Sifu Rupert Harvey
Golden Harmony Martial Arts and Wellness is a comprehensive system created by Sifu Rupert Harvey, drawing upon his decades of experience in martial arts and holistic healing practices. As the heir of Grandmaster Rob Moses and the highest-ranked practitioner in their direct lineage, Sifu Harvey also serves as the head of Tai Shan Mantis—a system developed by Grandmaster Moses that incorporates the 9 Palms Moving Meditation and the Physiostix practice tools.
Sifu Harvey’s martial arts journey began informally in the 1960s, training alongside his brother, Carl Harvey. In the 1970s, he formalized his studies under Master Kyong Lee and Master Hyun Lee in the Korean martial art Wanin-Do, earning his black belt in the 1980s.
In the early 1990s, while working on the set of the television series Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Sifu Harvey began training with two of his most influential teachers, Sifu Michael Vendrell and Sifu Rob Moses. Under their guidance, he achieved the rank of Sifu and received their blessing to teach. His lifelong dedication to their teachings endures, continuing directly under Sifu Rob Moses and in spirit under Sifu Vendrell, who passed away in 2013.
A Juno Award-winning musician, accomplished martial artist, and veteran of numerous Toronto film and television productions, Sifu Harvey has traveled widely, enriching his practice through encounters with esteemed instructors. Notable among them are Qigong Instructor Shambu Charles Mardel from Hawaii and Guro Nonoy Gallano, both of whom left a lasting impact on his development. Additionally, Sifu Harvey’s knowledge and teaching have been shaped by the invaluable contributions of Qigong Instructors Sifu Daisy Lee, Sifu Francesco Garripoli, and their teacher Dr. Duan Zhi Liang, as well as the Toronto Chinese Community, the Chow Family, and many other friends and associates who have supported the evolution and success of the Golden Harmony Martial Arts and Wellness System.
As a principle-based martial artist, Sifu Harvey has masterfully integrated these diverse influences into a cohesive and dynamic system. Traditional yet progressive, Golden Harmony Martial Arts and Wellness is both highly structured and adaptable, fostering holistic growth in every practitioner by nurturing all aspects of their physical, mental, and spiritual development.
At its core, Golden Harmony Martial Arts and Wellness is rooted in the teachings of Sifu Rob Moses’ Tai Mantis Kung Fu and Golden Spiral Wellness, alongside Sifu Michael Vendrell’s transmission of Yee Chuan Tao, Shaolin Chin-Na, and Kali. The Tai Mantis Kung Fu Association, established in the early 1970s by Sifu Paul Eng, Sifu Kam Yuen, and Sifu Raymond Wong, initially taught Northern Shaolin Style as a foundation, later incorporating Law Horn 18, My-Jong, 7 Star, and Tai Chi Praying Mantis into the Shaolin System. Sifu Harvey, as head of Tai Shan Mantis, continues this legacy, emphasizing the 9 Palms Moving Meditation and the innovative Physiostix tools.
Golden Spiral Wellness, founded by Sifu Rob Moses—Dr. Kam Yuen’s top student—focuses on cultivating human “flow” and natural movement to enhance dynamic flexibility, generate power, and sharpen mental focus through geometric patterns and natural physics. This system features the 9 Palms Movements and the Physiostix, a series of practice tools inspired by the Fibonacci Spiral. Meanwhile, Sifu Michael Vendrell’s teachings—encompassing Yee Chuan Tao, Shaolin Chin-Na, and Kali—were directly imparted to Sifu Harvey.
A lifelong martial artist, stuntman, and actor, Sifu Vendrell trained under Grandmaster Leong and spent six years studying Judo with Master Gene LeBell.
Through Golden Harmony Martial Arts and Wellness, Sifu Rupert Harvey offers a living system that honors its rich lineage while adapting to the needs of each practitioner, embodying the wisdom of his predecessors and his own unique contributions as a master martial artist and healer.
