The Presenters

Lao Shr Brandon Berman has over 40 years of experience studying martial arts. He is the lineage holder and an active teacher within Ying Lung Hsing. Ying Lung Hsing, or Image of a Dragon Body, is the culmination of a lifetime of study by Lao Shr Wayne Welsh of Fu Style Baguazhang, Tai Chi,  traditional Chinese and Indonesian martial arts, natural body motion, and mechanics.

Lao Shr Berman began his training as a kid in New Mexico inspired by Bruce Lee's movies  dabbling in karate and Judo at the YMCA and then on to earn a couple of belts in Taekondo at Kim's Taekwondo. In 1993 Lao Shr Berman moved to Colorado and started studying Traditional Shaolin Hung Hung Mei under Shifu Solow and he truly became serious about the martial arts being a daily practice. He is honored to have studied with and taught for Shifu Solow for 10 years.

In 2003, Lao Shr Berman began studying internal martial arts with Lao Shr Wayne Welsh and was introduced to and influenced by many different martial art brothers and sisters. Lao Shr passed away Monday, September 28th, 2020. Lao Shr Berman continued his study of the internal martial arts and spent a year in 2021 studying Tai Chi privately with Master Christoff Clarke. Starting in 2022 he started studying Chen Man Ch’ing Tai with Sifu Greg Phister.  Lao Shr Berman teaches Tai Chi at San Marino Retirement Community, Paul Derda Recreation Center and Rocky Mountain Pilates and Yoga as well as his home studio.

Rebecca Tsui began learning Yang style Tai Chi in 1999 with Laura Ting in Boulder. The practice helped her reduce stress and anxiety from a demanding career and the responsibilities of raising a young family with two children. Tai Chi allowed her to focus on her inner self and find tranquility and balance in life.

Her journey with the Gu Feng Tai Chi Club provided valuable opportunities to study Chen style Tai Chi with Master Chen Xiaowang, Master Tian Qiuxin, and Master Wong Wai Yi (Tony). These experiences have further enhanced her physical strength, flexibility, and balance. The path has also allowed her to grow not only as a student but also as a teacher—deepening both her practice and her ability to share it with others.

Rebecca holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Iowa and enjoyed a successful 31-year career as a Software Test Engineer before retiring. In retirement, she has devoted more time and passion to continuing her 20+ years of teaching Tai Chi, sharing her knowledge and experience with students of all levels through the Gu Feng Tai Chi Club, as well as at the Louisville and Lafayette Recreation Centers.

Steve has been studying Tai Chi Since 1980. He began with Jane and Bataan Faigo, under the Boulder Library next to the creek, learning Chen Man-Ching’s 37 move short form. He studied this form for six years. Then he began taking classes in the Yang Long Form (108 moves) from Bing Lee in Denver, Colorado. For 14 years he drove three times a week to Bing’s classes. Since retiring in 2013, Steve has devoted his time to studying, practicing, and teaching Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Currently, he studies with Jesse Tsao of San Diego. Visit Jesse Tsao’s Website

Steve began teaching in Longmont at the Longmont Free University in 2004.

I am a true believer that there are many benefits for my health both physically and mentally by practicing Tai Chi. There is still plenty of room for me to grow. At the same time, it is a pleasure to share what I have learned with others. Let us all have fun and enjoy Tai Chi.”

In my home country Brazil, I had my first Tai Chi class at age 18. Since then, it has become a very important part of my life. When I moved to Boulder in 1998, it was hard to find a group I could connect with but in 2003 I was introduced to the Gu Feng Tai Chi Club. Because of the Club, my Tai Chi has matured and I have learned essential lessons for improving my life.

I love Tai Chi. It is good for my mind, my health, my posture, it helps my body relax. Many things strengthen my willingness to practice regularly but, of course, one of the main reasons I practice Tai Chi is that it brings me a lot of happiness!

“This beautiful practice has enhanced my ability to gracefully move through this world, compassionately interact with others, and acutely tune into the energies of the Earth and my own body. The more I practice, the more I’m awakened to the expansive and infinite version of Self. I can’t express enough my gratitude to the amazing group of teachers, and also fellow students, that create a nurturing and supportive environment that allows for growth on every level. Thank you.”

—John Engelland (2019)

Ho's School of Chinese Martial Arts

Tom Walsh is a senior student of the school founded by Master He Dai Yi (Richard Ho), continuing the tradition of Ho Jia Pai (Ho Family Style) Kung Fu. With 26 years of dedicated training, Tom brings deep experience and steady commitment to the internal and external martial arts.

His practice includes Ho Jia Pai Kung Fu, Hsing Yi, Ba Gua, and multiple classical Tai Chi traditions including Sun style, Wu Hao style, and the Yang 48 Combined Form. He also trains in traditional weapons as part of the complete martial curriculum.

Tom is committed to preserving the integrity of the lineage while helping students develop structure, internal power, balance, and practical skill through consistent practice and disciplined training.

Chris Rippey is a multi-instrumentalist and dedicated teacher with a deep focus on the xiao, a traditional Chinese flute known for its calm, meditative sound. His playing beautifully complements the spirit of Tai Chi and Qigong, creating a peaceful and grounded atmosphere for practice.

Chris performed at World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Broomfield last year and will be returning again this year to share his music with the community.

🎶 Special Raffle: Chris will be offering a xiao lesson as part of this year’s event raffle.

Explore his latest album: Heart of the Hidden One