Class - Taiji and Qigong 太极
Taught by : Imari , Keely & Arthur
Maestra Imari (Imari Colón), Director and Headmaster of East Cloud Kungfu, has trained in Wushu, Taiji, and Shaolin Kungfu since 2010 — including immersive study in China. Her teaching integrates physical discipline, internal cultivation, and philosophical depth, further informed by four years of committed Ashtanga Yoga practice.
Dr. Keely Dulmage is a Taiji and Qigong instructor in the Wudang Sanfeng lineage, training under Master Zhong Xuechao, with 10+ years across Wudang Sanfeng arts, Chen and Yang style Taiji, and Ki Aikido (Shodan). Founder of Snake and Turtle Martial Arts in Cary, NC, she pairs a genetics research background with martial depth for an inclusive, grounded, and joyful practice.
Arthur Freeman spent 20+ years crossing Korean, Japanese, and African martial traditions before Chinese Qigong and Daoist philosophy anchored his path. For 12+ years he has immersed in Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan. With a background in massage and bodywork, he teaches through mechanics and cross-style synthesis rather than rote repetition — building art that is effective, powerful, and structurally sound.
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Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art that focuses on harnessing and utilizing internal energy through slow, gentle movements that simulate self-defense techniques, promoting stress reduction, improved balance, circulation, respiration, intellectual capacity, strength, and mobility, with progression from basic techniques to more complex taolu and advanced routines involving demonstration weapons and some contact.
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Improves balance, coordination, and mobility
Supports stress relief and nervous system regulation
Develops breath awareness and mindfulness
Builds internal strength, posture, and body connection
Encourages longevity, recovery, and overall wellness
Helps cultivate calm focus and emotional balance
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Do I need to be flexible or experienced?
No. Classes are beginner-friendly and adaptable to different bodies and experience levels.Is Taiji only for relaxation?
No. While deeply calming, Taiji is also a martial art that develops structure, coordination, and internal power.What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing you can move in comfortably.What is the difference between Taiji and Qigong?
Qigong focuses more on breath, energy cultivation, and simple exercises, while Taiji combines those principles into flowing martial movement sequences.
Class - Wing Chun 咏春
Taught by : Shifu Alex Wall
Alex has trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu since 1995, studying under Sifu Ron Bey in the lineage of Dr. Fred Ming An Wu. He served as an assistant instructor at Bey’s Martial Arts Academy for nearly a decade, earning his black sash in Wing Chun in 2002 and also assisting with Tai Chi instruction.
To broaden his martial foundation, Alex began training in Judo in 2011 and earned his black belt in 2016. Since 2019, he has been teaching Wing Chun at East Cloud Kungfu and practicing Wushu with Shifu Imari.
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Wing Chun Kung Fu is a Chinese martial art from the Shaolin Temple, founded by the nun Ng Mui as a method for individuals with less upper body strength to defend themselves, and later named after Yim Wing Chun, the woman to whom Ng Mui taught the style.
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Improves balance, mobility, posture, and body awareness
Reduces stress while supporting mindfulness and breath awareness
Promotes strength, recovery, longevity, and emotional well-being
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Is it beginner-friendly? Yes; the system is structured for progressive, efficient learning.
Is it strength-based? No. It prioritizes positioning and structure over force.
Do you spar? Yes, training incorporates drills, partner work, and controlled/light sparring based on experience level.
Class - Jeet Kune Do 截拳道
Taught by : Gerald Townsend
Gerald began his martial arts journey in 1973, training in Goju-Shorin Karate and later expanding into Karate kickboxing, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, and Wing Chun.
In the 1990s, he began studying Jeet Kune Do with exposure to first-and second-generation students of Bruce Lee. Gerald is a Certified JKD Trainer under Sifu Tommy Gong’s JKDStrong organization and leads East Cloud’s Jeet Kune Do practice group.
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Bruce Lee, seeking the fundamental concepts of all martial arts, combined elements of Western boxing, fencing, and Wing Chun to create his own martial art, Jeet Kune Do (JKD), meaning “The Way of the Intercepting Fist,” with the core principle being to intercept an opponent’s attack.
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Develops versatile self-defense through striking, trapping, and strategic movement.
Enhances timing, speed, reflexes, and awareness for superior performance.
Fosters personal expression and creativity to build a well-rounded martial artist.
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Is JKD one specific style?
No. JKD is an evolving approach that draws from multiple systems, emphasizing efficiency and directness.Will I only learn striking?
Classes may include footwork, trapping, timing drills, striking, and broader self-defense concepts.Do I need prior martial arts experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
Class - Kickboxing 截拳道
Taught by : Ray & Derek
Ray Raynor
Ray began his martial arts training in childhood by exploring TaeKwonDo, Capoeira, and Chinese martial arts. After returning to East Cloud in 2021, he trained Wushu under the mentorship of Shifu Imari and went on to study for six months at Shaolin Temple Yunnan in China under Shifu Yanjun and other Masters. He now teaches with dedication, discipline, and gratitude for the path that shaped him.
