The Mountain Institute

of Kung Fu and Tai Chi

Sifu Manuel Rodriguez

Sifu Manuel Rodriguez has dedicated his life to learning, perfecting, and teaching an expansive range of martial arts. Best known for his mastery in Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, and Southern Praying Mantis, Sifu Rodriguez has also earned a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, 2nd degree black belt in Judo, 2nd degree black belt in Shito Ryu Karate, 1st degree black belt in HakuryoJu Jitsu, 3rd degree black belt in Shuai Chiao, as well as mastering White Eye Brow and Butterfly Hand.

Sifu Manuel Rodriguez

Sifu Rodriguez also coaches acclaimed world champions for international, national, and regional martial arts tournaments. A few of his better known champions include Goodwill game Tae Kwon Do Silver and Bronze medallists Robert Ross and "Sly" Lawson, as well as Judo champion Tara Peacock for the 1988 Seaoul Olympics. You can expect to see more champions to come!

Of Course, Sifu Rodriguez also has a long and impressive list of medals and awards won prior to his teaching career. The United States National Chinese Martial Arts Competition, with participants from over 40 countries, provides competitors with their world ranking in every style of Chinese martial arts. In 1991 and 1992, Sifu Rodriguez was ranked #1 in Southern Short Hand, #1 in Stationary Push Hands, #2 in Moving Push Hands, #2 in Sparring, #2 in Sticky Hands (Chi Sao), #3 in Paired Forms, and #3 in Open Weapons.

Sifu Rodriguez has been a close friend to Sifu Tom and the Mountain Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi for many years and has participated in our summer seminars since 2001. A valuable resource of martial arts knowledge and friendship, Sifu Rodriguez teaches regularly at the American Shaolin West Red Dragon Kung Fu Academy.