from the University of California, in addition to his J.D. from the University of Minnesota.  He is a Member of the American Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, Texas Land Title Association, National Association of Credit Management, American Immigration Lawyers Association and American Society of International Law.  Also, Dr. Tang is a Research Fellow with the Research Center for Economic Law of China University of Political Science and Law, a visiting professor of University of International Trade and Economics (Beijing), and a frequent seminar lecturer at Tsinghua University in Beijing.  He serves as the Vice-Chairman of the annual "China Economic Forum" of Beijing, and as the General Counsel of UNIDO-ITPO (China), a specialized United Nations organization engaged in global investment and technology promotion.

Ms. Ho holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Tsinghua University (Beijing) and a Master of Business Administration from a joint MBA program by Tsinghua University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Boston).  She has served as a Corporate Finance Consultant in the past few years for Arthur Andersen, PricewaterhouseCoopers and ChinaStone Management Consulting Group.  She has managed merger and acquisition projects in China, Canada and the United States ranging from $50 million to $2 billion.  She has also held top management positions in a number of software development and technology-based companies.  Her areas of specialization are IT project management, sales and marketing, business intelligence and investment management.  Welcome, Simon and Sylvia!  It is an honor to have you join us in our study of the Way of Reason.

 

2 December 2007:  It’s that time of year again - the results of the annual election of Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao) for 2007 are final!  Mr. Robert I. Jung and Master Al-Waalee Muhammad, both of Houston, have been elected by a unanimous vote of the current Dao Li Shi to the positions of Dao Li Shi numbers 24 and 25.  As described below in the 13 February 2004 entry, Mr. Jung and Dr. Wong have been close friends for over 30 years.  Born in Wushi, Kiangsu Province, China in 1927, Mr. Jung moved to Sichuan Province during World War II, then to Taiwan with the Nationalist Government.  In the 1960s, he and his wife immigrated to the U.S. where he achieved a Masters Degree in Engineering from Kansas State University.  Master Muhammad’s exceptional background as a martial artist, teacher and author is outlined in the 5 February 2005 entry below, and more details can be found on the website of his Houston Transitions Internal Arts Institute at http://www.transitionsinternalarts.com/.  Congratulations, Gentlemen!   Your vast experience and insight into the Tao will be highly valued in our study of the Way of Reason.

 

25 November 2007:  After discussing the Way of Reason today in Houston with Dao Li Jiao Founder, Dr. Wong, Dr. Humberto Figueroa has joined us as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #64.  Dr. Figueroa holds a Ph.D. in Physics from UCLA, and has lived off and on in the U.S. for 18 years.  A citizen of Venezuela, he has been employed in the oil industry for 17 years, and currently resides in Houston.  He is a longtime practitioner of Chan Buddhism and has enjoyed excellent health through the practice of several types of yoga, meditation, and a predominantly vegetarian diet.   Dr. Figueroa is also skilled in the healing art of hand imposition, and applies those techniques to enhance the health and wellbeing of himself, his family and friends.  His years of research into the keys to longevity and vibrant health are in perfect harmony with the goals of our Way of Reason, and he is therefore certainly a most valued addition to the Dao Li Jiao.  Welcome, Humberto!

 

8 November 2007:  It is with great pleasure that we announce the certification of Shihan Dean Chapman of Waco, Texas as Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt # 73, and Dao Li Yuan (Member) #63.  Dean has been practicing the martial arts for nearly 35 years and has earned advanced teaching grades in several systems.  He began training in Okinawan Goju-ryu in the early 1970s, and was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt in June of 1976.  During that time, he also studied the Ching Yi Kung Fu System directly from Association Founder Dr. Her Yue Wong while Dr. Wong was teaching classes at Ichiro Takahata’s dojo in Oklahoma City.  Dean’s current rank is Kyoshi, 7th Degree Black Belt, and he holds numerous other ranks and leadership positions, including:  Renshi, 5th Degree Black Belt in Shorin-ryu; Executive Director, Texas Okinawan Goju-kai Karate Federation; USA Director, Matsumura Kakutsuru Kan Kyokai; Vice President, White Crane Kempo International Bushi-Te Federation; Vice President, Goju-Ryu International Bushi-Te Federation; and Texas Director, World Fraternity of Martial Arts.  He has twice been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall Of Fame, the first time for teaching and promoting Ryukyuan Kobudo (weaponry), and most recently as "Master Instructor Of The Year."  Shihan Chapman has been featured in several TV shows, as well as performing demonstrations for various events.  Today, he has a ranch outside of Waco, with dogs, cows, chickens and a large bass tank, where he is building a Martial Arts Camp and private dojo for teaching seminars and private classes.  He provides martial arts instruction through several affiliated schools in Texas and often travels to Canada to teach our northern neighbors.  It is indeed a great honor to have Shihan Chapman join us as a now-official CYKFA Black Belt and as a Dao Li Yuan of the Dao Li Jiao.  Welcome, Dean!  

