The Legacy Continues
The Shaolin Kung Fu Center of Hadley got it's start from humble beginnings. Officially established in 2004, under the guidance of Shifu Li, it is the longest running Shaolin Kung Fu school in the area, and the only Eagle Claw school in Massachusetts. Shifu Li's continued guidance set the bar high and we continue that legacy today. In 2007, Jess Laoshi, and Ryan Laoshi took over the ownership of the school, at Shifu Li's request. Since then Jess Laoshi has been leading the school with a strong sense of discipline, determination and community spirit. Since 2007, we have called many places our kung fu home, but in early 2020, we were finally able to live our dream of owning our own property! In early 2020, Phil Laoshi and Jess Laoshi purchased a large building on 1.6 acres of beautiful land in Hadley-- our school's "forever home".
Shifu Jessica Grasmere
4th Degree Black Sash
School Owner and Administrator
Shifu Jess began her martial arts journey in 1999. In addition to Eagle Claw, Shaolin, Northern Longfist, Shifu also trained in Wah Lum Kung Fu for 5 years. She has 20 years of experience teaching Chinese martial arts to students of all ages. She was an AFAA certified kickboxing instructor, and also has over 25 years of experience in ballet and various other styles of dance.
Shifu Jess took over ownership and day to day operation of the Shaolin Kung Fu Center of Hadley back in 2007 (when we were the Shaolin Kung Fu Center of Amherst). She believes that having a "beginner's mind" is the key to growth and adaptation.
Jessica Grasmere was awarded her 4th Degree under the auspices of Shifu Lisandro Vega, our teacher and head of the Warrior Fusion Martial Arts Association. He also bestowed upon her the title of Shifu, in recognition of her decades of training and teaching, as well as her tireless efforts as the Leader and Head instructor of the Shaolin Kung Fu Center of Hadley. Congratulations Shifu Jess!
Shifu Philip Myers
4th Degree Black Sash
Phil Laoshi began his kung fu career in 2004 and was one of the school’s first students when it opened in Amherst. Now, Phil Laoshi works closely with Jess Laoshi, co-leading the schools programming. Phil Laoshi has 7 years of experience as an exercise coach and 10 years of experience as a fire, acrobatics and dance performer. In addition to teaching all levels and ages of Kung Fu, Phil Laoshi was responsible for the expansion and improvement of our Demo Team, which has been performing at local and regional events since 2007. He also coaches our Tournament Team, which has earned numerous medals at Regional and National Tournaments.
Sijye Janna Parrot
1st Degree Black Sash
Sijye Janna Parrot started her training at the Shaolin Kung Fu Center when she was 6 years old. She started as a Little Dragon-- at that time, she already possessed the energy and determination to excel at the martial arts. That tenacity, and her stellar work ethic is how she became the youngest 1st degree Black Sash to train under Shifu Jess and Shifu Phil. She has competed dozens of times in local and international tournaments, and has been a member of our performance team for nearly a decade. Her relentless drive and infectious spirit have made her a remarkable martial artist and role model to the students.