How the Women’s Self-Defence Masterclass at Rio Sul Shoppingmall Took Place

Recebi o convite do Mestre Sênior Fabio Gomes para, ao seu lado, conduzir uma Masterclass voltada para mulheres profissionais da área de administração do tradicional Shopping Rio Sul.

O evento aconteceu em um dos dias mais bonitos do ano, na torre mais alta da cidade, sobre o chamado “tabuleiro”, onde funciona o heliponto.

Este é o terceiro ano da minha parceria com o Mestre Sênior Fabio Gomes, e tem sido uma experiência muito especial adaptar o profundo conteúdo do Sistema Ving Tsun para públicos que, muitas vezes, nunca tiveram contato com artes marciais e, em muitos casos, sequer haviam ouvido falar de Ving Tsun, sempre em períodos de tempo bastante breves.

Em cada uma dessas experiências, representamos não apenas a nós mesmos, mas também todo o trabalho desenvolvido pelo grupo de salvaguarda.

I received an invitation from Senior Master Fabio Gomes to join him in conducting a Masterclass aimed at women working in administration at the traditional Rio Sul Shopping Mall.

The event took place on one of the most beautiful days of the year, at the highest tower in the city, on the so-called “platform” where the helipad is located.

This is the third year of my partnership with Senior Master Fabio Gomes, and it has been a very special experience adapting the profound content of the Ving Tsun System for audiences who, in many cases, have never had any contact with martial arts and, quite often, had never even heard of Ving Tsun, always within very limited periods of time.

In each of these experiences, we represent not only ourselves, but also the entire work developed by the safeguarding group.

Nestas ocasiões, o pré-evento é fundamental para que os ajustes de rota durante uma Masterclass como essa sejam mínimos e praticamente imperceptíveis.

Agora, uma pergunta importante: Como uma arte marcial chinesa, cuja fundação é atribuída a uma jovem que viveu em outro país, em outra época e em um contexto completamente diferente, pode continuar relevante diante das demandas do mundo atual?

Vamos tomar como exemplo o tema da "pressão no ambiente de trabalho".

Sabe, eu adorava meu avô. Era comum vê-lo sentado à mesa, a partir das 18h, assistindo tranquilamente às notícias na TV enquanto minha avó preparava o jantar. Ele trabalhava como mestre de obras, mas, no momento em que deixava o canteiro, o trabalho terminava junto com o expediente.

Hoje, a realidade é diferente. O trabalho acompanha o profissional até dentro de casa, invadindo momentos particulares. Muitas vezes, mesmo ao lado da família, uma simples mensagem sobre um problema é suficiente para interromper qualquer sensação de paz. No caso do meu avô, ele só tomaria conhecimento de algo assim no dia seguinte, ao retornar à obra.

Como, então, lidar com essa pressão utilizando o Sistema Ving Tsun?

On occasions such as these, the pre-event phase is essential to ensure that any course corrections required during a Masterclass of this nature are minimal and virtually imperceptible.

Now, an important question arises: "how can a Chinese martial art, whose origins are attributed to a young woman who lived in another country, in a different era and under an entirely different context, remain relevant in addressing the demands of the modern world?"

Let us consider, for example, the issue of pressure in the workplace.

You know, I was very fond of my grandfather. It was common to see him sitting at the table from around 6 p.m., calmly watching the evening news while my grandmother prepared dinner. He worked as a construction foreman, but the moment he left the building site, work ended with the close of the day.

Today, however, reality is quite different. Work follows professionals into their homes, intruding upon personal moments. Very often, even while spending time with family, a single message concerning a problem at work is enough to disrupt any sense of peace. In my grandfather’s case, he would only become aware of such an issue the following day, upon returning to the site.

So, how can one deal with this pressure through the Ving Tsun System?

Não queremos palestrar quando a atividade não se trata de uma palestra. Naquele início de tarde, o tempo era curto, a audiência estava tendo o primeiro contato com o Sistema Ving Tsun e a abertura precisava ser breve. Por isso, o Mestre Senior Fabio Gomes concentra-se intensamente nesses momentos, buscando alcançar a mente de toda a audiência de uma única vez.

Voltando ao tema da pressão, ela surge exatamente quando o tempo é escasso, existe risco real e o medo de falhar se faz presente. Nesses momentos, aparecem a fadiga, a ansiedade e a tentação do ganho imediato. A pessoa pode passar a buscar resultados “a qualquer custo” e abandonar aquilo que chamamos de medida, rompendo critérios que, em uma situação de tranquilidade, manteria com facilidade.

As emoções passam a ocupar o lugar do juízo, atalhos tornam-se atraentes e relações humanas podem ser reduzidas a instrumentos descartáveis. É justamente para impedir que a medida seja abandonada nesses momentos críticos que o Sistema Ving Tsun existe.

Uma prática como essa ajuda a pessoa a perceber o Sistema Ving Tsun atuando sobre sua própria conduta, regulando o gesto não antes nem depois, mas enquanto ele acontece.

Não seria possível, então, que a incorporação da lição influenciasse a conduta no ambiente de trabalho em momentos de pressão, evitando tanto os excessos quanto a fuga?

We do not wish to lecture when the activity itself is not intended to be a lecture. That early afternoon, time was limited, the audience was experiencing the Ving Tsun System for the very first time, and the opening needed to be concise. For this reason, Senior Master Fabio Gomes concentrates intensely during such moments, seeking to reach the minds of the entire audience simultaneously.

Returning to the subject of pressure, it arises precisely when time is scarce, real risk is present, and the fear of failure becomes tangible. In such moments, fatigue, anxiety, and the temptation of immediate gain begin to emerge. A person may start pursuing results “at any cost” and abandon what we call measure, compromising principles that, under calmer circumstances, would easily be maintained.

Emotions begin to take the place of judgement, shortcuts appear increasingly attractive, and human relationships may be reduced to disposable instruments. It is precisely to prevent the abandonment of measure during these critical moments that the Ving Tsun System exists.

A practice such as this helps the individual perceive the Ving Tsun System acting upon their own conduct, regulating the gesture not before nor afterwards, but while it is taking place.

