Maarten Vercruysse

Maarten has practiced Tai Chi Chuan for more than 10 years and has studied under several renowned Masters. He started practicing Tai Chi Chuan at Yang Martial Arts Association (YMAA) Belgium during his graduate studies to improve his health. YMAA is an international martial arts organization and community founded by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, who is a world-renowned author and Master in Tai Chi Chuan as well as Shaolin Long Fist, Shaolin White Crane, and Chi Kung. 

After receiving his Ph.D. in Bioscience engineering in 2010, Maarten moved from Belgium to Boston USA to continue his postdoctoral research at MIT and his Tai Chi Chuan training at YMAA Boston, where he eventually became an assistant instructor. In Boston, Maarten was fortunate to also train for several years with Master Ramel Rones. Not only is Master Rones an exceptional martial artist, he is also a world-leading expert in applying Tai Chi and Qi Gong principles to therapies for patients with cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain; in collaboration with Dana Farber Cancer institute, Harvard Medical School, and Tufts Medical Center.

During this exciting period in Boston, Maarten eventually met Master Tung Kuan Yen. Impressed by Master Tung's deep understanding of Tai Chi Chuan and exceptional skill level, he decided to focus on Master Tung's teachings. At the end of 2014, Maarten moved to Switzerland to start his professional career in the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist, while continuing his training with Master Tung by traveling 4 times a year to Los Angeles USA. In 2015, Maarten was accepted as a direct disciple to receive all the knowledge of the lineage. 

Maarten is back in Basel after living and working for two year in Shanghai (2017-2019). He also taught Tai Chi Chuan in Pudong Shanghai.