Si-Fu Julian Hitch was the first person to introduce the authentic Chinese version of Wing Tsun into Western Europe. He is the only master outside Hong Kong and Eastern Europe to be teaching the etiquette, customs, philosophy and principles of the traditional art.
Known for both his dedication to the art and his professionalism, he is admired by many for his adherence to the ancient rules and customs; he has been described as an ‘ancient master in modern times’.
Lineage
Si-Fu began Wing Tsun at the age of 15, started teaching at the age of 17 and opened his first school at the age of 18. At the age of 21, Si-Fu was interviewed by ITV news as a ‘martial art expert’.
Having first learnt and taught a Western version of the art, Si-Fu was honoured to become the first and only Western ‘todai’ (meaning ‘son’) of Master Máday Norbert, Chief Instructor of the Eastern European Association. Si-Fu proceeded to relearn the art from him, including many secrets, and now only teaches the authentic Chinese art. Renowned internationally, Si-Fu is one of only two teachers to be taught the specialised system taught to
Special Forces in Eastern Europe.
Youngest Master
One of the stars of the Wing Tsun world, Si-Fu has set a number of records. These include:
• Youngest person in the UK to independently open a
school
• Youngest male in the world to achieve 3rd Technician
Grade (equivalent to 4th Dan)
• Opened the first ever full-time Chinese Wing Tsun
school in Western Europe
His students continue to break records. One of his personal students achieved the grade of 1st Technician (2nd Dan) in record time and started teaching (with no prior martial art experience) after only 1 year’s tuition from Si-Fu – something previously unheard of. This teacher, still a student of Si-Fu, has subsequently become a respected teacher in her own right, running one of the schools for Si-Fu.
Tuition
Si-Fu is highly acclaimed for his ability as a teacher. He is currently a consultant and unarmed combat trainer for one of the UK’s leading bodyguard training companies. He frequently teaches instructors of other martial arts and over the years has taught black belts, National Champions and high Dan grades of every major martial art style. A large number of teachers have also developed under his tutelage.
Scholar
Si-Fu is descended from a background of philosophers and academics (among others his great aunt was the famous Professor Susan Stebbing and his grandfather was a published poet). Educated at Dulwich College, Si-Fu went on to achieve a wide-range of academic qualifications, despite teaching full-time throughout. These include:
• Degree in History from University College London
• Degree in Law from the College of Law
• Graduate Diploma in Law from the College of Law
• Barrister Vocational Course from the College of Law
Si-Fu was awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn and was called to the Bar (and became a Barrister) on 23rd July 2009.