Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles DeVirgilio.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1994 I started training in the Martial Arts under Sensei Robert McCreary in Irvine, California. I have traveled around the world learning from Masters in many different localities from New Zealand, China, Austria, Canada, England and within the United States from California to Maine. I have held the position of 3rd Degree Instructor in the Grandmaster Iron Kim Style, 4th Degree Assistant Regional Instructor in Body Mind Systems and presently hold the position of Instructor in Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts, which I founded in 2010.
Zhen Ren Chuan is a martial and healing arts system that offers a complete education in the study of the human mind and body. It encompasses correct and well balanced exercises, movements and forms that date back hundreds and thousands of years. The core of Zhen Ren Chuan’s movement and philosophy comes from application of the 5 Element Theory within the arts of Baguazhang, Chinese Shaolin/White Crane Gong Fu (Kung Fu), Taiji (Tai Chi) and Qi Gong (Chi Kung).
Alton Street Boxing & Fitness was started in September of 2015 with an eye to expand the reach of our community at Zhen Ren Chuan to a larger audience.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Typically Traditional Martial Artists that are taller than 6 feet and weigh more than 240 pounds have to work harder to gain the fluidity and body control that seems to come more naturally to smaller Martial Artist. At least it seemed that way for me during the formative years of my training. I was intent on developing the grace, mental acuity, serenity, speed and power that others embodied so readily. I believe this physical challenge helped forge my willpower and has allowed me to be able to leave a positive legacy on society through the continued process of teaching the connection of Mind and Body through the Martial Arts.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts and Alton Street Boxing & Fitness – what should we know?
Zhen Ren Chuan means “The Art of the True Human Being”. In essence, it is the pursuit of returning to the nature of the original spirit. In ancient China the study of the Alchemy of the Earth, Man and Heaven were used in the understanding of the subtle energetic and spiritual resonances that actively vibrate within all matter. Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts Center is constantly striving to better understand and apply the principles of the “True Man” by practicing and teaching Martial Arts, by meditating daily, by giving back to the community in a variety of ways. We strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The success of the school has everything to do with caring about the students and their growth. The persistence to continue to practice and then to teach what I have discovered through my personal practice and study of this Way.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zrc301/, https://www.facebook.com/altonstreetboxing/
- Website: www.altonstreetboxing.com , www.zhenrenchuan.com
Image Credit:
1)School and garden 2)Shane Gillespie-USA Boxing Coach 3)Food Drive 4)Functional Fitness Equipment 5)Community Service-Juniors Age Group 6)Tending to the Garden 7)Instructor Charles and the Bagua Yue 8)Selfie with the staff!
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