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Instructors

Sifu Terrell

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       Sifu Terrell has over 10 years of Martial Arts experience, and specifically is a Red Sash (Highest Level) in the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu, under the auspicious of The International Wing Chun Martial Arts Association. In ode to the traditions of the past, he still wears his Black Sash while training, as a demonstration of him always being a student, and learning, but wears the Red Sash in any official capacities, such as testing.

       As a testament to the efficacy of his being trained, Sifu Terrell has taken 3rd place at 2 Meijer State Game of Michigan Open Martial Arts Tournaments, in Point Sparring. Won 3rd place at 2 Michigan State Karate Circuit Tournaments, in Continuous Sparring. Also took a 1st place Point Sparring at a local tournament and a 1st place in Continuous Sparring for his region at the World Karate Commission. That's on record, and off record he consistently participates in Open Spars that started out as a call for Black Belts and has morphed into all are welcome. Now currently held at an MMA Gym, and never one to back down, Sifu Terrell has been able to show that Kung Fu works even against MMA Practicioners.

        Aside from his own accolades, his greatest joy is in his ability to be a trainer of human potential! As the Sifu of Lion Martial Arts Academy he has trained people to win in their respective divisions as well amassing over 30 medals in 6 years. Training a 4 time State Champ in youth. 7 other First Place Winners. 10 Second place winners and 13 3rd Place Winners in their respective divisions.

       Since the age of 25 he's been diligently studying the art of Wing Chun, Ip Man lineage, under Sifu Sam Hing Fai Chan who learned in China from Ip Man’s sons. An authentic lineage with applicable practice that would allow him to be able to fight with other black belts and red sashes in no time. Sifu Chan said Terrell "Has really good Kung Fu." Kung Fu is the art, and in a sense it means he's good and proficient in it, and in another sense Kung Fu means hard work, meaning that he's also very diligent and disciplined within the craft of Kung Fu. Before Sifu Chan's retirement he presented Sifu Terrell with an Instructor's Certificate placing him within the organization called the International Wing Chun Martial Arts Association, making him an internationally recognized Sifu.

 

       Sifu Terrell knows some Jow Ga, Crane, and Snake applications. He has studied under Taekwondo and Shotokan Karate as well as some VSK JiuJitsu for varrying amounts of time.​ but the one that sticks with him the most is Kung Fu.

Zho Sau Ashley

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       Ashley has been training with Lion Martial Arts Academy for 2 years, since June of 2024, and currently stands at a green sash level. Having no prior experience in martial arts before, but always wanted to try, especially for self-defense, she has grown exponentially since her first class! Not just in her ability to apply the art but also in her martial know how. Truly a jewel within The Academy

       Ashley’s goal is to continue her journey in cultivating balance and growth, both as an individual and as a community, through Kung Fu. Practicing Kung Fu has created a sense of agency that she hopes to foster in all areas of her life and her community. Serving others in helping them realize their capabilities and autonomy brings her immense joy. She has a deep respect for the tradition and philosophy behind Kung Fu and its ability to protect and empower anyone- especially those who need it most!

       Since beginning her journey in the Adult Kung Fu Class, she has led self-defense classes, assisted Sifu Terrell in instructing the adult classes, and participated in a number of tournaments in both Sparring and demonstration of Forms. In her first tournament, the Meijer State Games of Michigan, Ashley won Second Place in a co-ed Sparring division and has been challenging herself to compete ever since. She also took 2nd place sparring in the women's division for a tournament that doubled as a charity aiding Cystic Fibrosis. Ashley has accumulated 5 medals as proof of her Kung Fu application, and looking to add to the hardware!

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