Instructors

Whether you are looking for traditional Chinese martial arts, want to compete in modern wushu, or simply looking to improve your health and fitness, we’ve got you covered! We are proud of the quality and diversity of our teachers, all of whom have trained at Shaolin Temple in China.

Master Shi Yan Chan Shaolin Kungfu

Master Shi Yan Chan is a 34th disciple of China's famous Shaolin Temple. in Henan China. he has taught and promoted the art of Shaolin Kung Fu for nearly 20 years.
Shifu operates the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Houston, TX.

Scott C. Pettengill Shaolin Kungfu

Scott C. Pettengill (Shi Heng Ji) is the owner and chief instructor at the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Austin, TX. He is a 35th Generation Shaolin Temple Warrior Disciple. He has studied both Southern and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. Scott is a gold medalist in both national and international competition.

Mario Alvarez Assistant Instructor

Mario is an assistant instructor in both kung fu and tai chi. He competes at an international level, and is a 2023 member of the USAWKF National Team.

Liath Appleton Taichi and Qigong

With more than 25 years of training under her belt, Liath has a kungfu background in Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar and Shaolin, and has been training at the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center since 2009. Her Taichi background is in both weapons and open hand forms, including Yang, Chen, Shaolin Rou Quan, Wudang and Bagua.

Mike Forcucci Assistant Instructor

Mike is an assistant instructor of traditional forms and has trained under Shi Heng Ji for over a decade. He has also trained at the Shaolin Temple during his tenure with the Shaolin Temple Cultural Center.

Sean Gagliardi Shaolin Kungfu

Sean began his martial arts training with Bak Sil Lum – a martial art that traces its lineage to the Shaolin Temple. Now a Shaolin Temple Cultural Center instructor, Sean has been training under Shi Heng Ji for more than 10 years, and has been accepted as a disciple of Shi Yan Chan.

ALEXANDER VU Modern Wushu

Coach Alexander began his martial arts training at the age of 10 and has a background in modern wushu, Shaolin, and taekwondo. Alexander was the University of Houston wushu team head coach for 6 years and has trained under various wushu instructors in the Houston area. He is currently head coach for the University of Texas wushu team and a member of the 2023 USAWKF National team.

Jennifer Weitz Competition and Performance

With a degree in dance, Jennifer has trained in a variety of martial styles including Kali, JKD, Capoeira and Muy Thai. She was awarded grand champion in advanced modern wushu forms at the 2013 Legends of Kung Fu/Chin Woo Tournament and is a 2017 and 2023 member of the USAWKF National Team.

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