Curriculum
Silk Reeling
TaiJi Ruler
Applications
TaiJi Conditioning
We are honored to welcome Master Derryl back for his 3rd Flying Tortoise workshop! His workshops are known for their clarity and depth of content that is useful for the beginner as well as the advanced practitioner. Tools learned in class often permeate endevors outside the studio. In Derryl's words:
"These disciplines are living treasures and the greatest validation is that they are still passing form one to the next in the same manner they always have, through deeply developed relationships."
Derryl Willis
Derryl Willis is a disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowang, the 19th generation lineage holder and standard bearer of Chen style Taijiquan. Derryl holds the rank of 6th Duan Wei, as granted by the International WuShu Association. He is the founder and chief instructor at Seattle School of Chen Style Taijiquan, in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Derryl's passion for Chen Style taiji arose from his longtime interest in martial arts. Past teachers include the late Madame Gao Fu, Gao Li Ting and Andy Dale. He began studying Chen Style Taijiquan in earnest in 1989 and first studied under Grandmaster Chen in 1997. Since that time he has dedicated his practice exclusively to this discipline as traditionally taught in Chenjiagou Village, Henan, China.
Derryl adheres to Grand-Master Chen's specific style of instruction, and travels to China annually to support Chen Village, Chen Jiagou School, and to deepen his understanding of martial arts and Chinese culture. Grand-Master Chen designed his teaching system to clearly convey the core principles of Chen Taijiquan to an international student base. Using traditional practice techniques little has changed since the form's inception during the Ming Dynasty in the early 1600's.
Derryl's teaching style is attentive and encouraging, reflective of his southern roots in Louisiana, as well as the professionalism gained through his career as a bank executive. His nurturing attitude along with the passion he feels for his art engenders a dedication in his students that allows them to deepen their practice and enjoy a richly satisfying experience. Derryl is profoundly grateful to Grand-Master Chen for his generosity and caring support as he guides Derryl on his personal path as a Taiji practitioner and instructor.
At the Studio
Would you like to enjoy our in house tea collection? BYO mug! And tea if you are so inclined to add to the stash. Flying Tortoise Food Carts are not operational at this time. We anticipate a grand opening in Spring.
Lunch: Most restaurants for lunch are about a 6 minute drive. The Rice and Spice next door is good in a pinch.