Tim Hartmann started training in martial arts when he was 9 years old. His parents encouraged him to take up martial arts to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. At 9 he began training in Shotokan Karate with Sensei Don Murnane and in his teen years trained in Tae Kwon Do.

At the age of 21, Tim met Sifu John Loupos, who was one of two Chief Instructors in the Wah Lum (Praying Mantis) system. During his training with Sifu Loupos, Tim had the opportunity to train in Kung Fu and Tai Chi with many talented instructors and masters including Master Chan Pui, Master Wei Lun Huang, and Master Lee Koon Hung.

While training with Sifu Loupos, Tim competed in many New England regional and national martial arts tournaments. He won multiple gold medals and championships in Chinese Weapons and Hand Forms during his years of competing.

In 1996, Tim moved to San Francisco, CA, and trained in the Choy Lay Fut system with Master Tat Mau Wong and Sifu Daniel Tomizake. At TWKF, Tim returned to training with the basic principles of Kung Fu and gained a new perspective on Kung Fu and martial arts practice, decidedly preferring to focus on quality execution of several forms instead of memorizing many forms. He also spent considerable time working on body conditioning, throwing, joint locking, wooden dummy training, and sparring.

Since returning to New England in 2000, Tim has sought to refine and and deepen his understanding of traditional Kung Fu. In addition, he has deepened his practice in Tai Chi and Push Hands.

Walther Chen - Shi-Shong

Walther began his first serious study of martial arts at Wu Dao in 2009. Initially drawn to yang-style tai chi, he now also practices Shaolin Kung Fu. He believes that proper martial arts training can have a large positive impact on the development of mental and physical strength, which is why he decided to help teach children’s classes at Wu Dao.

Walther also teaches and promotes the game of Go, an intellectual pursuit which balances with the physicality of martial arts training.

Walther holds a BA from Williams College and a JD from Northeastern University.

Erika Hong - Shi-Jie

Erika is an Assistant Instructor for children, juniors, and teens at Wu Dao Kung Fu and Tai Chi. Erika started her martial arts studies while in college, studying Shotokan and Ishinryu Karate until she moved to Boston in 2007, where she discovered Wu Dao. Initially intrigued by the quality of instruction combined with a demanding, yet supportive atmosphere, she quickly became a dedicated student at Wu Dao where she continues to study both Kung Fu and Tai Chi.

Erika holds a BA in Music from the University of Southern Maine and both a MA and Certification in Dalcroze Eurhythmics (music education through movement) from Longy School of Music, of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Sissi Liu - Jie

Sissi is a certified yoga instructor and Shi-Jie at Wu Dao Kung Fu and Tai Chi. She has completed the Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with David Swenson. Sissi was introduced to yoga during college but it was not until 2005 when she discovered Ashtanga Yoga that she became a committed student and practitioner of yoga. Sissi appreciates the logical sequence of the Ashtanga series and its attention to the linkage between breath, movement, and focus. She hopes to share her yoga journey with her students through teaching.

Sissi holds a BA from Wellesley College and a Master’s Degree from Harvard University.

Lindsay Lambert - Shi-Jie

Lindsay has been training in Chinese martial arts, focusing primarily on Bagua, since 2005. In 2009, she began assisting and teaching while living in Maine. One year later, she moved to Cambridge to embrace a more rigorous teaching and training schedule. During this time, she worked at a local martial arts and healing center in Arlington, where she worked as an Instructor. There, she focused on teaching young students the important building blocks of proper alignment and posture, as well as imparting a working understanding of basic anatomy. To further her martial arts studies, Lindsay began training in Kung Fu at Wu Dao and joined the Wu Dao team in the fall of 2011.

Lindsay strongly believes in correct martial arts practice as an important component of a healthy lifestyle that builds a strong body and spirit. In addition to her time in the martial classroom, Lindsay has also taught Irish Step Dancing and Ballroom classes at Thomas School of Dance in Bangor, Maine.

Lindsay holds a BFA in Illustration with a minor in Drawing from Maine College of Art in Portland, ME.

Melvin Geronimo - Shi-Shong

Melvin had his first encounter of martial arts, taking Tae Kwon Do classes for a couple of months during his college studies at Northeastern University. He then began his intensive study of martial arts at Wu Dao when it first opened in 2007. He began his practice in both Tai Chi and Kung Fu, but is currently focused on his Shaolin Kung Fu practices. He strongly believes that anyone is capable of learning Kung Fu, but only if that student is determined, patient and understanding of the art. With this he is an assistant teacher for the children and adult classes.

Melvin firmly believes that comprehensive martial arts training, taught at a quality school, can positively impact progression in health, mind, body strength and attitude.

Melvin holds a BA in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.