My fascination with martial arts began in my childhood - I remember borrowing VHS video tapes of the classic Shaw Brothers Kung Fu movies from my grandfather. I tried different styles, such as kick boxing, western boxing, and some generic Chinese Kung Fu, but none of them felt like the right fit for me. In around 2001 I found Wing Chun and my journey began.

During a number of work-related trips to Australia circa 2006, out of curiosity I started to explore various Wing Chun schools. I eventually found myself in Sifu David Peterson’s Melbourne Chinese Martial Arts Club (MCMAC), and by chance, recognised the face of a student there named Ben Tolmie. Ben had previously trained at the same school as me in New Zealand, and he generously spent time showing me differences between my approach at the time, and that of David’s teaching of the Wong Shun Leung method. I was impressed and convinced by both the practicality and the logic of the Wong Shun Leung approach.

After a few more visits to David’s MCMAC, I moved to Melbourne. Under the tutelage of Sifu David Peterson and Sifu Darren Elvey, my Ving Tsun was reformed. However, due to expecting our first child, my wife and I decided to move back to Auckland to be around family for this new chapter in life.

In late 2013, with the enthusiasm of one of our members and good friend, Tonie Pohatu, we reached out to Sifu Darren Elvey (who now runs Ving Tsun Combat Science in Melbourne), and in March 2014, Darren presented a highly successful two-day Auckland workshop, followed by several more over the coming years.

Inspired by Darren’s comprehensive long-term understanding of the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun system, as well as his methodical approach towards understanding and improvement, Ving Tsun Combat Science Auckland was formed. With continual practice and refinement, plus on-going support from Sifu Darren Elvey, I aspire to continue advancing my WSL Ving Tsun skills, and share my knowledge and experience with anyone interested.