03/16/2026
Violet Lee Presents The Life and Times of Dr. John Painter
Episode 1 "A Tree Saved His Life"
This first episode and article shares how John Painter’s life and health were saved by a Chinese master who made him practice an obscure method called “Standing Like A Post” John shares the stories of his first days training with his caring but stern master.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rOdhw0ra0c
Episode 2 "Who is Biff"
The second episode discusses how John was given the name of “Biff.” It also delves into his early life as an escape artist, actor, magician and bodyguard who worked on both sides of the law. Don’t miss the Bob Hope incident a story not told until now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd3otS8WdSc&t=4s
Episode 3 "First Martial Art School"
Violet Li explores how John began the first Chinese martial arts school in Texas that was accepting all students. Until the opening of his Kung Fu Tao Training Center Chinese schools only accepted Chinese students, he broke the rules and opened the arts to everyone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyZR2j-23HA
Episode 4 "Training the Law Enforcers"
This chapter covers how John became a respected trainer of law enforcement, bodyguards and military. His American Rangers Co. was featured on national television including the famous Phil Donahue show where he demonstrates safe and humane restraint methods. John also acted as security for Phil Donahue and other well known celebrities.
https://youtu.be/tXeOJA3qy4E?si=HgHYwRzQTRQbb1Hj
Episode 5 "Buried Alive"
Yes, John was actually buried alive in an experiment to prove to a local doctor that the old Chinese adage “The mind commands, The body responds and the Qi is manifest” is real. Here Violet Li interviews John about this amazing way of proving that Li family Qigong which is a very powerful method for sustaining life. He also discusses his Tibetan training in the art of inner fire “Gtumo” the ability to withstand extreme cold for hours at a time with no ill effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjRUjtMp7-g
Episode 6 "Legacy of Li Family Martial Arts"
This installment focuses on Dr. Painters work in teaching and preserving the Li family martial and health methods for all people. He provides a frank discussion of these methods and the results of his scientific and medical research into their Qigong practice and its validity. John teaches his students to become their own masters. “He explains how meditative and martial methods have saved his life in combat and kept him healthy for 81 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKfY17-h5ZU&t=11s
Episode 7 “Healing Injuries With Mind Qigong”
In this final episode Dr. Painter provides a frank and perhaps controversial discussion of his concepts of Chinese Qigong for health and healing. He illustrates his point and offers proof that his methods are sound by a discussion of how he healed a severe biceps tear with the Li family Qigong methods.
https://youtu.be/jKfY17-h5ZU?si=AO5mQsP99R5RawrH
Violet Li: The Tai Chi Examiner
Violet is a renowned Taijiquan instructor, prolific author and interviewer. There are many, many interviews with prominent people, teachers and masters on her site. Please check it out here.
Violet Li Interview Site https://violetlitaichi.com/
Learn about the Li Family Internal Arts University https://internalartsuniversity.com/invite/
Come Learn “Old School” Street-Proven Internal Martial Arts & Qigong. Including Chinese Taoist Principles Plus Internal Health practices. You’re invited to join Li Family Internal Arts University. It contains detailed lessons and instructions based on Li family who were Chinese Baobiao (bodygu...
