Sifu Chris Strelau and the 5 Animal Forms

NEWS and EVENTS

• Latest Belt test VIDEO from Friday, December 7th at CMAA Kwoon
• See the latest article about Sifu Chris Strelau in the Bellingham Herald
• Read the article about Sifu Chris Strelau Tai Chi Classes

About Sifu Strelau

Chris Strelau, owner of the Chinese Martial Arts Academy on State Street, has faced challenges his entire life — ones that have made him a stronger person. Martial arts have helped him focus and channel his energies. Becoming a master and teacher of martial arts is incredibly difficult. Doing it while suffering from epilepsy is an even bigger testament to courage and determination.

“After having been kicked out of school and getting in fights, I was voted ‘Friendliest’ in my class by the time I graduated high school. That’s the type of difference
Martial Arts made in my life.”

After high school, Strelau continued practicing martial arts, primarily with local instructor Eddie Lang, and had visions of one day opening his own studio. Strelau finally opened his first academy in 1990, in Boise, Idaho, where he was working as a lab manager for Lens Crafter's. In 1994, Strelau started the Bellingham Kung Fu/Tai Chi Club on Holly Street and over the ensuing years slowly grew the school. His progress was cut short in 2000, however, when, he was injured in an auto accident. Unable to earn an income for six months, Strelau soon lost his studio and the apartment above it that he was living in. Despite suffering this setback, Strelau never let go of his dream.

This winter, Strelau finally found a new location, at 1705 N. State St., to re-open his studio. It is now called the Chinese Martial Arts Academy. He also teaches classes to members of the Bellingham Senior Activity Center.

Strelau, a master in Hung Gar, a Cantonese style of southern Shaolin Tiger & Crane Kung Fu (a combat system which emphasizes the use of hands and low stances), has won numerous state and regional competitions. Operating his own academy gives him a chance to pass on the lessons he learned from his teachers. “My philosophy, and one of the reasons I’ve been teaching, is to help others,”  This was recently demonstrated by his recent donation in March of 50 percent of new student fees to Jake Finkbonner, a local youth who has been battling a deadly bacteria infection killing the tissue in his face.