 

20 OCTOBER 2007:  Earlier this month, Dr. Wong presented a Pa Kua Tsang (Baguazhang) seminar at the annual martial arts festival in Austin, Texas.  One of the attendees was Mr. Charles Seymour of Galveston, Texas, a longtime practitioner of Tung Family T’ai Chi Ch’uan (Taijiquan).  He expressed his interest in the Dao Li Jiao, and discussed our goals and methods with Dr. Wong at the seminar and later via email.  Charlie far exceeds the criteria for membership, and today Dr. Wong named him Dao Li Yuan (Member) #62 of the Dao Li Jiao.   Now retired and living in Galveston, he previously lived, worked and raised his family in Maine and New Hampshire.   His T’ai Chi teacher was Bill Bernsen, a direct student of third generation Tung Family master Tung Kai Ying for over 25 years.  Charlie has also attended several T’ai Chi camps conducted by Master Tung and his son Tung Chen Wei.   Holding a Masters Degree in mathematics, Charlie continues pursuing interests in math, pre-Columbian culture (especially Mayan mathematics), mythology, analytical psychology, writing, and vintage cars and motorcycles.  Welcome, Charlie!  It is an honor to have you with us.

 

14 OCTOBER 2007:  At a special ceremony at the Royal Super Buffet Restaurant in Houston, Dr. Wong conferred two honors on his martial arts student, Mr. Jean-Michel Oosterlinck.   He was awarded Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt certificate #71, and was named Dao Li Yuan (Member) #61 in the Dao Li Jiao.  Mr. Oosterlinck is in his last year as a physics major at the University of Houston, and will then go on to medical school.  Great accomplishments at every level!  Congratulations, Jean-Michel, and a hearty welcome to the Dao Li Jiao!

 

7 JULY 2007:  Dao Li Jiao Founder Dr. Her Yue Wong selected today (7/7/07) as a particularly auspicious day numerically to name Mr. Kent Hampton as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #60.  Mr. Hampton is a farmer and rancher of Brookshire, Texas.  He previously studied the Chinese martial arts of Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do for over 10 years, and more recently learned T’ai Chi Ch’uan and Hsing Yi Ch’uan from Dr. Wong in Houston.  Mr. Hampton’s academic background is in the physical sciences, which provides him with a strong foundation for both his profession in agriculture and objectively examining the principles of the Tao as set forth in our Way of Reason school of Taoism.  Welcome Mr. Hampton!

 

27 JANUARY 2007:  Today was cause for a double celebration in Houston.  Mr. Ehren Ernst, private Kung Fu student of Ching Yi Kung Fu Association and Dao Li Jiao Founder Dr. Her Yue Wong, was promoted to the rank of Association Black Belt #70 and became Dao Li Yuan (Member) #59 of the Dao Li Jiao.  At a party hosted by Dr. Wong at his home, Ehren received his certification and then the attendees had a special surprise for our Founder.  Master Al-Waalee Muhammad (CYKFA Black Belt # 37 and Dao Li Yuan #36) represented the Association and the Dao Li Jiao by presenting Dr. Wong with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by CYKFA and Dao Li Jiao Members, along with a set of specially minted CYKFA Founder-Director coins, commemorating his decades of selfless sharing of the Chinese martial arts and his knowledge of the Tao.  It was the culmination of a group effort initiated by Mr. Kraig Stephens of Washington State, and everything worked out perfectly.  Photos of the event and the attendees are posted on the CYFKA website’s “Photo Gallery” link.  Congratulations to Ehren Ernst, and deepest thanks to everyone who helped make this celebration turn out so well!

 

2 NOVEMBER 2006:  The results are in from the annual election of Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao) for 2006!  Dr. Mark Van Schuyver of Atlanta, and Prof. Shuang Zhao ZHANG of Mainland China have been elected by a unanimous vote of the current Dao Li Shi to positions of Dao Li Shi numbers 22 and 23, respectively.  Dr. Van Schuyver is a lifelong martial artist, holding Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt #15, a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with experience in numerous other arts, and noted author of martial arts books and articles, in addition to his academic and career accomplishments.  His latest work, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighting Strategies,” just hit the bookshelves this year and is widely available through Paladin Press.   Prof. Zhang is a U.S. educated retired professor of business and finance at Hunan University, now living in Changsha, Hunan Province, and ardent practitioner of Taoist teachings.  Congratulations, Gentlemen!   We all look forward to your contributions and guidance as we research the Way of Reason.

 

28 JULY 2006:  We are honored to announce that Dr. Mikel Olsson has joined us as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #58.  He brings an exceptionally strong background to the Dao Li Jiao with his decades of experience in Metaphysics, Kung Fu, Buddhism and research into the Tao.  Mikel was certified as Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt #23 in 1979.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychological Counseling, then later attained a Ph.D. in Metaphysics, publishing his Doctoral dissertation on the use of Buddhist Vipassana (Insight) meditation in the treatment of addictions.  As a Certified Chemical Dependency Professional, he is currently serving as Clinical Director of an outpatient substance abuse program with a non-profit mental health facility.  Now residing in DuPont, Washington with wife Christina, Mikel is also an Ordained Minister, has taught Counseling at a local college, has analyzed more than 30 translations of the Tao Te Ching over the past three decades, taught classes in the I Ching, and is exploring the potential of using the Buddhist Four Noble Truths and Eight-Fold Noble Path as a vehicle toward personal growth through psycho-spiritual means.  Extraordinary, to say the least!  Welcome, Mikel!  It is truly great to have you with us.

 

1 JULY 2006:  It is with great pleasure that we announce Ms. Carol Emerson of Tucson, Arizona as Dao Li Yuan (Member) #57.  Carol brings a rich and diverse background to the Dao Li Jiao.  She trained in the Ching Yi Kung Fu System in San Diego with CYKFA President Michael Brown during the 1970s, then continued to study after she moved to Seattle to work for Boeing.  In addition to her martial arts practice, Carol holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of California at San Diego, and completed a two-year seminary program that lead to her being ordained as a Priest in Kriya Yoga in 2003.  Today, she is retired from Boeing, living in Tucson with husband Ken and two cats, teaches a Kriya Yoga meditation class, practices T’ai Chi Ch’uan and Pa Kua Tsang regularly, studies and applies Feng Shui principles to her home and garden, grows orchids, and still finds time for a bit of golf.  In addition, she relates that her copy of the Tao Te Ching is literally falling apart from the decades of study and use.  Truly a worthy addition to our ever growing group of students of the Tao.  Welcome Carol! 

 

4 JUNE 2006:  Mr. Kraig Stephens of Lakewood, Washington has been awarded Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt #68 and named Dao Li Yuan (Member) #56 of the Dao Li Jiao by CYKFA and Dao Li Jiao Founder Dr. Her Yue Wong.  Kraig works in health care, and has been practicing the Ching Yi Kung Fu System, as well as numerous other martial arts, since the early 1980s but just now had the chance to make the trip to Houston to train with Dr. Wong and test for certification.  Dr. Wong informs me that Kraig is an outstanding martial artist and humanitarian who will undoubtedly make great contributions to both the Association and the Dao Li Jiao.  After completing his training with Dr. Wong, an awards ceremony and commemorative luncheon was held in Houston, attended by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jung, Mr. and Mrs. George Hu, Mr. and Mrs. Al-Waalee Muhammad, Mr. Shifu Huang and Dr. Wong’s private Kung Fu student, Mr. Ehren Ernst.  Welcome Kraig!  It’s great to have you with us in an “official” capacity at last!

