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Shifu Raymond Ahles, Martial Arts Instructor


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Kids Martial Arts Dumont

Shifu Raymond Ahles

Shifu Raymond 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 every day lives.

Shifu Ahles began his training in the Chinese martial arts in 1984 and has been actively teaching since 1986. He first studied with Shifu 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).

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). He also trained in Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin White Crane, White Crane Staff, Chin Na, 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 to 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 under the personal instruction of Master Park Bok-Nam of Richmond, Va., with whom he has been accepted as a “Lineage Disciple” in the Ba Gua Zhang style of Lu Shui Tian, and given the Chinese name, “Yi Fu,” meaning “Firm Father (Teacher)”. He was an original 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 Master Park ‘s books, “The Fundamentals of Pa Kua Chang.”

As a traditional progression of kung fu, Shifu Raymond Ahles also has been professionally trained and certified in Oriental 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.) in the State of New Jersey.

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George C.

I started attending the Blue Dragon School Chi Gung classes when I was 66 years old. In the beginning I would be out of breath after the warm ups we do at the beginning of each class. Now at 74 I get through the entire class without being out of breath although the workout can be quite challenging.  The movements are slow and you perform them at whatever level you can. The art increases your balance, stamina, coordination and range of motion. I am very happy to have found such a great school with helpful instructors. I intend to continue taking these classes as long as I am able to. I recommend this school to anyone of any age who wants to improve their health, maintain their physical abilities and benefit from the meditation which is also part of each class. 

Steven K.

I have found that life is full of ups and downs. On the one hand, you have financial problems, family illness, and the loss of loved ones. On the other hand, you have good jobs, good health, and good relationships. But it's really hard to keep balanced on the roller coaster.

That's exactly what the training at the Blue Dragon does for me: helps me stay centered. I get to put the past behind me, and not worry about what the future holds. After each class, or practice session on my own, I feel more ready to deal with whatever comes next. 

It's sometimes hard to believe that martial arts can do this for you. I mean, isn't it just about defending yourself? Or getting in really good shape? Maybe learning a little bit about Eastern philosophy and culture? 

The Blue Dragon has all this, but much more. It's a place to work on yourself, to re-calibrate after life pulls you in five different directions. Adults with responsibilities really need this. Where else can you put your spouse, kids, parents, job, community all aside, and work on being the best version of you? Then you dive back into your life, but as a new and improved version of you. And so everybody around you benefits.

I frankly can't think of a better type of training to get.

David M.

Friendly and highly professional staff. The instructional model is such that you can begin at any level of physical fitness and grow at your own pace. An excellent choice for those who are seeking an authentic martial arts experience.

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