Sifu John Rivera

Jonathan Rivera has been studying martial arts and fighting theory for over 21 years. He began his training at the age of 11 in Judo. One year later he switched schools to study under Grandmaster Min Hur, Grandmaster Kim and Grandmaster Sun in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do. He attained a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido principals by the age of 16, earning up to recommended black belt from Grandmaster Min Hur directly, than from 1st degree to 4th degree under Grandmasters Kim & Sun. He trained briefly in Kenpo Karate and trained formally in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mauy Thai. Mr. Rivera is a assistant instructor in Shaolin Kung Fu, Chen style Tai Chi and Qi Gong under Grandmaster Cheuk Ho Kwong, assistant instructor of Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu under Sifu Gun Orachan and he is the current Sifu and co founder of the Chinese Mix Martial Art System. Mr. Rivera also has trained in the study of Shaolin Long Fist, Kung Fu Wu-Su, Ying Jow Pai, Bak Sil Lum, Bagua, Hung Gar & Yang Style Tai Chi for his personal knowledge.

In January of 2015 Jonathon Rivera obtained the rank of Sifu in the Shaolin Curriculum from his teacher Sifu Cheuk Ho Kwong and has been authorized to teach and run his own school. It is well known that Sifu Jonathan Rivera and Sifu Phil Tambakis are the only two to ever reach the rank of Master under Grandmaster Cheuk Ho Kwong.

Shifu Stanley Kwong

Stanley Kwong is the first born son of Grandmaster Cheuk Ho Kwong and is the head instructor the Childrens Shaolin Kung Fu program. Stanley is well versed in Shaolin Kung Fu and his speciality is the Shaolin Staff and Shaolin Broadsword. Stanley also trains intense Shaolin Kung Fu with his brothers Jonathan and Phil his brothers Jonathan and Phil at the Shaolin Temple in Flushing, NY under Sifu Chiao in his free time. Stanley also trained directly under Grandmaster Shi Guolin along side his DAD as a child growing up in the Flushing, NY Shaolin Temple. It is often whispered that Shifu Stanley has forgotten more Kung Fu than many of us will ever learn in a full life time.

Sifu Philip Tambakis

Sifu Philip Tambakis is a professional musician and music teacher by trade. Sifu Phil has been training in Chinese Martial Arts for over 18 years. He started his formal training in a mixed style of Kung Fu consisting of Chinese Kenpo, Bagua, Shuai Jiao and Tai Chi. Sifu Phil is currently a disciple of Sifu Cheuk Ho Kwong training diligently in Chen Style Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu. Phil also trains with his Si Gung 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Monk Shi Guolin and his Younger Brother Sifu Chao Hai. Sifu Phil is the head instructor for Chen Tai Chi and Master instructor in Shaolin Kung Fu along side Sifu Jonathan Rivera here at The Chinese Martial Arts Cultural Center. Phil specializes in Da hong Boxing and Shaolin Iron Arm. His favorite and speciality weapons are The Shaolin Double Ax and long two handle Battle Field Straight Sword. Sifu Phil has performed and continues to perform at dozens of events through out New York with The Shaolin Temple Overseas Headquarters.

Sifu Phil was the first place Gold Medal winner for Shaolin Weapons and Empty Hand Forms at The 2014 Tiger Cup Shaolin Tournament in Chicago hosted by: The Chicago Shaolin Temple.

In January of 2015 Philip Tambakis obtained the rank of Sifu in the Shaolin Curriculum from his teacher Sifu Cheuk Ho Kwong and has been authorized to teach and run his own school. It is well known that Sifu Jonathan Rivera and Sifu Phil Tambakis are the only two to ever reach the rank of Master under Grandmaster Cheuk Ho Kwong.

Paul Levine

Paul Levine, also known as “Si Bak” to many, has been a student at Praying Mantis & Tai Chi Center since 2004. He was first drawn to Martial Arts after having studied Western Boxing in his Teenager years. In 2004, he began studying Yang Tai Chi Chuan, which has gradually taken over and became part of his life. He reached the advanced level at the end of 2010, and was accepted as an 11th disciple in July of 2012. Paul Levine has been an assistant instructor at Praying Mantis & Tai Chi Center since 2010 and now he has joined KO Martial Arts Academy in teaching Yang Tai Chi classes more regularly and is thoroughly enjoying the continuously growing internal health benefits of the practice, as well as the joy of passing the practice on to others. Paul Levine thanks Sifu Pilossoph and all of his fellow students for making the study of Yang Tai Chi such a wonderful addition to his life

Ann Marie Palmieri

Ann Marie Palmieri, also known as “Si Gu” to many, has been a student at Praying Mantis & Tai Chi Center since 2005. She was first drawn to Praying Mantis after having studied Shaolin Kung Fu (Wushu) in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 2001-2004. In 2007, she began studying Tai Chi Chuan, which has gradually taken over as her primary focus. She reached the advanced level at the end of 2011, and was accepted as a disciple in July of 2012. In 2013, she began teaching classes more regularly and is thoroughly enjoying the continuously growing internal health benefits of the practice, as well as the joy of passing the practice on to others. In 2016 Ann Marie joins KO Martial Arts Academy, and continues to Teach Yang Tai Chi to Students at the Academy. Outside of KO Martial Arts Academy, Ann Marie is an active vocalist and musician, participating in acoustic singer/songwriter performance circles as well as rock and blues cover bands all over Westchester County. She also plays the guitar, bass guitar, and viola. Ann Marie thanks Sifu Pilossoph and all of her fellow students for making her study in Yang Tai Chi such a wonderful addition to her life!