ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR - Howie Gottfried
Howie Gottfried began his practice of Tai Chi Chuan and the Chinese
Internal Martial Arts in 1991 while living in Portland, Oregon where he
studied Yang Style Tai Chi with Sifu Gregory Fong. In 1995, he moved to
Eugene, Oregon where he studied Yang Style Tai Chi, Qigong and Wing
Chun for over 7 years with Master David Leung. As a senior instructor he
taught the Tai Chi group classes under Master Leungs’ tutelage. He
continued training and teaching until he went to China in 2002.
While at Master Leung’s studio, Howie had the opportunity to study with
Master George Xu from San Francisco. Master Xu is known for his vast
knowledge and encyclopedic like understanding of Chinese Martial Arts. He
taught Howie Henan Xin Yi Liu He Quan, Chen Style Tai Chi, Lan Shou and
push hands. Master Xu has made a name for himself bringing High Level
Masters from China to the US to teach. One such teacher was Wu style Tai
Chi Master Wang Hao Da, After studying with him, Howie realized that many
of the high level teachers of Tai Chi were still in China and in 2002, he decided
to move to China to deepen his study of the Internal Martial Arts.
During his first 3 years in China, Howie lived in some of China’s most
ancient and historic cities while studying Wu and Chen style Tai Chi.
In 2005, he moved to Shanghai, where he became the student of 2 very
high level masters; Master Wang Zhi Xiang and Master Qian Zhao Hong.
He studied intensively with both Masters for 5 years while living and
working in Shanghai.
Being extremely gracious, open and generous teachers both Master Wang
and Master Qian taught Howie all aspects of their Internal Martial Arts
systems. In June 2010, after 5 years of continuous and intensive study both
Master Wang and Master Qian certified Howie as a teacher and lineage
holder in their respective arts.
Move Like Water School of Tai Chi and the Internal Martial Arts 631-974-2462 taihogoji108@yahoo.com