History
Sifu Matt was a reluctant teacher. Even when his sifu, Ip Ching, told him to start teaching, he was very humble. He maintains this feeling today and passes it on to his students. Be humble, work hard, help others. The first school was in his garage in the south suburbs of Chicago. After that, the school moved to a space on the Chicago River at the edge of Chinatown in Chicago in 2007. In 2010, the VSTDA moved to Pilsen, where it has operated continuously since then.
Specialties
We specialize in no BS martial arts training for women and men. Our school teaches Ving Tsun kung fun in the lineage of Ip Man and Ip Ching, proudly carried on by Sifu Matt Johnson. Ving Tsun is a simple yet comprehensive system for self defense, cultivation of health and inner peace. Sifu Matt offers instruction in all the empty handed and weapons forms of Ving Tsun kung fu, as well as meditation. We offer open classes and private training. Students here benefit from our training trips to Hong Kong as well as special seminars and quarterly training intensives. While we do not offer separate children's classes we do teach young people. Everyone trains together here, as they do in Hong Kong, and the VTAA, the epicenter of Ip Ching (Ip Man) ving tsun. We foster an ego free environment that welcomes everyone who wants to learn. Interviews are required prior to enrollment. The interview is a good way for potential students to meet the instructor and see if it feels like a good fit. You will will be able to observe a class and try a free class so you can experience the school directly. We do not use belt rankings or lock you into long term contracts.