Would it not then be possible for the incorporation of this lesson to influence conduct within the workplace during moments of pressure, preventing both excess and avoidance?

Outro desafio particularmente presente neste tipo de trabalho consiste em promover uma Masterclass na qual as participantes possam conhecer a lógica do Sistema Ving Tsun através de movimentos corporais de combate simbólico, conduzidos com marcialidade, consciência e segurança.

Nesse contexto, a proposta desenvolvida procurava levar as participantes não apenas a decidir o que fazer, mas igualmente o que não fazer diante de determinadas situações. As palavras na abertura da Masterclass e a interação nos interlúdios entre cada etapa, conduzidos pelo Mestre Fabio Gomes com o meu suporte, tinham precisamente a função de ampliar a compreensão de que o foco da experiência não residia no gesto em si, mas nos critérios que governam o gesto.

A partir dessa perspetciva, o trabalho passa a oferecer uma reflexão prática sobre tomada de decisão, autorregulação e gestão emocional sob tensão. No cotidiano profissional, isso pode auxiliar a pessoa a desenvolver maior clareza na gestão das próprias emoções e respostas comportamentais, procurando primeiro compreender o critério adequado para, a partir dele, atuar com medida.

Another challenge particularly present in this type of work lies in delivering a Masterclass in which participants can experience the logic of the Ving Tsun System through symbolic combat body movements, conducted with martiality, awareness and safety.

In this context, the approach developed sought to encourage participants not only to decide what to do, but equally what not to do in certain situations. The opening remarks of the Masterclass and the interaction during the intervals between each stage, led by Master Fabio Gomes with my support, were intended precisely to broaden understanding that the focus of the experience did not lie in the gesture itself, but in the criteria that govern the gesture.

From this perspective, the work begins to offer a practical reflection on decision-making, self-regulation and emotional management under pressure. In everyday professional life, this may help individuals develop greater clarity in managing their own emotions and behavioural responses, seeking first to understand the appropriate criterion and, from that basis, to act with balance and measure.

Vivemos em uma cidade extremamente desafiadora em termos de segurança. Muitas das participantes tinham uma história para contar sobre situações de abordagem por assaltantes ou conheciam alguém que já havia passado por essa experiência.

Segundo o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, em seu livro "VING TSUN - A Cultura Marcial Chinesa para Vencer as Lutas que Ninguém Vê", quando questionamos qual é o verdadeiro critério interno de uma civilização, deixamos de falar de símbolos, slogans  e passamos a tratar de algo muito mais concreto: a capacidade de uma sociedade continuar funcionando mesmo quando colocada sob pressão.

Essa reflexão é especialmente relevante porque o mais importante não é apenas o que se diz sobre o Sistema Ving Tsun em uma Masterclass como esta, mas sim proporcionar uma experiência prática, por meio de movimentos e gestos realizados com intenção, permitindo que cada participante compreenda  ocomo essa arte fundada centenas de anos atrás consegue ajudar o praticante sustentar quando a situação fica dificil.

We live in a city that is extremely challenging in terms of safety and security. Many of the participants had a story to share about being confronted by muggers themselves or knew someone who had experienced such a situation.

According to Grandmaster Leo Imamura, in his book VING TSUN - The Chinese Martial Culture for Overcoming the Fights No One Sees, when we question what truly defines the inner criteria of a civilisation, we move beyond symbols and slogans and begin to address something far more concrete: a society’s ability to continue functioning when placed under pressure.

This reflection is particularly relevant because what truly matters is not merely what is said about the Ving Tsun System in a Masterclass such as this, but rather the opportunity to provide a practical experience through intentional movements and gestures, allowing each participant to understand what this art, founded hundreds of years ago, is capable of helping practitioners sustain when situations become difficult.

THE REWARD OF ADAPTING TO PRESSURE

Acho que um dos melhores conselhos que recebi nos últimos oito anos, desde o falecimento do meu pai, veio da Professora Vanise Almeida, minha Si Taai. Pouco antes de visitar o Polo de Acesso Rio de Janeiro, no Méier, ela me disse que talvez fosse hora de “baixar um pouco a guarda”, porque eu já vinha lutando há muito tempo.

Aquelas palavras me fizeram refletir sobre o quanto sou transparente sem perceber. Ainda assim, muitos desafios estavam por vir. Com tantas demandas acontecendo em espaços de tempo cada vez menores, aprendi algo muito especial: aproveitar os pequenos intervalos entre um desafio aparentemente sem saída e o próximo.

Às vezes esses intervalos duravam dias. Em outros momentos, apenas horas. Então você poderia me encontrar tomando um café no Seu Roberto, ou na cafeteria do meu amigo André, sentado na Padaria Manhattan lendo alguma coisa ou simplesmente passeando pela Livraria da Travessa. Eram poucos minutos, às vezes apenas uma hora inteira, mas eu me entregava completamente àqueles momentos de descompressão.

Com o tempo, aprendi a apreciar o que meus dias tinham de mais singelo.

E foi apenas neste ano, em uma conversa muito emocionante com o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, iniciada pela manhã durante a prática em sua casa, continuando no trajeto de carro até a casa de seus pais e se estendendo em diferentes momentos até meu retorno ao Rio, que uma saída muito clara se abriu diante de mim.

Algumas semanas depois, compartilhei com meu discípulo Lucas o quanto estava animado para este mês de Maio. Pela primeira vez em muito tempo, tudo parecia mais tranquilo. A habilidade que desenvolvi de aproveitar um minuto como se fosse um dia inteiro agora poderia finalmente se expandir.

Talvez ele não tenha conseguido compreender completamente o que eu sentia naquele momento, mas minha felicidade transbordava. E talvez seja justamente por isso que esta foto acima seja a primeira deste artigo.

Era um sábado, quase meia-noite. Depois de muito tempo, eu estava sem alunos, sem discípulos, apenas eu comigo mesmo e pessoas queridas do círculo marcial. Um jantar que acabou se transformando em uma reunião com algumas das pessoas mais apaixonadas por artes marciais chinesas do estado do Rio de Janeiro, grupo do qual tenho orgulho de fazer parte.

