Tiger Crane Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Our Lineage
Tiger-Crane Kung Fu & Tai Chi teaches the world-renowned style of Hung Gar Kung Fu. Our lineage runs deep, back to the Shaolin Temple. This system of Kung Fu is based on the 5 animals and 5 elements of traditional Hung Gar. Our complete system teaches both hard and soft, external and internal, yin and yang elements.
The lineage of this school is traced from Masters Wong Fei Hong, Lam Sai Wing, Lam Cho, Tang Kwok Wah, Winchell P.C. Woo, and Deb Zion to the current owner, Nick Paone. Without each master passing their knowledge to the next generation of students, we wouldn't have it today. It is our duty to share and promote the skills to continue this line. Sifu Nick Paone has proudly been chosen to lead this generation and to carry the traditions of passing down this ancient knowledge.
Sifu
Nick Paone
Sifu Nick holds a long time love and curiosity of the Martial Arts. He began his Martial Arts career in 1992, training first in Taekwondo. He went on to train in several styles of Kung Fu, including White Crane, with additional studies in Tai Chi.
In 2017, Sifu Nick joined Tiger Crane and he has since laid down his roots here. He vigorously joined all of the classes available, participated in competitions, performed at events, and compassionately helped the growth of his classmates. He brought humor and levity to his serious studies of the art. Master Deb observed his development as a born leader and keeper of the traditions. Upon her retirement, she confidently chose and promoted Nick as the perfect choice for her succession.
Sifu Nick continues to train with Master Deb, as well as, Master Tim LaValle - the inheritor of Grandmaster Woo's 5 Elements Tai Chi, and other elder masters of this lineage. Sifu Nick holds a deep passion and commitment for continuing to develop his skills, to uphold and honor the traditions, and to generously share his experience to help the development of the next generation.
Sigung
Deb Zion
Starting in 1983, Deb studied Chinese Kempo Karate. After a hiatus, she found that the Martial Arts was still in her blood. Grandmaster Woo took her as a student, teaching her the higher-level skills that are a part of 5-Elements Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu.
After only 6 months, Grandmaster Woo honored Deb with an invitation to Bai Si (Tea Ceremony induction; bowing to the teacher) and become a part of his Kung Fu family. This is one of the highest honors bestowed upon someone involved in traditional Martial Arts training.
In December 2019, Grandmaster Woo again honored Deb by presenting her with her Sifu certificate.
In November 2021, Grandmaster Woo promoted Sifu Deb to Master. Her certificates are proudly displayed at the kwoon.
Master Deb continues her training with a focus on internal Qigong. She spent much time with her Kung Fu uncle, Master Yon Lee to improve her internal capabilities.
A dedicated Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu practitioner, she applies it to everyday life, aligning mind, body, and spirit.
Si Tai Gung
Winchell Ping Chiu Woo
The son of a U.S. Marine, Grandmaster Winchell P.C. Woo was born in Canton City, China. He took a great interest in the Martial Arts at a very young age. It wasn't long before hard training with renowned martial artists earned him a wide reputation as a highly skilled fighter.
In 1960, Grandmaster Woo moved to Boston, MA. In 1967, he received his Grandmaster certification and in the same year, opened the Bamboo Hut Club, the first authentic Kung Fu school in Boston. His legendary lion dance and demonstration team gave unforgettable performances for traditional Asian festivals, community gatherings, and other various functions.
In the 1970s, Grandmaster Woo was one of the founders of The New England Kung Fu Federation. He hosted the first Beijing Wushu team in New England and has been the host of the Shaolin Monks during each of their world tours.
Having practiced Kung Fu for over 70 years, Grandmaster Woo exemplifies that a true master never stops learning and improving. He constantly seeks to make changes and incorporate subtleties to enrich his mastery of the arts. By introducing physics and philosophy into his teaching, and encouraging independent thinking from his students, he has developed a unique teaching style that attracts Kung Fu students from all over the world.
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