Introduction

Mr. Louie is your bio-technology teacher at Gravelly Hills Middle School.

Mr. Louie is a published biomedical research scientist himself.  For the 10 years prior to teaching, he conducted basic scientific research in neurobiochemistry.  This research included fundamental studies on the causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Mad Cow's Disease, Alzheimer's and Down's syndrome.

He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he was awarded an Honors diploma in Chemistry in 1982.  He recently completed a Master's degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2003 where he conducted a study on carbon nanotubes for his senior Master's project.

Although he loves the intellectual challenge of basic research in neurobiochemistry, he loves the complexities involved in training the adolescent brain much more!

Mr. Louie is also an advocate of having a strong body and strong mind.  You'll find links to his favorite physical activities below.  Despite his age, yes, he is over 50, many note that he looks younger.  He attributes that to a lifelong interest in the combination of sound nutrition, focused relaxation through meditation and physical training, primarily in the martial arts.  Below you'll find links to some of the masters, Mr. Louie has had the pleasure of training with.

He is proud of his scientific and teaching accomplishments, yet he is most proud to be the father of his loving 5 year old Chinese daughter, QiuHu (pronounced Cho (long o) Hu (as in the question word, who?)) and a husband of his remarkable, accomplished, dancin' and fun-loving wife, Caryn.

US Soo Bahk Do Federation
Soo Bahk Do is a Korean martial art similar to the Olympic sport of taekwondo. Physical training in these arts provide a firm foundation for all martial arts training.

USA Shaolin Temple
The history of most Asian martial arts (Japanese, Okinawan, Korean) acknowledge the Shaolin temple as the birthplace of the martial arts in Asia.

Having the pleasure of training with Shifu Shi Yan Ming, one can understand why Shaolin temple arts spread so easily across national borders. Shi Yan Ming is a happy and delightful soul, at peace with himself and the world and has those "mad" kung-fu skills.

Just take one look at his website and you'll understand more that my poor words can express.

Chen Taijiquan
Taiji is well-named. Translated roughly, the Chinese characters for taiji mean the "greatest ultimate."

Many traditional Japanese and Korean martial arts includes some form of taiji in the highest level forms. These forms are taught only to the masters of their art. And the Chen Style is considered by many as the most complete and authentic style.

Even after 30 years of training in other martial arts, I am considered a rank beginner in taiji.

Paso A Paso
In the beginning, practitioners take their martial arts very seriously. But true masters are always laughing.

Why? Beginners minds are occupied with getting all the details right. A master's mind is free. It doesn't have to think, the body simply responds correctly after years of training. Without thoughts of fear crowding the mind, a master can simply enjoy each moment of life.

I'm not at that point yet, but in the meantime, it is important to cut loose, stop thinking so hard and have some fun.

Dancing is my way of cutting loose and moving freely. Since my wife has a passion for dancing the Mambo to the Afro-Cuban beat, I've taken up Cuban Casino Style dancing.

Check out my instructor's website and turn on the music, if you find your feet tapping, you'll understand the joy and freedom of movement!

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