Nine Dragon Academy

Da Shi Xiong Kevin Sears is the head instructor and co-founder of the Nine Dragon Academy.  The Nine Dragon Academy offers a compilation of instruction in Chinese Martial Arts including, Yang family Tai Chi, Qigong, Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu, Traditional and Freestyle Lion Dancing, and a comprehensive combatives program.  Da Shi Xiong Sears has trained martial arts  for over 17 years, including 10 years in Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu apprenticed under Sigung Vincent Cabais, and has taught for 10 years.  In addition he has full contact fighting experience in Muay Thai and Muay Boran.  He has studied Northern Mantis, Eagle, and Snake, along with Southern Fujian White Crane and Shaolin Quanfa, as well as Chan Buddhism with Venerable Raymond Fong. He also spent significant time studying Yang Taiji, as well as Chen and Sun, Wudang Taiji, Daoist qigong, Bagua, and Xingyi with Sifu Steven Thompson.

Da Shi Xiong Matt Talbert is a senior instructor, co-founder and General Manager of the Nine Dragon Academy.  Da Shi Xiong Talbert has trained for 9 years in Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu apprenticed under Sigung Vincent Cabais and has been actively teaching Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu for 6 years.

Jiao Lian Lin Gao is the competition sport wushu coach of the Nine Dragon Academy.  Jiao Lian Lin Gao started training at the age of 5 and spent 14 years developing her martial arts skills.  She obtained her Masters Degree from East China Normal University in 2003.

Shi Xiong Joel Balestra is an assistant instructor of the Nine Dragon Academy.  Shi Xiong Balestra has trained for 9 years in Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu under Sigung Vincent Cabais and has been actively teaching for 6 years.

Shi Xiong Thomas Johnson is an assistant instructor of the Nine Dragon Academy.  Shi Xiong Johnson has trained for 3 years in Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu under Sigung Vincent Cabais and has been recently raised to Assistant Instructor.

Jiao Lian Jesse Nenninger is the Nine Dragon Academy Lion Dance Troupe Director.  Jiao Lian Nenninger has actively trained and performed the cultural art of lion dancing for 4 years and has recently been raised to Troupe Director.

Qiuju Wang, RYT has practiced Yoga for 5 years, receiving her 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification after training under Pam Schulte of Just Practice Yoga. She has trained with Beryl Bender Birch, creator of Power Yoga, and has experience with Hatha, Power, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa Yoga. Her preferred style is Vinyasa, due to its flowing and relaxing effect on the body.