"SiFu Francis Fong is without a doubt one of the most talented and muti-dimensional martial artists teaching today.  I have known SiFu Francis for over 20 years. He is constantly researching and growing in skill and knowledge. His creativity and ability to adapt his teaching to suit the needs of his students is a rare gift.  His accomplishments and achievements are many, and I stand in awe of his martial art and healing skills. But equally, or perhaps more importantly, SiFu Francis Fong is a great human being. His humility, kindness and loyalty to his students, friends and all who have a genuine interest in the arts is boundless. I consider myself very lucky to be his friend."

Dan Inosanto

Founder / Head Instructor

Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts

Marina Del Rey, California  USA

"The Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy has done an excellent job promoting and teaching the martial art of Muay Thai. The academy has very disciplined, knowledgeable, and experienced instructors who dedicate themselves to the advancement and growth of their students. I highly recommend the Francis Fong Academy to anyone who is interested in learning Muay Thai."

Ajarn Chai Sirisute

Founder / Head Instructor

Thai Boxing Association of the U.S.A.

"Being a long time student of Guro Dan Inosanto, when I'm looking for a new instructor, I search out the highest quality instructors I can find.  In a nutshell, Sifu Francis is consistently mind-blowing!

His understanding of trapping, solid stance, and energy, while always keeping his mindset firmly on the importance of center line are unparalleled in my opinion.  He is full of examples from the wooden man and the Wing Chun forms in explaining his curriculum and practical application of Wing Chun as a training method for combat as well as a means for self improvement.  Plus, he is well versed in a variety of other martial arts and is therefore able to apply Wing Chun to all three ranges of combat: striking, grappling, and weaponry, making his instruction as accessible to a submission wrestler or kickboxer or stick fighter.

Sifu Francis is one of a very rare breed.  We have all met the occasional person who can fight AND teach. That is a rare enough individual, but Sifu Francis is also an incredible healer! I've experienced his abilities for myself on a number of occasions and his healing powers have always been as jaw dropping as his trapping!

I HIGHLY value my time with Sifu Francis.  I look forward to his camps in Atlanta as well as his time here with us in L.A. at the Legends Seminar every summer, and can't put a value on his instruction other than VERY!"

John Spezzano, Staff Instructor

Inosanto Academy

Los Angeles, CA

"Sifu Francis Fong has totally changed my way of thinking of Wing Chun Gung Fu and Martial Arts overall. He has shown how modest and humble one can be even who owns such great skills. His way to express himself is exactly like Sijo Bruce Lee's, so that one should not be bound by only one Art.

Sifu Francis Fong's seminars are always fun and educating and despite of your Style or Art, he always has something to offer to everybody. I highly recommend him to everyone who is interested to develop and find your real potential."

Risto Hietala - Oulu/Finland

Association Instructor in Wu Hsin Kuen

Apprentice Instructor in Wing Chun Gung Fu Association of USA

"Sifu Fong's mastery of his subject shows in his ability to relate its principles to a broad array of situations--both within a martial context and beyond. After more than sixteen years of training under his guidance, I continue to be impressed by him as a technician, a teacher, and a person."

Milan Vigil, Memphis, TN

Wing Chun, Muay Thai, and Taijiquan instructor at Rhodes College

"I have studied under Sifu Fong at a variety of seminars and conventions for the last 3+ years. Each and every time I come away with new techniques and new insights, and always with a renewed fascination with the martial arts.

I started my journey on the martial art path over 35 years ago. I have had several good instructors, and a few great ones. Great instructors not only know their art physically, mentally, and internally. He or she has an ability to communicate it--to transmit it. To move it efficiently from their intuitive understanding, outward to you, the student. Sifu Fong always succeeds in doing this. He is indeed one of the great instructors."

Keith Mosher - Columbia, SC

"Sifu, I wanted to let you know how much I value the opportunity to train with you. And at your academy your staff there is great, truly good people. The level of instruction you provide is the highest I have ever encountered!

It is rare to find an instructor of Sifu Fong's experience, knowledge and skill. The quality of instruction is the highest caliber that I encountered. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity I've been given to train with him.

It is refreshing to train with such a person that understands the art, how to teach it, when to teach, what and why! It seems like you read my mind and provide me with just the right amount of knowledge at just the right time.

Your personal skill in the martial arts is at an extremely high level, yet you refuse to be called "Master" or "Grandmaster", a title that clearly suits your knowledge and wisdom. I have been teaching since 1987 and continue to find myself a beginner in your presence.

