Its an exciting time for our Orange County martial arts family! We are pleased to announce that we have found a location on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. With the opening of The Dragon Institute, we are finally able to bring a whole new level of Wing Chun to Orange County.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of commitment is involved?
Committing yourself to your training is a requirement of The Dragon Institute. We require our members to commit themselves to training with us at least twice a week. Ask questions, take notes and practice at home.

Do you have any age limits?
min. 4 - max. 105

How does Wing Chun work?
Wing Chun students defend themselves by using the simplest actions possible as well as leverage and angles to turn attackers' strengths against them. Wing Chun is effective for everyone, regardless of size, strength or gender. It teaches smaller, weaker people to be able to over come stronger, larger people.

Is this a legitimate martial arts school?
The Dragon Institute is proud to have the honor of representing  the Yip Man (Bruce Lee's teacher) lineage of Wing Chun. Our martial arts genealogy is under Yip Man's most senior Hong Kong student, Leung Sheung.
Our owner and head instructor, Sifu Adam, is an internationally certified Wing Chun instructor recognized by Hong Kong's VTAA.  Sifu Adam practices the art today as given to him by his Sifu Bill Graves - having had the humbling experience of training under Bill for nearly 15 years. Make no mistake, Sifu Bill is one of the best practitioners in Wing Chun today. Sifu Bill recognizes Sifu Adam as an instructor under him and as one of his very top students. Sifu Bill's teacher is none other than living Wing Chun legend, Sifu Karl Godwin.

Sifu Adam is president of the California Wing Chun Association and State Representative of California for the World Ving Tsun Athletic Association (WVTAA). He was approved for induction in the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, is an Associate Member of the International Kung Fu Federation, original member of The System Wing Chun Gung Fu, International Combat Martial Arts Unions Association, United States Kuo Shu Federation, Hong Kong Ving Tsun Athletic Association (香港詠春拳體育會), National Qigong Association and many more.

But what makes our martial arts school truly authentic is "undeniable ability". We belive that "knowledge is not enough, we must apply." We hold firm that the ability to apply what we know in the real world is of the utmost importance refusing to certify the coveted instructor status to those that have not put in the years of smart training in order to attain true proficiency. 

How is your Wing Chun school different from other Wing Chun schools?
Unlike other Wing Chun schools, we cover all ranges of self-defense (kicking, punching, knees & elbows & grappling). We are dedicated to the integrity of a realistic modern-day self-defense situation and although we are very proud of our Wing Chun traditions, we also refuse to let tradition stand in the way of realistic application.

For us, knowing is only the first step in becoming proficient. Our coveted Wing Chun instructor certification (equivalent of a black belt), only comes after years of smart training. Being consistent and working hard for several years are the main factors that will separate the proficient from an aspiring "black belt."  

Our particular family of Wing Chun, under the direction of Sifu Adam, is unlike any other in the world. Our system has uniquely distinct influences from European bare-knuckle boxing, fencing and Tai Chi. It delves deep into the hardcore realism of self-defense as well as the healing power of mind-body movement from health to meditation to philosophy.

Do I need to be in shape to join?
No you do not! Wing Chun training is geared toward the individual. Everybody trains at his or her own level, pushing just a little bit more every time. There is no pressure to do things that your body isn't able to do. Most students notice an increase in fitness, joint flexibility, and general strength after just a month.

Is our training good for self-defense?
It is second to none! Our training program is designed to teach students what REALLY works in the street.  Our Wing Chun training places a strong emphasis on giving students solid responses to real-world attacks, not for the ring, octagon or some other sports competition. Regardless of your size or age, the bottom line is that our methods work when it matters the most!

Do I need previous experience to start?
Absolutely not! In fact, students with little or no previous martial arts experience tend to have fewer bad habits to break.

Is Wing Chun good for women?
According to legend, Wing Chun was originally developed by women, for women! Wing Chun is geared for smaller or weaker individuals to enable themselves to defend against strong or aggressive attackers. In fact, women are often the ones who pick up Wing Chun quicker.

Is Wing Chun for everyone?
No. Wing Chun is not for everyone! At The Dragon Institute, we want to teach students who have a desire to learn and a desire to improve themselves physically and mentally. If you have these qualities, then Wing Chun is for you. We reserve the right to refuse people with poor attitudes or ill intentions.

Is our training safe?
Student safety is a primary concern during all classes. Students are taught how to train intensively and safely with a partner. In addition, the completion of the basic level curriculum reduces the possibility of injury to a minimal level.

What can I expect in the training?
The classes are fun and challenging! We impart information in a friendly environment where the students engage in a wide variety of drills, exercises and training routines helping each other in a family-like atmosphere.

In class, students engage in:

Forms training - energy development exercises which teach concentration, mental focus, and precision of body movement.

Strength training - to build and improve your abilities to apply the powerful actions of Wing Chun.

Reflex training - used to improve hand-eye coordination and timing. Chi Sau - a training exercise unique to Wing Chun which uses tactile reflex development and muscle memory to "program" the limbs to react to contact with an opponent's attack.

Analytic sparring - a unique interactive approach to learning that that teaches these unique  rather than translation and memorization drills. Learn more about our method:

Sparring - free-fighting training, where the student learns to use the movements of the forms, drills and chi-sau for actual fighting.

Footwork and kicking drills - provide for mobility and agility in attacking and defending.

Equipment training - Using equipment such as wooden dummies, sand bag training, wooden blocks and 4x4 platforms to help the students develop striking force, energetic connections within the body, coordination, body conditioning, rooting and stance development, distance measure, angle orientation and just to improve general fitness.

How long will it take to get good?
We have small group classes that allow our instructors to focus more on the individual needs of the student. With this much individual attention, most students noticeable improvement after 3-6 months. However, due to our high standard, black belt level certification takes no less than 3-4 years to obtain. However, in Wing Chun getting "good" is extremely relative. You'll find in many other Wing Chun schools, "black belt" level certificates are awarded much too quickly. We believe giving out easy "black belts" is ultimately to the detriment of students when they realize their training is ineffective.

Am I too old for Wing Chun?
Never! Wing Chun can be practiced with great benefit well into your senior years. Train at your own pace. Take your time and learn something meaningful.... something you can teach your kids and your grandchildren.

I am a student of another Martial Art/Wing Chun organization, can I come and just to learn some of your techniques?
At The Dragon Institute, we do not discriminate based on previous martial arts background or affiliations. However, all new students start as a beginner regardless of previous experience. If our own students have to work hard to earn the right to learn,, why should we just sell them to outsiders? On the other hand, if a student is very talented or gifted, then that student will be promoted and advanced accordingly.

What should I wear? Do I need special clothing or equipment?
Wear comfortable clothing. Sweat pants, a t-shirt, and comfortable sneakers are the best way to go. No bare feet. All jewelry that can be readily taken off will need to be removed. All permanent piercing should be covered with tape or a bandage. Additional protective training equipment may be needed if you plan to participate in our free sparring sessions.

What values do you profess?
We are deeply committed to meeting life's challenges head-on, constant growth through taking ourselves out of our comfort zones, being truthful to ourselves, seeking to constantly improve ourselves, focusing on priorities, having courtesy to others, being respectful to others - especially those that are different, serving the community, learning from those that have come before us, mentoring our juniors, respecting the environment and many more.

Our developmental journey through Wing Chun can easily influence every aspect of you lives. The concepts, philosophies and training experiences bring about a refreshing perspective of life's challenges - helping us to deal with life's situations in a whole new way.

Welcome to the journey that will change your life!