Teacher's Bio
DOCTOR WILLIAM L. WELCH JR.
In 1980, Doctor William Welch Jr. started his long journey into the fascinating world of Chinese Martial Arts, Chinese Energetic Medicine, and Esoteric Daoist Mysticism when he first began studying Northern Shaolin (Mizongquan) under Sifu Jerry Alan Johnson.
At that time, his teacher had combined several of the Daoist Wudang system’s combat training techniques from Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Xingyiquan, into the school’s Mizongquan Shaolin classes. After challenging and defeating several rival Martial Arts schools in the area, the school earned a strong reputation for being the best Kungfu fighting school on the Monterey Peninsula. Following many years of continual hand-to-hand combat and weapons fighting training, Dr. Welch eventually completed his studies in Mizongquan Shaolin, and attained the high rank of “Sifu” (Master Instructor).
Having earned the title of Sifu in Northern Shaolin, Dr. Welch continued in his internal martial arts studies and eventually mastered the Daoist Baguazhang (Eight Trigram Palm), Yiquan (Mind/Intent Boxing), and Taijiquan (Supreme Ultimate Boxing) fighting systems as well, including the ancient Qigong (energy skill), Shengong (spirit skill), and Neigong (inner skill) trainings associated with these different combat traditions.
Because these systems also specialize in developing unique energetic abilities such as the iron body and crushing palm, Sifu Welch additionally learned how to cultivate, embody, and apply these special skills towards both martial and medical applications.
During his extensive study of Martial Traumatology, while learning how to heal the various internal and external injuries that are sustained during combat, Sifu Welch also began to learn Chinese Herbology, Acupuncture, and Medical Qigong clinical applications. His quest to learn the deeper aspects of Chinese Energetic Medicine allowed him to also understand the various emotional components associated with different types of injuries and diseased states.
This deeper comprehension lead Sifu Welch to pursue a more extensive education in Chinese Energetic Medicine, and he spent many years studying and mastering health and healing skills via both private and group classes with Professor Johnson. This unique education qualified Dr. Welch to enroll in a special 2,000-hour Doctoral course in 2009, taught by Professor Johnson and the International Institute of Medical Qigong – and sponsored by the Hunan University of Chinese Medicine. After completing the intensive three-year program and passing all academic and clinical examinations in 2012, Sifu Welch received his Doctorate Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the People’s Republic of China, and became a Doctor of Medical Qigong Therapy.
In ancient times, most martial, medical, and spiritual teachings were traditionally taught together in the monastery as one complete system. Therefore, throughout the course of this extensive training, Doctor Welch continually received instruction in esoteric Daoist mysticism and ancient shaman-based Tibetan Nyingma healing practices from Professor Johnson. This extensive study additionally allowed Dr. Welch to qualify and receive formal ordination as a Daoist Priest.
In 2008, Dr. Welch traveled to China, and at the Longhu Shan (Dragon-Tiger Mountain) Temple in the Jiangxi Province, was officially ordained as a Daoist Priest in the Tian Shi (Celestial Master) Lineage of the Zhengyi (Orthodox/True One) Daoist sect.
Because he had also received formal training as a healer and exorcist in the Shang Qing (Highest Clarity) Daoist tradition from Professor Johnson, he additionally received a secondary priest ordination from the Maoshan (Mao Mountain) Daoist sect.
In 2011, having spent several years working under the careful tutelage of Professor Johnson as a Senior Abbot of Tian Yun Gong (The Temple of the Celestial Cloud), Dr. Welch traveled again to China, was tested, and receive his second ordination as a Zhengyi Abbot.
Being encouraged by both the monastery and his teacher to open his own temple, after returning back to the United States Dr. Welch opened the “Tian Huo Gong” (“Temple of the Celestial Fire”), which he now oversees.
In 2020, Professor Johnson announced to the public that his most advanced senior disciple - Dr. William Welch Jr., will now be teaching all of the Tian Yun Gong’s future Daoist Mysticism classes.
After 40 years of constant practice and study, Dr. William Welch Jr. now resides in Salinas, California, and runs a successful Medical Qigong Clinic and Daoist Temple. He additionally teaches private and group classes in Yang Family Taijiquan, Baguazhang, Yiquan, Taiji Ruler, Daoist Mysticism, Spiritual Transformation Studies, and Medical Qigong Therapy.
