“As someone in my thirties who had never studied a martial art before, I was somewhat intimidated by the idea of making a fool of myself in a Kung Fu class. But from my very first day, I felt completely comfortable participating in class. The other students in the class were friendly and helpful, and not once did I feel like I was in a competitive environment. And head instructor Thad Wong, in addition to being a tremendously knowledgeable martial artist, is one of the most enthusiastic and friendly instructors I have ever had in any discipline. I wish I had found New York Shaolin years ago!”

—Keith

HEAD INSTRUCTOR THAD WONG

Associate Master Thad Wong is a Fifth Degree Shaolin Black Belt who began his training in 1994 at the Chinese Shaolin Center under Elder Masters David and Sharon Soard. In 1996, Master Thad trained with Grandmaster Sin Kwang Thé for the first time and began assistant instructing at his home school. That year, he also traveled to mainland China with the Grandmaster and a group of fellow Shaolin students, where he demonstrated forms at both the original Shaolin Temple and the Wudang Temple. While attending Pomona College (CA), he founded and taught a Shaolin Kung Fu class. In 2000, he received the Avery Chinese American Adventure Grant, which funded his exploration of the seven temple environments in China where traditional Kung Fu was originally developed. For 6 months Master Thad explored significant sites in China, including the original Shaolin Temple, Wudang Temple, Hua Mountain, Omei Mountain and the Southern Shaolin Temple. During his travels, he studied empty hand forms, weapons forms, and calligraphy. In 2005, received his full Instructor Certification, and opened the New York City Shaolin Center. Master Thad is currently the Head Instructor of the NYCSC and continuing his training as he works towards his advancement into Sixth Degree Black Belt.

INSTRUCTOR MENDEL RABINOVITCH

Mendel Rabinovitch is a Second Degree Shaolin Black Belt who began training in 2006 under the tutelage of Fifth Degree Black Belt and Head Instructor Thad Wong of the New York City Shaolin Center. Mendel is currently an Instructor at the school, and he brings his extensive experience in working with children and young adults in the fields of fine art, music, and outdoor education to the NYCSC Youth Training Program. With fellow Black Belt Alexis Frasz, Mendel has developed and taught several programs to deepen and expand the reach of the art. These programs include a supplementary training and conditioning course for advanced students at the school and satellite programs for New York City school children through Citizens Schools and Lower East Side Prep. In September 2009, Mendel designed and launched a Kung Fu program at the KIPP College Prep high school in Harlem. In November 2009, Mendel will begin teaching a youth program at the New York City Shaolin Center. Mendel also works with private clients to meet their personal training goals, and he is known for his creative, fun, and inspiring approach. Mendel is continuing his own training as he works towards his 3rd Degree Black Belt.