Martial Art Institute

Master Wai Po Tang is the founder and international chief instructor of the Martial Art Institute; and has been teaching Wing Chun since 1982. He founded his own organisation 'Martial Art Institute' (MAI) in 1986, and continually to research and develop the MAI system. He was awarded the highest traditional Kung Fu honour 'The Wing Chun Descendant' by Foshan Grandmaster Yui Kil in 1988.

Wai PO Tang is a listed domain expert for a research agency (DERA) of the British Ministry of Defence since 2000; also a full member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) since 2001; and a recognised sports coach UK member of the National Coaching Foundation; and also an accredited 'Grandmaster' of Wing Chun Kung Fu - awarded by the United Kingdom governing bodies the British National Association of Martial Arts and Combat Sports Worldwide; and China's Great Grandmaster Yui Kil Foshan Wing Chun Heritage.

He is a multi talented martial artist - applying his knowledge and skills across many different industries. Lately, he was selected to perform for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at The Royal Variety Performance 2001; starred in BBC TV Series 'Masters of Combat'. Off-stage, Master Wai Po Tang dedicates a lot of time teaching head instructors of other clubs as well as teaching local classes to the public. He produced, written, starred and directed two broadcast quality martial art instructional videofilm, 'Inspired by Wing Chun' in 1994, and 'Kung Fu Fighting in 1998. In addition, Master Tang have contributed articles to many martial arts magazines, and appeared in many news and television documentary programmes.

Wai PO Tang's Martial Art Background:
Pak Mei Kung Fu (1972); Wu shu, Wado Ryu Karate (1979); Traditional Wing Chun (1980 - 1985); Contemporary M.A.I. Wing Chun (1985 - present); Thai Boxing (1988); Contemporary M.A.I. Wing Chun & Foshan Wing Chun (1988 - present).

Wai-Po Tang's Combat Experience:
past years - present Lots of unquantify threatening street confrontations derived mostly from racial attacks or robberies or mindless troublemakers. He has fought against 1 to 1, and as much as upto 1 against gangs of 15-20 assailants on 3 occasions. Only approximately 10-20% of the total confrontations were resolved in administering physical force against assailants, the rest was verbally negotiated. Majority of situations were unarmed but he encountered some armed situations (once against machete, three times against long bladed knife and two handgun situations, and some short sticks or other blunted instruments). Master Tang strongly emphasised that all the violent engagements were solely self defence. All the mentioned problems were contained (except one time, he was stabbed in the back area, despite this the problem, the matter was resolved shortly after).

1983 - 1985 Engaged in many all-out no-holds barred martial art matches in car parks, streets or gyms (foolishly defending the honour of one of his former instructor's reputation). All fights were won brutally. Master Wai PO Tang emphasised regret to these incidents because it crossed the ethical boundaries of self-defence.

1988 Tour of Far East. Master Tang fought in Thailand, represented one of Thailand's top ten Thai boxing camp (Luprapra). Won his professional fight knocking out the opponent in the 2nd round. Subsequently, Master Tang travelled to Hong Kong and China whereby he cross-hands with a total of 12 opponents in Hong Kong and China. He won all 12 matches with T.K.O.s consecutively in a period of one month.

Wai-Po Tang's Academic:
BSc (hons) degree in The Science of Sport & Exercise.
Specialised in Biomechanics and Sport Psychology (Motor-Control neuroscience)
He was offered funding for a MPhil/PhD research degree from an agency of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Author:
Wai Po Tang have written and directed two broadcast quality instructional videofilms, 'Inspired by Wing Chun' and 'Kung Fu Fighting'.

Contributed articles to martial arts magazines since 1984 to present time. Writes regular articles for the martial art institute web site.

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