Sebastian Thao

Blue Dragon of Shaolin "The Fast Monk"

Sebastian Thao has 10 years of experience in Shaolin Kung Fu and is actively spreading the knowledge and wisdom of Shaolin Chan (Zen) and Kung Fu in the martial arts community. Thao began training martial arts at age 15 under Shifu Shi Deru (Shawn Liu) a 31st Generation Shaolin Grandmaster and "Godfather of American Sanda". Shifu Deru is a close disciple to the late Venerable Abbot, Shi Suxi, and Shaolin brother to Shi Deyang.

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Under Shifu Deru's guidance, Thao excelled at learning Shaolin Kung Fu and became one of Deru's top students and instructors, teaching both beginner and advance children and adults classes. In 2017, Thao became the lead choreographer for Shifu Deru's Demo Team. 

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In 2020, Thao enlisted into the United States Army to further his leadership skills and to improve his martial arts. During his service, he began training in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, introduced Shaolin Kung Fu to his platoon, and trained two teammates in Chinese Sanda Kickboxing.

Thao had recently competed at the 2024 USA Shaolin Open competition in Houston, TX and made the Traditional Kung Fu Team under The United States of America Wushu Kung Fu Federation (USAWKF).

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Thao also received additional training from Coach Yang Tengzhu aka "Anchor", a disciple under Coach Wu Bin, former Wushu Coach of the Beijing Wushu Team; and Grandmaster Xay Long Yang and Sifu Lee Pao Xiong of the Hmong United Martial Arts Federation.