About Us

Chief Instructor

Nathan A. Wright
Managing Director and Chief Instructor, Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy
Chief Representative, Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Canada and China

With over 25 years of dedicated experience in traditional Chinese martial arts, Nathan is the Managing Director and Chief Instructor at Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy. He is also the Chief Representative for Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu in Canada and China. Nathan teaches with deep reverence for his lineage, under the tutelage of Master Kai Uwe Pel.

A native of Calgary, Canada, Nathan spent 25 years living and working in Shanghai, China, where he immersed himself in the language, culture, and martial arts heritage. Fluent in Mandarin and written Chinese, Nathan’s commitment to the traditional arts is matched by his passion for Confucian philosophical thought, and applied ethics.

Nathan’s martial journey began under the strict guidance of Master Kai Uwe Pel, the Founder, President, and Global Chief Instructor at Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu Academy. Under Master Pel’s instruction, Nathan embraced both the combative style and the moral foundations that form the core of traditional Kung Fu. Following Master Pel’s retirement and return to Germany, Nathan, alongside his kung fu brother Cameron Hirst, continued to uphold and teach the rich traditions of the family lineage, with Nathan later on assuming the role of Chief Instructor in China before returning to Canada.

As a teacher, Nathan’s approach is holistic, integrating practical combat training, formal structure, discipline, and mind-body integration. Known for his clarity and depth of instruction, Nathan’s teaching remains deeply rooted in tradition while focused on real-world application and personal growth. His commitment to his students goes beyond martial skill—he fosters confidence, resilience, and character in each of them. Nathan believes that Kung Fu is more than just self-defense; it is a lifelong path of self learning and personal cultivation, both on and off the training floor.


ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Lead by our honorary Chairman, Master Kai Uwe Pel, the Advisory Board of Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy is comprised of a distinguished group of leaders, educators, and martial artists, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the academy. With over 80 years of combined experience directly in China and the Asia Pacific Region, this team has dedicated their lives to the practice, preservation, and transmission of Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Their vast experience spans decades of immersive training, cultural exploration, and teaching under the direct guidance of Master Kai Uwe Pel. Together, they embody an unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of this martial art and sharing its profound teachings with students around the world.

Master Kai Uwe Pel
Honorary Chairman, Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy
Founder, President and Global Chief Instructor, Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu Academy, Germany and Switzerland

Kai Uwe Pel, born in Recklinghausen, Germany in 1964, is a senior master and internationally respected figure in traditional Chinese martial arts, particularly in the Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu style. With over 40 years of experience as both a practitioner and teacher, he stands as one of the foremost authorities in the art, dedicated to preserving its integrity, spirit, and classical teachings for future generations.

Kai began his martial arts journey at the age of sixteen in Hong Kong, immersing himself in the discipline and rich cultural traditions of Chinese Kung Fu. Over the decades, he studied under numerous esteemed masters across East Asia, but his most influential and formative training came under Grandmaster Koh Kim Kok in Singapore—a renowned authority in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, trained under the family of Master Lin Bo Yan.

Training under Master Koh was rigorous and uncompromising, with daily practice sessions—both morning and evening—designed to build not only physical skill but also deep mental resilience and moral strength. Master Pel is the only Western student ever accepted as Master Koh’s disciple, an acknowledgment that reflects the highest level of trust and personal transmission in traditional Chinese martial culture.

As a teacher, Kai has spent over four decades promoting and preserving the classical form of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, emphasizing that martial training extends beyond technique. Master Pel was instrumental in bringing Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu back to Shanghai Jingwu in 2002, where he worked and taught as the only foreigner ever to be part of the Shanghai organization. He instills in his students a strong understanding of the ethical and philosophical foundations of the art. Kai is committed to teaching students to approach their practice with respect, humility, and personal development. He often says, “True mastery lies not only in martial effectiveness but in moral character and self-discipline.”

His commitment to the art is captured in his words: “My goal is to introduce Praying Mantis Kung Fu to as many people as possible while maintaining the high standards passed down by my teacher and his teachers before him. This art is a living tradition, and its future depends on those who are willing to devote themselves to it fully.”

Today, Kai continues to teach a select group of dedicated students in Germany and Switzerland, and works closely with his affiliate schools including Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy to preserve and transmit the authentic lineage of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. He is regarded as a living treasure within the global Praying Mantis community, known not only for his formidable skill but also for his unwavering commitment to traditional values and excellence in teaching

 

Cameron Hirst
Chief Representative and Chief Instructor, Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, New Zealand and Australia

Cameron Hirst was born in Auckland, New Zealand, where he began his athletic journey at the age of five, training in gymnastics. By age ten, he had become the Auckland regional champion and was selected for the national teams program, gaining early exposure to the rigorous discipline required for high-level athletic performance.

Cameron’s passion for martial arts began in high school with judo, followed by his introduction to Chinese Kung Fu at a local YMCA while also teaching children’s gymnastics. This early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for traditional Chinese martial arts.

In 2003, after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Science and Psychology, Cameron moved to Shanghai, China, where he began intensive training in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu under the guidance of Master Kai Uwe Pel. In addition to his Kung Fu training, he also became a champion Sanda competitor in the 80kg division.

Cameron’s background in sport science, biomechanics, and psychology shapes his unique teaching style, which blends traditional martial arts principles with a deep understanding of human movement and psychological dynamics. His holistic approach ensures that students not only develop physical skill but also cultivate a deeper understanding of their own capabilities.

As a Board of Director at Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, Cameron is also the Chief Instructor representing Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu in New Zealand. With over two decades of martial arts experience and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, Cameron continues to inspire as an example of cross-cultural mastery and disciplined practice.

 

Mr. Andrew Best

Originally from Liverpool, England, Andrew Best has lived and worked in Shanghai, China for over 20 years, where he established a successful career in education and the creative arts. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Andrew has studied Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu under Master Kai Uwe Pel for more than two decades, earning recognition as a dedicated and long-standing member of the Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis family lineage.

Andrew came to Kung Fu as an adult, motivated by a desire to improve his health after growing up with chronic asthma. Seeking a traditional system that could build both physical vitality and mental resilience, he found in Kung Fu not just a discipline but a lifelong path of cultivation. His journey began in Shanghai, where he trained closely alongside his kung fu brothers, Nathan Wright and Cameron Hirst, as part of a uniquely committed group that would go on to complete the entire Seven Star Praying Mantis system.

A highlight of Andrew’s martial journey came at the 100-Year Anniversary Celebration of Master Luo Guang Yu, held in Shanghai—an event honoring lineage, tradition, and nearly two decades of shared study and development. In addition to his martial pursuits, Andrew is also a published author and musician, blending his professional background with a lifelong commitment to learning and creative-expression.

He continues to reside in Shanghai to this day, where his deep experience, cultural fluency, and enduring dedication to the art make him a respected intellectual and influential figure in the Kung Fu community.


Welcome to Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy
At Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, we are dedicated to preserving, practicing, and evolving the ancient art of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. We offer a disciplined yet welcoming environment where students of all ages can cultivate self-defense skills, enhance physical resilience, and achieve mental clarity. Whether you’re looking to build self-defense skills, increase confidence, improve fitness, or practice mindfulness, Northern Sage blends ancient wisdom with modern needs to guide your journey.

Holistic Martial Arts Training
We believe that true martial arts training strengthens the whole person. It fortifies the body, sharpens the mind, and nurtures the spirit. At Northern Sage, we unite the Martial (Wu) and Civil (Wen) Ways, emphasizing respect, virtue, and community spirit. Our approach ensures that every student not only grows physically but also becomes more resilient, wise, and socially responsible.

More Than a Martial Arts School
Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy is a training ground for personal growth, discipline, and embodied knowledge. Our curriculum follows the proud tradition of Luo Guang Yu Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu and includes:

  • Traditional Mantis Kung Fu: Master self-defense with techniques in kicking, striking, grappling, throwing, and weapons training, based on proven strategies and tactics.
  • Sanshou Free Sparring: Experience live, progressively challenging sparring that incorporates Mantis empty-hand techniques, combat tactics, and strategies tailored for combat sports.
  • Meditation & Mindfulness: Build a strong mind-body connection through moving and seated meditation practices rooted in Buddhist Shaolin traditions, improving both mental clarity and parasympathetic health.

