Instructors at Nine Dragon Baguazhang of Raleigh-Durham are certified by Dr. John Painter and the Jiulong Baguazhang Association to run this branch school of the Jiulong Baguazhang system. We are committed to faithfully share the curriculum, as prescribed by Dr. Painter, with a friendly teaching style and ability to explain things in simple terms anyone can understand.
Jim Burniche
Jim was introduced to Chinese internal arts as a young man seeking help with some chronic health issues that were difficult to diagnose. A qigong class was recommended, and in hindsight this class may have been little more than arm waving and high expectations. But, it succeeded in lighting the fire of curiosity, and Jim became very interested in the history and large body of knowledge behind these arts and their relationship to Chinese medical theory.
He travelled, seeking high quality instruction, until focusing on Shaolin Wahnam Qigong and Yang Style Taijiquan (Tai Chi). Following his teachers’ advice to “practice Tai Chi as a martial art, even if seeking the health benefits”, Jim not only felt better, but grew to like the martial aspects that are often glossed over or omitted.
Several years later, Jim was exposed to Jiulong Baguazhang at a weekend seminar while visiting a friend in NYC. In truth, Baguazhang wasn’t even on his radar. But, he immediately recognized and appreciated the practical, common sense and often entertaining way Dr. John Painter presented his art. These explanations cut through much of the esoteric and potentially confusing information often found in internal arts, and this resonated with Jim.
He made the decision to work with Jiulong Baguazhang for a year, as a long distance student, and see what it could do. That was over a decade ago, and he hasn’t looked back.
While he appreciates the excellent knowledge freely given from his previous teachers, Jim is happy to concentrate solely on Jiulong Baguazhang, and hopes to share this unique and rewarding art with you, too.
Jim is currently certified as Xiangdao (guide) in the Jiulong Baguazhang system.
Bronwen Nishikawa
Bronwen has been training in Jiulong Baguazhang with Shifu John Painter since 2004, and currently teaches the health practices, while assisting in the martial practices of the branch school in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina.
Prior to her training in Jiulong Baguazhang, Bronwen studied with Shifus Jay Dunbar and Almanzo (“Lao Ma”) Lamoureux of the Magic Tortoise Taijiquan School, and earned the rank of Instructor through their Teacher Training Program.
Prior to taijiquan, she studied karate (Koei-kan and Zenbudo) and arnis.
Bronwen is also certified as Xiangdao (guide) in the Jiulong Baguazhang system.
Dr. John Painter of Arlington, TX
Shigong John Painter is Xiangdao Burniche and Xiangdao Nishikawa’s Shifu (teacher). He is headquartered at The Gompa, in Arlington, Texas, and as “the teacher’s teacher” or grandfather, has the final say on all matters dealing with the art. Shigong Painter periodically visits the North Carolina branch school and leads workshops that are open to the public. Xiangdao Burniche and Xiangdao Nishikawa regularly train at the Gompa to maintain their certification to teach.
More information about the Gompa and Dr. Painter can be found here.