SLS Jonathan

I’ve been studying under Sifu Sung Choi for over eight years. What began as a journey for self-defense has evolved into a deeper practice that shapes my personal and professional life. The principles and proverbs of Wing Chun have guided me through challenges both on and off the mat, helping me remain calm under pressure by focusing on my breathing and staying centered.

The 5 Keys of Learning have been fundamental in my development, teaching me that mastery goes beyond memorizing techniques - it’s about understanding the “why” and “how” behind them. Early frustrations in training taught me the value of adjusting my approach and problem-solving, a mindset I now apply to my daily life and work. This focus on investigation and self-discovery continues to shape my growth, both in Wing Chun and beyond.

One of my favorite Wing Chun proverbs is “Hit when you should, do not hit when you should not,” which I apply to both martial arts and life. In my professional career, knowing when to speak up and when to hold back has been crucial in maintaining clarity and protecting my reputation. Wing Chun has transformed into more than just a self-defense practice for me - it’s a philosophy that I’m honored to share with my students, helping them integrate these life principles into their own journeys.

SLS Lin

I like to say, 'Wing Chun found me!’ I was introduced to Wing Chun in college by a colleague around 2005. However, it was 2012 that I began my Wing Chun journey under a Sifu. I joined West Coast Wing Chun San Diego in 2015. I’ve had the privilege and honor to teach under the guidance of Choi Sifu since 2019.

Before I found a certified Sifu, I  began to research Wing Chun. I fell in love with the wedge theory and its history. A woman Monk, Ng Mui, was teaching her martial art to a young lady, Yim Wing Chun, who was being forced into an unwanted marriage by a local bully. Although she, being smaller, she won. This intrigued me. Wing Chun levels out the playing field, which gives anyone the tools for self defense. It was then that I committed to mastering the art to finish the system and become a Sifu one day. This has been my life-long passion and I fall in love with learning and expressing Wing Chun more every single day. Besides the physics, simplicity, and energies that we harness with self defense techniques, I’ve come to experience a self cultivation to maturity as a whole being that nothing else in my life has ever been able to do.

I found out very quickly that Wing Chun is more than a physical self defense martial art. Wing Chun mirrors life and leads us down a path of internal and external health. I see myself as a Sifu one day helping many children and adults discover their self-worth, inner and outer strength, and the limitless beauty of Wing Chun and it’s keys to life long health and inner peace in a chaotic world.

SLS Jerome

I began my martial arts journey in 1986 with Judo in France, earning my black belt at 18 and continuing my practice for over two decades. During the last 13 years, I trained in a traditional dojo, where I learned not only techniques but also the philosophy behind martial arts. My passion for teaching grew as I served as a Sempei, assisting in classes and sharing what I had learned.

In 2018, I discovered Wing Chun after practicing Yang Tai Chi at San Diego State University. I was drawn to Wing Chun because its principles resonated with the concepts I had learned in Judo, especially in terms of balance and efficiency. Since joining the Kwoon, I’ve been inspired by the depth of the teaching and the supportive community. I completed Siu Lim Tao in 2019 and progressed to Chum Kiu, continuing my training even during the pandemic.

In 2021, I was honored to be nominated Siu Lo Si and began teaching classes. Wing Chun has not only influenced my martial arts practice but also my everyday life, connecting with my background in mathematics and science. As an instructor, my goal is to pass on the knowledge and values that have shaped my journey, helping students grow both in martial arts and in life.

SLS Andy

I began my martial arts journey as a child in Cincinnati, Ohio, training in Kung Fu for six years before shifting focus to other sports. As I got older, I struggled to maintain consistent training, but by my 30th birthday in 2017, I realized I needed a challenge that would grow with me - something that would keep me engaged, fit, and capable of training both alone and with others.

Reflecting on my past, I rediscovered Wing Chun, a system I had trained in as a child under Master Benny Meng. Now living in San Diego, I found West Coast Wing Chun San Diego and immediately knew I had found the right place. Since then, under the guidance of Choi Sifu, Wing Chun has not only pushed my physical limits but also transformed my focus, mindset, and connection with a supportive community of practitioners.

With years of training under my belt, I now share my passion for Wing Chun as a Siu Lo Si, guiding others on their own journeys of growth and mastery. My goal as an instructor is to inspire and invest in my students, helping them find their own path in this lifelong discipline.

SLS Monica 

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by Chinese martial arts, drawn to their depth and discipline. After trying various sports and martial arts throughout my youth, it wasn’t until after college that I realized I wanted to study a martial art that would resonate both mentally and physically. That’s when I discovered Wing Chun, a system I hadn’t yet encountered through movies or media. 

My journey wasn’t straightforward. Finding the right school took time, but in 2021, when I moved to San Diego, I finally found a place that felt authentic and true to the art - West Coast Wing Chun San Diego. The first encounter with Choi Sifu left a lasting impression, and I knew this was where I was meant to be. Since then, I’ve gained not just technical skills, but a supportive community that shares my passion and drive.

With over three years of training, Wing Chun has profoundly influenced both my physical and mental growth, teaching me the power of simplicity and dedication. As an instructor, I hope to pass on the same transformative journey to my students, guiding them to deepen their understanding of Wing Chun and reach new heights of mastery.

SLS Phuong 

In 2018, I found myself working long hours and had constant work related anxiety. It was hard for me to leave work on time unless I had to be somewhere else immediately after - so I decided to find something to occupy my time after work. I had always been interested in martial arts and had dabbled in a few arts previously - and went searching for a school that 1) offered evening classes and 2) was close to me. That was how I initially found West Coast Wing Chun San Diego.

The more I practiced and learned the principles and concepts of Wing Chun, the more interested and invested I got. I also noticed that I became more focused, less distracted and my anxiety decreased, both in and out of class.

A large part of what kept me interested and motivated me to progress is due to Choi Sifu - owner of West Coast Wing Chun San Diego. Choi Sifu’s passion for Wing Chun and teaching enables to teach anyone and everyone - regardless of physical or mental capability. In my case- it was the lack of coordination and discipline in the beginning. 

I came to West Coast Wing Chun San Diego looking for a reprieve from work, but stayed because it challenges me to learn and grow everyday, both as a martial artist and as a person. 

My hope is to help fellow students develop and grow both in and out of the kwoon, as Choi Sifu has with me.