Dr. Christopher Strelau
Dr. Christopher S. Strelau, Ph.D/Ma.D.Sc.
Sifu (Master), Owner of Chinese Martial Arts Academy

Dr. Strelau, Sifu and owner of the Chinese Martial Arts Academy on State Street, has faced challenges his entire life. He grew up in a tough Seattle neighborhood with problems exacerbated by acute epilepsy. Fighting his way through adolescence using grit, moxy, and a natural talent for sports, he found focus in judo with Fred Sato and later karate.

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

After high school, Sifu continued practicing martial arts with a focus on kung fu (hung gar). Visions of opening his own studio sustained him. He finally launched his first academy in 1990, in Boise, Idaho.

In 1994, he opened 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 seriously injured in an auto accident. Unable to earn an income for six months, he soon lost his studio and his apartment above it.

Still, Sifu never let go of his vision.

Devoted students stayed close during his long recovery from the accident and once again, martial arts provided the necessary focus for healing. Sifu re-opened his studio in 2005 at 1705 N. State Street, now called the Chinese Martial Arts Academy. The school has recently moved to bigger space with bright new surroundings: Bakerview Square, 414 W. Bakerview, west of Barnes and Noble on W. Bakerview.

Sifu is 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). He has won numerous state and regional competitions. He also teaches marshal tai chi, emphasizing the importance of the internal arts as well as the external power forms.

In 2007, the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame honored him as "Hero of the Year" & “Special in Inspiration to the Masters." The next year he was voted Hung Gar / Chinese Martial Arts Instructor of the Year. Also in 2008 he received doctorates in Martial Philosophy and Martial Science from the University of Asian Martial Arts Studies, Burbank, California.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Sifu continues to evolve his skills and teaching style. He is now integrating other combat styles with the traditional hung gar kung fu. Balintawak, a powerful stick fighting style from the Philippines, is the latest offering at the school along with Boot Camp for getting into shape and the new CMAA Underground for students interested in sports fighting.

Despite considerable skill and reputation, Sifu's aim for his school is surprisingly traditional and simple: a chance to pass on the lessons he learned from his teachers.

“My philosophy and one of the main reasons I teach,
is to help others,”

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(360) 201-1397

(360) 201-1397

31 Years in Martial Arts

University of Asian Martial Arts Studies

Doctorates in Martial Philosophy and
Martial Science, 2008

Hung Gar / Chinese Martial Arts Instructor of the Year”

--USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2008

Martial Arts Hero of the Year & “Special in Inspiration to the Masters Award”

--USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2007

Tournament Judge for USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame,
Los Angles California,

American Hung Gar Association
Tournament II Judge, Masters Demonstrator.
Bellingham, WA.

Trained Gung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan in Shanghai China, 2002, 2003

Competitions and Tournaments:

Won every competition in weapons category and placed in the top three in empty hand forms and point sparring:

• Washington State Karate Championships
• N.W. Washington Martial Arts Championships
• AAU Washington State Martial Arts Championships
• Washington State AAU Regional’s

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