No relógio, aquele encontro deve ter durado cerca de duas horas. Para mim, durou como se fosse um ano inteiro. Eu estava em paz, como a Si Taai havia sugerido.

E talvez essa capacidade de apreciar o comum seja uma das muitas recompensas de permanecer firme sob pressão.

 I think one of the best pieces of advice I have received over the past eight years, since my father’s passing, came from Professor Vanise Almeida, my Si Taai. Shortly before visiting the Rio de Janeiro Access hub in Méier, she told me that perhaps it was time to “lower my guard a little”, because I had already been fighting for a very long time.

Those words made me reflect on how transparent I can be without even realising it. Even so, many challenges still lay ahead. With so many demands happening within increasingly shorter periods of time, I learned something very special: how to make the most of the small intervals between one seemingly impossible challenge and the next.

Sometimes those intervals lasted days. At other times, only hours. You could find me having a coffee at  Mr Roberto’s, or at my friend André’s café, sitting in Manhattan Bakery reading something, or simply wandering through Travessa Bookstore. They were only a few minutes, sometimes just a single hour, but I gave myself entirely to those moments of decompression.

Over time, I learned to appreciate the simplest things my days had to offer.

And it was only this year, during a deeply emotional conversation with Grandmaster Leo Imamura, which began in the morning during practice at his home, continued during the drive to his parents’ house, and unfolded through different moments until my return to Rio, that a very clear path finally opened before me.

A few weeks later, I shared with my disciple Lucas how excited I was for this month of May. For the first time in a very long while, everything seemed calmer. The ability I had developed to experience a single minute as though it were an entire day could now finally expand.

Perhaps he could not fully understand what I was feeling at that moment, but my happiness overflowed. And perhaps that is precisely why the photograph above is the first image in this article.

It was a Saturday, nearly midnight. After such a long time, I was without students, without disciples, simply alone with myself and dear friends from the martial arts circles. A dinner that gradually turned into a gathering with some of the people most passionate about Chinese martial arts in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a group I am proud to be part of.

By the clock, that meeting must have lasted around two hours. For me, it felt as though it had lasted an entire year. I was at peace, just as Si Taai had suggested.

And perhaps this ability to appreciate the ordinary is one of the many rewards for remaining steadfast under pressure.

O jantar ocorreu poucas horas depois do evento semestral promovido pelo meu querido amigo Shifu Bruno Barros, ao centro da foto. Bruno é representante da quinta geração do estilo Zhang Jia Quan, que, segundo ele próprio explica, significa “Punho da Família Zhang”, também conhecido como Zhang San Men.

Para mim, porém, o Bruno é antes de tudo um aluno da Professora Lily Ou Yee Fen, assim como eu. E Jaime Ma, à esquerda, é filho da Professora. Jaime se parece muito com sua mãe, e sua filha pequena lembra uma miniatura da Professora. É difícil estar ao lado dos dois sem recordar dela, e talvez esse também seja um dos vínculos que nos unem.

É como se a dedicação da Professora tivesse ultrapassado o seu próprio tempo de vida, permanecendo viva nas relações, nos encontros e nos caminhos que ela ajudou a construir.

O Bruno me avisou sobre o evento com pouca antecedência, mas no meu coração eu não tinha dúvidas de que deveria fazer o meu melhor para estar presente. Imagino que o Jaime tenha sentido o mesmo. E isso só foi possível graças aos esforços que a Professora dedicou no passado.

The dinner took place only a few hours after the semi-annual event organised by my dear friend Shifu Bruno Barros, at the centre of the photograph above. Bruno is a fifth-generation representative of the Zhang Jia Quan style, which, as he himself explains, means “Zhang Family Fist”, also known as Zhang San Men.

To me, however, Bruno is first and foremost a student of the late Professor Madam Lily Ou Yee Fen, just as I am. And Jaime Ma, on the left, is the Professor’s son. Jaime bears a strong resemblance to his mother, and his young daughter looks like a miniature version of the Professor Lily herself. It is difficult to be around the two of them without thinking of her, and perhaps that is also one of the bonds that unites us.

It is as though the Professor Lily’s dedication has extended beyond her own lifetime, remaining alive in the relationships, gatherings, and paths she helped build.

Bruno informed me about the event at rather short notice, but in my heart I had no doubt that I should do my very best to be there. I imagine Jaime felt the same. And all of this was only possible because of the efforts the Professor devoted in the past.

Outro momento marcante da noite para todos os presentes foi a impactante demonstração realizada pelo Si Fu Antonio Guerreiro, ao centro da foto acima, a convite do Bruno.

Para mim, porém, o mais valioso foi o tempo que passamos juntos em seu carro, enquanto gentilmente me oferecia uma carona e compartilhava um pouco da sua trajetória nas artes marciais.

Quando ainda faltavam dois anos para iniciar minha "jornada Kung Fu", aguardando às 18h30 para assistir às minhas séries favoritas com meus treze anos de idade, o Si Fu Antonio já carregava responsabilidades como representante de um estilo. Talvez por isso eu tenha permanecido mais em silêncio, preferindo ouvir mais do que falar. Encarei aquele momento como uma oportunidade rara de escutar a trajetória de alguém com tantos anos de dedicação e experiência.

Foi, sem dúvida, um momento verdadeiramente especial.

Another memorable moment of the evening for everyone present was the impressive demonstration performed by Si Fu Antonio Guerreiro, at the centre of the photograph above, at Bruno’s invitation.

For me, however, what proved far more valuable was the time we spent together in his car, while he kindly offered me a ride and shared part of his journey in the martial arts.

At a time when I was still two years away from beginning my own “Kung Fu journey”, waiting at 6:30 in the evening to watch my favourite television japanese series as a thirteen-year-old boy, Si Fu Antonio was already carrying the responsibilities of representing a martial arts style. Perhaps that is why I remained mostly silent, choosing to listen far more than to speak. I regarded that moment as a rare opportunity to hear the story of someone with so many years of dedication and experience.

It was, without question, a truly special moment.

Outro momento emblemático durante o exame de faixas promovido pelo Bruno foram as palavras de outro veterano das artes marciais chinesas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, o querido Mestre Serpio Silva, à direita na foto, representante do estilo Garra de Águia e discípulo do Grão-Mestre Li Wing Kay.

