About
Shifu Raymond J. Ahles, is a dedicated and dynamic teacher who is recognized by his students for both his skill and devotion to teaching. He emphasizes not just the physical aspects of martial arts training but the philosophy behind it. Knowing what a profound influence the martial arts can have on one’s own personal development, he takes his responsibility to his students seriously and does everything possible to help them cultivate a greater sense of calm, focus and self-awareness, ultimately improving and enriching their everyday lives.
Shifu Ahles began his training in the Chinese martial arts in 1984 and has been actively teaching since 1986. He first studied with Master Randy Elia of Peter Kwok’s Kung Fu Academy, where he completed all material available in the styles of Shaolin Chang Quan (Long Fist), Tai Ji Quan (Tai Chi), Ba Gua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan and Chin Na, the art of “seizing and controlling”.
In 1988, he completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology with a concentration in Adult Fitness at Montclair State University. He is also an NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Certified Strongfirst Level 2 Kettlebell Instructor (SFG2).
He further enhanced his knowledge and understanding with well-known martial arts author and master Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming of Boston, Mass. Shifu Ahles studied privately with Dr. Yang and in regular classes at YMAA, Boston. With Dr. Yang, Shifu Ahles focused on the study of the Jian (Straight Double-Edge Sword) and Chin Na. He also trained in Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin White Crane, White Crane Staff, and Tai Chi Push Hands.
Dr. Yang was instrumental in forming the perspective that Shifu Ahles has of the martial arts today and was a great early influence on his practice. From Dr. Yang, he learned the only way to become accomplished at anything was through patience, perseverance, and a strong will.
From 1991 to 2016, Shifu Ahles studied Ba Gua Zhang (Pa Kua Chang) under the personal instruction of Grandmaster Park Bok-Nam, with whom he was accepted as a 7th Generation “Lineage Disciple,” and given the Chinese name, “Yi Fu,” meaning “Firm Father (Teacher).” For nearly 25 years, he was an active student and member of the Ch’iang Shan Pa Kua Chang Association.
In 1992, he spent a short time in China to experience the culture and research the martial and healing arts with Dan Miller, the former editor of the now defunct, “Pa Kua Chang Journal” and writer of both volumes of Grandmaster Park’s books, “The Fundamentals of Pa Kua Chang.”
As a traditional progression from the martial arts to the healing arts, Shifu Ahles also has been professionally trained and certified in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. While studying at the New York College for Wholistic Health and Medicine in Syosset, NY, he completed the Advanced Amma Therapy® (Chinese medical massage) program in 1997, and is a “Certified Amma Therapist” (C.A.T.); and the Oriental Medicine program (Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and herbology) in 1998. He is National Board Certified in Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM, NCCAOM) as well as a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and Chinese Herbalist in the State of New Jersey.
Shifu Ahles resides in northern New Jersey with his wife, Nicolle, and two amazing children, Forrest and Phoenix. He is the owner and Chief Instructor of the Blue Dragon School of Martial Arts in Bergenfield, where he continues to share his greatest passion. He also practices Chinese medicine at his clinic, Results Acupuncture & Healing Arts Center, at the same location.
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