Tony Hollander
UK Head Instructor
I have been teaching as a full time professional instructor since 1999 having trained in wing chun / wingtsun from 1993 and with many years experience in Karate and Aikido before this.
It was in 2006 after meeting and training with Grand Master Klaus Brand as private students that I realised that the International Academy of WingChun was teaching with a far more in depth knowledge and understanding than I had previously seen.
Sifu Ed Pettitt the former headquarters instructor of National WingTsun Organisation and I had set up WingTchun Schools (England) in 2006. It was after many visits to Germany as private students under Grandmaster Klaus Brand that we affiliated to his International Academy.
In February 2007 after more training and discussion with Grandmaster Klaus Brand Ed and I were offered and very pleased to accept the position of Head Instructors for the IAW in the United Kingdom. This of course is to promote and set a quality control of this highly refined WingChun system.
Specific dates
| 1983 | Started Shotokan Karate |
| 1987 | Aikido |
| 1990 | Tae Kwon Do |
| 1993 | Started Wing Chun |
| 1997 | Started teaching |
| 1997 | World Open Tournament Gold Medal (light weight) |
| 2000 | First TG |
| 2002 | Second TG |
| 2005 | Third TG |
| 2006 | Wing Tchun Schools formed with Ed Pettitt |
| 2006 | Affiliated to the International Academy of WingChun |
| 2007 | IAW headquarters for UK is made |
| 2008 | Awarded Sifu title |
In my spare time I enjoy motorcycling, walking and relaxing and spending time with my children and grand children.
A Thought for you
Decide what you really want from your WingChun before you start. It will help you to focus, commit and progress. WingChun should not be rushed it has clear steps of progression developed to help your learning and understanding of the system. Savour every moment of your learning, what may seem a basic exercise in the class that you cannot see the purpose of will definitely be of use to you in the future. You cannot absorb everything in one go, much of the information will pass you by the first and probably the second time you see it but when you are ready to understand you will, then you will be able to properly apply it. This is the best way to learn WingChun, if you walk slowly you will see more than if you drive fast. In the end you will truly appreciate what you have learnt and be able to use it effectively.
Enjoy yourself along the journey.
