Meet Our Team

We understand that everyone comes to us with a different background, and pride ourselves on teaching each person individually. Our lessons are always tailored toward each student’s personality and helping them to achieve their goals. We teach in a one-on-one style, making sure that our students truly understand what they are practicing. A student should leave each class feeling that they’ve grown in wisdom and understanding, and having an excellent workout. The ultimate goal of Kung Fu is to be strong and healthy, both mentally and physically. It is our mission to ensure that our students improve in every possible way.

Everyday life can be a true challenge. Modern society is very different from the world in which Kung Fu was devised, but the requirements for us to be in the best mental and physical shape we can be in is all the same. We aim to help give you that edge and mental strength that will help you become a better person and to make better decisions. We will help you not to just learn a skill set, but to apply those skills, devised centuries ago, to conquer the problems life throws at you today.

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Learn about us before you meet us.

John Burns

Head Instructor

Sifu John is a dedicated martial artist with over a decade of experience in the Denver area. His journey began with collegiate Judo in Canada, but his true passion was ignited when he discovered the art of Shaolin Kung Fu. Today, he is widely recognized as the foremost instructor of Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu in the Denver Area.

Having honed his skills through intensive training at renowned locations such as the Shaolin Temple, Wudang Mountains, and Seoul, South Korea, Sifu John possesses a deep understanding and appreciation for Shaolin culture and history. His personal growth and commitment to constant improvement are fueled by his unwavering desire to share this knowledge with his students.

Sifu John’s ultimate goal is to empower his students to lead happy, healthy, and strong lives through the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi. His certifications are a testament to his expertise, including being recognized as a 4th Duan Shaolin Kung Fu instructor by the prestigious Shaolin Temple in Henan, China. Additionally, he holds a 3rd-degree black belt certification from the World Kung-Fu Federation and is a Level 2 Certified Tai Chi Instructor through the American Tai Chi & QiGong Association.

With Sifu John as your guide, you can embark on a transformative journey, discovering the rich traditions of Shaolin and Tai Chi, and unlocking your full potential both physically and spiritually.

Christopher Franceschi

Lead Shaolin Instructor

Sifu Christopher began as a student under the late Sifu Tony Timmer, learning Shaolin, Wing Chun, Hung Ga, and Yang style Taijiquan.

After studying with Sifu Tony Timmer, he has spent time studying with various masters, including Shi Yanxu from the Shaolin temple and Grandmaster Park Sang Hee in Seoul, South Korea. He is passionate about conveying the knowledge and experience of martial arts to his students, helping them to understand the history and culture of Shaolin, and helping them to resolve problems from daily life.
Sifu Christopher developed a passion for martial arts early in life, watching Jackie Chan and other Kung Fu movies. In particular, he developed a love of sword fighting. He studied Western fencing in middle and high school, moving on to Shinkendo in college. However, his passion culminated in the discovery of Shaolinquan, and the rest is history.

Bradley Ryan

Lead Tai Chi Instructor

Bradley Ryan has been involved in artial arts since 1972, which makes him one of the most experienced instructors in Colorado.

He has more than five decades of ongoing study in traditional and modern martial arts and has been trained by masters from China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the United States. He had earned black belts in Shotokan and Shorin Ryu Karate, as well as instructor certifications in Filipino Martial Arts, Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) and Qigong.

Paul Sahertian

Lead Wushu Coach

Having trained since a young age, Coach Paul is one of the youngest Wushu Coaches in the Denver Metro area.

Having been trained predominantly by the late Sifu Tony Timmer, Paul continues to carry the virtues and discipline that Chinese Wushu exemplifies. Paul has also trained under many other Wushu and Shaolin Masters. Paul has traveled to South Korea to train with Grandmaster Park, teacher to Sifu Timmer, and has also traveled to the East Coast to train under famous Wushu coach Sifu Nick Gracenin. His experience in the Wushu world does not just stop at his training. He has also traveled around the United States and competed in many National Wushu Competitions and placed in the Top 3 in almost all the competitions he’s attended. From Houston to Las Vegas, Albuquerque to San Francisco, to even competing against collegiate level Wushu Athletes, Paul has experienced all levels and all types of Wushu all around the world and the United States.

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Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday:

4:30pm-8:30pm

Monday, Wednesday, Friday:

10:00am-1:00pm

Saturday:

9am-11:30pm

Questions?

Denver Shaolin Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute

5001 S Parker Rd

Ste 103

Aurora, CO, 80015

720-340-9059

info@denvershaolintaichi.com