Sifu Tom Wheeler is our instructor for the Tai Chi for Health and Self Defense and Iaido programs. 1 He began his Martial Arts journey in 1969 in Orlando, Florida under Sensei Bill Liquori, training in the USA Goju Karate system and in 1971 he came under the tutelage of Sensei Dan Davis, training in MooDuk Kwan. In 1973 he met Sensei Fred Kelly of Chitoryu Karate. In the person of Sensei Kelly, he found a mentor. Tom credits Sensei Kelly with giving him a sense of Budo, (martial virtue). In 1975, while recovering from a hip injury, Sensei Kelly encouraged him to train in American Style Kickboxing under Sensei Jack Morris. This training gave him what he needed to overcome the injury by finding a way to compensate for his new physical challenge. Tom holds the rank of Shodan in Karate.

2 In 1977 Tom entered the US Air Force. While in the Air Force he continued his training at the various duty stations to which he was assigned. Through most of the 1980's his Martial Arts training was inconsistent due to his service in the armed forces as well as his study and teaching of motorcycle safety. 1990 brought a return to regular Martial Arts training.

3 In 1992, with a new wife who had a different interest in the Martial Way, he switched from Japanese to Chinese Martial Arts and began his Tai Chi journey with Sifu Rich McDonald. In 1993 while visiting a Traditional Chinese Medical Center for acupuncture treatment he spotted a business card for Sifu Scott Bray. When the two met, he knew he had found a Chinese Martial Arts version of his karate mentor Sensei Kelly. And so began his association with Sifu Bray. In 1997 he became an assistant instructor and in 2001 Tom was given certification as Lao Shi, (Teacher) of Yang style Tai Chi by Sifu Scott Bray, A.P. of the Tai Chi for Health and Self Defense organization. Tom was given permission to use the title Sifu in 2007.

4 In 1998 Tom settled in Jacksonville, Florida and under the coaching of Sifu Kam Lee he entered the USA Wushu Kungfu Federation, International Championships in Baltimore, Maryland. In that competition he won a gold medal in forms and a silver medal in push-hands.

5 Also in 1998 Tom returned to his Japanese martial roots by beginning his training in Iaido with Sensei Valverde. Tom holds the rank of Nidan in Iaido.

6 In 2000 at the encouragement of Sifu Bray, he began studying Aikido with Sensei TJ Cooper. Tom holds the rank of 4kyu in Aikido.

7 In 2002 Sun style Tai Chi, under Dr. Paul Lam, was added to his training, receiving certification as an Instructor in the “Tai Chi for Arthritis” program.

8 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.