TEACHER SPOTLIGHT 

SIFU CLARENCE BURRIS III

SEPTEMBER 2002

Sifu Clarence C. Burris, III, a 6th degree Blackbelt, is the Senior Instructor and director of the Institute. His martial arts study began in 1970 under Master Alan Lee in New York City. As an attorney, Sifu Burris also provides consultation and other services for business and individuals engaged in international trade matters and immigration law.

Sifu Burris came to Washington, DC in 1975 and enrolled in Master Wily Lin's Kung Fu School. He received his first Black belt degree in 1978. Soon he became Senior Instructor at the Shaolin Wu Shu Academy in Washington, DC. During this period, Sifu Burris won major competitions all over the country. He was Region #10's number 1 weapons competitor.

In 1983, Sifu Burris received his Wu Shu certification in Chengdu, China. In 1985, while attending the American University Law School, he studied Chinese International Trade Law and Wu Shu at Beijing University. In 1987, 1997 and 1999 he returned to China and obtained additional certification from Beijing's prestigious Cha Shi Hai Institute (Jet Li's training center and home of the Beijing Wu Shu Team).

Aside from being a national judge for NASKA and USAWKF, Sifu Burris is a well respected and highly ranked regional and national fighter. He was the 1992 NASKA Virginia State Heavy Weight Champion. In 1993 Sifu Burris was selected to represent the United States in the full contact division during the World Championships in Malaysia.

Sifu Burris has conducted martial arts classes at Dennis Brown's Shaolin Wushu Kung fu Academy, American University, the Inter- American Development Bank, the National Labor Relations Board, Sallie Mae, TRW, The Skyline Clubs, The McLean Racket and Health Club, U.S. Tae Kwon Do College, Abingdon, Nottingham and McKinley Elementary Schools and he was director of the Martial Arts program at Olympus Gym & Fitness Center of Falls Church.

Strong character, integrity, and the ability to achieve quick results have made Sifu Burris one of the most highly sought martial arts instructors in this area. Sifu Burris' high standards and proficiency have enabled him to guide his students to their fullest potential. Some have achieved U.S. National A Team selection and 1st Place Blackbelt National ranking after several years of vigorous training with Sifu Burris.

Sifu Burris continues his studies with Master Wily Lin in order to preserve his authenticity of the Tien Shan Pai Shaolin School's tradition