Bob Shannon has been studying Tai Chi with Master Aiping Cheng since 1998. He first became interested in Chinese Martial Arts in 1977 when he studied Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut in Stamford, CT. After five years of training, he took a break, yielding to the priorities of family and carrer. The "break" lasted 15 years.

In 1997, Bob found he had time to pursue his interest again but he was 15 years older and did not want the hard, external arts he once studied. Rather, his renewed interest focused on the internal art of Tai Chi. His practice resumed in a weekly Yang style tai chi class at Milford Hospital. But in October 1998, Bob attended a public demonstration by Master Aiping and saw her do Chen Style Tai Chi. It was then that he decided Chen Tai Chi would be his primary interest and began taking classes at our school.

Bob focuses on the traditional, old-style of Chen Tai Chi called Laojia. He is experienced with Chen Zhenglei's 18 Form, Laojia Yilu, and Laojia Erlu. He also knows the Chen straightsword form, broadsword, and double broadsword. Additionally, Bob has trained in the modern Chen competition form (56 Form). To supplement his training, Bob attends workshops with visiting Masters such as Chen Zhenglei and Chen Xiao Wang when they are in the area. He is also a fan of Tui Shou (push hands) and is always eager to train with new people.

In addition to Chen Tai Chi, Bob trains in Xingyiquan at our school and has completed the five elements, five element two person set, twelve animals, and the twelve animal forms (Synthesize and Comprehensive).