Master Huan Zhang, Founder and Chief Instructor
Huan Zhang, was born in China and began his learning on martial arts from his renowned father Grandmaster Zhang Lu Ping at the age of five. He has studied variety of martial arts including Tong Bei, Ba Ji, Xing Yi, Tai Chi, Ba Gua, Whip Stick fighting, and San Da from top masters from China including his father Zhang Lu Ping, Grandmaster Li Tai Liang, and Great Grandmaster Cai Hong Xiang .
He has coached many students who won international titles at Tai Chi, Long and Short weapon and Sparring. Recognized highly by the The World Fighting Martial Arts Federation, he has been interviewed by WCVB & NECN, and published many martial arts articles on major magazines from both China and America. He is also recognized by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, and Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller on his teaching contribution to the local community. In addition, He is the Chief Exercise designer for a NIH granted Joint Pain Study for elderly at University of Massachusetts, Boston.
As the vice president of the The World Fighting Martial Arts Federation (WFMAF), he helps to promote Martial Arts Worldwide.
Sifu David Watts, Director & Senior Instructor
David Watts has practiced Tai Chi for more than 15 years with Master Zhang. Dave has appeared in Tai Chi – Spirit of Kung Fu, a premiere magazine in China. he also participated as a judge for local kung fu/martial arts and wrestling tournaments. He also won metals for both Tai Chi and Tai Chi push hands from international martial arts competitions. In addition, he is a husband, father and a member of the American Mountain Guides Association.
Michael Stevens, Associate Instructor
Michael Stevens holds a 3rd Duan from World Fighting Martial Arts Federation. He has been training with Master Zhang for 10 years, studying Tai Chi , Ba Gua, Tong Bei, Saber and Short/Long Staff. He won metals on Long Staff from international martial arts competitions. Micheal has appeared in Tai Chi and Kung Fu magazine. When not doing Tai Chi, he works as a software engineer.
Greer Tan Swiston, Assistant Instructor
Greer Tan Swiston has been studying various disciplines of martial arts since she was a child and has been practicing Tai Chi with Huan since 2018. She assisted Master Zhang for his Tai Chi classes in Newton. A former High Tech Executive and engineer turned elected official, Greer has since retired from both the corporate world and politics and currently serves in the leadership of the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association (GBCCA), teaches in the public Elementary schools and invests in real estate. She also coaches a high school robotics team and a youth dragonboat team.
Joe Zane, Assistant Instructor
Joe Zane holds a 3rd Duan from World Fighting Martial Arts Federation. He has been studying Chinese Martial Arts for around 8 years including Northern Shaolin, Yang Taijiquan and Chen Taijiquan (lao jia). Joe began to study Chen Taijiquan (xin jia) with Huan in 2020, which continues to be his main focus. He also studies xingyi-dao, broadsword (dao) and short stick (bian gan) with Huan. When not practicing Taiji, Joe makes and exhibits art and manages several art galleries for Harvard University.
Yash Deshpande, Teaching Assistant
Yash holds a 3rd Duan from World Fighting Martial Arts Federation. He has been practicing martial arts for just over 3 years, and recently won a silver medal in the Northern Kung Fu – Short Weapon category at the 2023 World Open Martial Arts Championship. He is currently studying Xin Yi Dao and Yang-style Tai Chi under Master Huan Zhang.
Mikhail Kaluzhny, Teaching Assistant
Mikhail Kaluzhny trained in Shaolin Kung Fu for nine years under Shaolin Grandmaster Sin Kwang The’, earning a 3rd-degree black belt. Since 2023, he’s studied Yang Tai Chi, Bagua, and Xin Yi Dao under Master Huan Zhang. Alongside martial arts, Mikhail is an experienced yoga practitioner.
Professionally, Mikhail specializes in laser systems development, recently focusing on laser-based medical devices. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, whitewater kayaking, and international travel. In addition, he is a husband and father of two great grown-up children.