The Instructor

Paolo Castaneda, founder and head coach of Wu-Tan Denmark, began his martial arts journey at age 11 with Taekwondo, later expanding his training to include Filipino Kali and Western Boxing.

 

His formal study of Chinese martial arts began under Shifu Kurt Wong in Anchorage, Alaska, where he trained in Northern Praying Mantis, Chen-style Taijiquan, and Jiao Men Changquan. After three years, Paolo was accepted as a third-generation disciple of the Wu-Tan tradition, gaining access to the advanced teachings of Grandmaster Liu Yun-Qiao (劉雲樵), including Bajiquan, Piguazhang, and Baguazhang.

 

In 2002, Paolo founded the Oslo Wu-Tan Guoshu Klubb in Norway and taught and promoted traditional Chinese martial arts. He would teach the Wu-Tan styles in Norway till October 2016, when life took Paolo to Copenhagen, Denmark. Paolo retired from teaching to focus on his career and family, but would eventually return to teaching.

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In 2023, Paolo established Wu-Tan Denmark, where he continues to teach and preserve classical styles such as Tanglang Quan, Bajiquan, Piguazhang, Chen-style Taijiquan, and Jiao Men Changquan.

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