A native Californian, Mr. Al Tadeo began his martial arts training in San Francisco at the age of 13. His first style was Sil Lum Five Animals Kung Fu. However, due to peer pressure, Mr. Tadeo left Sil Lum and studied Shaolin Kempo with his high school friends. He also began studying Filipino Arnis under the tutelage of his uncle and a family friend. After Mr. Tadeo graduated H.S., he joined the US Navy. During his 4 year tour of duty in the US Navy, he studied Tae Kwon Do. After 3yrs. of training, he attained his 1st Degree Black Belt. Mr. Tadeo realized that his passion in martial arts lies towards the Chinese based arts, and sought to return to it. He was able to find another lineage of Shaolin Kempo and after years of training he was able to attain the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt. He also continued his study of Filipino Arnis. At this point, Mr. Tadeo wanted to transition to a more traditional Chinese Martial Art and began to study Ying Jow Pai (Northern Eagle Claw). However, due to work and other personal commitments, Mr. Tadeo discontinued his training 2yrs later. He took nearly 12 years hiatus from martial arts training. A few years after moving to Dallas, he was fortunate enough to find Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute and began his training again under Sifu Travis Alschbach. Due to his martial arts background and dedication, he was promoted to Asst. Instructor in 2007. Mr. Tadeo was awarded his 1st Degree Black Belt in Northern Shaolin Long Fist by the Taipei Chinese Kung Fu Association in 2009. Mr. Tadeo also holds a BA in Business Administration and works in the Financial Services industry.
An avid competitor, Mr. Tadeo actively competes in various martial arts tournaments within the Texas region. Mr. Tadeo has placed 3rd in forms at the 2008 AOK TX State Championships. At the 2007 Taiji Legacy he won 1st Place in open hand and weapons forms. In 2009 he won 1st Place in open hand form, 2nd Place in weapons and 3rd Place in sparring at the Legends of Kung Fu tournament. Both tournaments were sponsored by the Chin Woo organization. In addition to martial arts competitions, Mr. Tadeo has also participated in pistol and rifle shooting competitions through International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) and International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). He is also a member of the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute Demonstration team.
