Golden Rishi · People & Tradition
Direct Disciples
A personal connection to Master Han’s teaching, expressed through continued practice and shared experience.
Meet members of Master Han’s direct disciple community and explore photographs from their practice and time together.
01 · Chicago, Illinois
Lupe Hernandez
Direct Disciple of Master Han · Since 2010
Tai Chi Master · Recognized in September 2024
Lupe Hernandez was recognized as a Tai Chi Master in September 2024 and is currently active in that role.
East Bank Club (EBC)
Chicago, Illinois
Lupe Hernandez formally became a direct disciple of Master Han through a traditional discipleship ceremony held in Chicago in 2010.
Lupe currently teaches students at East Bank Club (EBC) in Chicago, carrying forward Master Han’s teachings through instruction and practice.
Practice & Shared Memories
02 · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Irene Rizzini
Direct Disciple of Master Han
Professor, PUC-Rio University
Director, CIESPI — Center for Research and Policy on Childhood
Irene Rizzini is a direct disciple of Master Han, a professor at PUC-Rio University, and the director of CIESPI, the Center for Research and Policy on Childhood.
The photographs below share moments of discipleship, practice, and fellowship with Master Han.
Discipleship & Shared Memories
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03 · Portland, Oregon
Brian Snapp
Direct Disciple of Master Han
Tai Chi Master · Recognized in September 2024
Brian Snapp was recognized as a Tai Chi Master in September 2024 and is currently active in that role.
Acupuncture & East Asian Medicine
Tai Chi & Qigong
Brian Snapp is a direct disciple of Master Han based in the Portland, Oregon, area. He combines acupuncture and East Asian medicine with traditional internal arts practice, guiding both patients and students through his work in Tai Chi and Qigong.
Tai Chi Practice
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04 · Direct Disciple
Tibaire Suarez
Direct Disciple of Master Han
Senior Design Engineer
Tibaire Suarez is a direct disciple of Master Han and a Senior Design Engineer.
The photographs capture moments of traditional discipleship and time shared with Master Han.
Discipleship & Shared Memories
Select a photograph to view the full image.
05 · Direct Disciple
John McNelis
Direct Disciple of Master Han
Project Engineer
Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways
John McNelis is a direct disciple of Master Han and a Project Engineer with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways.
The photographs below offer a glimpse into his Tai Chi practice in traditional surroundings.
Tai Chi Practice
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06 · Atlanta, Georgia
Kyle Walsh
Direct Disciple of Master Han
L.Ac., MAOM
Pain Relief & Senior Care
Kyle Walsh, L.Ac., MAOM, is a direct disciple of Master Han who specializes in pain relief and senior care, serving patients in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding communities.
Practice & Shared Memories
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07 · Direct Disciple
Willa McNelis
Direct Disciple of Master Han
Willa McNelis is a direct disciple of Master Han.
Tai Chi Practice
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