Com toda a sua experiência de vida e trajetória marcial, Mestre Serpio emocionou os presentes com palavras extremamente bem colocadas, levando alunos e convidados a refletirem sobre aspectos muito importantes daquilo que é necessário para se manter em uma verdadeira “Jornada Kung Fu”, sobre o significado de ser um bom discípulo e também sobre a oportunidade proporcionada pela organização responsável pelo exame.

Foi um daqueles momentos em que a experiência e sinceridade se encontram de forma natural, deixando marcas profundas em todos que estavam presentes.

Another emblematic moment during the belt examination organised by Bruno came from another veteran of Chinese martial arts in the State of Rio de Janeiro, the respected Master Serpio Silva, on the right in the photograph. He is a representative of the Eagle Claw style and a disciple of Grandmaster Li Wing Kay.

With his extensive life experience and martial journey, Master Serpio moved those present with carefully chosen words, leading both students and guests to reflect on the many important aspects required to sustain a true “Kung Fu Journey”, on what it means to be a good disciple, and on the opportunity provided by the organising team responsible for the examination.

It was one of those moments in which experience and sincerity come together naturally, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

Eu queria compartilhar o quanto me senti feliz naquela noite e o quanto tenho estado feliz desde a viagem mencionada no início deste artigo, que me abriu os olhos para um novo momento da minha vida. Ainda assim, gostaria de encerrar este texto de outra forma, com uma frase do Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura: “Eu me recuso a ser feliz se não puder continuar estudando”.

Eu nunca desisti.

I wanted to share how happy I felt that night and how happy I have been since that trip mentioned at the beginning of this article, which opened my eyes to a new phase of my life. Still, I would like to end this text differently, with a quote from Grandmaster Leo Imamura: “I refuse to be happy if I cannot continue studying.”

I never gave up.

Senior Master Thiago Pereira hosted the launch event for GM Leo Imamura’s new book.

 

O Sistema Ving Tsun é, em última análise, uma filosofia em movimento. Um sistema que se revela àqueles que se dedicam a ele com paciência, atenção e respeito por sua lógica interna. Como no jogo da vida, não vence quem golpeia mais forte, mas quem compreende, com maior profundidade, o que de fato está em jogo.

A excelência do praticante dedicado de Ving Tsun da Linhagem Moy Yat não está no golpe que atinge o alvo, mas na construção da situação que o tornou inevitável. Essa excelência não é ostentatória. Ela nasce da compreensão da medida, da atenção silenciosa às possibilidades e do ajuste fino ao contexto.

Dentro dessa lógica, a convite do Sr. Eduardo Vilela, responsável pela Editora EV, que publicou o livro VING TSUN – A cultura marcial chinesa para vencer as batalhas que ninguém vê, de autoria do Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, promovi o lançamento da obra na mundialmente famosa cidade do Rio de Janeiro.

The Ving Tsun System is, ultimately, a philosophy in motion. A system that reveals itself to those who dedicate themselves to it with patience, attentiveness, and respect for its internal logic. As in the game of life, victory does not belong to the one who strikes the hardest, but to the one who understands, with greater depth, what is truly at stake.

The excellence of the dedicated Ving Tsun practitioner of the Moy Yat Lineage does not lie in the strike that reaches the target, but in the construction of the situation that made it inevitable. Such excellence is not ostentatious. It arises from an understanding of measure, from a silent attentiveness to possibilities, and from a refined adjustment to context.

Within this logic, at the invitation of Mr Eduardo Vilela, head of EV Publishing, which published the book VING TSUN – The Chinese Martial Culture for Overcoming the Battles No One Sees, authored by Grandmaster Leo Imamura, I promoted the launch of the work in the world-renowned city of Rio de Janeiro.

Official Photo of the night

Em uma época que exalta a performance, a produtividade e a competição, o Ving Tsun nos recorda que a verdadeira excelência não reside na força nem na velocidade, mas na capacidade de compreender a realidade com precisão e agir adequadamente dentro dela.

Trata-se, essencialmente, de criar condições favoráveis em vez de depender do acaso; de preparar o terreno antes de plantar; de reconhecer tendências antes que elas se imponham.

É diante dessas possibilidades, proporcionadas pela prática profunda, séria e responsável do Sistema Ving Tsun, que o novo livro do Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura se torna tão relevante e necessário para os tempos atuais.

In an era that glorifies performance, productivity, and competition, Ving Tsun reminds us that true excellence lies neither in strength nor in speed, but in the ability to perceive reality with precision and to act appropriately within it.

Essentially, it is about creating favourable conditions rather than relying on chance; preparing the ground before planting; recognising tendencies before they impose themselves.

It is in light of these possibilities, made available through the deep, serious, and responsible practice of the Ving Tsun System, that the new book by Grandmaster Leo Imamura becomes so relevant and necessary for contemporary times.

(Um mês antes, tive a oportunidade de atuar como organizador do lançamento oficial no Moy Yat Institute, 

em São Paulo. Na foto, recebo a dedicatória em meu exemplar.)

(One month earlier, I had the opportunity to serve as an organiser of the official book launch at the Moy Yat Institute

 in São Paulo. In the photograph, I receive a personal dedication in my copy of the book).

Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura nasceu em São Paulo, em 1963, neto de imigrantes japoneses. Sua trajetória nas artes marciais teve início em 1971 e, desde 1979, passou a dedicar-se integralmente ao Ving Tsun Kung Fu, desenvolvendo uma relação profunda, contínua e investigativa com a arte.

Em 1987, tornou-se o primeiro brasileiro reconhecido como mestre qualificado pela Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association. Nesse mesmo período, conheceu o Patriarca Moy Yat, em Nova York, experiência que marcou o reinício de sua formação dentro da Linhagem Moy Yat. Como reconhecimento de sua dedicação integral ao Kung Fu, recebeu o nome Moy Yat Sang, expressão associada a uma vida inteiramente entregue à arte.

