I studied under grandmaster Howard Tague from 1978 to probably 1985 He never mentioned the roots of the system.My black belt instructors were Sensei Miraglia, Sensei Longabardi, and in later years Kioshi j. menken. One thing I do agree with you it was no nonsense method of fighting. Grandmaster Tague was awesome, his system , was striking with ki force. I enjoyed it very much, I attempted to go back ,but my physical body could not take it, for I first started at the age of 44, and then try at age 51 or 52 . I do miss it. Some individuals I trained with, were eddie perez, Joe russo, Anwar, . I am now almost 80 years young and studying under another Grandmaster, frank galante, I am learning the Chinese art of Tai chi. very precise movements, more fitting for someone my age.I will always be indebted to Tai Zen, for it has helped me physically and mentally . I hope some other practitioners, remember me they called me the old man because of my age 44 at the time.If I recall ed perez use to call me the old man. my name is frank caramanica I live in middle island, ny. My phone number is {edited per policy 1.5}. If anyone wishes to call please do. would be glad to hear from practitioners of Tai Zen