Ving Tsun Self Defense Academy

Wow! This school offers so much for students to learn kung fu. It has a great atmosphere of people located in an artsy neighborhood of Pilsen. The teacher enjoys teaching anyone who wants to learn. I enjoy this school as a hall of study for many years because people learn to be togeher like family and friends over anything else while gaining ground in the discovery of a tradition style of kung fu.

Somewhat recently, I was asked what I have gained from practicing Ving Tsun with Matt Johnson over the last 10 years. I could state the obvious– self defense techniques, fitness, confidence, etc. But, upon further reflection I came up with so much more than that.
Originally, I started learning and practicing Ving Tsun for self defense purposes. That is still my primary goal. But, I did not realize there was so much more to it than that. Of course, first, you have to learn how to throw a punch and block. But, what I learned after obtaining some of the skill was surprising to me. It’s not as much about «How» to throw a punch as it is about «When.» Or, rather, when not to, which is most of the time.
Knowing the skill of kung fu, actually, puts you in a much stronger position that enables you to NOT use the physical attributes of it. You don’t, actually, get into «fights» where you have to use blocks and strikes. You walk different. You look different. On a primal level you put out «signals» that you are not a victim and the «predators» sense that and stay away. Kung fu has, also, made me more compassionate. When I’m practicing regularly, I find I have more patience and tolerance in frustrating situations. I think this is because my tools are sharp and I feel a responsibility to not unleash them unnecessarily.
I’m very fortunate to have found a school that fosters this positive kind of mindset. My original purpose of learning to defend myself remains. But, the additional perks were unexpected and are even more valuable than what I thought I was going to gain from this school. If you’re even just a smidge curious about this, I encourage you to come and check out the school for yourself. You have nothing to lose and more to gain than you realize.

«As good as it gets» says it all. The people and the atmosphere are exactly what I was looking for. There is no ego. There are a lot of very nice people, who I now consider my friends, learning Ving Tsun Kung Fu together.
And of course Sifu Matt Johnson creates this atmosphere with his patient and gentle guidance. I learn something about Ving Tsun and myself in every class.

Sifu Matt Johnson is one of a kind and so is his school. From the experience and knowledge that Sifu Matt offers as well as an inviting and safe environment of all levels of discipline of the school really makes this the best place to raise your skill. I noticed that senior students were ego free, willing to help anyone that was willing to learn. Every student is there to help one another grow along their path. Not convinced? Spend just a small amount of time in one of the open classes and your doubts will quickly vanish.

My school for life. I have been a student of Sifu Matt Johnson since 2007 — during which time he not only taught me how to fight, but trained me to be more patient and humble, and why that is important. His teaching style is directly from his Sifu Ip Ching, explaining the details and practical applications of techniques so that they work for each student, under pressure, and in real situations. For my time at the VTSDA, I feel like I am not only better at fighting, but a better human being.