Morning Crane Faculty

Christopher J. Shelton, M.Q.T. (Medical Qigong Therapist), is founder and instructor of the Morning Crane Healing Arts Center, and has over 15 years of experience as a healer and in the internal arts.

Chris was introduced to the internal styles of martial arts and Qigong after receiving a serious back injury while training Tae Kwon Do. He began his training in 1989 studying Qigong, Eight Treasures, Yang Style Tai Chi, Chen Tai Chi Chuan, I Chuan, Dao yin, I Ching studies, and Pre-Heaven form of Bagua Zhang.Yang style Tai Chi and Qigong under the guidance of Arnold E. Tayam.

In 1995 he earned the position of assistant instructor, and completed the Medical Qigong Therapist Certification Program as designed by the International Institute Of Medical Qigong. 

Chris is a Professor at the University of East West Medicine, teaching Qigong as part of their three year Masters program. Chris is certified in Professional Massage Therapy, specializing in deep tissue and reflexology, and is currently studying the ancient system of Tong Style Acupuncture.

He is a professional member of the NQA (National Qigong Association) and is training under 20th Generation Chen style Tai Ji Master, Tony Wong working towards his position as a Disciple in the Chen Tai Ji system.

Sifu Christopher is an all round National Champion in Tai Chi and is Ranked 10th. in the United States. At the US National Tai Chi Competition in Las Vegas, Sifu Christopher received three silver medals for Moving Step Push Hands, Restricted Step Push Hands, and the Chen 48 Form. He also received three bronze medals for Chen Broad Sword, Chen Spear, and the Chen Lao Jia. Thus earning him National Ranking in every division he entered!

Virgil Santiago “Junior”, A native pacific islander born in Kahului, Maui and raised in Kalihi Valley on the island of Oahu. Virgil is a certified Kumu Lomilomi (instructor), approved by the Hawaiian Lomilomi Association and is a Medical Qigong Practitioner.
His practice includes; Wela Pohaku “Hot Stone Therapy”, Sports Massage, Energy work, and other healing modalities.

Virgil is the founder and instructor of the Ohana Traditions Wellness Center and is a founding member of the Likudon Filipino Martial Arts Group. With over 15 years of training and instructing, Virgil integrates the healing traditions of the East and the West.
Maintaining a presence of Aloha within the community, Virgil teaches workshops and coordinates massage services for charitable events. He is also involved in organizing a yearly “Big Island” culture/healing retreat tours to those seeking to develop and enhance there spiritual awareness as part of a wellness lifestyle.