Sifu Joel Hazzard and Sifu Jesse Gottesman
East-West Kung Fu was an important 15-year chapter in the history of Kung Fu in Eugene. In 2003, Master Anthony E. Clark, founder of East-West, passed the school’s chop to Sifus Joel Hazzard and Jesse Gottesman as his successors.
Sifus Hazzard and Gottesman each have over 25 years experience in Kung Fu, having begun their journey together—they attended the same introductory class with Master Clark in 1993, and graduating as ninth generation inheritors of the Northern Praying Mantis system with permission to teach and pass the art to future generations.
After graduating Joel began teaching a small group of loyal students. This iteration of East-West Kung Fu lasted for seven years until Joel left to join the military. After serving, Joel returned to Eugene and took a position as a Federal Police Sergeant with the Department of Veterans Affairs (Eugene Health Care Center) where his great sense of respect, duty, and honor have made him a beloved member of his team.
Jesse headed to New York City after graduating under Master Clark, where he continued his Kung Fu training for an additional six years under renowned Mantis Master Tony Chuy. In 2003 Jesse moved back to his home town San Francisco to attend graduate school at the San Francisco Art Institute. In San Francisco, a classmate introduced him to the Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center, which he eventually joined, and began a new journey learning the famous Choy Li Fut Kung Fu style under the tutelage of Sifus David Chin, Brandon Dunng, Brian Kuttel, and Tai Sifu Jason Wong. In 2016 Jesse earned his black sash in Choy Li Fut Kung Fu. Jesse moved back to Eugene, Oregon in 2017 to open the new incarnation of East-West Kung Fu with Sifu Hazzard. He now travels to San Francisco monthly to continue his training in Choy Li Fut.
Sifu Hazzard and Sifu Gottesman each bring a unique approach to teaching. Sifu Hazzard is known for his exceptional attention to detail and phenomenal understanding of the fighting application of Northern Mantis style. Sifu Gottesman offers a wide range of training exercises garnered from his experience with different styles and masters as well as an immense repertoire of traditional forms and expertise in Chinese weaponry.
Together our two teachers offer a complete and well-rounded curriculum taught in a fun, respectful, and supportive training environment for their students, the future Masters!