The support of the academy staff and training atmosphere created reflects the values taught in the martial arts. I have been teaching martial arts since 1987 and am inspired by Sifu Fong understanding of the martial arts. I am honored to be your student." 

Sifu/Guro Jon Rister

Chief Instructor W.H.K. Academy

President Wu Hsin Kuen International Martial Arts Association

"I have been associated with Sifu Francis Fong since 1986. When I first got to the Academy I weighed 110 and could do a whopping 3 push ups! Luckily, for me I had won the martial arts lotto by stepping in the door and Sifu and his students encouraged progress rather than focusing on my limitations.

Now, I continue to look forward to each chance I get to train at the school. The basics have remained the same as they were in 1986, hard work, respect, honesty and Sifu Fong's ability to show each of us our potential.

The magic of being in a class with Sifu Fong is that even though his technique is explosive and beautiful it is his control of the person that must be appreciated. Sifu doesn't just teach martial arts. He asks you to learn your own body and it’s potential. Once those are understood technique is created, not simply copied. If you know yourself and understand the principles of movement and combat then technique is unlimited.

This teaching style coupled with Sifu's extraordinary personality and the excellence of the staff at the Academy are the reasons I have continued to drive from Macon to Atlanta over the past nearly 20 years."

Sincerely,

Dan Mills LMSW

"Training with Sifu Francis has been a life changing experience. As far as martial arts is concerned, his knowledge is without end and his skill is unparalleled. There are teachers who have knowledge but lack the physical ability. There are also those that have some physical ability but cannot relay the knowledge to the student. Sifu Francis has the rare combination of both.....vast, unending knowledge and mind blowing, indescribable speed and power. Combine that with a truly genuine, loving, compassionate heart and you know why Sifu Francis is so very unique and special.

I am so very blessed to have spent the time I have spent with him learning the arts and learning about myself and I look forward to years of continued growth with him as a martial artist and as a person.

I highly recommend anyone that is even remotely interested in martial arts to just attend one class. One class, that is all it takes and you will be hooked. The whole environment at his academy is so positive and the enthusiasm is infectious."

Dr. Dani Talamantez

McAllen, TX

"The Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy has been a truly enriching experience for my 4-year old son, Asher. Over the past four months my wife and I have seen a marked increase in his focus, discipline, dexterity, strength, flexibility and confidence. He also really enjoys his classmates and instructors. His learning experience has been both fun and hard work. We intend to keep him involved as long as possible and hope that it becomes a passion for him down the road." 

--Julius C. Robinson, III

"I first met Sifu Francis Fong approximately 5 years ago. I was visiting Atlanta on one of my rare weekends off from my medical residency, and had arranged to meet my friend Dan Mills for lunch after his workout, at the Academy. I arrived a bit early, and watched the class for a few minutes, then feeling a bit self-conscious, stepped outside to enjoy the sunlight. I was a bit startled when Sifu Fong came outside, because (I believe that) he thought I had become impatient and was about to leave. I was amazed and very impressed that, even in this small and insignificant matter, he supported the interests of his student. We talked outside on that beautiful day for a good 20 minutes!

I was greatly touched by his loyalty to Dan, in trying to preserve the plans that he (& I) had made. I was even more impressed that he would spend so much time simply chatting with a stranger. I knew then, that I had to become part of this extraordinary group, led by this extraordinary man.

Since that day, I have spent many hours training, as my schedule permitted, in the art that I have come to love. This is my Prozac. I can see the other parts of my life through Wing Chun, and I can see Wing Chun through the perspective of my professional life as well.

I truly began my training after my friend, Dan Mills, sponsored me for Sifu's Instructor Training Program in September 2002. It was then that I met Si-Hing, Al Zepeda, who spent countless hours converting me from a Brick to a fledgling Wing Chun practitioner. Unfortunately for Si-Hing Al, my initial warning to him that I was a slow learner proved to be precisely accurate! Despite taking nearly 6 months to remember to throw a punch, Si-Hing Al refused to give-up on me, and I owe him a debt that can never be repaid. By extension, I owe Sifu Francis Fong a debt that can never be repaid, except perhaps, to continue and represent his Art as he would have it be represented.

To understand the value that I have placed on my training, let me say without reservation that for me, Wing Chun has been a metaphor for Life. These are a few of my observations:

Wing Chun is Direct. One of its basic tenets is control of the center. In my outside life, this is equally important. It often requires some extra effort to stay focused on track with the central issue, and not become distracted and bogged down by peripheral issues that do not contribute to the solution of the true problem.

