Center Directors

Nancy Lucero

I have one daughter, three grandchildren and two little kids named Chi-Chen and Bella.

My vocational background is in Human Resources, Marketing/Sales, Trade shows,  Event Planning and Administration. 

I started my tai chi journey in 1996 with Master Shuo Chen initially learning the Yang Style Simplied 24 Form, 32 Simplied Sword, 103 Movement Tai Chi Form and Push Hands.

After his passing, I began studying with Master Yang Jun at his Seattle International District location in 2000 learning the Traditional Yang Family Forms – Hand, Saber, Sword, Staff and Push Hands. 

When the Redmond school opened, late 2001, I was appointed Office Manager by Master Yang and Fang Laoshi.  Soon thereafter, I became Master Yang’s Assistant in his International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.  In 2012, I became School Manager where I continued to organize the Redmond School’s seminars, open houses, ranking events and practices, demonstration teams and performances, anniversary celebrations and social events. 

In 2016, Mike and I partnered with Master Yang and Fang Laoshi in running the Redmond Center. When Master Yang retired from the Center in 2018, we assumed the roles of Directors and currently run the Redmond Center.

When the Covid Pandemic hit in March 2020, I started teaching all of our classes on the Zoom platform. I am happy that our Center and highly trained instructors are reaching students from around the world via our Zoom classes.

I feel extremely fortunate to have Master Yang and Fang Laoshi as my guiding lights through my exploration and understanding of their family’s art form.

Nancy is an Academy Instructor of the Association.

Email:  nancy@yangfamilytaichi.com

 

Mike Lucero

Mike started learning tai chi in 1996 at a class taught at Microsoft by Master Shuo Y Chen, learning the 24, 32 sword, and 103 forms and starting push hands. In 2000, he and Nancy started to teach tai chi at Microsoft and senior centers, and near the end of 2000 joined the YCF Center to learn push hands, the 67 sword form and 13 saber forms.

In 2008, we became certified instructors of the Association. And, in 2016, we started running the center.

In 2020, we shut down our physical location in Redmond and moved on to the InterTubes to provide our classes to the world.

Mike is a Certified Instructor of the Association.

Email: mikelucero@yangfamilytaichi.com

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YFTCCA Associate Instructors

Rita Tan

I had long been interested in Tai Chi when I was living in Chicago and had taken classes intermittently as my schedule permitted.

After retiring to Bellevue I discovered the Yang Cheng Fu Tai Chi Center and began study of the Traditional Long Form in 2011 with Fang Laoshi after attending her Tai Chi Basics class. I have furthered my understanding of Tai Chi Chuan by attending several symposia with Master Yang Jun as well as his refinement classes. Learning from various other teachers at the school, especially Nancy and Mike Lucero, has broadened my perspective. The skills acquired in the hand form are enhanced by the addition of push hands, sword and saber. . In 2020 I was certified as an associate instructor by the Yang Family Tai Chi Association.

Teaching has allowed me to share my love of Tai Chi and think more deeply about various aspects of the form. Helping students learn the form I see it anew and find great satisfaction in the cycle of teaching and learning.

JP DeVries

JP started learning taijiquan from Mike and Nancy Lucero in 1999. He began studying with Master Yang Jun when the Redmond YCF Center opened in 2000. He returned to taijiquan after a break in the 2010s. Pierre was trained as a physicist, and dropped out of art school. He’s worked in venture capital, software management, and technology policy.

Cheryl Cliney

Cheryl has 19 years of experience in Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong. She began her training in 2005 in Philadelphia, PA exploring disciplines in Kung fu, Tai Chi, Baguazhang, and Yoga. By 2007 she earned her first teaching certificates in Yin Yoga and Yang style Tai Chi kickstarting her teaching career. Cheryl has conducted classes from the east to west coast of the U.S. and has brought her expertise to a global audience, teaching enthusiasts around the world through Zoom. Additionally, she has extended her reach by sharing instructional videos on YouTube, making the practices of Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong accessible to everyone, everywhere.

In 2006, Cheryl started training with Master Yang Jun. Recognizing the authenticity, Cheryl focused on training directly with the Yang family. Cheryl has attended multiple seminars with Master Yang, including hosting one at her dojo. She is proud to be a certified instructor holding rank with the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.

In 2008, Cheryl managed a studio in Philadelphia specializing in traditional Yoga styles like Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Iyengar Yoga. This experience enhanced her teaching methods, emphasizing proper alignment and breathwork. As a registered Yoga Alliance instructor, Cheryl holds certifications in Yin, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga-inspired Yoga (Rocket Yoga).

