The Yut Kung (Moon Bear) Kung Fu Academy was established in 2004 by Sifu Wilson Lo to teach practical self defence to all who wished to learn. It was initially set up for only kids and teenagers but now accepts students of all backgrounds from the age of 8 yo and up. The teachings are based on three main styles: Yee Kuen (Yi Quan) Kung Fu, Cheng Style Ba Gwa and the Filipino art of Black Eagle Eskrima for weaponry.
The study of kung fu in the Academy involves not just turning up to class but also to practise at home, aided by written material and online videos. Students progress through gradings which involve physical, oral and written tests under stress, along with written workbooks and assignments. Competing at local tournaments is optional for students but encouraged and extra training is provided for this.
The Academy is run in a traditional way by Sifu Lo and acts as a second family to all it's members who treat each other as brothers and sisters. Besides learning a practical self defence system students (and their parents!) make many friends and often meet socially with official and unofficial club events.
The Academy also established Canberra Dragon Dance which is the professional Asian Performing Arts arm. This has quickly become the largest and most professional team of its kind in Canberra and become part of Canberra's framework at multiple public and private events and festivals, along with running school and public workshops.