No ano seguinte, recebeu autorização para fundar sua própria Família Kung Fu, consolidando um trabalho que viria a influenciar gerações de praticantes e pesquisadores do Sistema Ving Tsun. Em 1992, tornou-se o primeiro professor universitário de artes marciais reconhecido pelo Ministério da Educação do Brasil, ampliando o diálogo entre o Kung Fu e o ambiente acadêmico. Ao longo de sua trajetória, exerceu também a presidência da Federação Paulista de Kung Fu e recebeu os títulos de Mestre Sênior e, posteriormente, de Grão-Mestre pela International Moy Yat Ving Tsun Federation, em 2015.

Em 2024, fundou o Moy Yat Ving Tsun Safeguard Group, cuja sede global foi estabelecida em Abu Dhabi no ano seguinte, fortalecendo uma atuação internacional voltada à preservação, transmissão e desenvolvimento do Sistema Ving Tsun.

Ao longo de mais de quatro décadas de prática, ensino e pesquisa, o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura desenvolveu uma compreensão singular do Ving Tsun como um sistema capaz de formar seres humanos aptos a interpretar situações, sustentar critérios e agir com clareza em um mundo em constante transformação. Seu trabalho estabelece pontes entre o Kung Fu e áreas como educação, saúde, liderança e tomada de decisão, demonstrando a relevância contemporânea da arte para além do contexto marcial.

Grandmaster Leo Imamura was born in São Paulo in 1963, the grandson of Japanese immigrants. His journey in martial arts began in 1971 and, from 1979 onwards, he devoted himself fully to Ving Tsun Kung Fu, developing a profound, continuous and investigative relationship with the art.

In 1987, he became the first Brazilian to be recognised as a qualified master by the Yip Man Martial Arts Athletic Association. During this same period, he met Patriarch Moy Yat in New York, an experience that marked the restart of his training within the Moy Yat lineage. In recognition of his complete dedication to Kung Fu, he was given the name Moy Yat Sang, an expression associated with a life entirely devoted to the art.

The following year, he was authorised to establish his own Kung Fu Family, consolidating a body of work that would go on to influence generations of practitioners and researchers of the Ving Tsun System. In 1992, he became the first university-level martial arts lecturer recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education, further expanding the dialogue between Kung Fu and the academic environment. Throughout his career, he also served as President of the São Paulo Kung Fu Federation and was awarded the titles of Senior Master and, subsequently, Grandmaster by the International Moy Yat Ving Tsun Federation in 2015.

In 2024, he founded the Moy Yat Ving Tsun Safeguard Group, whose global headquarters was established in Abu Dhabi the following year, strengthening an international initiative dedicated to the preservation, transmission and development of the Ving Tsun System.

Over more than four decades of practice, teaching and research, Grandmaster Leo Imamura has developed a distinctive understanding of Ving Tsun as a system capable of forming individuals who are able to interpret situations, maintain sound judgement and act with clarity in an ever-changing world. His work builds bridges between Kung Fu and fields such as education, health, leadership and decision-making, demonstrating the contemporary relevance of the art beyond its martial context.

Resolvi promover o lançamento do livro no Restaurante Chinatown. O evento foi realizado no contexto da celebração dos 10 anos da fundação da minha Família Kung Fu.

Embora eu já desenvolva um trabalho profissional desde 2008, minha Família Kung Fu foi oficialmente fundada em 2016, um ano após a minha titulação como Mestre. Por esse motivo, eu e meus discípulos entendemos que este seria o momento mais apropriado para a celebração.

Com o apoio do meu Si Gung e autor da obra, o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, bem como do Sr. Eduardo Vilela, o evento foi realizado de forma minimalista, proporcionando aos presentes a oportunidade de receber uma dedicatória e registrar uma fotografia com o autor.

Entre os participantes, esteve o educador Bruno Leonardo (foto), professor e diretor de uma escola da rede pública. Bruno vem praticando o Programa Ving Tsun Experience nos últimos dois anos, se mantendo motivado ao observar transformações sutis, porém significativas, tanto em sua vida pessoal como pai quanto em sua atuação profissional na área da educação.

I chose to host the book launch at the Chinatown Restaurant. The event took place as part of the celebration marking the 10th anniversary of the founding of my Kung Fu Family.

Although I have been developing professional work since 2008, my Kung Fu Family was officially established in 2016, one year after I was qualified the rank of Master. For this reason, my disciples and I considered this to be the most appropriate moment for the celebration.

With the support of my Si Gung and author of the book, Grandmaster Leo Imamura, as well as Mr Eduardo Vilela, the event was held in a minimalist manner, offering those present the opportunity to receive a signed dedication and take a photograph with the author.

Among the attendees was educator Bruno Leonardo (in the photo above), a teacher and headteacher at a state school. Bruno has been practising the Ving Tsun Experience Programme for the past two years, remaining motivated as he observes subtle yet significant transformations in both his personal life as a father and his professional practice in the field of education.

Uma das partes mais marcantes do livro do Si Gung é quando ele comenta que o verdadeiro desafio é permanecer capaz de vencer do modo correto, sem destruir aquilo que nos permite aprender, ajustar e evoluir. Ele observa que o praticante orientado pelo critério atua de maneira distinta: faz o que cabe na situação. Por isso, depende menos de condições ideais e consegue atuar mesmo sob cansaço, pressão, com menos espaço, menos tempo ou menos energia. E este espírito esteve presente em toda a organização do evento.

Promover este lançamento do livro no Rio foi, acima de tudo, uma grande honra para mim. Esse tipo de realização só foi possível porque, em algum momento, o Kung Fu deixou de ser algo que eu apenas praticava e passou a ser algo que eu vivo.

Eu nunca desisti.

One of the most striking passages in Si Gung’s book is when he explains that the real challenge is to remain capable of winning in the correct way, without destroying that which allows us to learn, adjust and evolve. He observes that the practitioner guided by criteria acts differently: he does what fits the situation. For this reason, he is less dependent on ideal conditions and is able to perform even when tired, under pressure, with less space, less time, or less energy. This spirit was present throughout the entire organisation of the event.

Hosting this book launch in Rio was, above all, a great honour for me. This kind of achievement was only possible because, at some point, Kung Fu ceased to be something I merely practised and became something I live.

I have never given up.

