Michael Polito Started the study of martial arts in 1979. In 1986 he began a long journey of training in Kyokushinhkai/World Oyama Karate led by Soshu Shigeru Oyama, and Saiko Shihan Yasuhiko Oyama, direct top students of Mas Oyama, founder of Kyokushinkai. Michael’s direct teacher was Shihan Michael Skinner of New Paltz NY., (Bushiken dojo). He also trains in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu (Japanese Swordsmanship) and teaches it to his students under the auspices of his teacher Norboru Kataoka Sensei.
Michael now leads the East Wave Dojo, and is a registered instructor of the World Oyama Karate Organization
Michael Sibilia has been practicing and teaching Yang-style Tai Chi for over 35 years, having trained primarily under one teacher who preferred to be thought of as a guide, in a traditional long-term master–student relationship. The depth of study has gratefully provided a commitment to preserving the integrity, internal structure, and subtle principles of the art in the tradition he strives to maintain.
In addition to Yang-style Tai Chi, Michael has studied Xingyi, Pa Qua, Chi Kung, and Chen-style Tai Chi, as well as maintaining a Theravāda Buddhist practice, which has informed a deep appreciation for mindfulness, discipline, and inner cultivation. These complementary studies enrich Michael’s understanding of movement, intention, and awareness.
While drawing from this broad background, Michael’s teaching focuses primarily on Yang-style Tai Chi and Chi Kung, emphasizing alignment, posture and center through balance leading to a calm, clear mind. Students are guided toward a practice that supports health, balance, and clarity, both in class and continuing into the world around us.
Michael Polito began his physical training started at a very young age. Always involved in sports such as; track & field, soccer, and football etc. He spent many years in body building and competing in bench press and dead lift competitions. He also become heavily involved in calisthenics and gymnastic conditioning. Over the past years he has attained black belts in two different styles of karate and has been practicing the martial arts for over 40 years. Michael has been a personal trainer for over 30 years working in a variety of different gyms in the Hudson Valley. He continues to search out mentors and teachers to further his knowledge on the human body. Recently he established the Movement Arts Collaborative which offers many different modalities of movement including; martial arts, dance, strength, and movement classes. Michael teaches movement and karate classes at the Movement Arts Collaborative. He also offers personal training, and conducts seminars.
MEET BRIAN DEXTER
Licensed Acupuncturist & Massage Therapist
Over 30 years of experience, Brian received his training at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China and the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy New York, NY, Furthermore, he has studied and worked alongside Master Healer Ken Kobayashi of the Natural Remedies Center (New York, NY), to learned Master Kobayashi’s family style Acupuncture and Shiatsu. Brian has also received certification in Zheng Gu Tui Na certification with Master Tom Bisio.
Brian’s internal martial art studies include Qi Gong with Master T.K. Shih, Yang style Tai Chi Quan with David Yee, Ba Gua Zhang, Northern Wu Tai Chi Quan, Xing-Yi and Qi Gong with Master Frank Allen and Tina Zhang of the Wu Tang P.C.A., Brian has also traveled to Beijing, China to study classical Cheng style Ba Gua Zhang and Northern Wu style Tai Chi with lineage holders Liu Jing Ru and Li Bing Ci.
Brian is a formal disciple of Frank Allen and Tina Zhang of the Wu Tang P.C.A. and has traveled to Beijing, China to study classical Cheng style Ba Gua Zhang with direct lineage holder Grandmaster Liu Jing Ru.
Brian also holds a 3rd degree black belt in Karate under his first martial arts teacher Sensei Anthony Zeno