“SHIFU LING JIN MEN, XIU XING ZAI GE REN”
The Teacher leads you into the door, the results are up to you...
DC Tai Chi is a Chinese Martial Arts collective based in Washington, DC. Founded by noted Master Nick Gracenin, DC Tai Chi provides instruction in group, private, and corporate wellness classes.
"Ming shi gao tu" is a traditional Chinese expression meaning "Famous teachers produce high-level students". Trained by many of the best, Master Gracenin is one of the foremost teachers in North America.
"After 45 plus years, I have been privileged time and again to witness personal transformation when my students overcome challenges to health and wellness. Those are the times I most love being a teacher."
EDUCATION, RANKING:
Began martial arts training in 1969: Chinese Kempo. American Karate, Judo, Shotokan Karate, and Kwanmukan Karate
Began Chinese martial arts in 1977
Began study with Grandmaster Bow-Sim Mark 1978
Kwanmukan 1st degree Black Belt 1979
B.A. Penn State 1980
Kwanmukan 3rd degree Black Belt 1983
Private and group training with Grandmasters including Bow-Sim Mark, Li Tianji, Li Deyin, An Tianrong, Fu Shenglong, Liang Qiangya, Sun Jianyun, Feng Zhiqiang, Xia Bohua, Wang Peisheng, Wang Jurong, Sun Deyao, Liang Shouyu, group training with Fu Yonghui, Men Huifeng, Fu Wenlong, Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenglei, Sha Guozheng, Cai Longyun, Cai Hongxiang, Ma Yueliang, Wu Yinghua, Yang Zhenduo, Fu Zhongwen, Ma Hailong, Wu Wenhan, Wu Chengde, He Weiqi, Yang Jwingming, Wu Bin, Li Junfeng, Chen Yuanze, Zang Ziguo, Wang Jinbao, Fu Shuyun, Zhu Ruiqi, Wen Li, Lu Junhai, Liu Xiaoling, Qiu Peixiang, Liu Tongwei, Zeng Nailiang, Su Zifang, Yang Jun 1981 - present
Kwanmukan 5th degree Black Belt 1985
Trained with Professional Martial Arts Teams and Universities of Physical Education in Beijing, Nanjing, Shanghai, Xian and Wuhan, China 1984 - 2000
Certified International Judge Chinese Wushu Association Mr. Xu Cai, President 1987
Certified International Coach International Wushu Federation Mr. Zhang Yaoting, President 2000
8th Degree Black Belt - International Wushu Sanshoudao Association Mr. Liang Shouyu, President 2005
10th Degree Black Belt - International Wushu Research Federation Mr. An Tianrong, President 2012
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Executive Committee member International Wushu Federation 1986-1999 During this tenure, the IWuF achieved international sport status via membership in the General Assembly of International Sport Federation and subsequently the International Olympic Committee.
Inside Kung-Fu “100 people who have made the most impact on martial arts this century” 2000
Inside Kung-Fu magazine Hall of Fame Man of the Year 2005
Named to “100 Extraordinary Chinese Martial Artists of the World” 2007
Trained 20 US Team Members, National and International Champions, and athletes from North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa
PUBLICATIONS:
Inside Kung-Fu magazine several articles
Qigong Kung-Fu magazine columnist
Journal of Chinese Martial Arts columnist
Chinese Wushu Video Series 7 volumes Panther Productions 1995
AWARDS:
Over 500 trophies at martial arts tournaments, regionally ranked competitor in North America Karate and Kung Fu tournaments 1978-2000
Champion of All Black Belt Weapons and Black Belt Chinese Styles United States Karate Association International Grand Championships Cleveland, USA 1983
Silver Medal Combined Tai Chi International Taijiquan and Sword Championships and Friendship Exchange Wuhan, China 1984
Bronze Medal Sword, 4th Spear, 6th Changquan, 4th All-around 1st World Invitational Wushu Championships Xian, China 1985
Bronze Medal Men’s All-around, Silver Medal Sword, Silver Medal Spear, Bronze Medal Xingyiquan 2nd World Invitational Wushu Championships Tianjin, China 1986
Bronze Medal Spear, Medal of Excellence Praying Mantis, Award for Outstanding Dedication, Selected to represent all athletes at Opening Ceremony World Wushu Festival Hangzhou, China 1988
US Taijiquan Team Captain, 4th Sword, Medal of Excellence Combined Tai Chi 1st World Taijiquan Championships Fujian, China 1993
Bronze Medal Taijiquan, 6th Spear, Medal of Excellence Praying Mantis 3rd World Wushu Championships Baltimore, USA 1995
Outstanding Performance Awards Fu style Liangyiquan, Praying Mantis, and Group Taijiquan Shanghai Wushu Festival Shanghai, China 2000
Selected with his daughter Mallory Gracenin by Grandmaster Bow-Sim Mark to represent the Bow-Sim Mark Tai Chi Arts Association in performances with Grandmaster Mark at the 80th Anniversary Celebrations of Hong Kong Jingwu Association Hong Kong, China 2002
TEACHING:
Equinox Sports Clubs, Cosmos Club, National Gallery of Art, the Washington National Cathedral, American Psychological Association, DC International School, National Bonsai Foundation, Watergate South, Inter-American Development Bank, Columbia Country Club, Friendship Village Center, National Industries for the Blind, UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine, Bank of NY Mellon, Washington YuYing School, Area Agency on Aging, Penn State University, Youngstown State University, American University, Ursinus, Harvard, and others
