Free Tai Chi at Sunnylands every Saturday 10 a.m. November - April! Join us!
Free Tai Chi at Sunnylands every Saturday 10 a.m. November - April! Join us!
 

Sifu Roster

Sifu Master Lu
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lee and Sifu Noel
Study began: 1995
Certified: 2000
Teaching start: 1999
Contact: (760) 325-1047

Sifu Lea
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Noel & Master Lu
Study began: 2010
Certified: 2011 (by Sifu Noel) & 2015 (by Sifu Master Lu)
Teaching began: 2011
Contact: (760) 328-9327 or (760) 898-0399 or email yourtaichijourney@gmail.com

Sifu Jas
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2009
Certified: 2014
Teaching start: 2014
Contact: (760) 902-9511

Sifu Diane B
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Darlene
Study began: 2014
Certified: 2018
Teaching start: 2018

Sifu Maureen
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2014
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: (760) 587-1738

Sifu Dawn
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2018
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: dswajian@gmail.com

Sifu Doug
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2017
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: dpmiller89@yahoo.com

Sifu Neddy
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2017
Certified: 2022
Teaching start: 2022
Contact: (651) 343-0357 or email nrthompson@hotmail.com

Sifu Darlene
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 1981 in Seattle, WA; 2003 with Master Lu
Certified: 2011
Teaching start: 2011
Contact: (760) 668-8382

Sifu Jackie, Honorary, In Memoriam
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2009

Sifu Jay
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2013
Certified: 2018
Teaching start: 2018
Contact: (760) 834-1164 or email janderson@mindingmusic.com

Sifu Virginia
Tradition:  Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2015
Certified: 2019
Teaching start: 2020
Contact: (760) 898-5956

Sifu Verna
Tradition:  Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lea
Study began: 2016
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: (541) 261-2665

Sifu Diane W.
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2014
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: (303) 916-4847

Sifu Catherine
Tradition: Master Pao Peter Lee
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2017
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2021
Contact: (760) 413-3432 or email catherine@ripsconsulting.com

Sifu Eric
Form: Traditional 108 Yang Family
Sifu: Master Lea
Study began: 2017
Certified: 2021
Teaching start: 2022
Contact: eric.vasquez@yahoo.com

Sifu Ron
Tradition: Master Healing Qi Gong Form
Form: Qi Gong
Sifu: Master Lu
Study began: 2018
Certified: 2023
Teaching began: 2022
Contact: (760) 898-3705 email wewin.dc.rr@icloud.com

Sifu Master Lu Bio

Sifu Master Lu has practiced traditional 108 Yang form since 1996 and has offered tai chi classes at all levels in the Coachella Valley since 2003 with the assistance of Master of Chi Tony.  She has offered numerous demonstrations, presentations, and workshops locally and nationally to advance knowledge and interest in tai chi and Qi Gong practice for joy, health and safety.  She brings 40 plus years of experience as a leader, professional speaker, seminar leader, college educator and strategic planning consultant to the practice and transmission of traditional tai chi.

She holds the following certifications:

1999 sifu certification Yang 108 form
1999 certification 24 form, Beijing, China
2003 Healing Touch levels I, II and III, San Diego, CA.

She has participated in the following forms of instruction:

July 1999Chi Energy/Push Hands Workshop, Chris Luth, CA
August 1999Chen Village demonstration, Chen Er Hu, 20 generation and Shaolin Temple demonstration
Sept 99-09Tai Chi Alchemy Workshop, Rick Barrett and Don Wilson, national push hands champions
April 2000Cheng Man-Ch’ing 100th Anniversary Workshop, NY
July 2000Qi Gong Seminar Roger Jahnke, KS
Nov. 2000Demo, Beijing Health Center, Prof. Suni Ya Qui
July 2006Wu Dang Temple Conference, Boulder, CO, QiGong
Jan 2007QiGong/Tai Chi Seminar, Roger Jahnke, FL
May 2008Push Hands Workshop, Toni DeMouli, CA
August 2007QiGong Healing Seminar, Jeff Primack, CA
April 2009QiGong Healing Seminar, Jeff Primack, FL
June 2010Energy Workshop, AZ
July 2012East Meets West Workshop with five family grandmasters: Yang Zhenduo, Wu Wan, Ma Hailong, Sun Yangtian, Chen Zhenglei
Sept 2012Wisdom of the Masters Gathering, New Mexico
July 2013Qi Gong Workshop Master Gu, CA