 

27 DECEMBER 2005:  The annual election of Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao) was held this month and the results are unanimous.  Mr. Jing Wei GUO and Mr. Rong Chi CHEN have been elected Dao Li Shi #20 and #21.  Mr. Chen is a retired manager from Taiwan who graduated from the Chinese Culture University with a degree in Business Management.  He is also the husband of Mrs. Shi Ling PAI, daughter of Mr. Chang Chuan PAI, Dao Li Shi #14.  Mr. Guo hails from Anxi, Fujian Province in Mainland China, and has enjoyed a long career in the mining business.  He still operates a rock polishing factory there, and he and his wife celebrated the wedding of their son last Spring while Dao Li Jiao Founder Dr. Wong was visiting the Mainland.  It is with great pleasure that we announce the selection of Mr. Guo and Mr. Chen as Dao Li Shi!

 

27 DECEMBER 2005:  Our fellowship in the study of the Tao continues to grow as we welcome Dao Li Yuan (Member) #55, Mrs. Nai Lin WANG of Mainland China.  Dr. Wong met Mrs. Wang while traveling between Beijing and Changcun earlier this year and she expressed great interest in becoming a Member of the Dao Li Jiao.  She is a professor of economics and finance, and lives in Harbin in far northeastern China.  Here’s wishing a hearty welcome to Mrs. Wang as our most recent Dao Li Yuan!

 

8 JUNE 2005:  Dr. Wong’s longtime friend, Dr. Ching Chang LI, has joined the Dao Li Jiao as Dao Li Yuan #54.  Dr. Li holds a Ph.D. in environmental science from the University of Oklahoma, and has now retired from his career as a professor and employee of the Taiwan government’s Environmental Bureau.   He has two sons and four grandchildren.   Welcome Dr. Li!

 

8 APRIL 2005:  Dao Li Jiao Founder and Zong Shi, Dr. Her Yue Wong, conferred today with Dao Li Yuan and Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt Mr. Silas Wolf, who is also a prominent Norman, Oklahoma attorney, and asked him to serve the Dao Li Jiao as Legal Advisor.  Silas readily agreed, so we now have expert counsel anytime the organization should need advice on any statutory or procedural issues.

 

1 APRIL 2005:  Dr. Wong returned to Houston on 17 March from a monthlong trip to Mainland China and Taiwan.  It was a great trip, and very successful for the Dao Li Jiao since 17 new Dao Li Yuan (Members) were appointed, bringing the number of Dao Li Yuan to 53!   Dr. Wong’s travels on the Mainland included stops at Xiamen, Fujian Province; Gunonyu Island; his home village in Anxi, Fujian and another Fujian village nearby; Changsha, Hunan Province; the Taoist and Buddhist mountain temples on Heng Shan; the Taoist temple on Lungfu Shan in Jianxi Province, where he had a chance to sit and discuss the Tao with the Taoists residing at the temple; Lu Shan and Po Yang Lake; the Tiung Wang Building in Nanchang that was built in the Tang Dynasty; and Shanghai.  Then he traveled on to Taiwan for the final week of his trip, meeting with relatives and new and existing Members of the Dao Li Jiao in Taipei and Taizhong.

 

1 APRIL 2005:  The Dao Li Jiao is pleased to announce the names of the 17 most recent Dao Li Yuan from Mainland China and Taiwan who have chosen to join us in our research into the Way of Reason.  They are presented below in order of their appointment.

 

Dao Li Yuan 37- 45 are from Dr. Wong’s (Weng) home village in Anxi, Fujian Province: 

#37 Hong Tao Weng (Dr. Wong’s sister)

#38 Da Er Chen (Daughter of Hong Tao WENG, and Dr. Wong’s niece)

#39 Geng Tian Weng (Dr. Wong’s cousin)

#40 Xiu Cheng Chen (Wife of Geng Tian Weng)

#41 Yuan Jie Weng (Dr. Wong’s 2nd cousin)

#42 Ding Tao Weng (Villager living in Xian, Shaanxi Province)

#43 Tian Cheng Weng (Villager living in Derhua, Fujian Province)

#44 Shuang Xi Lin (Dr. Wong’s cousin)

