The once secretive art of Wing Chun Kung Fu is now possibly the most renowned and popular style of Chinese martial art in the world. The growth is led in this country by the ’United Kingdom Wing Chun Kung Fu Association’.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is famed as a system developed by a Buddhist Nun. The fact that a woman was responsible for the fundamental approach and principles has had a major impact on the martial arts world. The system soon developed into a major force in close quarter combat. Using an unparalleled approach that enables a practitioner to withstand the onslaught from a more powerful and aggressive opponent. A Wing Chun student can deliver devastating power and moves so efficiently that speed of movement and reaction are honed to a high degree. This, combined with a logical common sense approach to self-defence, enables all students to understand and make good progress.

The UKWCKFA is working to keep Wing Chun a force in martial arts and is concerned with maintaining the highest standards possible. There are 7 levels of achievement. Most students are happy with their ability at level 2, being able to defend themselves and having a good understanding of the system. A few talented students reach level three possibly four. Senior Instructor Sifu Mark Phillips has gone on to pass the 5th level test and is leading the way for other students to follow. He has inspired many students with his ability and true ‘Martial Art Spirit’. He is the Head London Regional Instructor and is the highest ranked student in the country under his instructor Master James Sinclair.

The journey to this position has not been an easy one, it has taken over fifteen years of dedication to the art enduring many challenges on the way. To achieve this position, Sifu Mark Phillips has had to spar and beat 7 opponents, taking them on when trapped against a wall, and even fight them blindfolded. He had to spar with 3 instructors simultaneously, and then each instructor whilst standing on benches (a variation on tabletop fighting). The test culminated with a demonstration of breaking techniques from short distance, a reaction/speed test and subtle focus test punching a hand held candle flame out from short range.

These are just some of Sifu Phillip’s achievements. In 1989 he won silver in a no gloved, no rules National Championship. In 1991 he was awarded the ‘Bart Cham Do’ (Butterfly Broadswords/knives) as recognition of his standing in the UKWCKFA. In 1991 he was made a National Examiner and is the UKWCKFA Weapons Specialist. Sifu Phillip’s considerable skill in Wing Chun Kung Fu help him handle and teach close range weapons such as the knife and kubotan to great effect and his courses are among the most popular in the Association. Furthermore, it has also been his pleasure to teach his skills to the Police and other professional bodies. Mark was also the first student to take the Wooden Dummy Test and has mastered this aspect of the system.

Mark has a Degree in Art and Design and has also completed his second degree inPsychology, and is now working on his PhD at Liverpool University. He has spent a considerable amount of time developing a Conflict Resolution consultancy. By drawing upon his experience of psychology, close-protection, threat and risk assessment. His company now offers a unique blend of Conflict Resolution and Close-Protection. Formed on a single principle his consultancy provides ‘personal protection’ in situations of conflictand further conflict resolution services (including mediation and conflict negotiations).

The mark of a good instructor however is not in the achievement of himself, but that of his students. Here again Sifu Phillips excels. In 1993 he coached the winning team in the 1993 National Championships. He has produced six qualified instructors and has many presently undertaking the three-year instructor training course.

IN January 2005 Sifu Mark Phillips officially opened his own full time school in Southgate to the general public. The facilities are superb and, coupled with a great teaching team, this school can only go from strength to strength. Sifu Mark Phillips has been training for quite some time in grappling skills and is achieving a good standard. He has trained with a number of world class Brazillian Jui Jitsu teachers and has started a Vale Tudo class at his London HQ. All in all Sifu Phillips has developed into a well rounded martial artist, able to offer solutions and further training in self defence scenarios, competition preparation, forms, chi sau and weapons.

In February 2005 Sifu Philips won the prestigious 'Instructor of the Year'. This was not an easy task as he was a possible winner every year since inception. However, with the development of a talented teaching team, his constant enthusiasm, and the new progressive London HQ, he deserved the award, and was easily voted the title by his peers. In fact the new London Kwoon had a clean sweep with Sifu Phillip's student, Chris Cranie, winning the UK Wing Chun Assoc 'Student of the Year' title. And Sifu Phillips' private student. Matt Tucker, taking third place in the 'Instructor of the Year'.

In November 2005 Sifu Mark Phillips was able to take the pilgimage to Hong Kong and China that most martial artists wish. The trip was to coincide with the second Ving Tsun Atheletic Assoc world conference. As one would expect Sifu Phillips conducted himself with dignity and showed his Wing Chun skills to many great Masters of the art. Mark was able to simply play with the people he touched hands with and was unable to be challenged by anyone. During the trip Sifu Phillips and fellow training partner Sifu Nick Martin had the honour of following Si-Gung Ip Chun in demonstrating their formidible hand skills outside the Ip Man Tong in Foshan China.

Below are a few of the photo memories of the 2005 Wing Chun Athletic Assoc World Ving Tsun Conference.

The inspiration for students and instructors to dedicate so much time and effort into their training, and for martial arts to mean so much in their lives comes from a very special man, that man is Sifu Mark Phillips.

Sifu Phillips is a professional instructor and is available for seminars and private lessons by appointment.

In November 2006, Mark Phillips Sifu demonstrated hsis skills in Hong Kong once again. This time he taught in the world famous VTAA HQ to the students gathered there and he taught at tow other schools in Hong Kong. The ability to be able to Chi Sau at such a high level and control his partner to such an extent is remarkable and was truly appreciated by all who 'rolled' with him. He has been invited to teach in Hong Kong and is humbled by such an offer and appreciation of his talent.

In February 2007 the UKWCFA held the annual 'Student and Instructor of the Year Awards. The winner for the year 2006 was Sifu Mark Phillips for his tireless efferts in promoting the 21st Anniversary event and his constant desire to improve himself as a martial artist.

On April 14th 2007 Sifu Mark was awarded his Blue Belt in Brazillian Jiu Jisu. He owes his progress to his steadfast attitude and constant work ethic. We feel sure this is only the start of another long journewy into this tremendous martial art.

Sifu Phillips' 2000sq ft Full Time School is now open

Click on LOndon HQ above for more info

For details call 07976 855 259 or email Mark