The Art of Wing Chun

For those who know me well, they know that I have a long association with the often misunderstood art that is called Wing Chun.

I first became involved with WC in 1983 when I was introduced to Sifu's Martin Ruiz and John Sahakian who were teaching in Ealing. I had only heard of the art through a good friend of mine Asari St Hill. I discovered that their lineage was Sifu Simon Lau and I would describe it as a 'hard' style. I trained with them for approximately 3 years, until they closed down.

I continued to train with fellow students and friends generally thinking I was much better than I really was, which unfortunately is often the case with martial artists. In early 1986, quite by accident, whilst I was at college I was asked to start teaching a group of ladies who wanted 'self defence'. This led to the 'Womens school of martial arts and self defence' taught by yours truly.

In 1988, I had 'a visit' from representatives of Sifu Nino Bernardo, who encouraged me that perhaps I need to learn more WC. I did want to go and study with Sifu Nino but I could not afford it at that time. However it did start me researching alternative places to train.

In April of that year I joined Sifu Eddie Yeoh's school (Grandmaster Lee Sing lineage) where I trained until I met Sifu Michael Louison in October 1988. He was visiting our school. I learnt he was starting a new school in Greenwich and made an open invitation.


At that stage, Sifu Michael was one of a small handful of students who had completed the entire system under Sifu Nino and he had also trained with Master Wong Shun Leung and Si-bak Ng Chun Hong.

I studied with Sifu Michael as his first student from 1988 through to 1993 and was one of his most consistent students. I had the pleasure of travelling with him to Italy in 1990 to teach a seminar and I would cover classes for him in his absence. I also managed to train with Si-bak when he came to london a few times to teach and also on trip to his school in Hong kong maybe 9 years ago. That was an amazing experience training with such a talented group. They did their best to make sure that I knew their Wing Chun was the best!!

Back in London, I did get involved in some challenge matches defending my style and I am pleased to say that fortune favoured me in those outings!

Funnily enough, my first introduction to the filipino martial arts came through training with Sifu Michael and training at the 'Basement' becaause at that time, Sifu Nino was an apprectice instructor under none other than Guro Dan Inosanto. That was in 1990.

So far as WC is concerned, in my opinion, Sifu Michael's interpretation and understanding is of the highest level.

Here is a video I have found of him training along with a good friend of mine whom I introduced to WC & Sifu Michael maybe 12 years ago.

See what you think

The WC, that I use now has influenced every aspect of my martial arts!


Enjoy