Tom Wheeler
Tom Wheeler, Tai Chi and Iaido Instructor
With a new wife who had a different interest in the Martial Way, Tom switched from Japanese to Chinese martial arts and began his Tai Chi journey in 1992.
While visiting a Traditional Chinese Medical Center for acupuncture treatment, in 1993, he met Sifu Scott Bray who would become his lifelong friend and teacher.
In 1997 Tom became an assistant instructor and in 2001 he was given certification as Lao Shi of Yang style Tai Chi for Health and Self Defense by Sifu Scott Bray, A.P. Tom was given permission to use the title Sifu in 2007.
In the 1998 USA Wushu Kungfu Federation, International Championships in Baltimore, Maryland Tom won a gold medal in forms and a silver medal in push-hands. In that same year he returned to his Japanese martial roots by beginning his training in Iaido and he now holds the rank of Sandan.
In 2000 Tom teamed up with Sensei TJ Cooper to train in Aikido and in 2001 the two of them decided to combine their efforts and created the West Side Center for Community and Self Development.
Tom sees martial arts not only as a means of self-defense, but a journey of self-discovery. His motto is “We live as we train”. His love of teaching and desire to help others is evident in the attention he gives each of his students.
Tom is married to Patricia, a martial artist training in the arts of Tai Chi and Iaido.