Dear Students,
20 years ago Shifu Jiang Jianye founded The Capital District Taichi and Kungfu Association of New York. Since the beginning, Shifu has truly dedicated himself to promoting Chinese martial arts. It has always been my wish to follow in his footsteps and one day carry on this tradition. Today, it is with great pleasure and excitement to announce to you all that Shifu will be passing CDTKA, his legacy, on to me.
For those of you who don’t know me, or who only know me as “the kid who comes in once a year or so to do a fancy kungfu demo”, my name is Lucas Geller. I grew up in Hillsdale, NY. I began training with Shifu in 1999 when I was 13 years old. Kungfu became my life. In high school I was waking up every day at 3:30 am to start training. Ten years later by 2009, I had spent almost 4 years training professionally in China, and 4 years training with the USA Wushu Team outside of Washington, DC. During this time I also earned my Master’s degree in Advanced Chinese Language and Culture from The Ohio State University. Since my training began my passion and dedication to Chinese martial arts has never wavered. It is with a great sense of pride and responsibility that I make this announcement today. I promise to do all I can to give you the highest quality of instruction and afford you the best opportunities in your own study.
Please note-
Shifu is not leaving! He will continue teaching the intermediate and advanced Taiji classes. However, kungfu training requires a lot of energy- for that reason I will be heading up the Kungfu forms (Wushu) and Sanshou (Chinese freestyle kickboxing) programs. In addition, I will also begin teaching beginner Taiji and Qigong class.
Shifu and I are planning to make a few changes at the school. I want you to know that your input and happiness are extremely important to me. Your support during this time of transition is greatly appreciated.
Our ultimate goal is to make this the best Chinese martial arts school anywhere and a place of great pride. And finally to Shifu, thank you for this great opportunity!
Lucas
