The headquarters school of the World Ving Tsun Athletic Association has been located at
its present location in downtown Orlando since 1998. The classes are taught by qualified
Sifu’s (teachers) and assistant instructors and Sihing (older brother) with over all
supervision by Sifu Jordan. The atmosphere of the school is one of casualness where
learning is based on the student’s ability both mentally and physically.
There is no need for the school to have such intense and strict protocol adding
to the over all stress of the student. The school should be a place where the student
can relax and enjoy each others company while they learn something new. There is
enough stress in today’s world that to add to it is not in the opinion of Sifu Jordan
a pleasant or conducive way to transmit the ancient knowledge of Ving Tsun. It is
important that a student feels free while at the school, to ask questions when necessary,
and to practice as hard or as easy as they want. A student is the best judge of just how
hard they can push themselves as only they truly know their capabilities.
Some people will be sufficiently interested and intrigued to stay with it long enough to take
away some of the treasure it has to offer a human being. Ving Tsun is not for every one, this
is a recognized fact and quite understandable. There is a high degree of geometry to be
understood and applied within the Ving Tsun system. The basic geometric components comprising
Ving Tsun are the triangle, square, circle and linear line as well as variations to these. Many
of the shapes that an individual makes is according to the proscribed methods which consist of
both arms assuming independent shapes while the feet and legs assume a corresponding shape to
that of the arms. Shapes will change as the situation changes wherein the feet allow you to change
direction, ground or shift as necessary. These are needless to say, difficult concepts to understand
and require a unique person to apply geometrical concepts and to know that what they are doing is
worth their effort. This is why there is no pressure on the student to learn “faster” or to “try harder”.
Either they will get it or they won’t, period.
I have been asked about how Ving Tsun would do against mixed martial art stylists? If you learn
a particular martial art, you obviously do it because of the martial art. Today as anyone can see,
it’s not the brightest idea to hop in the cage or octagon without being equally experienced in at
least three areas; striking, throwing and submission. However, I always say that prior to any of
that you must first have a base from which to work. Learn a martial art first, then go into the other
areas of work that are required to round out a martial Warrior. I will also ask if the desire is to compete in
mixed martial art matches. If it is not, then why ask the question of comparison? MMA is a specialized
field of endeavor, and the chances of having to defend yourself against an opponent with that kind of
experience is not very realistic. Just as any other martial artist, the mixed martial art people are
sincere and honorable as they should be. Ving Tsun has answers to many of the challenges of today regardless
of what an opponent knows, it simply depends on your understanding and how much you invest in your own training.
Ving Tsun is for personal growth and enjoyment, for building up your chi to help you in old age. It is a means
to shed the stress of today in a positive and constructive manner. It is a way to learn something ancient that
fits nicely in today’s society and if you find that all of sudden you have to defend yourself, well then in that
case, the Ving Tsun will respond automatically to the threat.
Now, for those of you that want a tad bit more intensity, there is the Tuesday night HammerHead Fight Club. It
takes place once a week and is packed with grueling training and full contact in the end which includes grappling
and take downs. For those who could care less but would like something a little different but no less difficult to
learn, there is Tai Chi Chuan and energy work on Thursday night. Here we learn besides Tai Chi some breathing
techniques of both Buddhist and Taoist extraction as well as meditation work. Bear in mind that this also is not an easy class and requires
strong ambition and drive on behalf of the student.
We offer classes 7 days a week with afternoon and evening classes available. It has a 1200sf training area with
all of the traditional Ving Tsun training devices, such as Chum Kiu stations, Man Sao stations, and Muk Yan Jongs
(Wooden Dummy). These are set up side by side for easy transmission of form, as well as heavy bags, sand bags
and various other training equipment for the development of the student.
A students progress is based on the individuals ability to assimilate the lessons into the body. When the student
has absorbed each new subject sufficiently, they are introduced to the next lesson. What this means is that if
a student dedicates himself to the training, he will progress more rapidly. Sifu Darrell believes that if a student
is ready to move on then it should be so.
Certification for each level will result after the student has learned the respective form/s, drills, and
exercises. Certification levels are based on the three forms, wooden dummy (Muk Yan Jong), Empty Jong, Pole,
and swords. There are 7 certification levels, Black Sash level 1-4 based on the 3 hand forms and Muk Jong. The
Black Sash 1st degree test is after completion of the Empty Jong form. Long Pole is Black 2nd degree, and Swords
are Black 3rd degree. A 4th degree can be awarded by learning the Ch'ang Tai Chi short form, which takes about
one year to learn and another year to work out the kinks. The student will be awarded a certificate (signed and sealed)
and testing is personally conducted by Sifu.
Sifu Darrell stresses endurance training with two man drills. The first three months of the students training,
striking ability is focused on to include fists, feet, elbows, and knees. Wooden dummy drills are taught early
to enhance the students fighting skills, and to harden the arms in preparation for Combat drills. Learning proper
methods of falling and rolling are also taught in preparation for learning takedown and throwing skills based on
the art of Shuai Chiao as taught by Sifu Rocky Byars. When the student reaches chi sao (sticking hands) level, it
then becomes the main focus for the student, as this is the nucleus of Ving Tsun. Chi sao training is not only done
standing on the floor, but on a stable platform (3'x5'), floating platforms, and while sitting on stools. These
different training methods of chi sao develop certain attributes that are very important to the overall ability of
the student.
Also covered are non traditional skills like boxing and striking such as punching and kicking from the ground, as
well as take down training to foster in the student a well rounded ability. There will be on any given night
conditioning training wherein Sifu Darrell will take you through your paces. Sifu Darrell has designed and is
knowledgeable of over 400 exercises meant to augment your martial art training. Its not every night that a conditioning
class will happen, but when it does you’ll soon learn that you should practice what you learn at home.
With that, the next step is to come in and watch a class or better yet sign up for one of the introductory
training offers. Give Sifu Darrell a call, he’ll be more than happy to speak with you and to offer advice.