Our classes are designed for students of all levels and are structured to foster continuous growth and advancement in each individual’s studies.

Join Us in Calgary (YYC)
Located in Calgary, Alberta, Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy offers a space where heritage and modern practicality converge. We are not only committed to developing skilled martial artists but also guiding our students toward becoming focused, respectful, and resilient individuals who thrive in all aspects of life.


“The Master said:
Set your will on the Way,
be firm in virtue,
grounded in humanity,
and immersed in the arts.”
(The Analects, 7.6)

At Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, our values are deeply embedded in the rich traditions of Chinese martial culture. Rooted in the philosophical teachings of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, our practices merge the Martial (Wu) Way with the Civil (Wen) Way. This unique approach guides our path in cultivating not just martial skill, but also virtue ethics, self-discipline, and a life of harmony.

These core values shape how we train the body, refine the mind, and foster respect and harmony in all our actions:

  • Discipline: The cornerstone of all growth. We train both the body and mind to move with purpose, consistency, and control, forming a strong foundation for success.
  • Integrity: We uphold honesty and alignment between word and deed. Cultivating sincerity in action, we hold ourselves and others accountable with transparency and respect.
  • Perseverance: We endure challenges with quiet strength. In the face of adversity, we rise undeterred, never giving in to discouragement or defeat.
  • Respect: A virtue at the heart of Confucianism and martial etiquette. We show humility, propriety, and reverence for our teachers, peers, and the traditions we carry forward.
  • Community: Martial arts are about more than individual success. We practice humaneness and compassion, supporting each other as we grow together in skill and character within the academy and beyond.
  • Harmony: A guiding principle in Confucian thought. True harmony is not passive conformity, but the dynamic integration of differences into unity. In our practice and relationships, we cultivate mutual understanding, inner peace, and a balance of mind and body.

These values are woven into every aspect of our academy—how we teach, how we train, and how we live.

 

At Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, we blend the rich tradition of classical training with the insights of modern sport science. Our goal is to develop martial artists who are capable, skilled, and grounded—both physically and mentally.

We offer a balanced training system built on three core elements:

  • Foundational Training: Students master essential techniques and tactics to enhance coordination, balance, fluidity, and proficiency in kicking, striking, grappling, and throwing methods. These movements are steeped in centuries of martial wisdom, passed down through generations.

  • Applied Tactics and Sparring: Techniques come to life through applied two-person drills, pad work, and sparring. This transforms theoretical knowledge into real, functional skill, reinforcing practical application.

  • Mind-Body Conditioning: Through physical control, breath regulation, and mindfulness, we help students cultivate a deep mind-body connection. This empowers them to move more effectively, feel better, and stay injury-free.

Intelligent, Progressive Training
Our curriculum is rooted in evidence-based progression, guiding students through clear stages of development, with a focus on:

  • Coordination, mobility, and stability
  • Strength, speed, timing, and reaction
  • Tactical awareness and decision-making
  • Conditioning for real-world performance

Beginners focus on mastering the basics, while advanced students hone precision, adaptability, and performance under pressure.

Real-World Relevance
Our training isn’t for show—it’s for real life. We prepare students to act under stress, adapt to unpredictable situations, and defend themselves with confidence and control. We also delve into important topics like risk assessment, situational awareness, emotional regulation, and situational judgment, drawing from modern science and combat psychology to enhance real-world readiness.

Tradition Meets Modernity
We honor our roots in Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, preserving its time-tested traditions. Yet, we evolve with the times, incorporating modern techniques and training methodologies. We believe martial arts should shape both skill and character, developing strong bodies, sharp minds, and ethical spirits.

Interested in learning more about our classes, scheduling a trial, or enrolling in one of our programs? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced martial artist, Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy welcomes all inquiries. Feel free to reach out with any questions—we’re here to help guide you on your martial arts journey.

Begin your journey today!