Instructor Biography
In Chinese, the word “Sifu” means teacher or journeyman. The Chinese define Sifu as anyone who has spent extensive time studying or practicing his art and gained a high level of skill. In Ancient China, a student was expected to spend between 10 and 15 years studying his art before he was qualified to open his own school. Once out on his own he gained the title of Sifu which meant father-teacher.
At White Dragon Martial Art Schools, the title of Sifu is reserved for the school’s highest-level instructors. It is granted to those individuals who not only have met the school’s high martial art requirements, but have also proven their ability to pass the system forward to another generation of students. All Sifu’s have undergone a formal ceremony called a “bai si” and were personally promoted by the founder of White Dragon Schools, Master Nathan Fisher and his teacher, Grandmaster Doc Fai Wong.
Sifu Martin Ferreira - Chief Instructor of White Dragon East County
Martin Ferreira has been training in Choy Li Fut since November, 1985. Originally starting in Greco Roman wrestling during his schooling years he competed in both freestyle and Sambo style of wrestling, making his way into the San Diego Wrestling Hall of Champions and winning the 1A League Champion title. Starting his kung fu training at the La Mesa School under Master Fisher, he was the first student of Master Nathan Fisher's to be promoted the level of Sifu in 1992 for his success in running the El Cajon School.
Sifu Ferreira has also competed in the Chung Hung Open International Push Hands Championship receiving the champions cup for the light weight division. Taking his vast knowledge of kung fu, tai chi and wrestling he created a Joint Locking (Chin Na) training program for the White Dragon teaching staff and students. Leading by example, Sifu Ferreira firmly believes that anything is possible when you commit yourself and challenges his students to achieve their goals.