. . . . to Thursday Evenings and Sunday Morning Classes on the top floor of a PrintShop warehouse on 13th and K Streets, Downtown

At the rear of the PrintShop, One entered thru the black iron Gate. Climbing the dimly lighted Stone Steps up three flights. Arriving at a dark and cold top floor room. Sparsely lit, with the dust of years gone by, this cold unfurnished Red Brick wall expanse, was to become a treasured Rememberance, akin to memories of those entering Shaolin for the first time

For My Invitation to Visit and Introduction to Wing Chun Class, I owe a deep and ever appreciative debt of Gratitude to my Older Kung Fu Sister, Carolyn. "Thank You, Si-Jei" (Si-Jei meaning Older Sister in Cantonese). . . And to My Kung Fu Sister Jodie, who entered and began Wing Chun Class, as did I. For the many hours of initial Practice and Training that We shared Together . . .

Let me first say, that this is not a Web Page to document my proficiency as a Wing Chun Practitioner, nor to demonstrate proper Form, Technique or Instruction. I consider myself but a student of the Martial Arts, on a lifelong Quest toward knowlege, understanding and enlightenment, who, along the way, happened to fall most deeply in Love with Wing Chun. . . .

Wing Chun's Legendary Creation, Colorful History, Innovative Development, Dynamic Principles and Training Methods, Strong and Proud Lineage and it's debut on the World Stage that saw it become one of the most widely sought after and practiced Martial Arts around the World ... all of these elements and more, only fueled my passions for Wing Chun.

For all of Those, who I chanced to meet along my Path, who Introduced me to Wing Chun, Helped me to have "A Little Idea", Instructed me in Form and Technique, Enlightened me by sharing History of Our Lineage and Those of Our Other Wing Chun Relatives and Families, for Those who Practiced with me, so that I might Grow, Corrected and Guided me, so that I might Discover my own Potentials, Inspired me with Tales and Legend, Celebrated with me in the True Spirit of Clan and Family

This is a Tribute to All of You, Classmates, Clan and Cousins for allowing me to become a part of that Wing Chun Family, and to My Teachers, Elders, and Ancestors for Creation, Innovation and Preservation of The Art of Wing Chun, and Handing it down, from One Generation to the Next, so that Centuries later from The Source, It would be there for me to Embrace and Honor the Illustrious History that You All Created!

This, My Tribute to Honor You, in My Humble Way.

... and for All Who have called me "Brother"

You will Reside, Eternally in My Heart.

All of that said, let's return in time and continue on the Journey, where we find ourselves back at the Print Shop's top floor.

Stepping out of the staircase shadows and into the light, the expanse of the room opened up, and it was evident that there was a Class being conducted and people working out in Martial Art routines on the far side. It was clear to see that upon their taking notice of our arrival, the focus quite subtly turned from class practice .... to us.

Entering, respectfully, I was greeted by the School Instructor for Thursday evening classes. Although reserved in manner, he exhibited a quiet and sure calm, which commanded a respectful presence. He inquired as to the all important matter of Referral. "How did You find out about us?",he asked. My response was that "Carolyn had invited me." And thus, my earlier mentioned "Thank You, to my Si-Jei, Carolyn. For those who may be unaware of traditional protocols in Martial Circles ... A Letter of Introduction or a Personal Referral, are both truly beyond being worth their weight in gold, for any who would seek to enter a Martial Arts School.

As Tradition goes, All who join a Martial Arts School before You, become Your Elders, regardless of their age, thus Older Sister is Si-Jei and Older Brother is Si-Hing. Your Teacher is Your Si-fu and His Teacher becomes Your Si-Gung. All of those who join after You, become Your Younger Relations, as in Younger Brother, Si-Di or Younger Sister, Si-Goo Mui.

Inquiring in regard to any previous experience and training that I may have had in the Martial Arts, I recounted Those who had shared the benefit of their Martial Discipline with me - Dr. Jim Jackson, 8th degree Blackbelt, for his impromptu introduction to Judo at the Leardership Training Institute; Thomas "Chuckie" Dorsey, for his sincerity in sharing his knowledge of Taekwando; and Shifu Dennis Brown and All of those talented, dedicated and patient Instructors of Shaolin Wu Shu (formerly Lin's Kung Fu) for thier introduction to Tien Shan Pai, Chi-Na and Shaolin Kung Fu.

My Life and knowledge of Self and Martial Arts was made much richer and broaden, by all that these wonderful Teachers, Instructors and Friends, shared and imparted to me, along my Journey. If not for You all, I would not have arrived at the Road I Travel, Today. "Thank You."

As I stood listening, Instructor Rick Smith began to speak of the history of the Art of Wing Chun, it's characteristic elements of Chi Sau (Sticky Hands), Mok Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy Training), and Blindfolded Fighting Techniques.