#45 Shuang Zhao Zhang (U.S. educated retired professor of business and finance at Hunan University, living in Changsha, Hunan Province)

 

Dao Li Yuan 46-48 from Xiamen, Fujian Province are:

#46 Yuan Yuan Zhang (Southern Shaolin Kung Fu practioner)

#47 Xiu Liu Wang

#48 Chao Fu Bai

 

Dao Li Yuan 49-51 from Taipei, Taiwan are:

#49 Sai Li Ho (Dr. Wong’s sister-in-law)

#50 Hui Hsiang Weng (daughter of Sai Li HO)

#51 Xu Min Zhang (Professor of Material Sciences at Taipei Polytechnic University)

 

Dao Li Yuan 52 and 53 from Taizhong, Taiwan are:

#52 Chun Tseng Lin *

#53 Jin Mei Zao (Wife of Chun Tseng LIN)

Warmest welcome to you all! 

 

5 February 2005:  The Dao Li Jiao proudly announces our 36th Dao Li Yuan (Member), Internal Kung Fu Master Al Waalee-Muhammad of Houston.  Mr. Muhammad has a long and diverse background in the martial arts, holds Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt #37 earned during his training with CYKFA and Dao Li Jiao Founder Dr. Her Yue Wong, has studied with widely known Kung Fu coaches in China, and is certified as an Internal Arts Judge for international competitions.  He is the Founder and Chief Instructor of the Transitions Internal Arts Institute in Houston.  Information on the Institute and more on his background and accomplishments can be found on the Transitions website at http://www.transitionsinternalarts.com/. Also a prolific author on the arts, Mr. Muhammad has written articles for several national martial arts publications including Internal Arts magazine and the Pa Kua Journal.  Most recently, he has published an article in the December issue of Tai Chi magazine, and he is preparing to release two books and 5 DVDs - three on Push Hands, one on Hsing Yi Ch’uan, and one on Pa Kua Tsang.   Welcome, Master Muhammad! 

 

1 February 2005:  The Dao Li Jiao welcomed two new Dao Li Yuan (Members) today, Mr. Silas Wolf of Norman, Oklahoma and Mr. Henry Lam of Houston, as Dao Li Yuan #34 and 35, respectively.  Mr. Wolf is a prominent Norman attorney and a decades long practitioner of the martial arts, holding both Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt #14 and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.  He focuses his martial arts practice these days on T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Hsing Yi Ch’uan and Pa Kua Tsang, and teaches Kung Fu classes on the weekends at Kim’s Martial Arts, a local school owned by his friend, Taekwondo Grand Master Man Suk Kim.  Also, he presents a Fall seminar, an 8-week course, and has taught T’ai Chi Ch’uan at the University of Oklahoma.  Silas lives in Norman with his wife Nancy and their 20-year-old daughter Sara, who is currently studying the Japanese art of Kendo.   Mr. Lam is a trade finance representative at MetroBank in Houston.  He studied Southern Shaolin Kung Fu for four years, specializing in the Southern Monkey Style, and plans to begin training in the Internal Arts with Dr. Wong in the near future.  He was born in Yongcun, Fujian, China, and is a graduate of Fuchou University in Fuchou and St. Thomas University in Houston.  Mr. Lam and his wife live in the Houston area and have a son in high school.  Gentlemen, it is an honor to have you join us!   Welcome!

 

15 December 2004:  The results are in from the annual election of Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao).  Mr. Dan Hollacher of Oklahoma City and Mr. Edward L. Parr, III of Florida were unanimously elected by the current Dao Li Shi to become Dao Li Shi #18 and #19, respectively.  Dan is one of our “original group” of Ching Yi Kung Fu Association practitioners from the 1970s in Norman, Oklahoma, and has maintained his study of the martial arts and Taoism consistently since then.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma and works in the field of network programming, primarily as a consultant.  For the past 6 years he has focused on mobile Java programs to communicate medical data via the Internet, with an emphasis on patient health rather than on disease.  In addition to his martial arts practice, concentrated mostly on T’ai Chi Ch’uan, Dan spends his free time studying advanced network applications and exploring Taoist texts.  Edward Parr is a native of Rhode Island, now living in Florida with his wife, internationally acclaimed Chinese dancer Shirley Gao Lee.  His education and career are in the field of chemistry.  Edward also has a diverse martial arts background including Karate, Taekwondo, Shaolin and Internal Chinese Kung Fu, and was awarded Ching Yi Kung Fu Association Black Belt # 61 in 2002.  It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of these two gentlemen to the position of Dao Li Shi.  Congratulations!

