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The Grandmaster

Updated: Aug 27, 2019

Artie Ferrell has built his life around the teachings he now passes on to others



If there is one thing that Grandmaster Artie Ferrell knows, it’s martial arts. Since the age of two, Artie has trained in the art of Shaolin Kung Fu. Martial arts have remained a staple of his life for so long, that it has woven itself into his very identity. Now, at 69 years old, Artie passes on all he has learned to younger generations at Master Ferrell’s Karate in Jasper.


“It keeps me young,” Artie says, “and it keeps me healthy. Here, I can pass down what I’ve learned to others, which is a legacy that keeps carrying on.”


Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the most ancient styles of Chinese martial arts, with origins dating roughly 1,500 years ago. It is believed to have heavily influenced most, if not all, forms of martial arts in the world.


“People from all over the world go to China to study Shaolin,” Artie explains, “because it’s one of the oldest forms of martial in the world.”


Artie opened his first martial arts school when he was young, though he doesn’t recall exactly when.


“I started teaching with my grandfather when I was six,” Artie says. “I opened my own place when I was 16 or 18. After that, I joined the Navy.”


It was in the Navy that Artie learned that his background in martial arts had prepared him for the military.



“In a lot of ways,” Artie says, “martial arts and military can go hand in hand with one another. The most glaring example being that you never know what to expect in the middle of a hot zone. You just have to go by instinct.”


Later on, Artie retired from the Navy and returned his full attention to training others. Many of his most treasured memories have come in this time, training his children and grandchildren.

“I have four children and five grandchildren, and I’ve trained every one of them,” Artie says. “Two of my sons are black belts and my grandchildren are training now. It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun.”


Today, Artie teaches ages as low as 3 up to adults. He finds it to be a fulfilling career, helping others and raising new generations with the teachings of Shaolin. His lifetime of experience has made him all the wiser from his initial days of instruction.



“Time just keeps going by,” says Artie. “You get older and you get wiser. Through time, you gain experience. My outlook in life has changed tremendously over my life. Problems that might have been difficult to settle before are typically settled more easily now. It’s like being able to see more clearly.”


To Artie, martial arts go much deeper than a form of defense. It is a way of life, a code to live by. It’s his work, a way to bond with his family, his legacy that passes on through those he teaches. After this many years of dedication, Artie doesn’t just practice Shaolin Kung Fu, he lives it. 78

This article was originally printed in 78 Magazine. Photos courtesy 78 Magazine.

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