Sifu Eric Richardson

Sifu Eric started his martial arts training in 1981 under the tutelage of Sensei O.J. Henderson in Shotokan at Wilberforce, OH while at college.

In 1987, Eric transitioned from karate to Kung Fu. This was a difficult undertaking because of preconceived notions about Kung fu. It was here at the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy that he met Sigung Norman Smith and Shirfu Thomas Hardy. The two Masters complimented one another with their vast martial arts backgrounds of Hung-gar, Tien Shan Pai and Tai Chi Chuan.

Sifu Eric first started at the school, studying T'ien Shan P'ai, an eclectic martial art. In the first stages he developed his foundation by utilizing Northern Shaolin techniques. Later he learned to incorporate Hsing Yi, P’a qua, and Tai Chi.

Throughout the 1980’s Sifu Eric was known for his sparring (fighting) abilites and great form (kata), he has participated and won many international and national martial arts tournaments throughout the east cost as well as appearing on the Comcast "Best of the Best" tournament held at the Philadelphia Spectrum representing the U.S Kung Fu team.

In 1991, Sifu Eric was introduced to the internal side of martial arts when he was taught "Touch for Health", Hsing Yi and P’a qua. The addition of Hsing Yi helped to improve his understanding of T'ien Shan P'ai. His form started to incorporate more postures and hand movements from that system.

In 1992, Sifu Eric started learning Yang style Tai Chi Chuan.

In 1995 -2001, Sifu Eric was introduced to Ox Tongue Pa Gua under Shir-fu Tom Hardy.

In 1997, Sifu Eric began training in Complete Reality Taoism (Dragon Gate Sect). Sifu Eric said that this training is academically, mentally and physically challenging.

Today, Sifu Eric is learning Tai Chi, Liu He Ba Fa and Ba Gua Chi Gung from and Master Wei Lun Huang and continues to develop his martial arts capabilities by training with Sigung Norman Smith and Sifu Hardy.

Sifu Eric is a true asset of the Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy.