Dr. Christopher M. Viggiano

Sword Stick Society International
Class Schedule

Shifu/Shihan Christopher M. Viggiano is a Chiropractic Physician since 1989, who has a family oriented practice in Hackettstown, N.J. After receiving his doctorate, he continued to further his studies to include Chiropractic Orthopedics while incorporating his experiences in traditional Oriental Martial & Healing Arts in the diagnosis and treatment of his patients. Presently his research is in the area of Martial, Medical & Spiritual Qigong for Life Enhancement.

Dr. Viggiano’s martial arts training began at an early age with his exposure to Boxing, Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido under the direction of Mr. Joe Riccio- Sandan in 1975. From 1977 to 1980, he continued his Korean studies with Mr. Pete Van Rossum -Sandan. In 1979, Master Viggiano began studying under Grandmaster Robert L. Murphy - Soke … Grandmaster of the system, Isshin Shorinji Ryu Okinawa-Te, a practical convergence of Traditional Okinawan, Japanese, Chinese, Korean & Contemporary Martial Studies for the Unification of the Mind, Body & Spirit.

It was in 1980 that Master Murphy, a student of Master Jou, Tsung Hwa introduced Christopher to Master Jou which enhanced Christopher’s interest and study of Taijiquan and the Internal Chinese Arts. In 1980, Christopher achieved his first black belt in the Korean arts and through honor, sincerity and dedication was accepted as a personal apprentice of Soke Murphy and in 1987 received a Master’s Certificate and License to teach “The Isshin Shorinji System”. It was from 1985-88, Dr. Viggiano propagated the teachings of Soke to Iowa and a training tape was produced. In 1989 Soke Murphy and Dr. Viggiano brought to the public a new approach to training by establishing an off shoot of the system named, American Bushido, which flourished in the 1990‘s. In 1994, a life-threatening illness left Christopher partially disabled and blind. During this period, he received Qigong healing sessions and inspiration from Master Jou, Tsung Hwa, who helped guide him to recovery through the principles and practice of Taijiquan and Qigong. In 1997, he produced a meditative musical composition dedicated to Master Jou and infamous teacher & friend Master T. T. Liang entitled … Peaceful Spirit.

To better represent his current training methods and spiritual direction in 2000 Shen Wu Dao Martial & Healing Arts was founded. In honor of Grandmaster Jou, the Shen Wu Dao School’s projects include the continual development of the “Master Jou, Tsung Hwa Tai Chi Memorial Park”, a new martial arts training center co-founded with Shifu Bruce La Carrubba. Crafted in the Spirit of the original Tai Chi Farm, is a wonderful escape nestled in Sussex County, New Jersey where connecting to Nature is key.

Another new horizon had begun in 2005 as Mataw Guro Louelle Lledo-Shihan and Dr. Viggiano-Shifu/Shihan have founded Sword Stick Society International, an organization dedicated to continuing education workshops for the holistic evolution of the Martial Arts and their practitioners. The next generation has begun as Sensei Luke A. Viggiano begins his career with his own school, Shinken Bushido Ryu, in promoting these most valuable Arts. Instructional DVD’s and an independent movie are in the works. With the untimely passing of Soke Murphy in 2007, Master Jou, Tsung Hwa (1998), Master T.T. Liang (2002), Dr. Viggiano has vowed to continue these priceless teachings in honor of all of his Masters.