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student Cheryl’s classes cater to all levels, offering a diverse range of options for a fulfilling experience. Cheryl’s expertise extends beyond traditional practices, as she emphasizes the healing potential of proper alignment in the body. With a keen focus on addressing chronic pain, Cheryl’s classes provide not only a path to physical well-being but also a holistic approach to healing through mindful movement and alignment principles.

When Cheryl’s not surfing and catching waves, She can be found in the kitchen whipping up a batch of Risotto for her toddler. Cheryl loves to create beautiful things and enjoys diving into sewing and upholstery projects but she can also be found curled up with a good book, and some yarn for a knitting or crocheting project. No matter what she is doing she pours her heart into it, exploring the details and always trying to learn more and improve her techniques.

Edward Wan

In 2002, to balance the long hours sitting in front of computer at work, I started learning and practicing Tai Chi Chuan on a regular basis. The first form I learned was the simplified 24 movement Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan Hand Form.

Since 2012 I have been a student at the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center Seattle/Redmond (YCF Center) that is founded by Master Yang Jun (6th generation direct descendant of the founder of Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, Yang Lu Chan). Studying under Master Yang Jun and his wife Fang Hong and other excellent instructors at the center has greatly increased my understanding of Tai Chi Chuan, and also motivated me to learn more about the art/martial form. I have studied the Traditional Long Form, 10 Movement Form (Tai Chi Kung), Sword Form, Saber Form, and Standing Meditation.

To enhance my teaching skills, in Summer of 2016 I participated in the Teacher Training Method – 1 (TTM-1) training in Connecticut organized by the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.

At present, I am teaching a weekly Tai Chi Chuan Traditional Long Form class at the YCF Center, and also at the Washington State Chinese Cancer Network Association in Bellevue, I am also leading a weekly session on Simplified Tai Chi Movements at the Island House on Mercer Island.

Regarding Tai Chi Chuan, the one regret that I have is that I should have started learning Tai Chi Chuan much sooner, and from a knowledgeable instructor. There is a wealth of knowledge to learn about Tai Chi Chuan. The only consolation is that – better late than never. I have started on my Tai Chi journey.

Ed is certified as TTM1 Trainer on Tai Chi Kung of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan.

Fanny Wan

I grew up in Hong Kong, but missed out on its martial arts tradition. My tai chi journey started after immigration to Seattle, where opportunities to learn tai chi were hard to come by.

I first had a friend show me the Simplified Yang 24 form. Then I attended tai chi classes in community centers.  In 2012, I discovered the Yang Family School, and have since been attending its classes on   hand form, sword, saber, push-hand, and instructor training.     I enjoy all of these classes, and have found personal growth and better health.  I know my fortune is a result of a sophisticated heritage, a good curriculum, and dedicated teachers.

Retired from the career of a school psychologist’s, now I get to help promote Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan through sharing my understanding of the art.  I also get to explore other martial arts traditions.   Career post-retirement can’t be more blissful.

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Teachers

Gene Egan

It’s an honor to study under Master Yang Jun, Fang Hong Laoshi, and their gifted instructors.

 

DD Hilke

DD Hilke has been a student of martial arts since the mid-eighties, avidly pursuing Judo on the East coast from 1982 to 1998, branching out to try both aikido and aiki jujitsu while working their way west, and finally discovering Tai Chi when they moved to the Seattle area in 2009.  DD began their studies at Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center in the fall of 2010 at the suggestion of their then teacher Martin Melish.

DD has had the privilege of studying with nearly all of the teachers at the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center, learning the form initially from Fang Laoshi and Stefanie Russell.  Over the last several years, under the primary tutelage of Nancy Lucero, Mike Lucero, and seminars with Master Yang Jun, DD has had the opportunity to pursue training in the art of teaching Tai Chi, as well as hand forms, weapons, and push hands.  In 2017, DD achieved a Gold Eagle rank from the International Yang Family Tai chi Chuan Association.  In 2018, they were added to the Judges Registry for the Association.  In 2020, they were awarded 2nd and 3rd place respectively for the Yang Family International Junzheng Online Cup and the China Junzheng Cup for their Essential form performances.

DD began teaching Tai Chi in January of 2017 in Woodinville Washington, and joined the teaching staff at Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center in the late fall of 2017.  They have been teaching with the school ever since. 

