Ivan Howe

Chief Instructor Ivan Howe signed on with the Academy in 1986 at its Strathfield (NSW) branch with his three children after seeing a Wing Chun demonstration at Sydney's Luna Park. The semi-retired scaffolder / rigger had no previous martial arts experience but to keep fit for his job pumped weights and played squash and tennis.

Says Inst. Ivan, "The Wing Chun demo just stood out because of its speed and no-nonsense approach to being attacked."

He quickly became involved in the friendly, family atmosphere of the Academy and spent many years as the Branch Leader of Strathfield and later Burwood branch. He says becoming an instructor was one of the best things he has done because of the satisfaction derived from teaching people from all walks of life.

"The application of Wing Chun principles in my daily life as a scaffolder / rigger allowed me to continue in the construction industry a lot longer physically with the emphasis on less stress and far better techniques for manual handling purposes," Inst. Ivan says. "I am extremely grateful to have reached this age without any serious injuries due to the stance and application of mind force."

Inst. Ivan says a set of Wing Chun butterfly knives given to him by Sifu Jim Fung is engraved with the words "keep up your training" and his commitment to the Academy is as strong as ever.

"I am grateful to be able to pass on the knowledge," he says.