Coach Derek Stevens
Derek has practiced martial arts for 10+ years & taught for 5, specializing in Muay Boran, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. Dedicated to sharing arts that have shaped his own life, he focuses on building fundamentals, striking skills, confidence, and discipline. He leads East Cloud's Striking Kickboxing classes, blending shadowboxing, technique development, partner drills, and light-contact sparring in a supportive learning environment.
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Chinese Kickboxing, or Sanda (散打), is a modern combat sport that blends traditional Kung Fu with full-contact striking, takedowns, and throws. Also called 自由搏击 (Zìyóu Bójī), meaning “free fighting,” it emphasizes speed, power, and strategy, making it an effective martial art for self-defense and competition.
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Provides a full-body conditioning workout that improves stamina and coordination.
Enhances agility, reaction time, and technical striking skills.
Builds confidence, discipline, and resilience while relieving stress
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Is this beginner-friendly?
Yes. Beginners and experienced students can train together with modifications as needed.Do I have to spar?
No. Light-contact sparring may be offered, but participation is optional.What kind of kickboxing is taught?
The program focuses on striking-based kickboxingWhat should I bring?
Athletic clothing and water. Gloves and equipment recommendations can be provided.
Class - Shaolin Kungfu 少林
Taught by : Ray & Tessa
Ray
Ray began his martial arts training in childhood by exploring TaeKwonDo, Capoeira, and Chinese martial arts. After returning to East Cloud in 2021, he trained Wushu under the mentorship of Shifu Imari and went on to study for six months at Shaolin Temple Yunnan in China under Shifu Yanjun and other Masters. He now teaches with dedication, discipline, and gratitude for the path that shaped him
Tessa
Tessa is a dedicated assistant instructor in East Cloud’s youth and kids program. She has been a committed student since before East Cloud was founded, training under the school’s previous master and continuing her path with consistency and care.
Tessa brings patience, warmth, and steady presence to the classroom, supporting young students as they build confidence, focus, & a strong foundation in their training.
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Wushu is an external style of Chinese martial arts that combines performance routines (taolu) and self-defense techniques (sanda), emphasizing detail, speed, power, agility, with progression from basic movements to complex routines, including the use of weapons and some contact.
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Builds physical fitness, athleticism, coordination, and body awareness.
Cultivates discipline, perseverance, focus, and personal growth.
Connects students with traditional martial arts culture and philosophy
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What style of Kungfu do you teach?
Our curriculum draws from traditional Shaolin along with contemporary Wushu training methods and conditioning.Can beginners join?
Yes. Classes are structured to support both beginners and experienced practitioners.What will I learn in class?
Training includes forms, kicks, conditioning, weapons, and partner drills, evolving from fundamentals to advanced acrobatics.Is Kungfu only physical training?
No. The practice also includes philosophy, discipline, mindfulness, cultural understanding, and personal development.
Class - Kids Kungfu 少林
Taught by : Tessa
Tessa is a dedicated assistant instructor in East Cloud’s youth and kids program. She has been a committed student since before East Cloud was founded, training under the school’s previous master and continuing her path with consistency and care.
Tessa brings patience, warmth, and steady presence to the classroom, supporting young students as they build confidence, focus, & a strong foundation in their training.
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A fun and structured introduction to Kungfu designed especially for young beginners. Students will learn foundational movements, basic stances, coordination drills, and introductory forms while developing focus, discipline, and confidence. Classes also incorporate partner work, games, and light conditioning to keep learning engaging and dynamic.
This program builds not only physical skills, but also respect, perseverance, and self-awareness in a supportive environment.
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Builds confidence, discipline, focus, and social skills through teamwork.
Helps children develop coordination, balance, flexibility, & develop healthy movement habits
Encourages perseverance and provides a creative outlet for energy.
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What ages can join?
Kids Kungfu is designed for children ages 6–12.Does my child need experience?
No experience is necessary.What will my child learn?
Students learn foundational Kungfu techniques, forms, conditioning, flexibility, coordination, and partner drills in a structured, supportive environment.Is the environment supportive for shy children?
Yes. We strive to create a welcoming and encouraging environment where students can grow at their own pace.
Open Hand Circle
Taught by : Alex
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Open Hand Circle gets its name from our resident Zen Priest, Alex, who co-facilitates this morning community gathering with Maestra Imari. Held in our meditation room space, we gather to sit quietly, share tea and explore oracle readings for insight, mindfulness, and meaningful discussion. Journaling and group reflection are encouraged as we feel moved.
This session is free and open to everyone—come sip, reflect, and connect! A great way to slow down and prepare the mind before our Taiji class.
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Creates space for reflection, mindfulness, and connection
Encourages meaningful conversation and self-awareness
Supports emotional balance and personal growth
Cultivates community and shared learning
Offers time to slow down and reconnect inwardly
Integrates tea, meditation, journaling, and contemplative practices
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What is Open Hand Circle?
Open Hand Circle is a community gathering centered around mindfulness, tea, reflection, discussion, and personal exploration.Do I need meditation experience?
No. All experience levels are welcome.What happens during a session?
Sessions may include meditation, tea sharing, oracle readings, journaling, group discussion, or contemplative practices.Is this religious?
No. The space is open and welcoming to people from many different backgrounds and perspectives.