“緣分” (Yun Fan) - The New Board of the Moy Yat Institute in Sao Paulo

Foi com surpresa que recebi o convite para compor o Board deste ano do Instituto Moy Yat em São Paulo. No entanto, preciso dizer que esse convite foi prontamente acolhido.

Graças à confiança, paciência e indicação do Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, tenho a oportunidade de realizar mais esse sonho ao vivenciar essa experiência no Instituto Moy Yat, atuando como uma espécie de “faz-tudo”, ainda que meu cargo seja o de secretário-geral.

Pude me ver cuidando das tarefas com as próprias mãos, visualizar o resultado antes mesmo de sua concretização e agir não por obrigação, mas por acreditar genuinamente no projeto. Tudo isso tem sido profundamente gratificante aos 42 anos. Cada demanda que chegava até mim, cada prazo, representava mais uma oportunidade de aprender e de me superar. Com o tempo, você acaba conhecendo cada pequeno espaço do local e descobrindo maneiras mais inteligentes de realizar uma mesma tarefa, mesmo após já tê-la concluído.

Essa porta foi aberta para mim pelo Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura e validada pelo presidente e pelo vice-presidente do Instituto em São Paulo, além do presidente global, o Grão-Mestre William Moy.

I was surprised to receive the invitation to join this year’s Board of the Moy Yat Institute in São Paulo. However, I must say that this invitation was promptly accepted.

Thanks to the trust, patience, and recommendation of Grandmaster Leo Imamura, I have had the opportunity to fulfil yet another dream by experiencing this journey at the Moy Yat Institute, working in a kind of “handy-man” capacity, even though my official role is that of General Secretary.

I have found myself handling tasks with my own hands, visualising the outcome before its completion, and acting not out of obligation, but from a genuine belief in the project. All of this has been deeply rewarding at the age of 42. Each request that came to me, each deadline, represented another opportunity to learn and to surpass myself. Over time, one comes to know every small corner of the place and discovers more efficient ways of carrying out the same task, even after it has already been completed.

This opportunity was opened to me by Grandmaster Leo Imamura and validated by the President and Vice President of the Institute in São Paulo, as well as the Global President, Grandmaster William Moy.

Às vezes, o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura me questionava sobre algo a que eu havia dedicado tempo, como a poda. Era possível ouvi-lo dizer coisas como: “Essa deveria ser a última coisa!” ou “Por que você fez isso agora?”.

Eu tinha, porém, uma estratégia: cuidar de tarefas simples, mas que pudessem trazer a sensação de que a vida estava voltando ao lugar. Queria que a pessoa entrasse no Instituto e sentisse que algo havia mudado para melhor, mesmo sem saber exatamente o quê.

Talvez eu tenha tido apenas sorte, porque, quando sinto que a vida começa a se tornar mais desafiadora, por alguma razão misteriosa, passo a consumir conteúdos com temática de samurai. Foi assim que tomei conhecimento de uma característica de Akira Kurosawa no final do ano passado: em seu processo de direção, ele tratava o cenário não como fundo, mas como parte ativa da narrativa.

Kurosawa utilizava algumas abordagens marcantes. Uma delas era o cenário como extensão do personagem, usando objetos e ambientes para refletir seu estado mental. Outra era a chamada “poluição visual” intencional: ao contrário de diretores que limpam o enquadramento, ele adicionava lama, fumaça, papéis e diversos elementos, fazendo com que seus filmes parecessem registros reais. Além disso, havia o movimento dentro do cenário: mesmo quando o ator estava parado, o ambiente permanecia vivo , com cortinas se movendo, fumaça passando, chuva ou vento atravessando a cena.

Ao refletir sobre isso, percebi que era exatamente essa sensação que eu queria trazer. "Estamos mudando para melhor, mesmo que você não saiba porque você pode sentir". - Eu queria que o Instituto falasse isso para a pessoa.

At times, Grandmaster Leo Imamura would question me about something I had devoted time to, such as pruning. It was possible to hear him say things like: “That should be the last thing!” or “Why did you do that now?”

However, I had a strategy: to take care of simple tasks that could bring a sense that life was returning to the Institute. I wanted anyone entering the Institute to feel that something had changed for the better, even if they could not quite explain what it was.

Perhaps I was simply fortunate, because when I feel that life is becoming more challenging, for some mysterious reason I begin to consume samurai-themed content. It was in this context, at the end of last year, that I came to learn of a characteristic of Akira Kurosawa: in his directing process, he did not treat the set as a background, but as an active part of the narrative.

Akira Kurosawa employed several distinctive approaches. One of them was the set as an extension of the character, using objects and environments to reflect their mental state. Another was the intentional “visual clutter”: unlike directors who clean up the frame, he would add mud, smoke, papers, and various elements, making his films appear as if they were real records of events. Furthermore, there was movement within the set itself: even when the actor remained still, the environment stayed alive, with curtains moving, smoke drifting, and rain or wind passing through the scene.

Reflecting upon this, I realised that this was precisely the sensation I wished to create: “We are changing for the better, even if you do not know why, you can feel it.” I wanted the Institute to communicate this to people, without needing to explain it in words.

Acredito que um dos momentos mais marcantes desse processo tenha sido quando finalizamos a fonte da foto acima. Um ano antes, o Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura compartilhou comigo o termo “緣分” (Yun Fan).

Posteriormente, ouvi uma entrevista do Grão-Mestre Frank Yee no podcast brasileiro “O que sei sobre tigres e dragões”, na qual ele mencionou algo que me chamou muita atenção: “quando você precisa de ajuda, e há Yun Fan , então as pessoas certas aparecem”.

Essa ideia me marcou profundamente. Você podia me ver em Santo André com meu discípulo Daniel, participando das celebrações dos 60 anos da Jornada Kung Fu do Grão-Mestre Marcos Hourneaux, mas sentia um forte impulso de voltar ao Instituto para começar a trabalhar naquele 

Iniciei o processo com a ajuda do Daniel e, meses depois, também contei com o apoio do meu aluno Nathan. Já próximo ao início do evento, o aluno do presidente do Instituto, o querido Rafael Ortega, apareceu e ajudou a resolver tudo o que ainda faltava.

