|
I was born and raised in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia. As a kid I loved martial arts and idolized Bruce Lee. My passion for martial arts drew me to study Judo and Jujitsu before I found the first style that Bruce Lee first learned: Wing Chun. I took my first class when I was 20 and it was love at first pak-sao-punch (one of the first techniques Wing Chun practitioners learn). The speed, efficiency, power, and ease of performing this technique immediately hooked me in. I saw wing chun as a simple, effective martial art based on science and that hasn’t changed. It’s no-nonsense style of defense founded on economical movements, deflection, and proper body mechanics separated it from all the other styles I’d seen and studied. I trained under Grandmaster William Cheung for my first year at his Dandenong Academy (Tower Rd.). Then the following year I began training under Master Joe Sayah. I went on to compete in several tournaments as a heavy weight. In February 2007 I began training full time with Master Joe Sayah. For 22 years I was a professional in joinery, mastering that craft before I made Wing Chun my life. I am now an instructor level teaching at the Dandenong Academy.
I believe the first priority of a martial artist is to protect and serve others. But most people practice wing chun for the benefits of fitness, stress management, self-confidence, focus, discipline, and self-defense. Wing Chun is the only style developed by a woman which means ANYONE can do it: men, women, young, old, big, or small! Just do it! All you need is a little enthusiasm, dedication, and be open to learning and growing.
|
