- Brian’s lifelong interest in martial arts began with some training in the late 60’s in Kung Fu and the 70’s in Aikido. He spent about a year and a half studying Taoist Tai Chi in the 80’s. After a 20 year hiatus he finally returned to Tai Chi with Oliver Reimer and Master Peng just before the International Forum on Taijiquan in 2006 and has been training with Master Peng and other local instructors ever since. Brian is certified to teach Tai Chi Chigong. He has studied Yang style 8, 16, 24, 42 and 48 forms, 32 and 42 sword, 36 Broadsword and Taiji Hockeystick. His main interest is in Chen style – Essential 18; Old Frame 1 & 2; 47 Chen sword and Chen Broadsword. He has been studying New Frame 1 & 2 with Master Jack Yan from Toronto over Zoom since the pandemic .
- He has been fortunate enough to have participated in many workshops, beginning with the 6 Masters at the International Forum. Other workshops include 32 sword with Master Jack Yan from Toronto, and 8 and 24 forms and 32 sword with Masters Li and Wu from Japan. He has had the privilege of taking numerous intensive training workshops with Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei in locations such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Toronto and in 2018 the Chen Village, Jiaozuo, China. At the Chen Village he competed in the 8th China Chenjiagou Kungfu Elite Tournament.
Brian was the Chair of the Host Committee for the Canadian National Wushu Championships held in Thunder Bay in July, 2022 and along with fellow local students participated and competed in the event.
Brian serves as Vice – Chairman of the Peng You Taiji Association.
- He is a retired Thunder Bay Firefighter and now a full-time artist:
www.niemerscreations.com
bnieminen@shaw.ca
