Brisbane Kung Fu

Sifu Jason King has been studying martial arts for over 24 years. Jason is highly regarded in the martial arts community for his great skill and comprehensive knowledge of martial arts, and his excellent, accessible teaching style.
Jason’s first substantial involvement in martial arts began with studying Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu for three years under Sensei John Nalder until Sensei Nalder's retirement. This provided confidence, positive mentality, combat attitude and survival skills that remain with him to this day.

In 1990 Jason met Master Yi-Yen (Ian) Lee, who was at the time founding the Wu Zen Dao School in Brisbane, Australia. Initiated by Master Ian Lee, Jason was inducted as a disciple (private student) and trained daily in both the Internal and External martial arts. Jason lived with Master Lee for a year and in 1992 they travelled to Taiwan to meet and train under Master Lee's own Grandmasters. By 1993 Jason achieved the rank of Tai Ji Instructor, and the following year that of Shaolin Kung Fu Instructor. In 1995, Jason took over the running of classes at the school.

Jason has several referee accreditations including a 2nd level national judge within the National All Styles Tournament circuit. As a competitor, Jason has received well over 100 trophies in various tournament categories including forms, demonstrations, weapons and fighting. The combat events included points sparring, grappling, push hands, continuous fighting and full contact bouts in various competitions. More than 30 awards have been for State, National or International Titles. Proudly, Sifu Jason can boast several National Title holders amongst his ranks.

Jason has coaching qualifications recognized by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). As well as having the school registered with the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) which is the peak Industry body for Martial Arts in Australia, Jason has been involved on the Queensland committee of the Kung Fu Wu Shu Australia (KWA).

In addition to his martial arts work, Jason is an accomplished stage Fight Director, one of only 8 recognised in the country with numerous stage and film credits.

In recent years, Jason trained in several security courses, culminating with not only security qualifications and extensive work in the security industry, but certification as an Executive Protection Officer (bodyguard) as well.

Currently Sifu Jason is involved with the World Harmony Society and has commenced studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These both support the holistic approach given to the academy and it’s members.

Excitingly 2013 sees Sifu Jason inducted into the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame in recognition of his long and dedicated service within the industry.

2013 continues to see Sifu Jason and his school in high demand for demonstrations, workshops, and displays with regular invitations to perform at National Titles and International events. In the near future, there are plans to expand the academy and to publish several books and DVD’s.

In 1990, Kevin began training Chinese Martial Arts under the tutelage of Master Ian Lee. After only a short while, he was selected along with Jason King to train privately as a disciple. Thus began a daily training session over a period of one year.

While enjoying the kung fu and weapons training as well, Kevin found a strong affinity to Tai Ji Quan and showed tremendous potential in learning the subtleties and nuances of this ancient form of martial art. He found it not only very relaxing during his many years of tertiary education, but also extremely effective as a form of self-defence. Sifu Kevin achieved his Instructorship in 1993 and still finds teaching extremely rewarding.

Under Master Lee’s continued guidance he has acquired a high skill level in many different Tai Ji routines, including a range of weapons. Sifu Kevin has also developed an understanding of the applications of the techniques, including push hands, and has furthered his encompassment of Qi Gong.

Sifu Kevin is very pleased to be able to pass on these valuable skills to his students. He believes that the benefits of improved health, relaxation, confidence and physical capabilities should be available to everyone.

Sifu Peter Natalier
Peter Natalier began training with Sifu Jason King way back in January 1997. Having started that long ago, he is fortunate to have had some involvement with Master Lee before he returned to Taiwan. He came to Shaolin with a year of Wing Chun experience - talk about one kung fu extreme to the other! From extreme close range with virtually no kicks to long range with plenty of kicks. Just one of the many obstacles he had to overcome on his journey.
Peter took a few extended absences from training but returned in 2002 with gusto. Since this time, Peter’s confidence has dramatically increased, his fitness has improved considerably (particularly after his painful level 6 grading!) and he has undertaken much more responsibility. He has been a big asset to Sifu Jason and has contributed to the restructuring and refining of the Shaolin grading system.
In recent years, Sifu Peter has had the opportunity to demonstrate his kung fu at Southbank Piazza for Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations and at the Mind Body Spirit Expo at the Convention Centre. He also helped celebrate the Taiwanese National Day at a number of locations including the famous Festival Hall (now closed).
Sifu Peter demonstrated his abilities early on with success in tournaments, culminating in a second place at the NAS National Titles for an outstanding display in the forms division. He has also achieved multiple awards at a state level and numerous regional trophies. Sifu Peter has recently been competing in the Open Blackbelt divisions where he has been in strong contention. He has represented the school from local to international levels and taken on various roles on the committee of Brisbane Kung Fu, notably the schools Demonstration and Tournament Coordinator.
In 2007, Sifu Peter completed his Level 1 Coaching Certificate as part of his MAIA Accreditation and also began studying a Natural Therapies Certificate course which includes Traditional Chinese Massage. He hopes in the future to follow a similar journey to Master Lee by combining these skills and assisting persons with any health concerns.
For now, Sifu Peter will concentrate on consolidating his Shaolin skills and teaching ability. He is keen to further develop his skills in the Tai Ji, Weapons and Shuai Jiao systems.

Richard Nicholls
Richard Nicholls' martial arts training began in 1974 when he studied Tae Kwon Do for a couple of years. In 1983, his Tai Ji training began as rehabilitation for injuries incurred as a result of a traffic accident. For four years Richard trained under The Australian Academy of Tai Chi learning and his path back to physical well-being was well under way. From 1988 to 1990, he had the opportunity to study under David Yuen, Chief Instructor of The Queensland Hung Gar and Tai Chi School. During this time he was hugely assisted and influenced by Ian Taggart.
1991 saw the introduction of Master Ian Lee and his Wu Zen Dao system. Master Lee is a world-renowned Tai Ji exponent/teacher and helped guide Richard to his instructor level achieved in 1997. Also under Master Lee, Sifu Richard was able to reach an Intermediate level in Shaolin Long Fist and practice a variety of weapons, notably short staff, fan, pu dao, long staff, straight sword and broadsword. These have greatly assisted his martial understanding of Tai Ji. Also in the internal styles, Sifu Richard was able to reach the level of Xing Yi Instructor before Master Lee’s return to Taiwan.
In recent years, Sifu Richard has undertaken the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme and is now recognized as a Level 1 Coach by the Australian Sports Commission. This requires meeting their stringent regulations.
For over 13 years now, Sifu Richard has volunteered his services as a tournament official for the National All Styles tournament circuit. He has achieved the rank of a Level 4 National Referee and in 2007 was awarded “Official of the Year” – no mean feat!
Sifu Richard continues to learn and teach Tai Ji and Xing Yi at The Traditional School of Chinese Martial Arts under Sifu Jason King and still receives regular tuition from Master Lee. Sifu Richard would like to acknowledge fellow instructors Ian Taggart and Kevin The as great influences on his journey.