Previous Newsletters

Following the success of the March seminar, by popular request Sifu Britt will be conducting the second part of the series on 24 forms Saturday May 17th, 2008, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. Attendance at the first seminar is not a prerequisite for attending the second. The seminar is open to students of all levels. Fee for this seminar will be $35.00. 04/19/2008

On Saturday, April 12th 2008. from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sifu Britt will be presenting a seminar on meditation and the 24 forms at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. Fee for this seminar will be $35.00. 03/15/2008

On Saturday, October 20th, 2007, Sifu Britt was invited to address the patients and staff of the Pain Clinic Of Michigan & Neurosurgery Group at the Venetian Banquet Hall in Madison Heights.

Betsy Paruszkiewicz, R.N. opened the session and organized the event. Sifu Britt would like to thank her for her kindness and professionalism in planning a wonderful event.

Dr. Viji Thomas, M.D. spoke on 'Interventional Pain Management - A Step By Step Approach' outlining the various modalities of applying pain reducing technique to block radiant nerve pain in the most efficient and balanced way stressing, among other things, the importance of accurate assessment to determine the correct therapy.

Dr. Pramod Kerkar, M.D. spoke on the future of regulation of the medications utilized in pain management in the face of concerns relating to dependency, new requirements that may be enforced in the proper monitoring and testing prior to prescription and the sad reality of the consequences of pain management drugs reaching the street for illicit use.

Dr. Robert Ho, M.D., a neurosurgeon affiliated with the Pain Clinic spoke on the role of the neurosurgeon being a last recourse in effective pain management. He stressed the neurosurgery is not necessarily a stand alone cure-all, and that many pain sources relate to such things as joint degeneration rather than nerve occlusion. Even if neurosurgery is performed, he pointed out that the total pain situation is rarely totally reduced without the further application of massage therapies, physical therapy and other physical methods to reduce the root cause of the pain.

Sifu Britt spoke on 'Tai Chi Chuan In Alternative Medicine And Pain Management' outlining the possibilities for exercise afforded the pain sufferer through Tai Chi Chuan, illustrating how, if properly adapted to the patients individual situation, the gentleness of Tai Chi Chuan could afford a workable way to slowly and steadily begin a controlled regimen of training to recover postural support through muscular re-conditioning.

Scott Popyk, RPh, FIACP spoke on 'Relieving Pain with a Specialty Pharmacist' explaining the role of a specialty pharmacy, how it differs from the usual outlet pharmacies and some of the advantages of custom design of medication in pain control.

Deborah Bakus spoke on the vast importance of patient support groups for all those working through chronic illness.

Carrie VanEvery spoke on the role of family support in pain management, describing, among other important issues, how the at home care-giver suffers the pain of their loved ones just as they do.

Overall the 200 or so patients in attendance walked away with much valuable information. 10/21/2007

Sifu Britt will be conducting an extensive seminar Saturday, June 30th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. The purpose is to recap this years instruction and set training goals for the remainder of the year. Fee for this seminar is $50.00. 06/20/2007

There will no no classes Monday May 28th in celebration of Memorial Day. 05/25/2007

On May 7th, 2007 Sifu Britt presented a lecture on Tai Chi Chuan at the Pain Clinic of Michigan. The program was well received and Sifu Britt has been asked to be a guest speaker at their annual banquet in October. 05/25/2007

On May the 2nd, 2007, Sifu Britt participated in the ACES With-a-Friend Day through the auspices of The Order Of The Fisherman Ministry Head Start program. Working with 100 3 to 5 year olds, Sifu Britt conducted an exercise session at 10:00 a.m. to coincide with other groups across the city brining a total of 600 children to exercise simultaneously. 05/25/2007

Sifu Britt will be conducting a seminar at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church Saturday, May 19th, 2007 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. covering the last section on healing for this year. Fee for this seminar is $50.00. A follow-up session for those who cannot attend will be held in June, but the exact date has not yet been set. It will be posted in this newsletter. 05/08/2007

It is with great regret, great respect and great love that our Institute announces the passing of Sifu Sandy Zenisek, one of our senior instructors and close friend to all who had the good fortune to study or train with her.

Sifu Zenisek joined our Institute May 2^nd, 1990, and during her 17 years of training achieved many major accomplishments. She toured with us on three major tours of China and Southeast-Asia, participating in training and demonstrations of Tai Chi Chuan as a representative of the United States with the international Wu Style community.

