USA Yongnian Taiji was developed by Ted W. Knecht for the promotion of authentic Chinese Wushu (martial arts) and the Chinese culture. We have been a leader in the exchange of Chinese culture and martial arts in the Cleveland, Ohio area since 1992. Below is a brief summary of activities conducted by the center:
Ted Knecht, a sixth generation Yang style Taijiquan lineage holder, is a leading proponent in the advancement of Taijiquan and other
forms of Chinese martial arts in the USA. Ted holds a Masters degree in Geology and is
certified through the Ohio Board of Education in the field of
Chinese language and Science. Ted is a professional Chinese language
translator/interpreter with many years of experience. Ted has been studying Chinese
martial arts, Chinese language, and its culture since 1981. Ted travels to China on a continued basis to
advance his studies in Taijiquan, Qigong, Chinese culture and philosophy.
While living in China in 1992, Ted became an assistant Taijiquan and
Qigong instructor and was certified in Taijiquan and Qigong by
the Shenzhen Qigong Health Institute of mainland China. Ted is a
member of the National Chinese Taiji/Wushu
Association, Shenzhen, China and the US Wushu Union.
Ted was the USA All Around Internal Grand Champion in 2003 by winning seven gold medals in Taijiquan, Taiji Weapons, Xingyiquan, and Baguazhang at the US National Chinese Martials Arts Championships held in Pittsburgh, PA. Ted had the highest overall average score for the entire tournament. Ted was also a gold medalist at the USA All-Taiji Championships (A Taste of China ) in Winchester, Virginia in 1993. In 1994, Ted also won gold in Taijiquan at the USA National Chinese Martial Arts Competition held in Orlando, Florida which ranked him number one in the USA. Ted was also ranked in Baguazhang and Xingyiquan that same year.
Ted has studied with some of the most prominent world-class Taijiquan and Wushu instructors both from China and USA. Ted is one of Mei Ying Sheng's top disciples. The following is a list of teachers he has studied with:
Mei Ying Sheng (Yang Style Taiji)
Dr. Curtis Merida (Shaolin Wushu)
Nick Gracenin (Wudang & Shaolin)
An Tian Rong (Bagua/Bagua Straightsword, Xingyquan, and Taijiquan)
Fu Zhongwen (Yang Style Taiji)
Yu Wen Mei (Wu Style Taiji)
He Wei Qi (Sword)
Wang Jurong (Sun Style Taiji, Qing Lung Sword)
Courses
Classes are held throughout the Cleveland, Ohio area. We offer a wide range of Chinese martial art styles which are suitable for all types of personalities and physical fitness levels. Primary focus is on Yang style Taijiquan; however, classes and private lessons are offered in other Chinese styles such as Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Qigong, weapons and others. The following is a listing of the programs that are offered:
Yang Style Taijiquan
36 and 108 Posture Open-hand
Routines
54 Posture Straightsword
40 Posture Broadsword
Spear
Push Hands/Da Lu
Applications
Wu Style Taijiquan
30 and 85 Posture Open-hand
Routines
Weapons Training
Push Hands
Applications
Anyone interested in finding out
further information about these and other styles of Chinese
martial arts should contact Ted at the following email address yongnian@yahoo.com