Grandmaster Winchell Ping Chiu Woo
The son of a U.S. Marine, Grandmaster Winchell P.C. Woo was born in Canton City, China. He took a great interest in the Martial Arts at a very young age. It wasn't long before hard training with renowned martial artists earned him a wide reputation as a highly skilled fighter.
In 1960, Grandmaster Woo moved to Boston, MA. In 1967, he received his Grandmaster certification and in the same year, opened the Bamboo Hut Club, the first authentic Kung Fu school in Boston. His legendary lion dance and demonstration team gave unforgettable performances for traditional Asian festivals, community gatherings, and other various functions.
In the 1970s, Grandmaster Woo was one of the founders of The New England Kung Fu Federation. He hosted the first Beijing Wushu team in New England and has been the host of the Shaolin Monks during each of their world tours.
Having practiced Kung Fu for over 70 years, Grandmaster Woo exemplifies that a true master never stops learning and improving. He constantly seeks to make changes and incorporate subtleties to enrich his mastery of the arts. By introducing physics and philosophy into his teaching, and encouraging independent thinking from his students, he has developed a unique teaching style that attracts Kung Fu students from all over the world.
Master Deb Zion
Starting in 1983, Deb studied Chinese Kempo Karate. After a hiatus, she found that the Martial Arts was still in her blood. Grandmaster Woo took her as a student, teaching her the higher-level skills that are a part of 5-Elements Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu.
After only 6 months, Grandmaster Woo honored Deb with an invitation to Bai Si (Tea Ceremony induction; bowing to the teacher) and become a part of his Kung Fu family. This is one of the highest honors bestowed upon someone involved in traditional Martial Arts training.
In December 2019, Grandmaster Woo again honored Deb by presenting her with her Sifu certificate.
In November 2021, Grandmaster Woo promoted Sifu Deb to Master. Her certificates are proudly displayed at the kwoon.
Master Deb continues her training with a focus on internal Qigong. She spent much time with her Kung Fu uncle, Master Yon Lee to improve her internal capabilities.
A dedicated Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu practitioner, she applies it to everyday life, aligning mind, body, and spirit.
Starting in 1983, Deb studied Chinese Kempo Karate. After a hiatus, she found that the Martial Arts was still in her blood. Grandmaster Woo took her as a student, teaching her the higher-level skills that are a part of 5-Elements Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu.
After only 6 months, Grandmaster Woo honored Deb with an invitation to Bai Si (Tea Ceremony induction; bowing to the teacher) and become a part of his Kung Fu family. This is one of the highest honors bestowed upon someone involved in traditional Martial Arts training.
In December 2019, Grandmaster Woo again honored Deb by presenting her with her Sifu certificate.
In November 2021, Grandmaster Woo promoted Sifu Deb to Master. Her certificates are proudly displayed at the kwoon.
Master Deb continues her training with a focus on internal Qigong. She spent much time with her Kung Fu uncle, Master Yon Lee to improve her internal capabilities.
A dedicated Tai Chi and Hung Gar Kung Fu practitioner, she applies it to everyday life, aligning mind, body, and spirit.
Qi Gong demonstration at August Moon Festival
Sifu Nick Paone
Sifu Nick started his Martial Arts career in 1992, beginning with Taekwondo. He has also trained in several styles of Kung Fu, including White Crane, with additional studies in Tai Chi.
Sifu Nick came to Tiger Crane in 2017 where he put down his roots. He has proven himself a born leader and keeper of the traditions. Master Deb saw the potential and felt Nick was the perfect choice for taking over the kwoon.
Nick continues to train with Master Deb honing skills to round out his long-time love of the Martial Arts.
Sifu Nick started his Martial Arts career in 1992, beginning with Taekwondo. He has also trained in several styles of Kung Fu, including White Crane, with additional studies in Tai Chi.
Sifu Nick came to Tiger Crane in 2017 where he put down his roots. He has proven himself a born leader and keeper of the traditions. Master Deb saw the potential and felt Nick was the perfect choice for taking over the kwoon.
Nick continues to train with Master Deb honing skills to round out his long-time love of the Martial Arts.
