Our Story

Origins of Great Way

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The word Tao translates as "path or way". In martial arts we recognize that we are all on a path, pursuing higher understanding of self and life. For the martial artist, it is not only about learning how to fight and defend oneself but to gain greater self-control and creating a better and clearer life. Over time, we endeavor to develop a stronger body, mind and spirit through dedication to learning and practicing Kung Fu / Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

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Great Way Martial Arts draws on three famous systems of Chinese Martial Arts, Grand Master Daniel K. Pai's - Pai Lum Kung Fu / Kempo & Tai Chi and Grand Master Wang Pei Sheng's Yin Cheng Gong Fa as well as teaching of Sifu Share Lew's Tao Ahn Pai . These systems are well known and respected for being excellent fighting styles as well internal cultivation systems. Our teacher, Lao Shi Keller began studying in these systems in the mid 1980's, devoting his life to understanding the deeper nuances of both Dr. Pai's system and traveling many times to China to learn Grand Master Wang teachings as well as applying Sifu Lew's practices and theories to broaden his foundation of Ne Ye (internal cultivation). 

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The Martial Arts journey to becoming a "practitioner" is a long one. When we start, we have expectations and desired outcomes but when we approach it sincerely, the path always meanders to new vistas. Quite typically an angry young man / woman will enter the door, drawn to learn to fight or break free from the fear of being attacked and not knowing what to do. Every training session is about reviewing the basics of fighting and defense - punching, blocking and kicking with pads, bags and then with opponents. After developing strong useful techniques, we advance to learning take-downs and grappling and how to defend against both.

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Great Way students learn both External (Hard) - Kung Fu and Kempo and Internal (Soft) martial arts - Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The practice of both leads to excellent health and balance. External or "hard" martial arts are generally characterized as arts that focus on improving muscle, cardiovascular fitness, and overall physical strength. Practitioners of these External martial arts work to develop powerful movements from tense muscles, and focus on fast, explosive, and agile movements. Another aspect of External martial arts is utilizing breath and focus as well as tense muscles to work on "Yun Qi", dynamic tension and circulation of vital energy.

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Internal (Soft) martial arts (Nei Jia) refers to developing a clearer sense of the body's more subtle energy flow while cultivating a clear and focused mind. Practitioners of these arts - Kung Fu - Tai Chi and Chi Gong - work to become more aware and sensitive to the life force we call Qi - Chi - Prana - Ki. Over time one develops internal strength, focusing on using their connection to Qi through mind, breath, and movement.

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Ne Ye (Internal cultivation) is the daily mindful practice of applying Taoist techniques to gain greater health and self-awareness. 

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Great Way students learn fighting and situational defense techniques as mentioned earlier. Our students build a working knowledge of useful skills to use in any situation. You also learn traditional forms as a way to heighten focus, agility, speed, and power. Doing formwork provides an excellent medium to practice the before mentioned Hard and Soft concepts of "Yun Qi" and "Nei Jia". 

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Master Wang Pei Sheng's system of  Yin Cheng Gong Fa, we also have Xingyi, Yin Style Ba Gua, and Wu style Tai Chi and Chi Gong. Master Wang’s vast knowledge of Chinese Martial Arts and Chinese Medicine serves as a pivot in understanding martial arts as more than just "punch, block and kick". He was deeply respected for his vast knowledge and applications of Internal martial arts and its application in fighting and healing.

About our healing modality

Both Master Wang and Master Lew were highly respected around the world for their knowledge and application of Qi Gong and Nei Ye in healing. They both taught that developing breath work and training one's mind are foundational for good health and essential in Qi Gong practice and healing. Having a Qi Gong practice will regulate both the mind and the breath to harness the ability to move the practitioner's "Qi" and a patient's "Qi". 

Sifu Keller has been studying and applying these methods for over 30 years,  sharing both Master's methods with patients and students all over the world. His ability to tie together western neuroscience and physiology with ancient Qi Gong practices has drawn other healers as both patient and student to learn his unique meditation and breath work as well as Qi Gong needling techniques.

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