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Sifu Lesley began his martial arts training in Karate at the age of nine and it sparked his passion for the martial arts at that early age. He continued his training in other style's including Shotokan Karate into his mid twenties, and then a Korean oriented style afterward's for a few more years. These and other arts were studied off and on until he began his full time study of Wing Chun Kung Fu in 1992. Bert's first teacher was the late William Mason of the North American Wing Chun association. Sifu Mason opened Bert's mind to Wing Chun and the gratitude is eternal as well as the fondness for a friend now gone. Then, on to studies with Sifu Jacky Tsang of Moy Yat Ving Tsun for some time after that. Sifu Tsang has my deepest respects and appreciation for the intricacies of the art which he shared with me. Then fate intervened and allowed Bert to come into contact with someone he’d been wanting to learn from for ten years, this meant meeting his current Sifu, Mr. Kyle Weygandt who taught Bert two systems consisting of Yip Man Wing Chun (Leung Sheung lineage) and Pan Nam Yong Chun, Completing both systems in 2005. Sifu Lesley is grateful to all his teachers, for each one has had their own unique perspective on the art and shed their own “light” upon this wonderful and effective fighting system. Sifu Lesley brings a unique perspective to teaching Wing Chun by being able to offer a broader picture of the art than many, since he teaches two, (seemingly) completely different systems. At first the two systems seem vastly different, yet they are both Wing Chun and Sifu Lesley see’s them as being complementary to each other bringing a balance to his knowledge of Wing Chun, making it fuller and with a broader perspective on the art as a whole. Sifu Lesley’s passion for this art and for teaching extends from students in New Jersey all the way down to Florida and across to Tennessee. He always considers a student as a friend and gives of himself openly and honestly, for them and the art of Wing Chun.
“One who excels as a warrior, does not appear formidable. One who excels in fighting is never aroused in anger. One who excels in defeating his enemies does not join issues. One who excels in employing others, humbles himself before them. This is the virtue of non contention and seeking the sublimity of Heaven. Chinese Gung Fu is our honor, we will not raise our weapons against those who are not our enemies. God help us if we ever have to use our art."
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