Photo by David Berridge
About
Kurt - Our Head Instructor
Kurt began his Tai Chi journey in 1998, originally as part of his Kung Fu training. Over the years, he trained under traditionally trained Tai Chi masters across Canada, the U.S., Asia and Europe, gaining experience in Chen, Yang, and Hao styles.
He has been teaching in Doha since 2015 and now teaches primarily within the Yang‑style Heaven Man Earth Internal Arts system established by Sifu Adam Mizner. His approach blends Tai Chi as a wellness system, a martial art, and a meditative practice.
Taijiquan: A Journey of Learning
Teachers
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
A number of influences, teachers and mentors have contributed to the evolution of Kurt's practice over the years.
Founder: Heaven Man Earth (HME) Internal Arts International
Sifu Adam Mizner
Kurt first encountered Sifu Adam in 2019, and this encounter immediately inspired him to dive deep into the HME system. In 2020, he became the first Affiliate Instructor for HME in the Middle East. The journey continues with regular camps and workshops.
Founder & Director of Center for Taiji & Qigong Studies and Instructor of Wa-Qi
Dr. Yang Yang
From 2014 to 2016, Kurt completed Dr. Yang's Evidence-Based Qigong & Taichi Instructor Certifications, and brought Chen style Tai Chi to Doha, Qatar through this system. Dr. Yang also introduced Kurt to Functional Meditation techniques.
President of Ji Hong Wushu and Tai Chi College
Sifu Hong Yuan Luo
Kurt studied with Sifu Hong from 2012 to 2014 in Calgary, Alberta. While continuing his training in Chen and Yang Taiji, he was also introduced to Hao style.
Master Instructor of Nova Scotia School of KungFu and Tai Chi
Sifu Yau-Sun Tong
From 2002-2006, Kurt studied with Master Tong, learning Chen and Yang forms, push hands skills, silk reeling, and several specialized workshops. The relationship continued over years, including 2-weekend guest instructor workshops in Qatar in 2019!
Master Tong encouraged Kurt to begin teaching in 2015.
Instructor with Hip Kyun Kung Fu Federation
Sifu Diane LaBonté
Sifu Diane was Kurt's first martial arts teacher from 1998. Through her and the wider Hip Kyun community, he learned Hung Gar, Wing Chun, Praying Mantis, Shaolin Kungfu, including several weapon (staff, broadsword, sai) skills. She also introduced him to basic meditation, and insisted he learn the 108 Yang style long form early on. This started what later became a long admiration for tai chi practice!