​

Biography of Master William Yeung

​

William Yeung was born and raised in Kow Loon, Hong Kong. From a young age, he developed a deep passion for martial arts, studying Judo, Karate, Southern-style Kung Fu, Taekwondo, and Boxing. When sparring and practicing with friends, he quickly noticed that certain techniques were more effective than others—early insights that would later shape his approach to Tai Chi and martial arts.

​

Another major love in his life was the ocean. At age 18, he joined the Chinese merchant marines, eager to travel the world by sea. Life aboard ship required intense physical labor, and it was during these years that several shipmates introduced him to Tai Chi and Chi Kung exercises. These practices helped him endure the demanding work and planted the seeds for what would become his lifelong dedication to Tai Chi.

​

In 1972, William immigrated to the United States and worked at his uncle’s Chinese restaurant in the Midwest. In his spare time, he continued his martial arts training and practiced Judo. His diverse background in multiple martial arts styles made him a uniquely challenging sparring partner—his balance and variety of techniques were difficult for others to overcome using traditional Judo alone.

​

In 1974, he moved to Sacramento to help his brother with his art gallery. During this time, he took classes in oil painting and picture framing, eventually opening his own custom framing shop in Fairfield, California. While traveling to art fairs across the U.S. and Canada, his fast-paced canvas-stretching work caused a repetitive-use injury that left him unable to use his left arm. Despite visiting doctors, chiropractors, and acupuncturists, he found no lasting relief.

​

With a family to support, William turned back to the Chi Kung techniques he had learned in the merchant marines. Through disciplined practice, he fully rehabilitated his arm—a personal healing experience that deepened his belief in the power of Tai Chi and Chi Kung.

​

His formal Tai Chi journey expanded when he began one-on-one training with Master Mrs. Kuo in San Francisco, followed by further study under Master Jane Woo in Oakland. These teachings revealed to him the profound health benefits of Tai Chi—its emphasis on breathing, balance, internal energy, and overall well-being—while also demonstrating its effectiveness as a martial art.

​

After teaching Tai Chi in the Fairfield and Vacaville communities for ten years, Master Yeung decided to create a comprehensive instructional DVD series with a few of his advanced students. Having seen many Tai Chi instructional programs, he noticed most lacked the depth necessary for students who wish to truly understand the art. His DVD series aims to reach more people, helping more people experience the lifelong health and harmony that Tai Chi can offer.

​

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Master Yeung adapted his teaching to ensure students could continue receiving the health benefits of Tai Chi during unprecedented times. He learned to use online platforms and transitioned his classes to Zoom, keeping his community active, connected, and supported. He now continues to offer both in-person and Zoom classes, allowing him to reach and help even more people—including those far beyond his local community, across the world.

​

To explore Master Yeung’s second passion—his artwork—visit his gallery on Yelp: Fantasy Arts & Custom Framing.

​

Former  & Present Teaching Locations

• Fairfield Community Center (off and on)

• Vacaville Community Center (1997–2024)

• North Bay Health Fitness Center (3 years prior to COVID)

• Happy Ocean Tai Chi Academy (1997–Present)

​

To check out Master Yeung's second love, his art gallery, Yelp Fantasy Arts & Custom Framing.