Andover, MA USA
Guest Instructors
Alex Kiesel
YMAA Andover Owner/Director
Tai Chi & Kung Fu Instructor
Alex Kiesel has devoted more than four decades to the study and teaching of Tai Chi, Qigong, and traditional Chinese martial arts. He began his martial arts training in 1978 and, in 1982, began studying under renowned martial arts educator Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. His primary focus has been Yang Style Taiji (Tai Chi), along with Qigong and the traditional principles underlying both practices.
Over the years, Alex has continued to deepen his Tai Chi studies with several respected teachers, including Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming in Yang Style Taiji, Liang Shou-Yu in Simplified Taiji, and other traditional Chinese martial arts masters.
Alex is a Tai Chi Master Instructor certified by the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association.
As Owner and Director of YMAA Andover, Alex is committed to making Tai Chi and Qigong accessible, practical, and enjoyable. He particularly enjoys helping beginners develop a strong foundation while encouraging students to progress at their own pace.
Contact: Yangsandover@gmail.com
Mr. Kiesel with Dr. Yang Jwing Ming
Kathy Yang
Guest Instructor
Kathy began training Taijiquan and Qigong at age six under her father, Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming. A multiple-time Grand Champion in both internal and external martial arts, she has competed successfully in major U.S. tournaments.
She holds an M.Sc. in Chinese Medicine (First Class Honors), a B.Sc. in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Clinical Exercise Physiology, and a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. Kathy has taught at the New England School of Acupuncture (MCPHS University). She has conducted clinical work and research at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital and Dong Fang Hospital in Beijing.
She currently teaches workshops and offers consultations in Chinese Medicine across the United States, South America, and Europe, with a focus on mind-body health, aging, and hormones.
Testimonials
“Kathy is an excellent instructor… she made a genuine connection with the students.” — Ron S., Andover, MA
“Kathy made a deep impression on the connection between food and emotions… Her use of metaphors made it easy to retain the information.” — Linda D., Andover, MA
Meg Holmes
Tai Chi Instructor
Meg Holmes has had a lengthy career as a school librarian/teacher working with students from kindergarten through college. Her expertise as an educator has carried over to her career as a Tai Chi instructor. Meg considers herself to be a life-long learner and on a lifelong journey as a student of Tai Chi.
Meg began studying Tai Chi in 1990 at Yang’s Andover under the tutelage of Alex Kiesel. She has been a student within the YMAA system ever since and has learned from instructors such as Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, Ramel Rones, and Jeff Pratt.
Meg is a Tai Chi Master Instructor certified by the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association.
Paul Blake
Tai Chi, Qigong Instructor
Paul is a senior Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor at Yang’s Martial Arts in Andover. He has studied and taught Tai Chi and Qigong for nearly 30 years under the teaching of world-renowned Master Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming.
Paul is well-versed in both the martial and the health aspects of Tai Chi and Qigong and is excited about the future of these arts, as each new scientific discovery arises, they validate what the ancient masters were trying to pass along.
Paul is a Tai Chi Master Instructor certified by the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association.
Hugh Conlon
Tai Chi, Instructor
Hugh is a dedicated Tai Chi practitioner and instructor at Yang's Martial Arts in Andover, where he has studied for over 25 years. He regularly attends seminars with world-renowned Master Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, and participates in classes led by Jeff Pratt, Paul Blake, and other experienced teachers.
A lifelong Andover resident, Hugh recently retired from a distinguished career in biotechnology as an Associate Research Fellow. He is deeply versed in the Yang-style Tai Chi Long Form (108 movements) and loves sharing it with students in a clear, patient, and encouraging way.
Beyond the core form, Hugh explores a wide range of related practices, including Qigong, Tai Chi ball, Tai Chi sword, and martial applications. He has a special gift for connecting Tai Chi principles to everyday activities—helping students apply concepts of balance, relaxation, flow, and mindful movement to pursuits like skiing, golf, and hiking.
Jeff Pratt
Guest Instructor
Jeff began his study of Tai Chi at the YMAA Boston School in 1987 and has reached the rank of Instructor (3rd degree) in the YMAA system. Jeff specializes in Pushing Hands, which is the two-person form of Tai Chi. He has received extensive training across the disciplines comprising YMAA’s Tai Chi program.
Jeff has taught Tai Chi professionally for 20 years and is currently also teaching Pushing Hands at the YMAA International headquarters. He has taught at the Tai Chi Farm in New York (under Master Jou, Tsung-Hua) and at Gillette Industries, Sapient Corporation, and MKS Instruments. He has conducted seminars in the United States, Poland, Hungary, Portugal, and South Africa.
Jeff has performed in local and national tournaments and has repeatedly won the title of champion and grand champion in the “A Taste of China” competition. He also earned high honors in Taijiquan at the United States Kuo Shu Guo Shu National Competitions, receiving gold medals in Pushing Hands. “Taijiquan has become the path I follow. It leads me to distant places and incredible people. Taijiquan is a continuous adventure of discovery.”
