Why I Practice & Teach Martial Arts

My experience as a martial arts instructor and personal trainer has well equipped me for effectively teaching individuals with different ages, genders, abilities, experiences, backgrounds, and skills.

Self defense classes near me, Martial arts classes near me

I was first introduced to martial arts as a young kid for its health benefits. Shaolin gung fu was a great introduction to the wonderful world of martial arts. As a preteen, I unfortunately ended up as a ward in the foster care system. This exposed me to certain dangers and unusual circumstances where my personal safety was seldom guaranteed. As someone who has experienced violent criminal assault, I trained and continue to train diligently in the martial arts in order to look out for myself and regain my personal power.

Due to my life circumstances and trauma I experienced as a youth, I have deeply struggled with mental/physical health, anxiety, and stress. I can say for certain that my life would be completely different if it weren't for martial arts. Through self-cultivation and training I have learned to manage and cope with those issues. I encourage everyone to pursue some form of martial arts, as the countless benefits for the mind and body are evident.

Qualifications

I have over 23 years of martial arts experience in total, with the last 15 years being dedicated to serious martial arts training and development. I have a 1st degree black belt certification from Master Steve Smith of The Little Dojo.

  • As a teenager I trained for 5 years in Yang Style Tai Chi from Sifu Darrel Johnston R.I.P. (Raymond Chung/Liang Shou Yu Lineages).

  • As an adult, I trained privately in Classical Hong Kong Wing Chun (詠春) from Sifu Eric Li (Ip Ching, Ip Man Lineage) and in the brilliant internal martial art Yiquan (意拳) from Sifu Tong Wai Nam in Kuala Lumpur.

  • I train in Jesse Glover’s (Bruce Lee’s first and best student) method of Non-Classical Gung Fu, Fook Yeung Kuen (Bruce Lee’s teacher in Seattle from 1959-1967) and Shoshin Ryu Karate Jitsu from Master Steve Smith (inheritor of Fook Yeung Kuen and Jesse’s close friend).

I am also an ACE certified personal trainer (American Council on Exercise, International Gold Standard in Fitness Training) and an ACE certified Behaviour Change Specialist.

I have also spent much time conducting my own combat research and training with individuals involved in martial arts across Canada and Asia. This involved sparring/training with skilled practitioners of diverse backgrounds that included MMA fighters, soldiers, and traditional martial artists.

My objective in doing this was to develop the skills I had learned in safe class environments and ensure that they would work against live, resisting opponents from any martial background. This type of training allowed me to continually test, develop and modify my skills as needed. My research, learning and development never ends. I strive everyday to become a more skillful martial artist and a better person.

Teaching Philosophy

I use an evidence based approach in my teaching. I am not attached to a particular style or form. Rather, I prioritize the most efficient and effective means for personal protection. I incorporate my knowledge as a personal-trainer of biomechanics, anatomy and functional movement to ensure my students achieve their goals safely and swiftly.

I firmly believe that endless hours of aimless and unstructured practice does not cultivate ability. However, effective practice does; therefore, with my instruction and with consistent, proper practice outside class, students will develop and hone their skills. Through forms, drills and (when ready) scenario training, students will tangibly see cumulative growth of their skills and improve their quality of life.

Learning self-defence is a valuable lifelong skill, once learnt, it can never be taken away from you. Knowing what to do in a vulnerable situation can be a matter of life and death for you or for someone you know. Regardless of who or where you are, self-defence is always relevant. Some of my past students have included other martial arts practitioners and instructors; laymen; ex-military; police; and individuals of all ages without prior martial arts background. I believe that nobody should live in fear of physical violence. As an instructor, my number one priority is students’ functional ability.

I offer a free 1 hour Intro Self Defence class, please click here for class information.