Red Tiger Martial Arts Students Shine at Inaugural Wing Chun World Championships at the Southern Shaolin Temple
[Cincinnati, OH] — Red Tiger Martial Arts is thrilled to announce the remarkable achievement of two of its students, Alex Wohl and Nikky Hernandez, who proudly represented the school and the art of Shaolin Wing Chun as part of Team USA at the inaugural Southern Shaolin Temple Wing Chun World Championships in late August of this year. The historic event was held at the Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian, China, marking a milestone for both the school and the art form.
“It was a dream come true to visit the birthplace of our martial art and compete alongside practitioners from around the world,” said Sifu Paul Mason, head of Red Tiger Martial Arts. “Being at the Southern Shaolin Temple, the cradle of Wing Chun, was an awe-inspiring experience that brought us closer to the roots of our training.”
Grand Master Benny Meng, a leader in uncovering Wing Chun’s true history and promoting its rich tradition, was instrumental in this achievement. Recently, the Chinese government officially recognized Wing Chun as an intangible cultural treasure, acknowledging its deep historical ties to the Southern Shaolin Temple. In a monumental decision, “Shaolin Wing Chun,” the lineage researched and taught by Grand Master Meng, was formally recognized as a standalone lineage by both the Wushu Federation and the Shaolin Temple. Meng’s Shaolin Wing Chun organization (headquartered in Dayton, OH) had the largest representation at the event, second only to the Chinese national team, further solidifying its global prominence.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Sifu Mason added, “It was an incredible honor to contribute to the return of Wing Chun to its birthplace after 350 years, and to be part of the first tournament ever held on Shaolin Temple grounds in its 1,500-year history.”
Nikky Hernandez from Red Tiger Martial Arts claimed 1st place gold in her division for Chi Sau sparring, while Alex Wohl secured an impressive 4th place overall in Chum Kiu (forms). In total, the Meng’s International Shaolin Wing Chun family earned 42 medals out of a field of 170 competitors, with Team USA bringing home 36.
“Beyond the medals and competition, the real reward was the opportunity to connect with Wing Chun practitioners from diverse lineages across the globe,” said Sifu Mason. “The warmth and hospitality we experienced from the people of China and Hong Kong made this journey even more unforgettable.”
As Red Tiger Martial Arts looks to the future, this experience reinforces the school’s dedication to preserving the integrity and authenticity of Shaolin Wing Chun. The school continues to build on this rich legacy and share the transformative power of Wing Chun with its students.
For more information about Red Tiger Martial Arts and its Shaolin Wing Chun programs, visit www.redtigerselfdefense.com.
Media Contact:
Paul Mason
Owner/Head Instructor
513-290-7051
[email protected]
About Red Tiger Martial Arts:
Red Tiger Martial Arts is a leading school specializing in Shaolin Wing Chun and self-defense, committed to inclusivity and self-improvement by teaching traditional martial arts values while providing practical and modern training for students, young and old, of all skill levels.