Sifu Bios

Sifu Darlene
I was certified by Sifu Master Lu in 2011 and have taught beginning, intermediate and advanced students; I have also conducted introductory workshops for medical specialists, judges and organizations interested in helping members understand tai chi. I began studying tai chi in Seattle in 1981 and with Master Lu in 2003. I cannot imagine my life without the gifts I gain every day through this way of living.
Sifu Lea
My tai chi journey began in 2010. I was severely compromised physically. Tai chi gave me 11 years of mobility. I have taught standing tai chi for 10 years. I am beginning a new journey of teaching chair and wheelchair tai chi. My motivation for teaching is to preserve the principles and tradition of tai chi so that others can benefit in all aspects of life.
Sifu Jay
Once upon a new day in 2013 I wondered what tai chi was all about. Since then, I’m in wonder and peace every day when doing form. Tai Chi is about convergence and balance of polar opposites, an absolute. The tai chi path greets my travel each day upon the earth. Harmony and dissonance become the same and I feel good. Namaste’.
Sifu Diane
I have always been fascinated with Tai Chi. I joined a class in 2014. After four years, I was certified by Sifu Darlene in La Quinta, CA in 2018. I began teaching classes by supporting and substituting for Sifu Darlene from 2018-2020. Tai chi has brought me a greater feeling of well-being, a calmness, and a better understanding of the connection between mind and body.”
Sifu Virginia
Certified by Sifu Master Lu in 2019 after four years of study. Tai chi is a discipline and I am humbled and honored to have this ancient tradition of moving meditation passed on to me. I joined the Sunnylands Tai Chi team in 2019 and look forward to sharing the 108 Yang Family Form with friends, family and students for many years.
Sifu Maureen
I began practicing tai chi in 2014 and was certified to teach in 2021 by Master Lu. Benefits of practice include relaxation, self-reflection and general well-being. It’s a tradition of purposeful movement and principles — a dance with all the energies of life that leads you to open heart and mind. But first, we must learn how to tai chi step!
Sifu Verna
I began practicing tai chi in 2016, started my apprenticeship with Sifu Lea in 2019, certifying in 2021. Initially enticed by the seemingly complex movements, I soon became immersed in the rich tapestry of long-established traditions, woven with the mastery of energy practice as well as the art of self-defense. My practice is calming, refreshing and energizing. My joy is sharing this with others.
Sifu Diane
I began practicing tai chi with Sifu master Lu in 2014. As I realized the benefits of tai chi, I knew that I wanted to share this beautiful gift with others. Tai chi is an internal energy practice that brings a heightened awareness of the body/mind connection and a subsequent experience for me of calmness, balance, wellness and joy. After completing my apprenticeship, I was certified in 2021.
Sifu Dawn
I am grateful for the serendipitous beginning of my study of tai chi in 2018 with Sifu Master Lu. My practice of tai chi is not for mastery of a skill but is an experience of intention and awareness, movement and stillness, curiosity and discovery. Tai chi is a precious gift that slows down the dance of life. I look forward to sharing the legacy, and principles of this moving meditation.
Sifu Catherine
I fell for tai chi the first time I saw it. In 2015 I began studying an adapted form. I learned enough to know I wanted to delve much deeper. In 2017 I joined Master Lu’s class in the Yang Family Form 108. I gained reverence for its tradition, principles and tenets, a stronger sense of self, and a lifelong challenge. It’s my joy to pass it on.
Sifu Eric
I began my martial arts training at age 15 in traditional Japanese karate (Seidokan). After exploring various styles of self-defense, I found myself wanting more traditional aspects that were self-reflective. I began studying Tai Chi in 2017. In an effort to further connect me to the Tao (The Way), Tai Chi has been my humbling and self-centering method of inner peace. Moving meditation is a true blessing.
Sifu Neddy
Tai chi pulled me in several years ago when I wanted to improve my balance. I continued learning and practicing form with Master Lu and quickly understood that besides many health benefits, tai chi offered a chance to develop an internal energy practice. It’s a practice that aligns mind, body and spirit in a beautiful physical expression of movement. Everything positive about our humanity is present and supported in tai chi form.
Sifu Ron
I began my study of the Healing Qi Gong form with Sifu Lu when I was a caregiver for a Parkinson’s patient. I saw firsthand the health benefits from Qi Gong and the healing promise of Qi. I’m dedicated to help others understand how Qi provides positive energy essential for improved health and attitude and allows us to remain resilient against negative situations in our lives.

