The Body Balance Academy Team
Shih Fu Eileen Hancock – Founder
Shih Fu Eileen Hancock is a visionary and entrepreneur who founded Body Balance Academy of Northern California in 2003. She brings 37 years of experience in the ancient arts of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Kung Fu to her students and instructors. She specializes in health consulting and started the Lotus Scholar Philosophy and Health Group in 2009. Shih Fu Hancock founded the non-profit Lifelong Health, Incorporated in 2014 with a vision of spreading Tai Chi and Qi Gong as a global resource for harmonizing the world. In 2016, she created and built Pura Vida Tai Chi and Kung Fu Immersion center in Costa Rica. Her mission is to preserve and teach the ancient arts to optimize health and well being in a modern world.
Disciple to the Tien Shan Pai system
World ranked Kung Fu and Tai Chi practitioner
Internationally Certified Judge and Referee for Kung Fu and Tai Chi
1996 Gold Medalist US International Kuoshu Championship
BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder
Giselle Brewton - Academy Liaison/Tai Chi & Kung Fu Teacher
Giselle’s Martial Arts journey began in 2006 with a combination of styles. Her search for balancing both internal and external Martial Arts brought her to Body Balance Academy, where she fully embraces the healing practice of Qigong, Tai Chi and the strength training and discipline of Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu. Since joining the BBA family, her dedication to studying Chinese philosophy and ancient texts has become a vital part of this journey.
Giselle is a photographer, filmmaker, visual artist in various mediums. She is the co-founder of artist collectives internationally and throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Her other passion is animal rescue and spending time with her free spirited pups Magpie and Ruby.
As the academy liaison, Giselle oversees all academy programs and communication between the academy staff and students.
Steve Adel – Black Sash Kung Fu/ Tai Chi Teacher
Shih Fu Steve Adel studied Ba Gua from 1990 to 1997 in the Bay Area. He began his training at Body Balance Academy in 2010. He was quickly promoted to the Leadership Team and achieved his black sash in March, 2015. Shih Fu Steve won two silver and two gold medals in open hand and weapons forms at Richard Lee’s Kung Fu Tournament in San Ramon, November 2015. Shih Fu Steve offers his dedication to both the Kung Fu and Tai Chi programs.
Black Sash 2015
Certified instructor since 2013
Laura Brownell - Kung Fu Teacher
Laura began her journey at Body Balance Academy in 2019. Inspired by watching her children’s growth and enjoyment of Kung Fu at Body Balance, she joined the program with excitement, building on the martial arts foundation she developed as a child. Laura is a passionate learner of Kung Fu, enjoying the physical and mental challenge, the emphasis on internal focus and balance, as well as the support and encouragement of the community. She finds great joy in the practice and strives to bring the focus and skills of Kung Fu into her daily life. Aside from Kung Fu, Laura is working toward a PhD in Literature, spends time with her family, and runs a local bike shop. She currently teaches Kids Kung Fu and Kung Fu.
Alea Brownell - Leadership Team Leader
Alea began practicing martial arts at the age of six and has been with Body Balance Academy since 2018. She is drawn to how Kung Fu helps her focus her internal and external self. One of her goals in Kung Fu is to successfully earn a black belt. She hopes to help students develop self discipline and focus through practicing Kung Fu. Apart from Kung Fu, Alea is an avid reader, artist, violinist, aerialist, and dancer. She currently teaches Kids Kung Fu.
Anita DuPratt - Tai Chi & Qi Gong Teacher
Anita first became aware of Tai Chi as a Theater Professor at UC Bakersfield. After retiring Anita began studying Tai Chi & Qi Gong seriously at Body Balance Academy, 9 year ago. Anita brings her wisdom and love for learning to all of the classes she teaches. As an avid hiker, Anita discovered that Tai Chi informs her hiking and the strength she gains from hiking helps her Tai Chi practice.
Summer Lujan – Licensed Midwife & Health Specialist
Summer Lujan brings her unique knowledge of child development and holistic health to create an optimal learning environment in the academy programs. Summer helps to create an encouraging academy atmosphere to develop self confidence, respect and discipline all while having fun!
Summer serves Body Balance Academy students as a health consultant to support the longevity of their martial arts training.Summer has been serving families in all stages of life for over 20 years. Her life’s work is to integrate ancient wisdom into the modern world.
Summer is currently the vice president of local non profit, Lifelong Health, INC. In 2016, Summer co-founded Pura Vida Tai Chi & Kung Fu Immersion center in Costa Rica.
California Licensed Midwife
Immersion Coordinator
Certified Instructor, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Pilates & Yoga
Mantra – Spirit Guide
Mantra held her position at Body Balance Academy from 2008-2022.
During her tenure, she expanded and trained other canine staff at Body Balance Academy. Mantra specialized in post-surgical and traumatic injury / illness support and was a certified service dog and world traveler.
Currently, Mantra is working remotely from Heaven where she continues to pursue her vision of freedom, chasing birds and exploring the great outdoors.
Atsa – Director of Public Relations
Atsa has been serving Body Balance Academy students and staff since her arrival in July 2020. She always demonstrates the martial arts values of courtesy and respect for others. Atsa participates in Tai Chi class by meditating with the group and is committed to greeting each person who enters the Academy with a warm welcome and unconditional love. Atsa is also a certified service dog. She is an avid swimmer and enjoys sparring with her border collie friend, Bernice.
Marea – Fast-Track Intern
“Marea” translates in both Italian and Spanish to "tide" like the ocean's tide.
She was recruited by Mantra upon her ascension to Heaven to support Shih Fu, Atsa and the academy staff and students.
Marea arrived to BBA at 10 weeks old to begin her intensive course. As a drought baby she has an incredible affinity for water and is often seen praying for the water to remain abundant and pure.