Instructors

Master Paula Lazarz has been practicing Shaolin Kung Fu for the past thirty-two years and has been teaching on a daily basis for the past 30. She began her study of martial arts to build confidence and increase her own awareness of practical self-defense.

She earned her Black Sash under Sigong Andrew Lee within the Shaolin Quan Fa system established in Chicago by Grandmaster Tsai. She has competed both locally and nationally and was a NBL regional forms champion in 2003.

Master Paula holds a 7th-Degree Black Sash in Tsai’s Shaolin Quan Fa. Her practice includes 28 years of Qi Gong training along with 18 years of Tai Chi.

While studying under Shi Yanju, a 34th Generation Songshan Shaolin Temple master, she completed two study trips to the original Shaolin Temple in Henan, China to deepen her understanding of the art, culture and spirituality of Shaolin.

Master Paula was a 2017 inductee into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall Of Fame.

Paula also served as an ordained Buddhist priest in the zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi for 10 years until she gave up her robes in 2026. This also deepened her understanding of the historical connections between Zen practice and Shaolin Kung Fu. (Shaolin ChanWu)

She has a firm belief in the transformative power a solid martial arts practice offers a person and hopes to instill a passion for the art in her students.

Ms. Lazarz is a co-owner of Energy Fitness, Inc., a martial arts and exercise program service provider. HealthKick Kung Fu is the Shaolin program offered by Energy Fitness, Inc. She is the founder of Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy.

Sifu Adrienne, a 5th degree Black Sash, started studying martial arts at HealthKick Kung Fu in 2004. She began under our founder, Master Daniel J. Lee. Her training includes a study trip to the original Shaolin Temple in Henan, China under Shaolin master Shi Yanju and self-defense intensives with 10th degree Shaolin Chuan Fa master, Waysun “Johnny” Tsai.

Having no prior background in martial arts, Sifu Adrienne started her practice with the intention of getting a great workout and learning some self-defense. During this journey, she learned that Kung Fu offers so much more. She appreciates the discipline, patience, respect, and perseverance that traditional martial arts develop in an individual.

In her own words, “As someone new to martial arts when I started, I can understand why some people feel intimidated by the practice or uncomfortable just walking into a martial arts school. I encourage everyone to give Kung Fu a try. I have found it to be a unique merging of learning, fitness, and fun!”

Sifu Adrienne continues to fine-tune her teaching skills everyday to carry forward the many benefits and challenges Shaolin Kung Fu has to offer. She looks forward to getting to know the many students who come from all cultures, walks of life, and professions to share in the art and love of Shaolin Kung Fu.

In 2017, Sifu Adrienne became part-owner of Energy Fitness, Inc. the parent company of HealthKick Kung Fu. She also serves as Facilitator for Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy.

Sifu Stephen Dale currently holds the rank of 3rd degree Black Sash.

Having fallen in love with martial arts at an early age, he started training as a child in Taekwondo, eventually earning a black belt in that art in high school. He earned his Northern Shaolin Black Sash at HealthKick in August 2016.

He is one of three primary instructors for HealthKick’s Adult & Kids programs

He is also the primary instructor for our Teen program.  Sifu Steve knows personally how much martial arts can offer young people and teens especially.. He is very motivated to pass that experience on to other young people.

Sifu Steve also has experience in fencing.  A trained actor, he also is a stage combatant and fight choreographer.

He also serves as President for Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy. 

Sifu Norman Quinn started Kung Fu at the age of 46. Walking past HealthKick Kung Fu one day, something struck a chord in him and he walked inside. The founder, Master Daniel Lee, made Sifu Norm feel he was in the right place.

The changes he felt from day one continue to this day – from peak physical health, to achieving relief from a stressful career, to enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded individuals.

“The Kung Fu path has made me a more resilient person because of the dynamic physical and mental training. I am currently a First Degree Black Sash in Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu. My hope is to teach students this wonderful art so they too may realize the benefits it offers for our modern, demanding lives.”

Sifu Norm also serves as Treasurer for Warrior’s Path Buddhist Academy. 

Sifu Devin Luera started at HealthKick as a very young child. He earned his Junior Black Sash in 2012. He was a regular instructor in our Kung Fu Kids,Teen Class and Summer Camp programs for 5 years. He knows firsthand the martial arts journey our enrolled children are traveling on.

Through continued practice, persistence and leadership, he was promoted to a fully-certified adult 1st Degree Black Sash in May 2021.

He continues to stay connected to our HealthKick community by being a regular panelist for Children’s Sash Testing.