Steve Contes, instructor and founder of the Taiji Center began his martial arts training in 1970. For the first 20 years he studied a variety of martial arts, qi-gong, health, nutrition, fitness, philosophy and meditation. He then decided to focus on a practical form of self-defense combining principles from all the above mentioned. He had also come to realize that in order to train in a complete system, all enemies must be understood. The most often overlooked and greatest enemy we must face is found within. If we are to learn how to protect ourselves, then this must be the starting point. Martial art technique makes us strong on the outside, meditation protects us on the inside.
The latter proved to be a more important aspect of self defense. It includes but is not limited to relieving stress, teaching us how to overcome obstacles in life and even strengthening our mind and our immune system; all of which promotes overall health. The end results are a better quality of life and a more harmonious way of living.
The above ideas were organized in to a system of teaching now known as JO-JONG-PAI. As the system evolved the key ingredients began to rely on proper Taiji training. Taiji already addressed the proper balance between both inner and outer strengths. The true Taiji philosophy exemplifies all of the above ideas. For the dedicated student it can be one of the most direct methods to achieving your true potential as a complete martial artist.
This is not to say that this is the only path to take, but it is a path that should be explored. Taiji training is offered to all that wish.
Your present level of health whatever that may be can be improved with proper training. No matter what you perceive your personal limitations Taiji offers something for all. Taiji is often misrepresented around the world to be just a slow moving exercise for the elderly. This could not be further from the truth. Our mission is to provide accurate instruction, information and also the true history of this art and it's evolution into the modern world. For the past 20 years Steve's focus has become a concentrated effort to understand Taiji as the complete art it really is. This includes regular trips to Chen Village, China and training with Master Zhu Tiancai (19th generation) of Chen Village and Master Kam Lee (20th generation) of Florida. Steve follows the Chenjiagou (Chen) Style Taiji curriculum established by Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee. He has also attended workshops with many Masters, such as Zhu Xiang Hua, Chen Zheng Lei, Chen Xiao Wang, Chen Bing, William CC Chen, Dr.Yang Yang, Yang Zhenduo, Yang Zhun and Master Liu of Shandong. The latter proved to be a more important aspect of self defense. It includes but is not limited to relieving stress, teaching us how to overcome obstacles in life and even strengthening our mind and our immune system; all of which promotes overall health. The end results are a better quality of life and a more harmonious way of living.
The above ideas were organized in to a system of teaching now known as JO-JONG-PAI. As the system evolved the key ingredients began to rely on proper Taiji training. Taiji already addressed the proper balance between both inner and outer strengths. The true Taiji philosophy exemplifies all of the above ideas. For the dedicated student it can be one of the most direct methods to achieving your true potential as a complete martial artist.
This is not to say that this is the only path to take, but it is a path that should be explored. Taiji training is offered to all that wish.
His training has also involved various styles of Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Kick-boxing and a variety of other disciplines. "I still believe an open mind is required to fully understand the full spectrum of Martial Arts and all Arts have their strengths" He has also had the opportunity to visit, interview or be critiqued by some of China's most renowned Taiji Masters such as the late 18th Generation Master Feng Zhi Qiang, Master Chen Yu (Chen Zhaokui's son), Chen Qingzhou, and some other equally skilled , but less known Masters. This has helped him gain a more well rounded understanding of Taiji, its principles, philosophy and true history.
Steve has spent the last three years living, training and working in China. He will be moving back to the states this year. In his absence all classes are taught by his trained staff.
Steve also produces Martial Art Training DVDs including instruction in Chen Taiji with both Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee.
Steve has spent the last three years living, training and working in China. He will be moving back to the states this year. In his absence all classes are taught by his trained staff.
Steve also produces Martial Art Training DVDs including instruction in Chen Taiji with both Master Zhu Tiancai and Master Kam Lee.
Steve had previously been involved in helping to translate much needed Chinese Kungfu and philosophical material to the English speaking world.
As an author of many Taiji articles, he continues to write pieces geared for westerners to better understand this eastern-based philosophical art.
He is in the process of organizing all the efforts of his research into a book covering all aspects of Taijiquan.
He serves as a judge at International Tournaments for both MMA and Traditional Martial Arts. His school has produced many Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists. He has competed in Tournaments in both China and the USA. Steve sponsors workshops in both the USA and China. He promotes trips to China for training with the worlds most accomplished Masters for individuals or groups.
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