Photo credit © Gregg M. Erickson

Larry Braniff


Larry is a certified instructor through the International Traditional Sun Tai Chi Association (ISTA) He trained and received his certification through Dr.Jacques Moramarco who is a Traditional Family Sun disciple through Master Sun Shurong (grand daughter of Sun Lutang).
Larry also teaches traditional Yang Style; the Yang 108 long form, Yang Tuishou/push hands and Yang saber. The majority of Larry's Yang training has been with Laoshi Art Baner. Larry has also studied the Yang style (24 Form) with Professor Yan Ling Gong and Dr. Paul Lam
Larry has studied with:
Laoshi Art Baner:  Yang style, Tuishou/DaLu/88 Sanshou and Yang Sabre;
Sifu Andy Dale: Sun and Chen Ting Hua BaguaZhang, Sun Sanshou, Bagua Jian (straight sword) , Roushou, Bagua Qin na and AikiJo
Larry has also studied Xin Yi Liu He Quan with Bob Lau

The WuHao system of Tai Chi is now offered. This system is based on the teachings of Master Jimmy Wong.

Larry is also a certified Master Level Instructor with American Tai Chi and Qigong Association (ATCQA).

 

               North Cascades Tai Chi is a school that features Traditional Family Sun, Yang and WuHao Styles of Taijiquan (Tai Chi).

  • In Sun Style the primary form taught is the Traditional Family 98 form. Students may learn the Sun 35 short form after completion of the 98 form. The short form we do was created by Master Sun Wan Rong, granddaughter of Sun Lutang (younger sister of Master Sun Shu Rong).
  • The founder of the Sun style, Sun Lutang was a skilled martial artist in the internal kung fu styles of Xing Yi Quan and Bagua Zhang. These two internal systems strongly influenced Sun Lutang's development of the Sun style of Taijiquan. The Wu/Hao system of Taijiquan also greatly influenced Sun's Taijiquan. Sun learned the Wu/Hao system of Taiji directly from Master Hao. It was in Master Sun Lutang's later years that he developed his style of Taijiquan. Sun Lutang taught his son, Sun Cunzhou these skills as well as his granddaughter Sun Shurong (Cunzhou's daughter). Master Sun Lutang also taught other students including his well known daughter Sun Jian Yun. The Traditional Sun style that is taught at North Cascades Tai Chi is a direct result of Larry's learning from Dr. Jacques Moramarco who learned the style personally and was made a Sun Family Disciple by Grand Master Sun Shurong in China.
  • Yang Style:The Yang 108 long form is the foundation of the Yang system . The 5 section Yang short form by Sam Masich is used as an introduction to the Yang style. Tuishou (push hands) and saber are also offered.
  • WuHao Style: Several forms are offered in this style; 13, 24,32 and 36. After students acquire proficiency in these short forms the 108 long form will be introduced.

Karate

 KARATE We now offer Karate in a class called "Old Warrior Karate". This class is open to everyone but it is geared to older practitioners who practiced martial arts in their younger years and are not ready to totally give up their training. Sensei Larry teaches primarily the Butokukan system with influences from the Shito-Ryu style. We do kihon (basic IE stances, kicks, punches and blocks and kata. We do not spar. Great emphasis is put on body structure and proper approaches to Karate techniques. Self defense awareness is also part of the training. We do not expect one to be able to do high kicks or a bunch of calisthenics. One trains at their own pace and the class is semi formal.

 Larry holds Black Belts in:

Shito-Ryu- Shodan

Butokukan- Nidan

     

A brief Lineage History of Sun Style

 

Fees: Adults: $50/mo
        Seniors:(65+), $40/mo
        Couples: $65
        Drop ins: $10  
             
         Over 80, FREE!

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