Meet our staff of experienced and dedicated martial arts instructors
All of our instructors have studied and taught at the school for multiple decades. They offer not only experience in Shigong Lin’s forms and methods but also bring knowledge and experience from a variety of other martial arts, interests, and occupations, such as teachers and professors.
Sifu Ray Tokuda
Chief Instructor
Shigong Charles Lin retired in 2017 and named Sifu Ray Tokuda as his successor. Sifu Ray began studying Kung Fu and Tai Chi from Shigong Lin in 1974.
After spending most of his life striving for mastery, Sifu Ray has come to believe the essence of martial arts is not about violence. Instead, the value of Kung Fu and Tai Chi is character development and the cultivation of inner peace.
Steve Verzi, PhD
Head of Tai Chi Classes
Steve’s studies and expertise include Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Chi Kung, Ba Gua and Xing Yi. Steve is a computer scientist, university educator and has been a student since 1994.
Niame Adele, PhD
Tai Chi Instructor
Niame’s studies and expertise include Tai Chi Yang and Chen styles, Ba Gua and Chi Kung. Niame is a sociologist, university educator and has been a student since 2001.
Donald Fennema
Tai Chi Instructor
Donald’s studies and expertise include Chi Kung and Tai Chi Yang and Chen styles. Donald has a career in management and has been a student since 1990.
Bill Doleman, PhD
Children’s Kung Fu Instructor
Bill’s studies and expertise include Kung Fu and Tai Chi. He also serves as narrator for special events and our annual Chinese New Year show. Bill is an archaeologist and has been a student since 1982.
Dr. Keith Wintercorn
Chin Na and Ba Gua Instructor
Keith’s studies and expertise include Chi Kung, Tai Chi Yang and Chen styles, Kung Fu, Ba Gua and Xing Yi. Keith is a radiologist and has been a student since 1992.
Marcy Pincus
Chi Kung Instructor
Marcy has studied Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, and Chi Kung at our school since 1986. Marcy is an engineer and certified Bruce Frantzis Energy Arts instructor teaching the Taoist Water Method.
Richard Jean-Louis
Kung Fu Instructor
Richard has been a student at our school since 1982. Richard has also studied Taekwondo.
Deborah Hollis
Tai Chi Instructor
Deborah has been practicing martial arts for approximately 35 years, with 16 years of those at the Chinese Culture Center. Her studies have included 18 years of Aikido prior to joining our school, where she has studied Tai Chi and Bagua.
Stephen Barnes
Kung Fu Instructor
Steve has studied Kung Fu at the school continuously since 1992. He moved to Albuquerque in 1987 and is a mechanical engineer and UNM graduate.