Grandmaster Gary S. Torres 塔嘉利师公;Tă Jiā Lì Shī G

As the most senior of Grandmaster Peter Kwok’s students, Grandmaster Torres (塔嘉利师公; Tă Jiā Lì Shī Gōng) was both Kwok’s most advanced and most dedicated, serving as Director of Peter Kwok’s Kung Fu Academy for over 7 years, and as Chief Instructor for another seven. In 1982 Torres earned the ranking of 8th degree black belt, the only student to ever be ranked that high by Grandmaster Kwok.

Since then, SiGong Torres has been recognized for his extensive mastery of Shao Lin Quan, Tai Ji Quan, Xing Yi Quan, and Ba Gua Zhang, a result of his knowledge and experience in Chinese Martial Arts amassed over the past 42 years. Torres has been teaching for over 38 years and has students recognized at the rank of both Master and Shifu. In addition to his martial development, he is winner of numerous tournament championships, is a U.S. Chinese Kuoshu Federation International Tournament Chief Judge, International Chinese Martial Arts Championships Judge and coaches World Title Martial Arts Champion Fighters.

As the Director of Phoenix-Dragon Kung Fu Academy in Tampa, Florida, he is a frequent guest lecturer at major universities, and travels and teaches workshops and seminars across the country. His affiliations include lifetime memberships to the U.S. Chinese KuoShu Federation, The United States Traditional Kung-Fu Wushu Federation and annual memberships to the Guang Ping Yang Tai Chi Association. He is also a member of the advisory board for the American Society of Internal Arts.

In addition to his martial background, Grandmaster Torres is also Doctor Torres. With a masters degree in teaching, a Doctor of Medicine, a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Ph.D. in Martial Arts Philosophy and Martial Arts Science, a degree in Physiological Therapeutics, a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncturists, Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) and pain management by the American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, and board eligibility from the International College of Applied Kinesiology, Grandmaster Torres has extensive knowledge of how the above arts promote health and longevity, as well as their martial applications.

Honors and Awards

International Referee B Certification - The World Kuo Shu Federation, 2008
Hall of Fame Grandmaster of the Year - U.S.A Martial Arts Hall of Fame, 2008
Ph.D. - Doctorate of Martial Arts Philosophy and Martial Arts Science, University of Asian Martial Arts and Studies, 2008
Hall of Fame - Good Will Ambassador - Action Martial Arts Magazine 2008
Hall of Fame - Inductee - Action Martial Arts Magazine 2007
American Society of Internal Arts Featured presenter for the 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 Zhang San Feng Festival
International Chinese Martial Arts Championships Chief Judge Tai Chi Division for 2003 and San Shou Judge 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and Long Fist Judge 2005
United States Chinese Kuoshu Federation International Tournament Chief Judge 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, Judge 2003 and 2002
Coach of the Unlimited Division Lei Tai Full Contact Gold Medal World Champion 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007 Winner and 2006 Heavy Weight Division U.S. Champion and World Champion Runner Up
Disney's Martial Arts Festival Chief Judge Tai Chi/Xing Yi/Ba Gua Divisions 2008, 2007
Fellow International Academy of Medical Acupuncturists
Certified in Manipulation Under Anesthesia, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine
The Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives and Professionals 2007/2008
Who’s Who Executives & Professionals 1998
Who’s Who in America 1991
Instructor of Recognition – Pa Kua Chang Journal 1996
Michigan Doctor of the Year 1990 Detroit Monthly
Diplomate National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Parts I, II, III, Physiotherapy, and Acupuncture
National Dean’s List 84-85
National Dean’s List 81-82
Outstanding Martial Artist - Playboy Classic 1980
Master Rank - New Jersey Stick Fighting 1980
Master Rank - Scientific Martial Arts International 1979
Outstanding Martial Arts Performer 1979
New York State Champion 1977
Grand Champion Turtle Cup Grand Nationals 1977
New Jersey State Champion 1978
U.S. Open Grand Champion 1978
Silver Metal International Championships 1978
Soft Style Grand Champion
Battle of the Zodiac Grand Nationals 1978
Dean’s list Life University
Dean’s list Montclair University
Dean’s List Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Publications

B.H. Min, W.A. Garland, K.C. Khoo and G.S. Torres, “Determination of clonazepan and its amino and acetamido metabolites in human plasma by combined gas chromatography chemical ionization mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring”.
Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, 5 (12), 692-698 (1978)
G.S.Torres, “Yang Tai Chi Training Manual For Beginners to Experts”, Red Tassel Publications, (1982)
G. S. Torres “Ba Gua Dragon Heart, Philosophy and the 8 Pole Movements”, Red Red Tassel Publications, (1983)
Appearance in Inside Kung Fu, Zhang San Feng Spirit Thrives, Feb 2005 p 100.

Kung Fu Videos

DVD – The Nine Allies
DVD – Series I Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series II Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series III Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series IV Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series V Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series VI Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series VII Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Series VIII Ba Gua Zhang
DVD – Tai Ji Quan Applications and Combat, Push Hands Part 1
DVD – Tai Ji Quan 24 Move Short Form Applications and Combat Part 1
DVD – Tai Ji Quan 24 Move Short Form Applications and Combat Part 2
DVD – Four Compulsary Weapons Series I
DVD – Four Compulsary Weapons Series II
DVD – Four Compulsary Weapons Series III

Work Experience

01/82 - Present Director Phoenix-Dragon Kung Fu Academy, U. S. A.
12/92 - Present Private Practice, Tampa, Florida
03/07 - 03/08 Fl. Orthopaedic Institute, Covering Physician, Therapy Dept, Tampa, Fl.
08/04 - 09/06 Bayside Healthcare Medical Centers, Inc., PI Practice, Tampa, Florida
09/87 - 07/05 Private Practice Ypsilanti, Michigan; Tampa, Florida
02/04 - 08/04 Injury Rehab Specialists, PI Practice, Tampa, Florida
01/03 - 12/03 Director Prime POS Logistics and Locations, L. L. C.
11/92 - 12/00 C.E.O. Narwhal Enterprises, Inc.
10/97 - 12/00 Northville Adult School Education, Tai Chi Chuan, Northville, Michigan
05/97 - 09/99 Faculty - National Board Chiropractic Examiners Review Course, Gold and Assoc.
09/87 - 12/04 Livonia Adult School Ed, Shao Lin Chuan/Tai Chi Chuan, Livonia, Mi.
09/82 - 03/83 Faculty - Guest Lecturer - Life University, Urinary Diagnosis
03/81 - 09/81 Faculty - Sherman College of Chiropractic, Obstetrics and Gynecology
09/79 - 09/80 Faculty - Pa. College of Chiropractic, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Public Health
04/76 - 06/78 Faculty - Clifton Board of Education, Clifton, N.J., Dept. of Science
06/76 - 09/77 Scientist I - Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, N.J.
05/76 - 07/84 Director, Peter Kwok's Kung Fu Academy, Shao Lin, Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Ba Gua
05/75 - 05/76 Chief Instructor, Peter Kwok's Kung Fu Academy, Shao Lin/Tai Ji/Xing Yi/Ba Gua

State Licenses