Sifu Dug Corpolongo was born just outside of LA in Torrance, California, in December of 1954. He lived with his Paternal Grandparents until he was in the 2nd Grade. His Grandfather was an amateur boxer in his youth and taught Dug some basic boxing skills while he was still in grade school. Dug lived with his father and stepmother until junior high school, when he was placed in a series of foster homes.
When the boy was 15 years old, his foster parents and case worker gave Dug a chance to enroll in a Kempo Karate class. This was his first introduction to Asian Martial Arts. Dug didn’t study martial arts seriously, taking classes off and on until 1979. An intense spiritual experience motivated him to study seriously.
Sifu Dug has been studying martial arts continuously since 1979 and teaching since 1989. He is a senior student of Grandmaster Henry Look (Look Moon Hung). He was inducted into the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2003.
Sifu Dug is recognized as a master level Taijiquan and Qigong instructor by several National and International Chinese Martial Arts governing bodies. He was Director of the International Institute of Chinese Medicine’s Tai Chi and Qigong Department. Dug also served as the National Vice Chairman and National Head Coach of the Amateur Athletic Union / Chinese Martial Arts Division 1999-2003. He is currently serving on the National Executive Board.
Sifu Dug is well known for his skill at describing the intricate and complex theories of Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts. He has a knack for making esoteric knowledge clear and accessible to all. As a teacher of self-defense, he has a wealth of "real world" experience, having spent many years as a nightclub bouncer and police trainer.
This gentle giant of a man is the soul of kindness and patience. He is a wonderful friend, a socially-conscious volunteer and contributor to worthy causes. His free Tai Chi for Seniors program is the longest continuously running program in the nation. His recent Kuan-wide Yard Sales for the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina victims benefited his fellow man. He personifies the sentiment of the greeting "Namaste".
Also notable are his appreciation of high quality coffee and humor of more questionable quality.