Hello! I’m Sifu Fred Jennes. I began my study of t’ai chi ch’uan more than 40 years ago in Durham, North Carolina when I became a student of Frank Wong, who studied with the late Cheng Man-Ch’ing, creator of the Yang Family Short T’ai Chi Form.  

“Sifu” means teacher in Cantonese, and I have been a teacher of t’ai chi ch’uan for 30 years.  My initial studies with Master Wong led me to the fascinating world of Oriental medicine—mostly because the t’ai chi books I read talked about concepts I didn’t understand, like “qi” and “meridians.” 

So late in life, I attended acupuncture college, and in addition to deepening my understanding of the health benefits of t’ai chi, I became a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Greeley, Colorado where I specialized in helping patients who suffered from chronic and poorly-understood illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

My son, Alex, followed in my martial arts footsteps and earned his black belt in karate. On one occasion we gave an exhibition of him attacking me with a Japanese bo stick, and me fending him off with a Chinese sword. My wife for more than three decades, Helen, began her study of t’ai chi with me shortly after we were married, and now is my co-instructor in many of the classes and workshops I teach. 

In addition to martial arts, I love all kinds of popular music and play the bass in local bands.  My goal in life is to introduce others to the wonders of t’ai chi ch’uan and the T’ai Chi Ruler in the hopes that my students can experience the same enjoyment and passion that the study of martial arts has brought me.

Continue reading my website for even more knowledge, instruction, and ruler purchase information.