Sifu Circle

The Sifu Circle is comprised of sifus and sifu apprentices who are dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional tai chi in the Coachella Valley. Not all sifus certified by members of the Tai Chi Circle of the Desert participate in the Sifu Circle. Being a participant involves making a commitment to:

  • Participate in Sifu Circle meetings;
  • Support the transmission of our traditions through service projects;
  • Provide information about classes and jointly market activities of the circle;
  • Respect and support sifu apprentices and model tai chi principles;
  • Attend and participate in sifu apprentice demonstrations;
  • Attend and participate in circle events.

Solo Form Certification

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to practice solo form before their class. This can be done to solicit a critique from the instructor, or simply for the experience of practicing before other colleagues. The student can request one or more segments of the form, a part of any one segment of the form, or the full form.

The ultimate goal of solo practice is to meet at least the minimum form practice requirements for earning a certificate from a student’s sifu. It is up to the sifu to determine if the has sufficiently mastered a segment of the form and is ready to advance to the next level of the form.

The following students have been certified in the full form (Segments One, Two and Three). Students’ sifus are listed in parentheses.

FULL FORM

Susan Evans (Sifu Master Lu)
Carol Hochsprung (Sifu Master Lu)
Darlene Atteberry (Sifu Master Lu)
Lynn Wallace (Sifu Master Lu)
Bob Skinner (Sifu Master Lu)
Becky Chabot (Sifu Master Lu)
Jas Minkel (Sifu Master Lu)
Irena Goldner (Sifu Master Lu)
Cheryl Young (Sifu Master Lu)
Ron de Armond (Sifu Master Lu)
Dan Robertson (Sifu Master Lu)
Rick Noll (Sifu Master Lu)
Nelson (Sifu Master Lu)
Judith Monaco (Sifu Master Lu)
Teri Salpino (Sifu Master Lu)
Atsuko Hewett (Sifu Master Lu)
Carol Lang (Sifu Master Lu)
Tatiana Wrenfeather (Sifu Master Lu) 
Tyra Golter (Sifu Master Lu)
Lea Sherman (Sifu Master Lu)
Da Juan Latimer (Sifu Master Lu)
 

Patricia Morlet (Sifu Master Lu) 
William Groekten (Sifu Master Lu)
Roger Wangler (Sifu Master Lu)
Linda Peterson (Sifu Master Lu)
Jay Anderson (Sifu Master Lu)
Diane Bryant (Sifu Darlene)
Dottie Watson (Sifu Master Lu)
Virginia Ebehard (Sifu Master Lu)
Maureen Dowling (Sifu Master Lu)
Trudi Elm (Sifu Master Lu)
Kent Nordvig (Sifu Master Lu)
Verna Norris (Sifu Lea)
Connie Chapman (Sifu Master Lu)
Diane Wohl (Sifu Master Lu)
Douglas Miller (Sifu Master Lu)
Catherine Rips (Sifu Master Lu)
Dawn Swajian (Sifu Master Lu)
Eric Vasquez (Sifu Lea)
Neddy Thompson (Sifu Master Lu)

Pathway to Teaching Certification

Prior to becoming a certified sifu, a student becomes a sifu apprentice through an invitation from his or her sifu. The student then receives guidance and instruction from that sifu on the pathway for certification. This is an individualized learning process that will include basic components and also take into account and honor the unique skills and experience of each apprentice. The time line is determined by the sifu and apprentice based on progress of the apprentice.

Basic components considered on the pathway to certification:

  • Certification in Levels I, II and III of the traditional 108 Yang form;
  • Attendance at Sifu Circle meetings;
  • Participation in demonstrations of form, and World Tai Chi Day celebrations;
  • Internalization and demonstration of traditional principles and protocols;
  • Knowledge of lineage and commitment of community service to sustain it;
  • Experience in presenting and teaching tai chi form;
  • Presentation of teaching mission and solo form to Sifu Circle at the invitation of the sifu;
  • Presentation of public solo to promote and celebrate the tai chi tradition;
  • Private consultations / lessons with student’s sifu.

Sifu Apprentices

The following students are currently studying to become sifus.

Jennifer Logelin, Apprentice of Sifu Verna
Lily Gee Hickman, Apprentice of Sifu Verna

If you are interested in pursuing the sifu pathway, please discuss it with your sifu.

          

           

Expanding joy, health, and longevity through Chi.

Let's Talk!