Sifu Tom McCusker
Sifu Tom McCusker is the owner and master instructor of Chinese Martial Arts & Education Center (http://www.CMAEC.com). Training since the year 1980 he now has over 32 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Martial Arts with a 5th degree (master level) sash belt in Shaolin Chuan. As an accomplished world class instructor & a Hall of Fame Member, Sifu Tom has trained hundreds of students (including some of our local professional teams such as members of the NY Giants, NY Yankees just to name a few, amongst other celebrities) with group and private lessons, outreach programs and seminars. Sifu McCusker continues his training in various systems. Sifu McCusker is proficient in the northern & southern systems of Kung Fu. These systems include:
Chinese Kempo (Parker)
Chang Chuan (Long Fist)
Tan Tui
Lohan Chuan
Chin na
Shuai Chiao
Tai Chi
Hsing I
Bagua Chang
Sifu also has experience in other systems such as Wing Chun, Kali, and Muay Thai. Sifu McCusker was attracted to Kung Fu early on. It is the various styles and systems that make Kung Fu special and enjoyable. It is Sifu's philosophy that a martial arts practitioner should be well rounded - The Shaolin System is just that. "I find in life it is good to have option. If something is not working for you after much effort, it is necessary to choose a different approach to the problem," he says. He teaches his the students the same concepts not only through the martial arts, but also through personal development. "A strong foundation is necessary and after several years of training in a system or concept the student is then rooted, yet pliable and ready to grasp other systems," he states. Sifu started at a young age and believes anyone can benefit from the martial arts and is a main reason why Chinese Martial Arts and Educational Center allows children to start at the age of three.
Sifu Tom McCusker has a B.A. in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Amongst many other accomplishments Sifu McCusker has established a co-writing credit for the book "Kung Fu You Can Do" (http://www.kungfuyoucando.com/), that breaks down Kung Fu so anyone can get started learning this art no matter the size, strength, or athletic ability of the practitioner.
