Master Yao Li's journey began in Taipei, Taiwan, where he was
born and raised. At fourteen, he moved with his mother to America.
As a young immigrant in search of self, Yao found a home practicing
Chinese martial arts, studying Kung Fu and Qi Gong under the
instruction of Master Pui Chan. Acquiring martial arts skills was
empowering and after only a few months, Yao knew it was his calling
to be a full time practitioner.
During his early training, Yao met his future wife, Dorri. In
their early twenties, with shared enthusiasm they began teaching
Kung Fu professionally and their studio became a platform of growth
and support for other serious martial artists and beginners alike.
Yao successfully competed in tournaments nationally and he counts
the AAU National Karate Championship Black Belt Weapons Title as
one of his many highlight performances.
He traveled to China numerous times to pursue advanced
techniques under the guidance of some of China's best Wu Shu
masters and in Boston, Yao was fortunate to learn Tai Chi from
Master oshua Grant, a two time U.S. National Champion in Wu Shu Tai
Chi. Together with Joshua, Yao and Dorri co-founded the Boston
Kung Fu Tai Chi Institute in 1990.
An advisor and good friend, Steve Krischel, introduced Yao to
meditation and Raja yoga. It was a profound experience and a
turning point in Yao’s life, inspiring a desire to deepen awareness
within himself. Yao recently moved to Missouri to further his
training under Steve.
Yao holds a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate and by
incorporating yoga into his life long experience in internal and
external martial arts, he brings a new depth to his personal
practice and his teaching. Master Yao Li’s goal is to let Kung Fu,
Wu Shu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, yoga, and meditation evolve organically
within himself and to share his knowledge with others.
