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I was 14 years old when I first met my Si-Fu. More than 26 years have passed since then, but one thing has never changed: he has always been my Kung Fu father.

I lost my real father when I was five years old. My grandmother raised me while my mother worked hard to provide for us. Then, when I was 14, I lost my grandmother as well. At that time, I didn’t really want to be at home, and I was searching for something, even if I didn’t fully understand what that was.

Then one day I saw a flyer for Wing Tsun and decided to try a class.

The moment I stepped through the door of that kwoon, I knew I had found something special. For me, it felt like discovering a miracle — a martial art that was intelligent, beautiful, practical and incredibly effective.

I was fortunate enough to attend Master Classes at Máday Si-Fu’s training hall, and what I experienced there completely changed the way I saw martial arts — and, in many ways, the way I saw my own life.

Wing Tsun gave me direction and purpose.

I knew that one day I wanted to pass on the knowledge that I had received, and that I am still receiving from my Si-Fu today.

Over the years, our relationship became much more than simply master and student. He truly became a father figure to me. The word Si-Fu itself carries the meaning of “father,” but for me it represents much more than a title.

Last weekend, in recognition of my work and dedication, my Si-Fu awarded me the 6th Master Level, the highest level achieved in the UK so far. I am incredibly proud and grateful, but in my heart, nothing has changed.

I still want to follow the example he has shown me — not only through his technique and knowledge, but through his kindness, humanity, discipline and dedication.

He has devoted his life to teaching, mentoring and preserving traditional Chinese Wing Tsun, continuing the legacy passed down to him through his own Kung Fu fathers, Si-Fu Slavko Truntic and Si-Jo Leung Ting.

I will always be grateful for everything he has given me, and my greatest wish is to pass that same gift on to others.

He truly changed my life, and I know there are hundreds of people who could say the same.

Thank you, Si-Fu.