Founder · Army Veteran · Teacher
About
Shihan
About Shihan Nolan — American Buddhist Sangha
Over four decades of dedication to the Asian Arts — martial, meditative, and healing.
Head Instructor
Shihan Michael Nolan
Founder, American Buddhist Sangha / Zen Do USA
"Join Nolan on a journey that combines his wealth of expertise with a passion for sharing the profound teachings of the Asian Arts."
Shihan Michael Nolan is an Army Veteran and the Founder of American Buddhist Sangha / Zen Do USA. With over 40 years of experience, he brings exceptional dedication to the Asian Arts — encompassing Zen meditation, Buddhism, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and Martial Arts.
Our humble journey commenced in August 2000 with a vision to integrate knowledge of Asian arts — including Zen Meditation, Qigong, Tai Chi, Kenpo, Kobudo, and Aikido — within a collegiate setting. This marked the beginning of our instructional venture at Broward College in Davie, Florida, alongside a dedicated group of instructors: Dr. Ralph Singer, Manny Quintero, and Captain Guillermo Bocanegra of the USMC.
Throughout that tenure, we had the privilege of imparting knowledge to hundreds of college students and members of the local Broward County community. Following retirement in 2020, Shihan Nolan and his family relocated to Western North Carolina, where the journey of sharing the Asian Arts continues.
His approach is characterized by a light-hearted, humorous, and educational style — making the learning experience both enjoyable and enriching. Driven by a belief in the healing power of community and practice, Shihan Nolan founded the American Buddhist Sangha to offer free classes to all, regardless of background, age, or ability.
Recognizing in 2024 that veterans in the Weaverville area lacked beginner music communities, Shihan Nolan launched the Veterans Guitar Group — a free acoustic guitar program rooted in the same conviction that music, like martial arts, is a path to healing.
Areas of Mastery
Disciplines
Kenpo Karate
Dynamic striking art emphasizing speed, power, and self-defense. Curriculum runs white to black belt.
Chin Na
Joint locks and pressure-point techniques rooted in Chinese martial arts tradition.
Tai Chi
Fluid, graceful movement performed in a meditative state — enhancing flexibility, balance, and range of motion.
Qi Gong
Breath and energy cultivation through the Seven Heavenly Postures seated form and Standing Tree standing form.
Kobudo
Traditional Okinawan weapons training — bo, sai, tonfa, and more — rooted in centuries of practice.
Zen Meditation
Buddhist mindfulness practice focused on stillness, breath awareness, and present-moment consciousness.
The Journey
A Life of
Practice
Founded American Buddhist Sangha / Zen Do USA — began teaching at Broward College, Davie, Florida alongside Dr. Ralph Singer, Manny Quintero, and Captain Guillermo Bocanegra, USMC.
Taught hundreds of college students and community members throughout Broward County, Florida.
Released "Qi Gong Health & Happiness: Seven Heavenly Postures" — available on Amazon Prime Video.
Retired and relocated with family to Western North Carolina — continued sharing the Asian Arts in the mountain community.
Launched Veterans Guitar Group in Weaverville, NC — recognizing a gap in beginner music programs for veterans in the area.
Began sabbatical retreat. Online resources and YouTube channel remain active and free.
Our Driving Force
Dedicated to fostering an understanding of human potential within a secure environment — simultaneously enriching the body, spirit, and life. These principles manifest through daily life choices, academic achievements, social interactions, and the cultivation of determination, emotional balance, and discipline.
Our Vision
The integration of community members through the fabric of social and physical mindfulness, embracing the way of oneness. We envision a lifestyle that supports individuals in developing and maintaining both physical and mental well-being — helping each member achieve excellence across all facets of life.
Our Central Approach
"The Way of Oneness" — a fundamental principle that permeates all our activities. We recognize the common bond that connects us all: the desire to know oneself. Each member acts as a diplomat sharing the nature of Oneness in their unique way, through various mediums and actions.
"Engage with friendly, outgoing individuals while learning about Zen, meditation, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Buddhism, and martial arts — and have a bit of fun in a relaxed atmosphere."
— Shihan Michael Nolan