William Brizendine first began martial arts training in 1971 in NewYork studying with a senior student of Master Miyazaki in the Shotokan style of Japanese karate. He was introduced to Chinese Kung Fu in 1976 by Sifu Paul Vissio of the Fu-Jow Pai of Hoy Hong Temple, Tiger Claw style, originally called, Hark Fu Moon - Black Tiger System.In the same year he also began training for the first time in the Chinese internal arts of Yang Style Tai-Chi, Pa-Qua Chang, Chi- Kung and Nei-Kung with Master  Franklin Kwong from Taiwan, who was then residing in NYC. In 1981-1982, he continued to study the internal arts in San Diego, CA, with Sifu Share K. Lew and at the Taoist Sanctuary.

In the summer of 1982, William became a student of Shrfu Mike Patterson and began a formal period of training in the Shen Lung Tang Shao Tao system of Taiwanese Master Hsu Hong-Chi that lasted through 1988. During that  time

Shrfu Patterson was a profound and inspiring influence, and William was awarded the rank of Black Belt in the internal kung fu style of Hsing-I Chuan.

In the fall of 1988, William became a student of Shrfu James McNeil who introduced him to the Xiao Jiu Tian - Little Nine Heaven System of Grandmaster Chiao Chang-Hung, and the Chen Tai Chi style of Master Pan Wing-Chow. He studied with Shrfu McNeil for the next six years and was promoted to 2nd degree Black Belt and awarded instructor rank in the internal martial arts. Under the masterful tutelage of Shrfu McNeil, William began study of Grandmaster Chiao's special "marrow washing" nei-gong, the uniquely powerful Xi Sui Gong of the Little Nine Heaven System.

Shrfu McNeil first introduced William to Master Kao San Lun in the 1980's and strongly urged him to seek out Master Kao when he moved to Florida in January of 1995. Master Kao graciously accepted him as a student

and since that time, William has been privileged to receive advanced training in all aspects of Grandmaster Chiao Chang-Hung's Little Nine Heaven internal kung fu, including advanced level Xi Sui Gong (William regularly lifts and swings over 150lbs in the "chi weight lifting" aspect of this exercise), Jiu Gong (boxing), Hsing-I, Pa-Qua, Tai-Chi, meditation,

bone-setting and medicine. Under Master Kao's expert instruction and guidance, William became a certified instructor for the family and is one of only four of Master Kao's "indoor students. Along with the other three, he was made a 35th generation disciple of the Xiao Jiu Tian Wu Tao, or Little Nine Heaven Martial Way in a formal "pai shi" ceremony on January 11, 2003.

William has a B.A and an M.A. in Eastern Philosophy & Religion from Columbia University in NYC, where he graduated magna cum laude with departmental honors, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and was designated a President's Fellow. He also completed a four year program at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, in San Diego, CA, receiving a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 1989, he received national certification and became licensed to practice acupuncture in the state of California.

A long time student of Tibetan Buddhism, William considers himself very lucky to have been in the right place at the right time to meet and receive teachings from some of the pre-eminent Lamas of the 20th century, including H.E. Kalu Rinpoche, H.H. the 16th Karmapa, H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama, H.E. Ling Rinpoche, Ven. Nechung Rinpoche, Ven. Losang Jigme who was the thirteenth Nechung Kuten, or State Oracle of Tibet, Ven.Geshe Wangyal, H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, H.E. Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche, H.H. Sakya Trinzin, Ven. Deshung Rimpoche, H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche, Ven. Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen, and Ven. Ontul Rinpoche.

William Brizendine continues to reside in Florida at this time.