Mike Martello
Praying Mantis Shifu
The information presented in this chart was collected from different sources -see Bibliography-, therefore the romanizations in Pinyin according to the Mandarin pronunciation of the characters sometimes is not available. If you find any mistakes or inaccuracies please contact me.
Shifu Mike Martello has been studying and teaching martial arts for over twenty years. Shifu Mike began his early training at the age of 11 with Wing Chun Kung fu Master Teddy Wong (NYC). He later became a disciple of shifu Su Yu Zhang, specializing in Tang Lang Quan (Praying Mantis Boxing), Ba Ji Quan, Ba Gua Zhang, Pi Gua Zhang, Xing Yi Quan and Tai Ji Quan.
Mike received his B.S. in Criminal Justice from John Jay College and has since lived in NYC, Taipei and Belgium. He has taught, performed and competed martial arts in Europe, Taiwan and across the U.S. Mike is a nationally and internationally ranked competitor in Chinese martial arts (gold, silver, bronze medallist, 86-88, 90-92 and 94-2000 U.S. Nationals and International Competitions).
In 1999-2000 shifu Martello moved to Taiwan, where he continued training Ba Bu Tang Lang Quan, Bai He Quan (White Crane), Qin Na (joint locking techniques), Tai Ji Quan push hands and Shuai Jiao (throws & sweeps) under shifu Wang Jia Lang.
Shifu Mike Martello also teaches with the Wutang Organization in Taiwan and in 2002 has been appointed by Taiwanese Wutang Directors and by shifu Liu Yun Chiao's wife as Director of the Belgian Branch of the WuTang Organization.
Also in 2002 shifu Mike Martello was awarded the Taiwanese Kuo Shu medal of Achievement for his work in Chinese martial arts.
Based in Belgium since 2003, shifu Mike Martello travelled around the world teaching gong fu seminars and workshops.
Shifu Mike Martello, age 42, passed away in Antwerp (Belgium) on January 2nd 2009 due to a congenital heart condition. Mike, good friend, rest in peace !
Picture taken in March 2009 in Texas, USA
Page Updated: 4th June 2009.
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Fernando Blanco Dopazo .