She took on the responsibilities of instruction, teaching classes in specialized areas including but not limited to; corporate programs, classes for seniors and classes in the area of rehabilitation working with cardiac and stroke patients. She was much beloved by her students and you will find press coverage of her teaching in our news article section from the Lenaway Times and the Daily Telegram.

An accomplished artist, Sifu Zenisek designed our Institute’s logo, based on a rice paper and brush painting of hers.

Also an accomplished sculptor, frequently working with bronzes, she completed this bronze of Master Wu Chien Chuan in 2006.

Sifu Zenisek was a very senior disciple of Sifu Stephen Britt, who offers the following comments to Sandy’s family and the student body that loved her so dearly.

“First and foremost I wish to pass on my most sincere and deeply felt condolences to Sandy’s husband, Robert, her father, grandchildren and extended family. I wish to express my deepest respect to Robert (Bob) who stood close by Sandy’s side through a difficult illness, loving her and caring for her in a way that should serve as an example to all husbands. My, and I know all of your thoughts are with him at this difficult time of loss.

Sandy was a remarkable person. Everyone who thinks of her is reminded of a joyful, intelligent and supportive person, who in loving life loved learning. She was a very spiritual person, living in close connection with God. There was nothing ‘lukewarm’ about her. If she saw something to work on, either with herself, her students or her family relationships, she would apply herself to finding answers with every ounce of energy she could muster.

In changing herself she changed everyone around her, setting an example to all that progress is possible; that everyday is a new day; that all that is required to change is self-forgiveness, forgiveness of others and effort.

Sandy was also a humble person. Last year I asked her to take on her senior students as disciples and accept the rank of Sifu which she declined declaring that she did not feel ready. The offer I made is all that was required for her to be ready, which is why she is referred to in this memorial as Sifu. She earned the title.

Her senior student Kevin Kostrzewa will be continuing the line of her teaching in Kalamazoo, and I know he will keep her energy and spirit alive in what he does in the same way that her teaching motivated and inspired him. My condolences go out to Sandy’s students who I know deeply feel her loss.

Language is limited. Grammatically the past tense is appropriate for these comments, but not for a religious man. As I believe in the continuance of the spirit I believe all the above should be stated in the present tense. Sandy is a great soul.” 04/18/2007

On Saturday, March 31st, 2007 and on April 14th, 2007 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sifu Britt will be conducting two extensive seminars on acupressure and healing techniques. It is highly recommended that you bring a mat with you as some techniques require prone positions. Techniques for diagnosis according to Tai Chi Chuan principles will be covered, as well as specific acupressure points for the maintenance of various physical systems, massage techniques and energetic techniques will be covered. Be prepared to take notes and work with partners. Location: Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. Fee for this seminar is $75.00. Friends and family members are welcome. For further information contact Sifu Britt. 03/11/2007ritt

Sifu Britt's biographical information has been accepted for publication in the 10th anniversary edition of Who's Who in Science and Engineering. 03/11/2006

Saturday classes at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will be starting March 10th, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. These classes will be coordinated by Sifu Michael Ashmore. For students currently training with Sifu Britt at Our Shepherd a nominal fee of $5.00 per class is appropriate. For all other students, please contact Sifu Ashmore for fee and scheduling information.

On February 27th and 28th Sifu Britt presented two introductory sessions with patients at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. These sessions were held in preparation for ongoing classes at Karmanos headed by Sifu Ashmore commencing March 15th, 2007. Sifu Britt wishes to thank Christine Frias and the staff at Karmanos for their enthusiasm and professionalism in assisting the launch of these programs. 03/11/2007

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church will be hosting their annual Homeless Shelter during the last week of February. As a result there will be no classes Monday, February 26th, Thursday, March 1st and Friday, March 2nd, 2007. 02/22/2007

Sifu Britt will be holding two seminars, Saturday, February 3rd and Saturday, February 10th at 1:00 p.m. We should be done by 4:30.

The subject is an extension on acupressure, healing, and it's relationship to the form and Chi Kung.

The two dates will be repeats to afford everyone the best opportunity to attend.

Family and friends outside the Institute are welcome.

The fee will be $50.