Wing Chun is Logical and Pragmatic. It is elegant in its simplicity and economy of motion. It is logical in its pursuit of its goals. It has given me the perspective of "cutting to the heart" of the matter at hand. Extraneous details can be dealt with as time and resources permit, but first & foremost, get the Job Done! In surgery, this is pretty important. In a fight, "The only way to make someone stop hitting you is to hit him back." Only ACTION can accomplish your goals, inaction and passivism cannot. Problems do not solve themselves.

Wing Chun demands Discipline. Nothing worth having in life is easy. If you work for it (whatever "it" is), you will understand and appreciate its value. Whether it was my 120 hour work weeks in Residency, or the many (sometimes frustrating) hours, working to make more of this art my own, the rewards for my persistence have made my efforts worthwhile. This is not something that one can simply memorize for (hopefully) appropriate regurgitation later on. It requires thought and reflection, and ultimately results in understanding. After this, the art of Wing Chun (or medicine) may truly become your own.

Many possess knowledge and skill. Vastly more claim it. It is very rare to fine someone who truly has the deep knowledge (of anything) that they understand it so completely, that they can truly teach (pass this on) to others. Sifu Fong has this deep knowledge, it is obvious for all to see when he gives his seminars and is able to truly communicate simultaneously with many people from many diverse backgrounds and many skill levels. He is somehow able to present his Art in a manner and sequence that is understandable to every student who attends.

My personal feeling is that our teachers give us, their students, a part of themselves, this is Priceless! Although we remit some nominal fees, we absolutely do NOT purchase this teaching simply because IT CANNOT BE PURCHASED. IT CAN ONLY BE GIVEN.

Sifu Fong deserves all of the respect and loyalty that any great MENTOR deserves. We come to him in order to learn Wing Chun, and he gives us that, BUT he also gives us the lessons of Life as well. He deserves our love and respect, and to my knowledge, he has this from all of us whose lives he has so enriched.

Thank you, my Sifu for your perspective, your wisdom, and all of the priceless gifts that you have bestowed that continue to enrich my life everyday!"

"Doc" Jim Lin, M.D., M.B.A.

"I began training in martial arts in 1983, after seven years of wrestling at the high school and collegiate levels. My first instructor in Tae Kwon Do was the then US Olympic Coach, so I was fortunate to have that level of instruction. In those first 10 years, I obtained my 2nd degree black belt, and I had four different instructors due to moving, and they were all skilled. I figured after wrestling and Tae Kwon Do, I was pretty capable of handling myself and I had a grasp of what a "good" teacher was.

When I met Sifu Fong in 1994, however, it was clear that he was in class by himself, and that I was only beginning my understanding of martial arts. His in-depth knowledge of a number of styles is extraordinary, yet what struck me even more than his unbelievable skill, was how he tied in this master of physical art to the mind and spirit. I recall him saying, "I don't think it's really possible to master a bunch of different arts, maybe one. But it’s more important to master yourself. What does it matter if you can kick the sky if you aren't happy with your life?"

Since that time, I have undoubtedly learned a lot about Wing Chun Gung Fu, but I have learned a lot more about myself and others.

If you are interested in truly learning about martial arts, train with Sifu Fong. Where others may not comment, or offer mystical explanations, he will share with you the background or why something does or doesn't work. You will learn not only what, but why and how - his ability to teach the details of position, angles and body mechanics is nothing short of amazing. Trust me on this.

If you are interested in maximizing your power through the correct application of your mind and body, train with Sifu Fong.

If you are interested in becoming a better teacher (in any area), train with Sifu Fong. He is an exceptional teacher - his ability to read his students to read his students, to adapt his message so that all levels can understand, and to use metaphors, stories and humor to get his point across is refreshing and educational.

Lastly, if you are interested in learning more about yourself, train with Sifu Fong. Not just about what your physical capabilities are, but what really lies within your heart. Sifu trains others out of love - this may sound hokey, but when you meet him you will understand.

I wish you the best in your training."

Jim Brault

Vice President Human Resources

NexPress Solutions, Inc. - A Kodak Company Rochester, NY

"Having trained both directly and indirectly under Sifu Francis for 15+ years, and having recently attended the Wing Chun Instructors Workshop for the third consecutive year, I am continuously amazed and inspired by his talents! 

As a personal trainer, I incorporate Sifu's unique understanding of body mechanics and structure with all of my clients. Being part of the Francis Fong Academy has allowed me to grow both as a martial artist and a as a person, for which the highest compliment I can pay is to the use of my experiences to motivate others."

