Meet the Instructors
Brian Martens
Senior Certified Instructor
Brian began studying Dong (Tung) style taijiquan in 1980 with senior students of third generation Master Tung Kai Ying. He started training with fourth generation Master Alex Dong in 2009, and was impressed with the depth, clarity, and openness of his teaching. Brian was authorized to teach Dong style taiji in 2010, receiving his teaching certificate in 2013 and senior instructor plaque in 2019. That same year, Master Dong sanctioned the Dong Style Taijiquan School of Syracuse.
Brian retired as Professor Emeritus from Syracuse University where he also taught taiji classes in the Exercise Science Department for 14 years. He currently teaches classes and workshops at the Wellness Center in Camillus. Brian continues to train with Master Dong, and like all taiji practitioners is a work in progress. "The only way to understand tai chi is through practice."
David DeLuca
Certified Instructor
Dave DeLuca began practicing Dong style taijiquan in 2008 with Senior Instructor Brian Martens. In addition to weekly classes with Brian, Dave has attended weekend workshops with 4th generation Master Alex Dong. These workshops are extremely beneficial in the development of a
Tai Chi practice.
Dave began his training soon after completing massage therapy school, in search of an overall body workout to help him remain healthy during a career that is physically and emotionally demanding.
“The stretching, strengthening, mindfulness and body awareness involved in Tai Chi has helped me to remain physically and emotionally balanced for all the clients I have an opportunity to work with."
He teaches taiji classes at the Wellness Center of Medical Center West in Camillus and the John Carno Recreation Center in Syracuse.
Timothy King
Certified Instructor
Timothy King started in martial arts in 1978 in the Okinawan Gojo-Ryu Karate-Do style and advanced to Nidan, Second-degree black belt. In1997, Tim studied Yang style Tai Chi Chuan with instructor Tao Heng until he returned to China. Tim learned the 24, 40, and 42 forms.
In 2000, Tim studied Yang style Tai Chi Chuan with senior instructor Randie Hughes, a student of Daniel Lee. Tim learned 108 Yang form and Tai Chi Sword form before becoming a senior instructor.
In 2017, Tim started studying Dong style taijiquan with Senior Instructor Brian Martens and has since been attending weekend intensive retreats with fourth generation Master Alex Dong. Tim has learned the Dong style Long form, Simplified and Advanced forms, and Saber and Sword forms.