There will be no class Friday, December 22nd, Monday, December 25th, or Thursday, December 28th. There will be a disciples class Friday, December 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 12/18/2006

There will be no class Thursday in celebration of Thanksgiving. Class Friday will be held as usual. 11/21/2006

On October 25th, 2006, Sifu Michael Ashmore presented a comprehensive introductory class to patients at the Karmanos Cancer Center. This class was very well received and arrangements are being made to institute regularly scheduled classes. 10/25/2006

On Saturday, September 16th, Sifu Britt participated in an event entitled "Experience Wellness", presented by Karmanos Cancer Institute and held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Speaking at this event were Dr. Ping Dou who is researching the effectiveness of Green Tea in tumor reduction and Dr. Pratima Nangia-Makker who is researching the effectiveness of Citrus Pectin and Holy Basil on cancer cells. The keynote speaker was Peter Nielsen, a former Mr. Universe who spoke on overcoming health issues from a motivational standpoint. The event was brilliantly organized by Kristine Frias, PFSS, of Karmanos and was a tremendous success. 09/17/2006

There will be no classes Monday, September 4th in honor of Labor Day. 08/30/2006

There are a couple of new news articles in the articles section you might enjoy reading. 08/30/2006

Sifu Britt will be conducting two seminars in the month of September at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. The main subject will be an extensive upgrade of the hand form (chuan). Dates for these seminars are Saturday, September 9th and Saturday, September 30th. Both seminars will go from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fee for this seminar is $50.00. If you have any questions please contact your instructor or Sifu Britt at seminars. 08/27/2006

Our Institute held a picnic at Stony Creek Metropark Sunday, August 27th. In spite of damp weather a good time was had by all and our thanks go out to the organizers from our Birmingham YMCA class. 08/27/2006

Sifu Britt's biographical information has been accepted for inclusion in the 2007 edition of Marquis Who's Who In America. Sifu Britt would like to thank whoever submitted his name for consideration. (Those submitting referrals to this publication remain anonymous). 07/10/2006

This is an open invitation to any student of our Institute, their friends and family to attend a picnic being arranged by our fellow members training at the Birmingham YMCA.

The Place: Stony Creek Metropark at the Ridgewood Picnic Pavilion (You will see Ridgewood on the map at Mound and 28 Mile Road)

We will be having classes as usual at Our Shepherd Monday, July 3rd, due to popular demand. 06/25/2006

Sifu Britt now invites questions from students for response in his Monthly Remarks Column. Please submit your questions by clicking on asksifubritt. 06/21/2006

Sifu Britt will be conducting two seminars in the month of July, Saturday July 15th and Saturday July 22nd, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

The material to be covered is an extension of the acupressure seminar including review where required and then introduction of advanced breathing techniques to facilitate healing.

As many are on holidays at this time of year he is duplicating the session to give as many as possible the opportunity to attend.

Mats and other equipment will NOT be required.

Fee for this seminar is $50.00. 6/16/2006

There will be no classes at Our Shepherd Monday, in honor of Memorial Day. Have a wonderful holiday. 5/24/2006

Videos from our Institute's 2005 Banquet are now available on DVD format, Cost for the three disc package is $25.00. To order contact us at VIDEOS. 5/24/2006

On April 25th, 2006, Sifu Britt conducted two workshops at the Health-Smart Fun Day held by the 'Sassy Savvy Sistahs' of the Red Hat Society to benefit the American Stroke Foundation. Focusing on overcoming the physical effects of stress damage, the workshops were enjoyed by all at this very successful event. Sifu Britt would like to express his thanks to Letha Ann Steward for offering our Institute this opportunity to help, and for the warm reception afforded. 04/25/2006

On April 18th, 2006, Sifu Michael Ashmore presented our 7th annual lecture to the fourth year medical students at Wayne State University, covering the subject of Tai Chi chuan as an alternative therapeutic method. Sifu Ashmore went into great depth on the training theory and the physiological affects of the art, as well as illustrating its' practical medical value and results evidenced through our classes given in a rehabilitative environ. Our thanks to Drs. Anju Sawni and Harsha Jayatilake of Children's Hospital and Wayne State for their continued support of the development of our programs. 04/20/2006

Due to the popularity and demand, Sifu Britt will be conducting a make-up seminar for those whose schedules could not allow them to make the April 8th date. The make-up session will be held Saturday April 22nd, at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, again from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fee for this seminar is $75.00. If you have questions regarding this session you may email sifubritt@wustyledetroit.com or call him at (248) 764-0863. 04/11/2006

Sifu Britt will be holding an exhaustive seminar on acupressure and healing techniques Saturday, April 8th, 2006 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. (See Main Class location for directions). This session will be open to all students, friends and family as knowledge of the forms is not a prerequisite. Please bring a mat if you have one as some of the techniques are performed prone. If you do not have a mat some will be available. Sifu Britt covers this information about once every five years. Fee for this seminar is $75.00. If you have questions regarding this session you may email sifubritt@wustyledetroit.com or call him at (248) 764-0863. 03/14/2006