Naquele momento em que a luz da fonte finalmente se acendeu, aquilo tudo pareceu ser uma manifestação de “緣分” (Yun Fan).

I believe one of the most remarkable moments of this process was when we completed the fountain shown in the photograph above. A year earlier, Grandmaster Leo Imamura had shared with me the term “緣分” (Yun Fan).

Later, I listened to an interview with Grand Master Frank Yee on the Brazilian podcast “O que sei sobre tigres e dragões”, in which he mentioned something that deeply caught my attention: that when one is in need of help, and there is Yun Fan, the right people will appear.

This idea resonated with me profoundly. You could have seen me in Santo Andre city with my disciple Daniel, taking part in the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Kung Fu Journey of Grandmaster Marcos Hourneaux, whilst I felt a strong urge to return to the Institute to begin working on that project.

I began the process with Daniel’s assistance and, months later, was also supported by my student Nathan. Shortly before the start of the event, the student of the Institute’s President, the dear Rafael Ortega, appeared and helped resolve everything that was still outstanding.

In that moment, when the light of the fountain finally turned on, it felt as though all of this was a manifestation of “緣分” (Yun Fan).

Eu havia perguntado ao Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura se poderia envernizar os Geuk Jong, e ele teria dito que não era necessário. Talvez estivesse preocupado com o pouco tempo que tínhamos, mas, ainda assim, decidi envernizá-los.

Aqueles Geuk Jong haviam sido lixados pelos meus discípulos Daniel e Lucas. Daniel sofreu um acidente durante esse processo e precisou ser levado à emergência. Nathan também ajudou, e eu mesmo participei . A grama foi cortada por mim e pelo Ortega.

Quando tudo estava pronto, sentei-me nos degraus do Instituto e fiquei ali, tomando um chá que estava ao meu lado. Foi uma sensação difícil de descrever. Naquele momento, me lembrei do meu avô, Carlos. Ele construiu ( geralmente sozinho ou com apenas um ajudante ) mais de uma dezena de casas em Rocha Miranda, de onde eu venho. Hoje, ao atravessar Rocha Miranda, é como se houvesse um pouco dele em cada uma daquelas casas. E ali, naquele Instituto, havia um pouco de nós também.

Acho que isso também foi “緣分” (Yun Fan), porque eu não teria conseguido fazer tudo sozinho. E tudo se tornou ainda mais especial ao perceber que os grandes destaques desse processo foram Nathan de Assis e Rafael Ortega ,nomes que, quando a empreitada começou, ninguém imaginaria. Isso realmente parece incrível.

I had asked Grandmaster Leo Imamura whether I could varnish the Geuk Jong, and he reportedly said that it was not necessary. Perhaps he was concerned about the limited time we had, but I nevertheless decided to varnish them.

Those Geuk Jong had been sanded by my disciples Daniel and Lucas. Daniel suffered an accident during this process and had to be taken to the emergency room. Nathan also helped, and I myself took part in the work. The grass was cut by Ortega and myself.

When everything was ready, I sat on the steps of the Institute and remained there, drinking a tea that was beside me. It was a feeling difficult to describe. At that moment, I was reminded of my grandfather, Carlos. He built, generally on his own or with just one assistant, more than a dozen houses in Rocha Miranda, where I come from. Today, when I walk through Rocha Miranda, it feels as though there is a part of him in each of those houses. And there, at the Institute, there was also something of us too in that very moment.

I believe this was also “緣分” (Yun Fan), because I would not have been able to do everything alone. The experience became even more meaningful when I realised that the main highlights of this process were Nathan de Assis and Rafael Ortega , names that, when the undertaking began, no one would have imagined. It truly feels remarkable.

No dia da celebração do aniversário de 63 anos do Grão-Mestre Leo Imamura, o novo Board foi nomeado. No entanto, eu já vinha trilhando esse processo muito antes, entre acertos e erros, e sempre me mantive profundamente satisfeito com essa oportunidade.

Acredito firmemente que não exista posição melhor dentro de uma Família Kung Fu ou de um Instituto como este do que a posição de “faz-tudo”. Primeiro porque, de fato, ninguém é capaz de fazer tudo sozinho e eu também não faço tudo. Mas, ao mesmo tempo, essa posição permite que você vá se envolvendo com o processo de forma gradual, até que, pouco a pouco, esteja participando de cada detalhe: decisões, desafios, prazos apertados e missões aparentemente impossíveis.

Nesse caminho, aprende-se em uma velocidade que nem sempre conseguimos processar, mas cujos efeitos acabam se manifestando em nós e em toda a nossa Família Kung Fu.

Fui nomeado como secretário-geral, mas sinto que eu e o Instituto já começamos uma história muito maior do que aquilo que essa função, por si só, é capaz de contemplar.

Eu nunca desisti.

On the day of the 63rd birthday celebration of Grandmaster Leo Imamura, the new Board was appointed. However, I had already been walking this path well before that moment, through both successes and mistakes, and I have always remained deeply grateful for this opportunity.

I firmly believe that there is no better position within a Kung Fu Family or within an Institute such as this than that of a “handy-man”. Firstly, because, in truth, no one is capable of doing everything alone, and I myself do not do everything. At the same time, however, this position allows one to become gradually involved in the process, until, little by little, one is participating in every detail: decisions, challenges, tight deadlines, and seemingly impossible missions.

Along this journey, one learns at a pace that is not always fully processable, yet whose effects inevitably manifest within us and throughout our Kung Fu Family.

I was appointed as General Secretary, but I feel that the Institute and I have already begun a much larger story than this role alone is capable of containing.

I have never given up.

