HEAD INSTRUCTOR JOE WIELAND
Joe is a 4th degree black belt who began his training in Grandmaster Thé's lineage in 1999 under Elder Masters David and Sharon Soard at the Chinese Shaolin Center in Boulder, Colorado. In 2000, Joe began assisting in classes, learning how to effectively teach the fundamentals of the Shaolin Art.
YOUTH PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
PATRICK BURKE
For over 30 years, Patrick has gained great insight and experience through the studies of various Martial Art disciplines, earning rank in Aikido, Ju-jitsu, Hapkido, Kenpo and Shaolin Kung Fu. After achieving 2nd degree Black in 1997 in Kosho Ryu Kenpo, he embarked on a path focusing on the "art" side of Martial arts; practicing Iaido (sword way), Shodo (Brush Calligraphy), Shiatsu (finger pressure massage) and even Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) in addition to his ongoing studies in the concepts of the Budo (martial) applications. Patrick continued teaching students of all ages until 2007 when his pursuits led him to Shaolin Kung Fu. It was here he found the challenge and understanding of "mastery through effort".
Currently Patrick has advanced to 1st Degree Black and assists in class instruction whenever possible. Being a father of 4 daughters, as well as being their instructor for many years, Patrick recognizes the complexities involved when teaching our youth. His years of experience as a youth mentor as well as several years assisting grade school classroom fundamentals, in both volunteer and professional capacity, greatly enhanced his ability to discern teachable moments. As an employee in the public schools, Patrick gained tremendous exposure to classroom management and student communications through ongoing educational workshops such as Positive Student Behavior and Bullying / Harassment Intervention. He has taught Tai Chi through Portland Parks and Recreation as well as leading summer Martial Arts Camps and soccer coaching through the local school district. Identifying the need for stronger perception within the diversity of our cultures, Patrick has traveled numerous times to both Japan and China where he experienced the first-hand awareness of cultural unity, as well as participating in a Tai Chi class or two. His tenacity for knowledge and enthusiastic spirit inspires Patrick to guide the Portland Shaolin Youth Program students into an enjoyable understanding of Kung Fu.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS
MATT LEMBO
Matt had the great fortune of beginning his study of shaolin with Thad Wong at the New York City Shaolin Center in 2004. While working toward his black belt in NYC, he began assisting under Thad's enthusiastic guidance. Since moving to Portland it has been his privilege to continue to learn the art from Joe while helping the school grow and flourish.
JOEL FRALEY
Joel Fraley has been training in the art of Shaolin Kung Fu since 1999. Currently a Second Degree Black Belt, his primary interest is in the interal arts of Tai Chi Chuan, Ba Gua Chang and Hsing I Chuan, and their connections to Taoist philosophy. Joel teaches morning Tai Chi classes and assists with lower belt and brown belt classes.
"Participating in the transformation of new students as they develop their skills, increase their physical fitness and improve their self confidence is the most rewarding part of practicing and teaching Shaolin Kung Fu. I have trained in other styles of martial arts but Shaolin is where I find my physical and spiritual home."
CLAYTON OSTERMAN
Clayton Osterman is a 3rd degree black belt who began his studies under Elder Masters David and Sharon Soard at the Chinese Shaolin Center in Boulder, CO in 2002. After a two and a half year break, he rejoined the art in Portland in 2009 under the guidance of Joe Weiland.
