Fairfield Kung Fu Teacher Named 'Instructor of the Year'

Fairfield Kung Fu teacher John Tusch was honored Saturday with the Steve DeMasco's Shaolin Studio's (SDSS) Teacher of the Year award.   

Tusch was nominated by dozens of students at for the company's prestigious award, according to a press release. He was awarded at the SDSS Grand Celebration Banquet in Norwalk by Grandmaster Steve DeMasco.   

"For the past two years John has worked to build an excellent school in Fairfield," DeMasco said. Tusch, with a team of investors, opened the Black Rock Turnpike SDSS location in March 2011 and is that site's instructor.   

"He has made a profound difference in the lives of many kids and adults. We only give one such award each year, and [company president] Master Mikael Meyer and I felt that he certainly deserved it."    

Tusch said he was surprised and humbled to be honored with the award.   

"This is the one award that happens because other people, all on their own, decide to put you forward," he said.   

"I'm lucky to be a part of SDSS, the Fairfield studio, and such a great community. The people here are simply the best."   

Tusch noted that "great community" is made up of people of all ages and strengths.   

"We have kids in their preschool years, elementary and high school, and adults even through their 70s studying Kung Fu," he said.     

"For some its about fitness, others, self defense, and others, about something on the inside. The journey is different for everyone. That's what's really neat about it."