Hi there! I'm passionate about sharing the beautiful world of traditional Chinese martial and meditative arts here in Birmingham, Alabama.

 

My adventure with these incredible practices started back in 1987 in Los Angeles, when I was lucky enough to meet my teacher, Sifu John A. Fey. That moment completely changed my life and set me on an amazing journey of discovery that's still going strong today. Sifu Fey's wisdom and guidance opened up a whole universe of ancient Chinese wisdom that I'm still exploring.

 

Over the years, I've had the joy of diving deep into so many wonderful arts – The New Forest Arts, Qigong, Tai Chi, Hsing I, Pa Kua, Water Boxing (Lui Ho Pa Fa), Da Cheng, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, and various forms of seated meditation. What I love most is how all these practices weave together, teaching us about movement, breathing, energy, and staying present in our daily lives.

 

These days, I'm thrilled to be teaching with Taomatrix.life, where I get to share these life-changing practices with amazing students who are looking to feel better physically, think more clearly, and grow spiritually. I love blending the traditional wisdom of these ancient arts with practical approaches that work for busy modern lives, offering both in-person classes and online courses.

 

When I'm not teaching, you'll find me behind a camera as a photographer with Big Swede Media Works, also here in Birmingham. It's funny how photography and martial arts go hand-in-hand – both are all about being present, perfect timing, and finding beauty in the smallest moments.

 

I'm forever grateful to Sifu John Fey for introducing me to this incredible world. Now it's my turn to pay it forward by sharing these transformative practices with new students, helping them discover just how powerful and life-changing these ancient Chinese arts can be. There's nothing I love more than watching someone connect with these practices and seeing how they can enrich every aspect of life!

- Teacher Beau Gustafson