 

15 December 2004:  We are also pleased to announce the addition of two new Dao Li Yuan (Members), further broadening the international scope of the Dao Li Jiao.  During a recent trip to Indonesia, Dr. Wong named brothers and successful Indonesian businessmen Mr. Royson Lyman and Mr. Osbert Lyman to become Dao Li Yuan #32 and #33.  According to Dr. Wong, Royson Lyman has studied Taoist philosophy and meditation for years and gained a great deal of understanding of the Way.  Osbert is a martial arts enthusiast who studied T’ai Chi Ch’uan from a student of the legendary Cheng Man-Ching, and is now practicing Hsing Yi Ch’uan and Pa Kua Tsang that he learned from Dr. Wong.  Messrs. Lyman are the owners of Tropik Energi Indonesia, an oil exploration and production company, and Dr. Wong is planning to return to Indonesia next year to work with them as a consulting geologist.  Welcome Royson and Osbert!

 

7 November 2004:  The Dao Li Jiao continues to grow as a truly international organization with the addition of our 31st Dao Li Yuan (Member), Dr. Mohammad I. Tianero of Saudi Arabia.  Dr. Tainero is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of World Organizer of Martial Arts, which is recognized by martial arts bodies worldwide including the World Soke Head Council of Japan International Council of Masters and Grandmasters.  In addition to his martial arts background, Dr. Tianero is a scholar and philosopher of the highest order.  He holds two Ph.D. degrees and is the founder of the Philosophers Institute of Learning; a member of the The International Society for Philosophers; The Philosophical Society of England, Department of Philosophy, University of Sheffield, UK; as well as an active member of numerous other educational and philosophical organizations in Europe and the United States.   With such a diverse background and deep understanding of philosophical inquiry, he will undoubtedly make exceptional contributions to our research into the Way of Reason.   It is an honor to welcome Dr. Muhammad I. Tianero to the Dao Li Jiao.

 

13 February 2004:  It is with great pleasure that we announce that our 30th Dao Li Yuan (Member), Mr. Robert I. Jung of Houston, has joined the Dao Li Jiao.  Dr. Wong has known Mr. Jung for over 28 years, and received a letter yesterday in which Mr. Jung expressed his desire to join us in researching the Way of Reason.  Born in Wushi, Kiangsu Province, China in 1927, Mr. Jung moved to Sichuan Province during World War II, then to Taiwan with the Nationalist Government.  In the 1960s, he and his wife immigrated to the U.S. where he achieved a Masters Degree in Engineering from Kansas State University.  Today, Mr. Jung is still working as a successful engineer in the private sector, and he and his wife have four children and 7 grandchildren.  Welcome, Mr. Jung!

 

9 February 2004:  The Dao Li Jiao is honored to welcome Dao Li Yuan number 29, Dr. Mark Van Schuyver of Atlanta.  Mark is one of our “original” group of Ching Yi Kung Fu practitioners from the 1970s in Norman, Oklahoma, holds CYKFA Black Belt # 15, still does Tai Chi and meditation regularly, and is getting back into the other Internal Arts.  He is a published author whose books include “Secrets of Championship Karate,” “Fighting Strategies of Muay Thai: Secrets of Thailand’s Boxing Camps,” and a third “Krabi-Krabong, Thailand Art of War,” soon to go to press.  For the past several years he has also been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Professor Jacare’ Cavalcanti.  In addition to his consulting firm in training and organizational development, Mark also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Mercer University and Shorter College.  He and his wife Dessa have 6 children and 4 grandchildren.  Welcome, Mark!

