Tony Stewart
Chief Instructor Tony Stewart began his Wing Chun training in 1987 at the Liverpool (NSW) branch of the International Wing Chun Academy, having trained in another martial art a few years earlier. At 22 he felt he was a little old and heavy to seriously pursue western boxing and wanted a self defence system he could use effectively as he grew older.
After signing up for one month, he was so impressed with the practical and effective method of realistic self defence taught at the IWCA that he persisted with his training and has never looked back.
In 1989, he was appointed leader of Westmead branch, running it so successfully that he was promoted to be one of five Regional Supervisors. In 1992, he was appointed Branch Leader of the Liverpool branch.
Later that year, he reluctantly relinquished Westmead and Liverpool branches, along with the Regional Supervisor role to accept Sifu Jim Fung’s offer of full time employment as Academy Coordinator. Inst. Tony was promoted to the position of NSW State Manager in 1993 and held that position for over five years before resuming his educational studies and becoming a solicitor.
Inst. Tony has taken part in many Wing Chun demonstrations at venues which include the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Entertainment Centre and Martin Place. He has featured in the Daily Telegraph newspaper and Blitz magazine. He also appeared on the television programme, Good Morning Australia, and was selected to be a judge in the Guinness World Records recording by Channel 7 for an attempt on the world record for punching speed. This record was broken by Inst. Robert Ardito, an IWCA student.
Inst. Tony has been the NSW Branches Manager for over ten years and teaches classes and private lessons at the IWCA’s Sydney Headquarters.
He says: "Instructing in Wing Chun is not only an honour and privilege, but it will speed up your improvement significantly."
"I still get a lot of satisfaction out of helping people and seeing them improve."
"I always appreciate Sifu Jim for teaching me Wing Chun."
"I continue my training and appreciate that Sigung Chu now teaches us to ensure that the IWCA passes on the art and science of Wing Chun Kung Fu in its purest form".