Eric Fronczak

"My name is Jim Byrom. I work as a Systems Engineer for Delta Technology. I have been in and out of Martial Arts since I was about 7 years old. Most of it was either via seminars or informal training with friends. I have been exposed to a lot of different martial arts, instructors, and teaching methodologies in that time.

To be candid, very few people believe me when I talk about this school or Sifu. Most of them look at me like I am a bit crazy! The only ones who seem understand are those that have taken instruction from Sifu Fong before or from one of the few other instructors that teach in his caliber.

As an instructor, Sifu is one of a very few people in the world that have the total package. He is an amazing martial artist, very talented, and very well trained. On top of that, he is an exciting and engaging instructor, able to break down huge concepts into easily learned and understood bites. He is able to create a sense of joviality and fun in a classroom without detracting from the seriousness of trying to learn something that could literally save your life.  Or, detracting from the respect for self, classmates, and school that are required to maintain the discipline necessary to stick with a program for the long haul.

What's more, he has had shown both great luck and great wisdom in the selection of the instructors that he associates with and that work under him in his organizations. Sifu's personality permeates the culture of the school and those he instructs. There is a positivity that infuses every class, every seminar, and every practice session. You can always tell that you are walking into a school that is associated with him!

In short, it is a great honor to train at the Francis Fong Academy. I have never been to a single class, seminar, or workshop that I left feeling I did not receive more from than what I put in. The training has not only left me a better martial artist, it has also left me with a better understanding of myself and my abilities.

I recommend the school to everyone I know. It is a unique and rewarding experience."

Thank you again,

Jim Byrom

"It is very difficult for me to write this, because the experience working with Sifu is beyond words! And the people at the Francis Fong Academy really make you feel like you are at your own school if not your own home!

This wonderful atmosphere extends to the students also, who if they do not know you, come over and introduce themselves! I found this to be a great and rare trait of the Francis Fong Academy. And you can see that this atmosphere of friendliness comes straight from Sifu Francis Fong himself, who makes any class to be fun and exciting because of his wonderful attitude and approach, not to mention his extensive knowledge of the martial arts! And unlike some academies, I also found the staff of the Academy to be very friendly and just a real pleasure to deal with.

All in all, I would say that my learning experience at the Francis Fong Academy was amazing in the all material that Sifu Fong taught us, the way he taught us, his wonderful approach, the friendly and well organized staff and students, and overall, would say that training at the Academy is well worth it!"

Xiang Jing Yao

Apprentice Instructor (Jun Fan Gung Fu/Kali under Guro Dan Inosanto), Apprentice Instructor (Muay Thai under Ajarn Chai Sirisute, TBA)

Westfield, NJ

"It is with the greatest honor that I have had the opportunity to train with and be associated with Sifu Francis Fong for the past 18 years. Sifu Fong's insight and experience in Wing Chun is absolutely astounding. In all of my 35 years in the martial arts, I say without reservation that Francis Fong is one of the finest teachers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Sifu's strength and skill are phenomenal, yet he is one of the most compassionate and friendly individuals I have ever met as well. He has influenced my development as a martial artist beyond what I could ever convey in words.

I would recommend training with Sifu Francis Fong whenever possible, it will be one of the best time investments you have ever made in your life.

Sincerely,

Kevin Seaman

Department of Athletics and Physical Education

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

"SEMATC is the best thing I've ever attended! You will not find any macho egos, politics or hypocritical people here!!! Only authentic teachers for what they teach. I especially enjoy Guro Dan's way of teaching and educating is priceless. He is a real teacher and really gets passionate about what he teaches stopping to go into a lot of history and culture. They all are!

Sifu Francis is amazing and his energy knows no bounds! He can at times be unpredictable which never makes the training boring.

I have visited many dojos throughout the years, but I have to say without a doubt Sifu Fong's academy staff is the nicest I have ever encountered! You aren't treated as a number and they make you feel cared about and so helpful! There is a realness in hospitality that you don't get anywhere else.

Ajarn Chai is always powerful and mysterious in his teaching. He makes you go that extra mile you never knew you had! I've never felt so happy to feel sore later!

I feel fortunate to attend SEMATC because you can learn a ton in one action packed weekend. You leave these seminars feeling like you've just attended a family reunion. At first I was intimidated by the training but it was and always is so much fun!! Everyone just has such a great time!"

MW

"Simply attending or participating in one of Sifu Francis Fong's workshops is invaluable. I have found training with Sifu to be an incredible experience!

The unique way that Sifu Fong teaches is truly compelling. Sifu presents his curriculum with an energy and passion that makes learning the material exciting and fun. He often demonstrates how to incorporate Wing Chun into takedowns and transitions, thereby making any art adaptable.

