Teachers

CHARLIE, a founding member of the Society for Nanlaoshu, has been practicing taijiquan since 1976. He has learned a lot over the years dealing with arthritis, stiffness and anger. Charlie served for 8 years as the Society's president. He currently serves as Treasurer.

FREDDIE began his study of taiji in 1986 with Yien-Koo. Two years later he was accepted by Master Koo and studied with him until his death. Master Koo encouraged him to begin teaching at the Center in 1991, where he was mentored by Carol and Charlie. From the beginning he was interested in how movement and meditation can positively influence music-making. In 1998 he started teaching taiji to music students at summer jazz workshops, which developed into his “class for creative artists."

RUBY, a founding member of the Society for Nanlaoshu, has been practicing taiijiquan and qigong since 1979. A senior student of Master Koo, she is actively involved in teaching taijiquan and deepening her knowledge of martial arts and the healing modalities of Chinese Medicine. As a practicing acupuncturist, Ruby has been training with Master Jeffrey Yuen in Chinese Medicine and the martial arts: Chen, Wu, Sung & Yang styles of taijiquan as well as taiji swords and saber.

REGINA & MARIO started their practice in 1999 and for the past fifteen years have been teaching beginners classes. They believe that sharing their understanding of the practice has deepened their own practices. They have served on the Board of Directors since 2006. They edited and produced the 25th anniversary publication of Master Koo's lectures. Mario was elected president by the Board of Directors in May 2016.

ELISE studied with Master Koo from 1980 until his death in 1999. She has been teaching at the Center and in New Jersey for over 35 years. Elise is a founding member and vice president of the Society, and currently chairs the Communications Committee. 

CAROL, a senior student of Master Koo, is a founding member of the Society. She enjoys investigating  and learning how to apply peacefulness and wellness to the ancient art of neigong taijiquan. Carol studies Chen style, Wu and Sun family forms  and teaches the 81-move long form.

LEON began his studies at the Center with Yien-Koo in the early 1990’s. Before that he practiced qigong and a simplified taiji form. During his time studying with Yien-Koo, he also attended class with Master Koo. Upon Master Koo's death, Leon continued his studies with Charlie, Neil and Elise, and was mentored by Charlie. He has been on the Board of Directors since 2016.

TOM started his taiji studies at Nanlaoshu in 1995 with Carol. He attended workshops led by Master Koo. He was a professional dancer for many years and is a licensed Physical Therapist and mindfulness practitioner. He is interested in exploring how Master Koo's wisdom dovetails with western anatomical and physiological understanding and how our mind-heart neigong practice can enrich western society.

YIEN-KOO (emeritus) is a founding member and vice president of the Society. A Taoist by nature. She studied with Master Koo from 1983 until his death in 1999. He encouraged her to teach from early on. She taught taijiquan and yi jin jing for more than 30 years.