Sifu John Varley

Sifu John Varley always had a strong interest in martial arts, loving martial arts movies, especially classics like the Shaw Brothers films. His training began with Shotokan Karate in middle school. After a lapse in his high school years, he returned to martial arts in 2007, practicing Chungdokwan Taekwondo throughout college.

After college, the search for a traditional style led him to Northern Shaolin Academy. Initially practicing both Wing Chun (Southern Style Kung Fu) and Tien Shan Pai (Northern Style Kung Fu), he chose to focus on Tien Shan Pai in recent years, achieving his black sash in 2023.

Now as an instructor, John prefers to focus on the applications and techniques, making him particularly fond of two-man forms like the Six Harmony Staff. Seeing how the techniques are used not only helps students learn, but encourages them to think of more ways those moves can be applied.

* The beauty of traditional martial arts is in their versatility.

* No matter your height, no matter your build, you can find something that works.