Sifu Fong's seminars are beneficial for everyone, no matter what style of martial art they study. Anyone can take what they learn from his seminars and incorporate it into their own style of training.

My martial arts background consisted of Karate and Judo, and I additionally studied street self-defense techniques. After years of attending Sifu Fong's seminars in New Jersey and New York, I was inspired to relocate to Atlanta, GA to train full-time at the Academy. I highly recommend the Francis Fong Academy."

Pete Bondura

FFMAA Student

"I want to recommend the Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy to anyone who wishes to learn martial arts. Sifu Fong is my instructor in Wing Chun Kung Fu. It is my opinion, with may others, that he is the best and fastest Wing Chun Master in the world!

I have been training with Sifu Fong for almost 25 years. He is a great person and martial artist. His school has a great reputation as being run professionally by a great team of highly trained martial artists. You can learn many stand up fighting arts, weapons, and his most effective ground fighting which is almost undefeated.

I have visited many karate, boxing and martial arts schools and academies throughout the United States and Sifu Fong's Academy is simply one of the best in the United States. Just so you know that I know a great school and instructor when I see one, I began taking lessons at the age of 12 and some of my background is: Chi-Do-Kwon (Black belt), Shorinji Tetsuken-Do (Black belt), Kuniba-Ha Shito Ryu (Black belt), Shorinji Kenpo-Karate-Do, Judo, Kanda-Ha Kamishin Ryu, Iaido, Kubudo, Aikido, Ju-Jitsu, Go Shin-Do, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Muay Thai, Kali, Jun-Fan Gung Fu, Silat and JKD. I am a certified instructor under Sifu Fong, Guro Dan Inosanto and Ajarn Chai Sirisute.

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia area, your best school is Francis Fong Academy. I drive 300 miles, one way, many times per year for lessons in Atlanta under Sifu Fong's instruction!

Sincerely,

Rick McElroy

McElroy's Martial Arts

Sifu Francis Fong, Ms. Tracey Mannon and the staff of the Francis Fong Academy,

I wanted to take time to write a note of thanks for all you have done for Cassandra over the time she has been a student at the academy.   When we first moved to Georgia we began looking for a program that would provide a way for Cassandra to build good physical fitness without team sports and also a way for her to develop inner self-confidence.  It’s not easy moving to a new school in a new state and she had become introverted and shy as a result of our move without her old friends and her usual support groups. 

When we finally decided on Martial Arts we went to several different places looking for just the right one but the other training facilities that we tried just didn't feel right.  There were too many pay for your child’s black belt type program memberships and the focus seemed to always be on the black belt as a notch on an accomplishment list rather than the journey to get there. Other programs did not seem to have the commitment to the traditional values and tenants of sportsmanship, respect and good citizenship we always associated with a Martial Arts education. When we found The Francis Fong Academy it just felt right! Cassandra is taught how to show respect for the academy, her Sifu and the other instructors as well as her peers in class. She has learned to speak with confidence, and about how the tenants and principles of the academy should carry over to her life outside of the academy. This is evidenced by involving Cassandra’s school teachers in feedback prior to a promotion exam and Sifu’s checking report cards periodically.  This is also evidenced by the quality of the most skilled senior students at the academy, they are always the first to lend a helping hand, or share a kind word of encouragement.  Through the teachings at the academy she is learning to be a good student, a good daughter and a good and productive citizen of the world.

I wanted you to know that Cassandra has gained confidence, her self-image is wonderful, her grades are outstanding and she has gained many friends in school and at the academy, and you are helping to mold her into the fine young woman she is becoming.  Her motor skills have improved and she is quite proud of her new muscles now too!  It's exciting to see how much she has improved, not just with her kicks and stances although she can make the pads pop a little now, but also with her push-ups and sit-ups and flexibility!   But, what is most wonderful is that her mental maturity and discipline is growing at a far greater rate than her martial arts prowess and she is starting to recognize one of the more difficult lessons in life, that life in itself is a work in progress and Cassandra is learning how to treat each moment as an opportunity to learn.   

I take great care and interest in raising my children, and I am very happy and blessed to be able to trust Cassandra to you for the time she has been your student, and for many years to come! I feel like you are part of our family and we yours. You are taking a part in raising my daughter, and are wonderful role models. Thank you for changing and affecting our lives, making Cassandra healthier and happier, and for teaching her this ancient art that is so much more than just a sport or a belt, it is a way of life and a way of living!

Respectfully and with my utmost gratitude and respect,