Marcos Rivera
He Shen Chen Aka: Invisible Platypus
Four Years ago, I was in the hospital. I had a condition that required surgery. As I was waiting one day, I saw someone across the way in one of the yards practicing with a Straight sword. I do not know what style it was, but then I remembered that I had taken yang style tai chi sometime back. After getting out I started searching for a school to train.
My search always brought me back to one web page, metaltiger.com. I also saw two other styles listed, Ba Gua Zhang, Xing-Yi Quan, along with Tai Ji Quan. The 2 others sounded familiar, but I did not recognize them. I researched them and found them to be very interesting. I hesitated only because of the pictures of Frank (who then was only the guy with the tattoos demonstrating techniques) scared me a little.
I convinced some friends to join me and off we went to the Wu Tang. When we arrived no one was there. I went to the site and realized they must be in
I waited until the end of January, I came back alone. I came on a Tuesday afternoon, planning to take Xing-Yi. Instead, Frank introduced me to Ba Gua Zhang. I realized Frank was really a friendly and nice guy, and I continued with the Ba Gua. I eventually added Chen and Wu style Tai Ji Quan, and I made it around to the Xing Yi. Next I hope to have time to add on fighting for health.
Like Many Students, I had also studied other styles of martial arts, My first being tae kwon do. I also practiced Kuk Sool Won, Shorin-ryu, Jiu-Jitsu, and had some ventures in judo and Goju-ryu.
Tae Kwon Do - I left because the family feeling had disappeared. The others never quite grabbed hold of me as the Martial arts I am now practicing. More Importantly I feel The way I did when I first started martial arts long ago.
I thank Frank and Tina for making feel welcome in the time I have been there, and also thanks to my other fellow brother and sister students New and Old for making feel welcome at The Wu Tang. I also Thank Frank and Tina for offering me the chance to become a disciple and continue to spread the lineage. I promise to never let them down