 

20 December 2003:  The annual election of Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Tao) was held in December, and we are honored to add two new Dao Li Shi to the Dao Li Jiao, both elected by a unanimous vote of the current 15 Dao Li Shi.  First is Mrs. Jin Jing CHANG (Liu), wife of Dr. Ching Fu LIU, Dao Li Shi #4. Mrs. Chang, who was born into a Taoist family and has a broad background in Taoist and Confucian philosophy, becomes Dao Li Shi #16.  Mr. Yuan Wei LI, a geophysicist of the Chinese Petroleum Corporation, has practiced internal style Kung Fu for many years, and takes his place as Dao Li Shi #17.  Both Mrs. Chang and Mr. Li currently reside in Taiwan.

December 2003:  Also this month, we welcomed two new Dao Li Yuan (Members) into the organization.  They are Mrs. Shi Ling PAI (Chen) and her husband Mr. Rong Chi CHEN.  Mrs. PAI is the niece of Dao Li Jiao Founder and Zong Shi, Dr. Her Yue Wong, and the daughter of Mr. Chang Chuan PAI, Dao Li Shi #14.  She is a graduate of the Chinese Culture University in Taiwan with a major in sociology, and currently works as the Director of Personnel in a district office of the Taipei City government.  She learned of the Dao Li Jiao during a recent visit to Houston and Washington, D.C. with her daughter, and immediately expressed an interest in gaining membership for herself and her husband.  Mr. Rong Chi Chen is a retired manager who graduated from the Chinese Culture University with a degree in Business Management.  We are all extremely pleased to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Chen to the Dao Li Jiao!

5 APRIL 2003:  Dr. Wong and his wife Su Yun recently returned from a trip to Hong Kong, Hainan, Haikou, Sanya, and Yalong Bay.  In Taiwan, Dr. Wong met with Dao Li Jiao Members there and discussed his physical achievements attained through meditation.  We welcome one new Dao Li Yuan (Member) from Taiwan who joined us during that trip.  Mr. Hai Yang LO, who owns a vegetarian restaurant there, applied for Membership after witnessing a demonstration of Dr. Wong's Qi (Ch'i) skills.  Mr. Lo is age 50 and a graduate of National Taiwan University, now living and working in northern Taiwan.  Welcome, Mr. Lo!  Also, Dr. Wong reports that two natives of Mainland China now living in Houston have expressed an interest in becoming Members of the Dao Li Jiao and may join us soon.  We will keep you posted as our organization continues to grow.

21 DECEMBER 2002:  As mentioned in a previous posting, the 2002 election of two new Dao Li Shi (Scholars of the Way of Reason) was held right on schedule, and the results are in.  Mr. Chang Chuan Pai is Dao Li Shi #14 and Lt. Col. Bruce Bethers is Dao Li Shi #15.  We are indeed fortunate to have two such distinguished gentlemen join us as Dao Li Shi.

Mr. Pai is a native of Fujian Province in Mainland China, now living in northeastern Taiwan.  He has written several volumes of Yilan local history, a book on the origin and evolution of Taoism, and a another on the Taoist Gods of Taiwan.  He has 4 sons and 3 daughters, all with families of their own.  He has retired from his career as a school teacher and now lives with his eldest son who is a medical doctor.  In addition to his accomplishments in academia, Mr. Pai also pursues his interests in calligraphy, music and painting. 

Bruce Bethers is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, holds advanced academic degrees, and is an internationally recognized master of the martial arts with over 40 years experience.  In addition to his other achievements in the arts, he was certified as a Black Belt Instructor in the Ching Yi Kung Fu Association upon its founding over 30 years ago.  More information on his extraordinary career and his contributions to the martial arts can be found at http://www.usjujitsu.net/bio/bethers/index.htm. 

JULY 2002:  The new certificates for all Dao Li Yuan (Members) arrived from China and Dr. Wong started issuing them at the end of the month.  Each certificate bears the Twin Dragon and Eight Trigram symbol of the Dao Li Jiao, along with the Member’s name, place of residence, date of Membership, and a description of the tenets of the organization, all written in both Chinese and English.  They are then signed and sealed by Dr. Wong with his personal seal and with the jade seal of the Dao Li Jiao contributed by Dao Li Shi Mr. Chen Hsiun Mao of Taipei.

*Denotes a Dao Li Yuan, Dao Li Shi or other official of the Dao Li Jiao who has passed away.