“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 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 50 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 Sensei Joseph Bonacci

  • B.A. Penn State 1980

  • Kwanmukan 3rd degree Black Belt 1983 Master George Anderson, Sensei Joseph Bonacci

  • Bow-Sim Mark is Nick Gracenin’s Shifu (primary teacher)

  • Fu Yonghui, Li Tianji and Liang Qiangya are Nick Gracenin’s martial grandpas

  • An Tianrong, Fu Shenglong, Li Deyin, and Xia Bohua are Nick Gracenin’s martial uncles, and greatly contributed to his training

  • Private and group training with Grandmasters including Li Tianji, Bow-Sim Mark, An Tianrong, Feng Zhiqiang, Fu Shenglong, He Weiqi, Li Deyin, Liang Qiangya, Liang Shouyu, Sun Deyao, Sun Jianyun, Xia Bohua, Wang Peisheng, Wang Jurong, and Yang Jwingming,

  • Group training with Fu Yonghui, Cai Hongxiang, Cai Longyun, Chen Xiaowang, Chen Zhenglei, Fu Shuyun, Fu Wenlong, Fu Zhongwen, Li Junfeng, Liu Tongwei, Liu Xiaoling, Lu Junhai, Ma Hailong, Ma Yueliang, Men Huifeng, Niu Huailu, Qian Yuanze, Qiu Peixiang, Sha Guozheng, Su Zifang, Sun Yongtian, Wang Jinbao, Wen Li, Wu Bin, Wu Yinghua,  Wu Wenhan, Wu Chengde, Yang Jun, Yang Zhenduo, Zang Ziguo, Zeng Nailiang, Zhu Ruiqi

  • Kwanmukan 5th degree Black Belt 1985 Grandmaster Robert Trias, Master George Anderson, Sensei Joseph Bonacci

  • 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

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

  • Master of Ceremonies, Performer, and Panelist at the International Taijiquan Symposium, Vanderbilt University, USA 2009

  • Invited to perform at the 80th anniversary of Renmin University and Professor Li Deyin’s 80th birthday celebration in Beijing. Leading a group performance with students from DC Tai Chi, China 2017

    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

    TEACHING:

    • Friendship Village Center, Chevy Chase Town Hall, Foggy Bottom West End Village, Watergate West, 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, 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