Cheng Tsang Lu “Master Lu”

1949 ~ 2022


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Cheng Tsang Lu was born in the city of Changhua in Taiwan on May 3, 1949. Master Lu passed away and returned to our Heavenly Father on April 15, 2022 following a courageous battle with a congenital heart defect and consequent multiple health issues. He was born to Cheng Lu and Yue Chun Lin. He was one of six children. His mother died when he was seven years old and he was raised by his older siblings , his grandparents as well as his father. He began his martial arts training at the age of 13 with Grand Master Chian Ho Yin. Grand Master Chian Ho Yin had migrated to Taiwan in 1949. Grand master Yin was a master of Northern Style Shaolin Kung-fu as well as trained in the Chinese healing arts including acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Master Lu studied the both the internal and external forms including Kung Fu , Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Hsing Yi for fourteen years as well as acupuncture and Chinese medicine. He was twice National Champion of Taiwan in full contact Kung-fu . He achieved these championship titles in 1969 and again in 1971. He served two years of mandatory service in the Taiwanese army. Prior to coming to the United States, he also made several movies. He is also a Chinese chef and has hosted many years of Chinese New Year celebrations and cooked for the events.

He immigrated to the United States in September of 1974. He came with his Master, Chian Ho Yin. He began teaching in Salt Lake City at that time, primarily in a park or at the YMCA. In 1976 he met Elaine, who became his in wife in July 1976. They have been married for almost 46 years. He began his first studio in Sugarhouse in 1976, and he has continued teaching Kung-fu and Tai Chi since that time as well as practicing Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife Elaine, and special son Ming Da , served a part time mission in 2009-2010. Teaching English to non-English speaking persons. They were assigned to a Spanish speaking branch. Master Lu would comment after the meetings “ I no understand nothing”.

Grand master Chian Ho Yin had taught Master Cheng Tsang Lu the traditional Chinese healing arts for about seven years prior to his coming to America. Grand master Chian Ho Yin said “ if you are able to hurt someone, you should be more adept and able to heal them”. In 1983 the law in Utah legalized acupuncture, and Master Cheng Tsang Lu became the first licensed acupuncturist in Utah.

Master Lu has been privileged to teach Tai Chi at the University of Utah, and in other areas of the community. He has had the courage and determination to immigrate to a new country and to attempt to learn a new language and the customs of this country as well as establish an ethnically and traditionally based Martial Arts and Healing Arts center. He has had a direct influence on numerous students, and patients here in Utah and elsewhere in the world.

Master Lu and Elaine are the parents of three children and the grandparents of six GRANDSONs. We have been truly blessed by our family, our work, and our community. Our oldest son Tyehao Lu is also a Master of Kung-fu and is a Master of Oriental Medicine and works in the clinic and studio , Master Lu’s Health Center in South Salt Lake City. He is survived by his wife Elaine, sons Tyehao Lu (Noelani Lu) , Ming Da Lu, and daughter Bette Machi Lu Arcaris . He is survived by his six grandsons, Adison Arcaris, Preson Arcaris, Dallin Lu, Nolan Lu, Keoni Lu, Jayden Lu. He is survived by his sisters in Taiwan, Su Zhen Lu, and Su Xia Lu as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins in Taiwan. Preceded in death by: Yan Cun Lu (brother), Su Chin Lu (sister) Min Lu (sister) and both parents.

His is a life well lived! He is much loved, and will be sorely missed by our family and loved ones.

We wish to thank all the dedicated and skillful medical professionals who have taken such good and compassionate care of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend.

Viewing and funeral services will be held at the Little Cottonwood Stake Center located at 1160 Vine St., Murray, UT 84121. A viewing will be held on Monday, April 25th from 6-8 pm, and 10 am on Tuesday April 26th prior to the funeral service at 11 am. Interment will be at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Millcreek Utah following the service.



Guestbook/Condolences

Master Lu will be greatly missed with his great teachings and sharing.


- Keith R Tondro

Sorry to find out so late that the world has lost a beautiful father to many he will be sadly missed may his name and memory be revered


- Jon Ries

We love you and Cheng, and will miss him. Our prayers go out to you and family.


- Erin Bruce Thurber

Cheng was a very close friend, have known him since he started teaching martial arts here in SLC. Will miss him so much.


- Jack and Pat Lane

How sad I am to hear that Master Cheng Tsang Lu has died. He and Elaine have made such an impact on my life through their health guidance and example of how to live a gracious and generous life. I want to offer my condolences to Tye hou and Bette and Ming Da on the loss of their father who was an icon to many. Master Lu (Chen) is present with me each and every day when I do tai chi


- Joanna Taylor

Praying that you will feel peace and love at this time of loss.


- Kristy Olaveson Allen

Master Lu had a profound and positive influence on all who met him. He not only taught martial arts but how to reach one’s deepest aspirations. He will be missed.


- Master Pat Leary

Dear Family,

Oh, my heavens. Just discovering this very sad news. What a great loss! Master Lu had a tremendous impact in my life and the lives of so many more. Our paths crossed at a very important time in my life, and for that I will be eternally grateful for. He was my Acupuncture mentor, and tai chi/qi gong teacher. But more importantly, he was like a father figure to me.

To his family, I send heartfelt love and compassion. I pray God's peace be upon you - to fill the great void that was created in loosing Master Lu's great presence here on earth.

With warm regards,
Julianne Gardner


- Julianne Gardner

Dear Elaine & Family.
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Master Lu. Although many years have passed, our experiences together are as alive as ever. The days in Sifu Pettit's studio, those photos in Liberty park, and our brief conversation with him a few years ago.
"His is a life well lived! He is much loved, and will be sorely missed by our family and loved ones."
These words mean so much. And we will miss him too.
We hope warm memories soon can ease the pain of your loss.
Take care,
jim & Valerie Pissot
(I was looking for information on Dale Pettit when I cam across Master Lu's notice. What might you know of him, Elaine?)


- Jim Pissot

I'm saddened to hear of Master Lu's passing. He was my teacher around 1985 and I remember him fondly to this day. The extent of the great influence he had on young people will only truly be revealed in our Eternal Home. May he forever bask in Christ's glory and may His family have peace in knowing that.


- Peter