TIM OEHLER

Tim began his Chinese martial arts training in 1989 in Regina under the instruction of several kung fu instructors. In late 1990, Tim became assistant instructor in Chung Hua Martial Arts teaching children. In 1991, he became a youth and adult instructor and has been teaching ever since. “I am grateful for the instruction I have received over those years as they had set up a good foundation not just in skill but friendships and family values. And I am truly blessed for those that shared their precious knowledge with me.”

In 2000 he moved to Melville and opened his own training center. (formerly known as Sil Foo Kung Fu Training Center). He also has had the opportunity to have learned from different styles and systems of kung fu from various masters. He has studied Hai Dong Kumdo (Korean sword), Sanshou Kickboxing, and is currently training in the arts of: Chen Style Taiji, Supreme Ultimate Plum Flower Mantis and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In 2011 Tim was Introduced to the Hao family mantis system from Grand Master Nick Gracenin. In 2012 Shifu Tim had the opportunity to train with Grand Master Sun Deyao and Master Sun has visited Canada every year since. In 2016 Tim was accepted as a disciple. Under Master Sun and in 2018 he was awarded the Canadian representative of the Hao Family International Mantis Branch. Tim is very honored and humbled to have such an opportunity to be a student of Grand Master Sun Deyao and Grand Master Ronnie Yee.

Tim competed from 1990-2026 with many accolades. Having competed in both amateur and international competitions, Tim recognizes the value of training and commitment towards one's personal goals. He continues to increase his level of knowledge and understanding by continual research and development by ongoing seminars, coaching, leadership, psychology and teaching methodology.

In 2017 Tim retired from a 20-year career in therapeutic massage and took on a role of pastoring a local church in Melville. It was a natural shift and has brought a fresh spiritual perspective to using martial arts as vehicle for ministry to reach youth and high-risk persons get grounded through the discipline of martial arts. During his massage career, Tim also worked as an athletic massage therapist treating local amateur and professional athletes. Having been trained in the medical health profession and the pastoral care, he understands the need for human compassion. His teaching ethic reflects this understanding of the balance between aggression and peace represented in the study of scripture and discipline of martial arts.

Tim continues to understand and develop his martial studies through seminars and training sessions from various teachers, masters, and athletes. He has also been a coach, competitor, referee, and judge for the Canadian National Team (WOMAG). Tim has been invited to facilitate session and has developed and delivered a martial arts and wellness in-school program for the physical education and wellness education department in the local and surrounding districts.