Sifu Michael
Macaris
Chief Instructor / Founder
of Macaris Kung-Fu
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In Chinese, the word "Sifu" is used to
address a teacher and show respect for his or her
accomplishments. Our Sifu has been training and
teaching martial arts for over 30 years. He has vast
knowledge and experience. He is one of the most
well respected teachers around today, and the
longevity of his school and the great skill of his students
both serve as undeniable proof of
our school's value.
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Michael
Macaris began training in the martial arts in 1972 at the
Mattson Karate Academy on Mass Ave. in Arlington. George
Mattson was responsible for brining Uechi-Ryu Karate
(considered a hard style of martial arts) to the U.S. in 1958
from Okinawa. After studying this system of Karate for
about one year he studied Kenpo Karate privately as well as
Shotokan Karate in Sommerville at the Samurai Warrior Dojo
under the tutelage of James Tatosky. After studying
these various styles of Karate for several years, Macaris
discovered the Wal-Lum Kung-Fu Academy on Causeway St. in
Boston in 1978. He studied here for several years under
Master Chan Pui, and when Master Chan moved to Florida,
Macaris packed his own bags and went to Florida to continue
with his own studies. After living in Florida for three
years, he moved back to the Boston area in 1984 and founded
the Michael Macaris Kung-Fu Academy in Billerica.
.:: Personal Note ::.
During my high school years I was involved in team sports as well as practicing martial
arts. I began realizing that with team sports accomplishment was measured
by winning or losing games. This was mostly out of my control because I
was part of a team, and even if I did my job and tried my best, teammates might
not. With Martial Arts I didn't have to worry about what someone else was
doing or not doing. My success was totally up to me, and it wasn't
measured by winning or losing a game. I love all types of athleticism,
including most sports, but this is what drew me to Martial Arts - To be
successful in Martial Arts means to improve oneself mentally, physically, and
spiritually. It's not competing against another, but taking on the
challenge of improving oneself. After studying various styles of Karate, I
became very serious about my Kung-Fu practice. I moved to another state to
continue studying with my teacher. I was very attracted to the flowing,
graceful movements of Kung-Fu and the challenge it offered me. Years
before I started my school, I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I
worked hard and did it. Without discipline and focus I never could have.
Of all the benefits of Kung-Fu training, what's most important to me is it's use
as a tool to learn self-discipline and improve health. Bad habits are easy
to learn and difficult to break. Good habits take some work but can last a
lifetime. I'm still on the path towards self-improvement and I try my best
to accomplish my goals. I expect the same from my instructors and
students, and it is my desire that my Academy is a helpful and positive
influence on all of our students, wherever their life's paths may lead them.
- Michael Macaris
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