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Online Shopping center! For details, please see Sifu Britt's Monthly Remarks for the month of March, 2006. 03/09/2006

Please note that Our Shepherd Lutheran will be holding their annual homeless shelter from February 27th through March 3rd. As a result we have to cancel classes Monday, February 27th, Thursday March 2nd and Friday March 3rd. We will be back to business as usual Monday March 6th. I apologize for the inconvenience. We wish Our Shepherd all the best for a success in this worthwhile event. 02/20/2006

Our 2006 Banquet has been set for Sunday, December 3rd at 6:00 p.m., at the Sterling Inn. Tickets will go on sale in May and will be $35.00. For more information, please see Sifu Britt's monthly remarks dated February 14th, 2006. 02/14/2006

The seminar of February was well attended and received. Sifu Britt would like to thank all those who participated for their energy and enthusiasm in covering new and difficult material. 02/14/2006

Our first seminar of 2006 with Sifu Britt is scheduled for Saturday, February 11th, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church. Please see your instructor for details. 01/14/2006

You may have noticed a change in our hit counter numbers. This is due to our switching the site to a new server. Hopefully you will notice a dramatic increase in the speed that pages download as a result of this change. 01/10/2006

Due to a prior commitment of space at the church, main classes at Our Shepherd are cancelled Monday, January 16th, 2005. 01/01/2006.

Main Class Holiday Schedule: Our main classes at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church are cancelled for December 23rd, 26th and January 2nd. Classes as usual will be held December 29th and 30th, and resume again the new year January 5th. Have a safe and peaceful holiday season!

On Sunday, December 4^th, 2005 our Institute held its’ first annual awards and recognition banquet at the Sterling Inn.

Students and teachers from across the metropolitan Detroit area attended representing their respective classes. We were pleased to welcome those from;

The first part of the evening involved a discipleship ceremony wherein two of our senior teachers, Sifu Michael Ashmore and Sifu John Marchewitz both took on new disciples for the first time, becoming fully ranked Sifu’s.

The discipleship ceremony is not a religious ceremony, but rather one of respect between teacher and student; a declaration of commitment, love and support that is both traditional in Chinese martial arts and ancient.

In addressing Sifus Michael and John, our Institute’s Technical Director Sifu Stephen Britt asked that their attention be drawn to the students crowding the banquet hall. He reminded them that those people were in attendance because of their hard work, and that their students were their responsibility to care for and nurture. He congratulated them on enduring 17 years of training and teaching in preparation for this honor, remarking on how many students have come to him historically saying that they were going to teach. It was noted as strange to him, as he thought it was the responsibility of the teacher to inform the student when they were ready and not the other way around. He added however that this did not worry him as, if the person is not ready nor called to teach, they are never able to hold students and their attempts at teaching, being improperly supported by the necessary skills, always fall to ruin. Sifu Britt’s pride for Michael and John’s achievement was obvious to all in attendance.

Following the discipleship ceremony, the senior disciples of our Institute presented a demonstration of Tai Chi Chuan including the hand form or ‘Chuan’, pushing hands, martial applications, a solo broadsword form and a two person sword form.

The demonstration was nothing short of beautiful for all to watch and was of great inspiration to the students in attendance as it gave them a glimpse of what comes ahead in their own training.

After the demonstration there was a blessing of the food by D.O.Z. Ethelle “Blooming Rose” King of the Home of Love. Sifu Britt thanks her for her blessing and the love she poured out into the room.

According to all who have remarked, the food was excellent; plenteous and of buffet style serving. Our institute greatly thanks the Sterling Inn, and in particular Ms. Gina Moss, the sales and catering manager for our event for her thoroughness and professionalism in assisting to make our event a success.

The only snag we encountered was a malfunctioning sound system, which we will rectify at our next event by supplying our own public address system.

After a wonderful meal came the presentations of certificates of thanks to those in the community whose exceptional efforts and support over the years have helped our Institute arrive at the success it enjoys today.

Following the presentations, Dr. Alex Green, Sifu Britt’s eldest disciple spoke of Sifu Britt’s efforts and sacrifice in bringing the art form to everyone in attendance. His kind words and the warm response of those attending touched Sifu Britt deeply.

Sifu Britt would like to thank all those who assisted in the preparations and arrangements for this wonderful event. He would also like to thank our Institute’s teaching staff;

Online classes are suspended now for the holidays and will begin again in the new year. A start date will be announced.

