师傅 · Meet the team
OurInstructors
Master Aaron leads Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi, alongside certified instructors in kung fu, tai chi, tumbling, and yoga.
Kung Fu & Tai Chi
Master Aaron
Aaron began his kung fu training in Des Moines, IA in 1998, and in 2002 had the unique opportunity to study at the Shaolin Temple in China, completing a training certification under Grandmaster Liangyiquan. In 2011 he completed his Sifu certification with both Master Don Walth and Grandmaster Shum Leung - the head of the Ying Jow Pai association who brought Eagle Claw to the US.
Away from the studio, Master Aaron is a chiropractor by trade and is also certified in acupuncture. Dr. Aaron Giddings has owned and operated the Chiropractic Health & Wellness Clinic in Johnston since 2010.
Full bio: Meet Master Aaron →- Trained at the Shaolin Temple in China
- Sifu certified under Grandmaster Leung Shum
- International tournament competitor and judge
- Chiropractor, certified in acupuncture
1998
Began his kung fu training in Des Moines, Iowa.
2002
Trained at the Shaolin Temple in China and completed a training certification under Grandmaster Liangyiquan.
2004
Placed in the International Chinese Martial Arts Tournament in Florida, among other tournaments in Chicago and Des Moines.
2011
Completed his Sifu certification with Sifu Don Walth and Grandmaster Shum Leung.
2016
Competed in the Chin Wu Association International Tournament in Texas.
2021
Opened Shadow Fist Kung Fu & Tai Chi.
Today
Serves as a judge at national and international tournaments, including the International Chinese Martial Arts Championship and the National Senior Games.
Our Teaching Team
Kung Fu & Tai Chi instructors
We have fantastic instructor training programs for Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan, and Yoga. Alongside Master Aaron, we have other certified instructors in both kung fu and tai chi.
Look for the fringe
Our certified instructors are designated with fringe on their sashes.
Tumbling
Deb & Steve
Deb and Steve are passionate about tumbling and have over 40 years of tumbling instruction between them. For Deb, her gymnastics experience began at an early age - she has competed at both the collegiate level as well as master's level. Steve began his gymnastics instruction after meeting Deb and has been teaching for nearly 40 years.
Both are founding members of FEAT Acrobatics.
Yoga
John Taylor
John found his interest in Yoga in 2010 and began practicing Power Yoga soon after. In 2013 he began his 200-hour yoga teacher training at Power Life Yoga, completing it at the start of 2014, then another 200-hour training under Justin Kaliszewski on Outlaw Yoga.
He also completed training in Yoga sculpt, Yoga barre, and Yin Yoga through Power Life Yoga, and taught over 1,000 hours of yoga before founding his own school. John submitted the John Taylor Yoga curriculum to Yoga Alliance and received approval to teach people how to become 200-hour yoga instructors.
- Power Yoga
- Outlaw Yoga
- Yoga Sculpt
- Yoga Barre
- Yin Yoga
- 200-hr Yoga Alliance school
Train with us
Meet our team in person with a free first week of classes - no commitment, just great training.