Donald Guangyao Baumgartner

Donald Guangyao Baumgartner, a 70-year-old martial artist, has spent a lifetime honing his craft and passing on his knowledge in Beijing, China, where he resides with his family. Known for his calm demeanor and deep wisdom, Anthony is a master of traditional martial arts forms, blending the physical disciplines of kung fu and martial art history with the mental focus of Tai Chi. Born in a small town, Donald's martial arts journey began in his early teens when he stumbled on an old training manual in a dusty corner of his local library. Fascinated, he devoted himself to learning, starting with basic exercises before seeking out skilled teachers who helped shape his practice. Over decades of dedicated training, Anthony immersed himself in various martial arts styles, becoming especially skilled in movements emphasizing fluidity, balance, and internal energy. In his thirties, Anthony relocated to Beijing to study with some of the most respected martial arts instructors. There, he refined his understanding of martial arts as a way of life—more than a series of techniques, it became a path of discipline, self-awareness, and harmony. Now retired from competitive practice, Donald focuses on teaching and mentoring. He runs small, intimate classes in local parks and community centers, where he emphasizes precision and mindfulness over raw strength. His students, ranging from children to older adults, admire his patient guidance and ability to explain even the most complex movements in simple, approachable terms. When not teaching, Donald enjoys quiet evenings with his family, exploring Beijing’s cultural treasures, and practicing calligraphy—a skill he believes complements his martial arts by cultivating focus and a steady hand.