Instructors

HEAD INSTRUCTOR

Shifu Dan Della Vella, 4th Duan

Shifu Dan formed Kung Fu Buffalo to pass on the knowledge and power of the 8 Step Preying Mantis System. Dan has studied 8 Step Preying Mantis and Shyun Style Tai Chi Chuan since 2010 and passed the National Sifu Certification Test in April, 2015 from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation. Dan is a certified Black sash Kung Fu and Tai Chi instructor. Before 8 Step, he trained in Hung Gar Kung Fu, Taekwondo and Karate. Nothing could compare to the 8 Step system!

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MASTER INSTRUCTOR

Master Michael Cimino, 6th Duan

Michael Cimino began the study of martial arts in 1964. He initially studied Shao Lin Kung Fu. After seven years he trained an Okinawan karate style. He finally studied 8 Step Preying Mantis Kung Fu and Shyun Style Tai Chi Chuan, as taught by Grandmaster James Shyun, and received his teaching certificate in 1999 through the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation (ACMAF). The ACMAF was established by Grandmaster Shyun to insure the integrity of the system by credentialing its instructors. Master Cimino exclusively teaches 8 Step Preying Mantis and Shyun Style Tai Chi Chuan following receipt of his teaching certification. He has maintained yearly continuing education in these martial arts and Abimoxi (the health and healing aspects of the system) under Grandmaster Shyun. Beginning in 2003 he and Grandmaster Shyun began publishing several books on Abimoxi, making this knowledge available to the public and preserving this information for future generations.

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- Honored brothers -

Shifu Bill

Shifu Bill passed his certification from ACMAF along with his training partners/brothers Jesse and Dan in 2015. Bill now resides in Saratoga Springs, NY but always has a home at KFB.

shifu jesse

Shifu Jesse was one of a kind. Fierce, loyal, disciplined and a true friend. We lost Jesse in 2019 and has left a hole in our hearts forever. The years we spent together will never be enough. Until we meet again...

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Shifu Trainees

Bryan Kaufman

Gold 5 Shifu trainee and is working toward his national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

Madeline Della Vella

Gold 5 Shifu trainee and is working toward her national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

Mike Kugel

Gold 5 Shifu trainee and is working toward his national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

Greg Czajkowski

Gold 5 Shifu trainee and is working toward his national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

Steve Czajkowski

Gold 5 Shifu trainee and is working toward his national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

Ed McGuire

Gold 3 Shifu trainee and is working toward his national certification from the American-Chinese Martial Arts Federation

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