DD enjoys questions more than answers, movement more than stillness, and being wholeheartedly and joyously involved in life.  When not doing Tai Chi, you might find DD enjoying life with their husband and grandchildren, or finding a way to help protect our planet or to stand with those who are disadvantaged.

 

Judy Stone-Goldman

Judy Stone-Goldman began studying Tai Chi in community center classes in 2014, drawn by curiosity and an awareness that life felt too hectic. In 2015 she began studying the Traditional Form (Long Hand Form) as a student of Fang Laoshi at the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center in Redmond, WA. She has continued to study the Hand Form, Push Hands, and Saber Form at the Redmond Center, benefiting from instruction by many gifted teachers as well as support from other students sharing in the joys and challenges of learning tai chi. Attending seminars with Master Yang Jun has deepened her appreciation of philosophy, principles, and methods of Tai Chi.

Teaching has long been part of Judy’s life, from early school presentations to a university teaching/clinical career in speech/language pathology. Judy finds that when she learns something that is meaningful and rewarding, she wants to share it with others. It is thus not surprising that she has now entered into teaching Tai Chi. She is grateful to Nancy Lucero, Center Director, for developing the Teacher Training Program and for supporting new teachers in their development. Judy teaches a Hand Form class at the Center, leads student practices, and supports other Hand Form teachers in their classes.

Judy also shares Tai Chi with people outside the Center. She has given introductory talks and sample classes for the Northwest Arthritis Network as well as the National Juvenile Arthritis Foundation. In addition to teaching Tai Chi, Judy is an instructor in Group Fitness, certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Silver Sneakers©. She strives to help individuals enjoy safe and enlivening exercise in a variety of group formats.

In her continuing efforts to find peaceful spaces, Judy enjoys journal writing, swimming, and doing crosswords with her husband. A long-ago transplant from the East Coast, she loves the Pacific Northwest, rain and all.

Kelly Hong-Williams

Kelly started her Tai Chi journey in 2011 and joined the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center Seattle/Redmond in 2014. She passionately believes in the healing powers of mindfulness and connection, and loves practicing with others. She is very fond of her Tai Chi family and is excited about its continuous expansion!

Marian Stewart

In the early eighties in California, I studied Kenpo Karate and Iyengar/Hatha Yoga. In 1989, my husband and I settled in Woodinville, Washington, where we raised one son, a few cats, and several large dogs. In 2019, seeking to improve my health, I had the good fortune to find the Yang Chengfu Tai Chi Center in Redmond, Washington.

Initially, I began study of the Traditional Form under Mike Lucero. I have continued to study the Hand Form and the Essential Form under Nancy Lucero, as well as other gifted, generous, and dedicated instructors. Attending Master Yang’s online seminar has deepened my understanding of principles and methods, and appreciation of Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan. In 2021, I was honored to be invited to join the Teacher Training Program and, in 2022, joined the Teaching Staff.

With a dog or a cat by my knee, I am often found reading, writing, taking photographs, or baking. My vocational background includes high technology purchasing, administration, grant research, writing, and editing. Following my passion, I created and developed a studio and taught piano for many years. I discovered that I loved teaching and guiding my students to find their own joy in music. Now I hope to share the gifts of Tai Chi to help others attain improved strength and serenity.

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Previous Center Directors/Our Teachers

Master Yang Jun

6 ^th Generation direct descendant of the founder of Yang Style Tai Chi, Yang Lu Chan. He has been trained by his grandfather,
Master Yang Zhen Duo, since age 5 to carry-on the Yang Family traditions. He is certified as the highest level judge in China and served as head judge for the 1998 National
Tai Chi Competition in China.

In 1995 he was given the title of “Shanxi Province Famous WuShu Master” by the Chinese WuShu Academy. Yang Jun taught seminars overseas with his grandfather for ten years.

He moved to Seattle from China in August 1999 with his wife Fang Hong, to teach and serve as President of the Association.

Email: info@yangfamilytaichi.com

Fang Hong (Mrs. Yang Jun)

When Fang Hong started her Tai Chi journey in 1987, she was fortunate to have Grandmaster Yang Zhenduo as her first teacher. She continues learning from her husband, Master Yang Jun. In 1999, she joined Master Yang Jun in teaching Tai Chi in the Seattle area. In addition to being a Tai Chi instructor and a dedicated wife and mother, she also serves as Secretary to the International Yang Family Tai Chi Chuan Association.

Email: info@yangfamilytaichi.com