Sifu Paula Lazarz has
been practicing Shaolin Kung Fu for the past seventeen years and has been
teaching on a daily basis for the last thirteen. She began her study of martial arts to build confidence and
increase her own awareness of practical self-defense.
She
received her black sash within the Shaolin Chuan Fa system established
in Chicago in 1965 by renowned Grandmaster John Chi-Yuan Tsai. She has
competed both locally and nationally and was a NBL regional forms
champion in 2003.
Sifu Paula holds a third degree black
sash in Tsai's Shaolin Chuan Fa. Her practice includes 13 years of Qi Gong training along with 11 years of Tai Chi.
She
currently is continuing her martial arts
training under the direction of Shi Yanju, a 34th Generation Songshan
Shaolin Temple master. Under his tutelage, it has been possible for her
to complete two study trips to the original Shaolin Temple in Henan,
China to deepen her understanding of the art, culture and spirituality
of Shaolin.
She has a firm belief in the
transformative power a solid martial arts practice offers a person and
hopes to instill a passion for the art in her students.
Ms.
Lazarz is also the owner of Energy Fitness, Inc. a martial arts and
exercise program service provider. HealthKick Kung Fu is the Shaolin
program offered by Energy Fitness, Inc. in collaboration with the
Chicago Shaolin Temple. It currently operates in two locations on the
north and northwest side of Chicago and is currently expanding into the
Miami market.