Sifu Britt will be presenting his last seminar of the year Saturday, November the 12th, 2005 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church starting at 1:00 p.m. This session will tie together all the sessions held throughout 2005 in preparation for the cycle of study for 2006. Participation is highly recommended if you are available. For more details ask your instructor or email Sifu Britt at seminar. 10/21/2005

Sifu Britt presented the first of a series of classes to the cardiac rehabilitation support group of Beaumont hospital Tuesday evening. The class was well attended and received. 10/18/2005

The date for the banquet is rapidly approaching. Please note that the deadline for ticket purchases is October 31st! Please get your ticket requests to your instructors by then. 10/03/2005

Sifu's seminar on meditation was well attended and received. He was particularly impressed by the questions asked and their level. Details for the final seminar/workshop of the year will be brought to you by your instructors shortly. 10/03/2005

Sifu Britt began the cycle of online classes last Wednesday. The class was well attended and the room seemed to perform technically adequately. We look forward to upcoming sessions as these classes continue. 10/03/2005

The banquet location is now confirmed. It will be held Sunday, December the 4th, at the Sterling Inn (34911 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights; West side of Van Dyke just South of 15 Mile Road, 4 1/2 Miles North of 696). Reception will be at 6:00 p.m. The tickets have now been printed and will be given to your instructors Friday the 23rd. They in turn will pass tickets onto those who have already paid as well as continue providing tickets to those planning to attend. Although there are still places available, seating is limited so please put your name in with your instructor as soon as possible. You should think about seating arrangements as well. The tables seat 10 persons, and your instructors will be asking if you have preferences for dinner companions. The menu includes beef, fish, chicken and vegetarian selections to accommodate the diverse tastes and dietary requirements of our students. The tickets have the program of events, directions to the venue and the ticket number, which number you will need when arriving to be directed to the correct table. If you lose your ticket we will have your name and ticket number at the reception table as well. 9/23/2005

Sifu Britt conducted a session for a diabetes support group Wednesday through Beaumont Hospital. The session was well received and focused on methods to improve circulation to the extremities as well as breathing techniques suitable to those facing physical challenges. The session was well received and the group ask that further work be done to assist the group in exploring this kind of training further. 9/23/2005

Sifu Britt will be conducting a seminar Saturday, October 1st, at Our Shepherd Lutheran. This workshop, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., will focus extensively on the subject of meditation. For more information contact Sifu Britt. 9/12/2005

Congratulations to Paul and Lorrie Gunn on the birth of their daughter Brynna! Apparently Paul had to do the delivery himself; a sure sign no doubt of his 'midwife crisis'. They have a website for those curious http://home.comcast.net/~pgunn42/Brynna.htm.

Our thoughts and our prayers go out at this most difficult time to those affected by hurricane Katrina. 8/31/2005

I do need a list of all those attending the upcoming banquet. Deposits on tickets will assist in booking the room and date. But most importantly I need a good estimate of attendees as soon as possible. Remember this is a social event that is open to friends and family alike. Tickets are $35.00. The tentative date is December 4th, 2005, reception at 6, dinner at 7 p.m. Location we are hoping to tie down for this event is the Sterling Inn at Vandyke and 15 Mile Road. If you have any questions email me at Sifu Britt, or call me at 248-549-9217. 8/30/2005

I will be starting a broadsword class for the Monday and Thursday Main Class Monday, September 12th. You need to obtain a practice wooden broadsword. 8/30/2005

There will be no classes Monday September 5th, in observance of Labor day. 8/26/2005

Thanks so much to all the students and Sifu Steve and Sifu John for participating in the Rochester Community House 30th anniversary celebration. For many of us, the Tai Chi demonstration and the sword form by Sifu Steve was the highlight of the day! Our audience, many of whom had never seen Tai Chi before, was mesmerized. For all its wonderful health benefits, one of the best is the camaraderie we share in our classes at Rochester Community House. Thanks again!

Sifu Michael Ashmore presented a seminar today on Tai Chi Chuan in its' application in alternative medicine for the staff of St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital. The two hour presentation covered the technical theory of the art focusing on the physiologic affects of its' practice. The presentation was well received and a repeat seminar will be presented in August. 7/26/2005

We now have a new chatroom system that works off my server. As a result this room is more private and easy to access that the previous room. Just enter a name and enter.

The Rochester Community House demonstration on the 24th went well. I would like to thank all of those who came out and participated, as well as those who came out to give us support. If you have any comments on the seminar they would be welcomed for the student commentary page. Please email your comments to webmaster.