 

อาจารย์อาวุโส Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) ได้รับการแต่งตั้งเป็นเลขาธิการของ Moy Yat Institute

 

ในค่ำคืนแห่งการเฉลิมฉลองวันคล้ายวันเกิดของปรมาจารย์ Leo Imamura (เลโอ อิมามูระ) พวกเราได้รับเกียรติอย่างยิ่งจากการปรากฏตัวของปรมาจารย์ William Moy (วิลเลียม มอย) ประธานระดับโลกของ Moy Yat Institute รวมถึงประธาน Moy Yat Institute São Paulo แพทย์ผู้มีชื่อเสียงและอาจารย์อาวุโส Paulo Camiz (เปาโล คามิซ) ตลอดจนรองประธาน อาจารย์อาวุโส Felipe Soares (เฟลิเป โซอาเรส)

On that occasion, Master Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) was formally appointed as a Board Member for the 2026/2027 term, serving in the capacity of Secretary-General and Guardian of Moy Yat Institute in São Paulo.
ในโอกาสดังกล่าว อาจารย์ Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) ได้รับการแต่งตั้งอย่างเป็นทางการให้ดำรงตำแหน่งกรรมการบริหารสำหรับวาระปี 2026/2027 ในฐานะเลขาธิการและผู้พิทักษ์ของ Moy Yat Institute ใน São Paulo.

อาจารย์อาวุโส Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) มาจากเขต Rocha Miranda ในเมืองริโอเดจาเนโร ชื่อของเขตนี้มีที่มาจากตระกูลที่เคยเป็นเจ้าของไร่ขนาดใหญ่ซึ่งเป็นจุดกำเนิดของย่านนี้ ด้วยเหตุนี้ชื่อถนนในพื้นที่จึงตั้งตามชื่ออัญมณี

ณ ถนน Topázios อาจารย์ Pereira (ในภาพด้านบน) ได้รับแรงบันดาลใจจากคุณปู่ของท่าน รวมถึงซีรีส์ทางโทรทัศน์ของญี่ปุ่นที่เคยรับชม และได้ตัดสินใจเริ่มต้นเส้นทางศิลปะการต่อสู้ในปี 1990 โดยเริ่มจากยูโด ซึ่งได้รับการสนับสนุนจากบิดาผู้ล่วงลับและเป็นที่รักของท่าน Joaquim (ด้านซ้าย) และเซนเซ Wanderley (ด้านขวา)

ต่อมา อาจารย์ Pereira ได้ฝึกเทควันโด และตั้งแต่ปี 1999 เป็นต้นมา ท่านได้อุทิศตนอย่างต่อเนื่องให้กับระบบหวิงชุนของสายตระกูล Moy Yat ภายใต้การถ่ายทอดของปรมาจารย์ Leo Imamura (เลโอ อิมามูระ)

อาจารย์อาวุโส Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) (ภาพด้านขวา) ได้รับแรงบันดาลใจจากแบบอย่างอันทรงพลังของความทุ่มเทและความมุ่งมั่นของปรมาจารย์ Leo Imamura (เลโอ อิมามูระ) ในการพิทักษ์รักษาระบบหวิงชุนของสายตระกูล Moy Yat และได้อุทิศตนอย่างสุดหัวใจในฐานะผู้ปฏิบัติงานผ่านองค์กรที่มีชื่อว่า Moy Yat Ving Tsun Safeguard Group

เกี่ยวกับชื่อ “Moy Yat Ving Tsun” ปรมาจารย์ Leo Imamura ได้ให้ความเห็นไว้ดังนี้:

“ชื่อคือการกระทำ

เราเรียกชื่อว่า Moy Yat Ving Tsun เพราะเราเข้าใจว่าชื่อไม่ได้มีไว้เพียงเพื่อระบุสิ่งใดสิ่งหนึ่งเท่านั้น หากแต่ยังเปิดเผยว่า ‘ศูนย์กลาง’ ของเรามาจากที่ใด และสิ่งใดที่ถูกมุ่งรักษาไว้ ชื่อได้บอกเล่าบางส่วนของประวัติศาสตร์ เมื่อเรากล่าวถึง Ving Tsun หรือ Wing Chun เราไม่ได้หมายถึงเพียงการต่อสู้ แต่หมายถึงสิ่งที่ได้ผ่านผู้คนและสถานที่ต่าง ๆ และยังคงดำรงอยู่จนถึงปัจจุบัน

การตั้งชื่ออย่างถูกต้อง คือการยอมรับต่อสาธารณะว่าเรามาจากที่ใด เราเข้าใจว่าชื่อไม่ใช่ฉลาก แต่ชื่อคือการกระทำ

การกำหนดชื่อ Moy Yat Ving Tsun เกิดขึ้นเพื่อตอบคำถามนี้โดยตรง ไม่ได้ถูกสร้างขึ้นเพื่อจัดระเบียบผู้ฝึก กำหนดมาตรฐานการฝึก หรือก่อตั้งสถาบันอย่างเป็นทางการ หน้าที่ของมันมีความเฉพาะเจาะจงมากกว่า คือการตั้งชื่อให้กับสนามแห่งการถ่ายทอด ซึ่ง Ving Tsun ยังคงถูกดำรงอยู่ตามเกณฑ์ที่ค้ำจุนมันไว้

สำหรับ Moy Yat การถ่ายทอดกังฟูไม่เคยหมายถึงเพียงการสอนท่าทาง แต่หมายถึงการสร้างเงื่อนไขให้กังฟูสามารถดำรงอยู่ในฐานะวิถีชีวิต นำทางการตัดสินใจ ความสัมพันธ์ และทัศนคติที่กว้างไกลเกินกว่าสถานที่ฝึกซ้อม”

[อาจารย์ Pereira แสดงความเคารพต่อบรรพบุรุษของสายตระกูล Moy Yat ในปี 2011 โดยมีปรมาจารย์ Leo Imamura (เลโอ อิมามูระ) และอาจารย์ Vanise Almeida (วานีส อัลเมดา) ผู้ก่อตั้ง Moy Yat Ving Tsun Safeguard Group อยู่ในฉากด้านหลัง]

ด้วยระยะเวลาเกือบสามสิบปีของเส้นทางที่ดำเนินมาอย่างต่อเนื่องในการฝึกฝน ศึกษา และถ่ายทอดระบบหวิงชุนของสายตระกูล Moy Yat อาจารย์อาวุโส Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) ได้รับความรับผิดชอบในการเป็นหนึ่งในผู้ดูแลสถานที่ซึ่งมีความสำคัญอย่างยิ่งและมีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัวในโลกของศิลปะการต่อสู้จีนในระดับสากล

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อาจารย์อาวุโส Thiago Pereira (ติอาโก เปเรย์รา) รับจัดการฝึกอบรมสำหรับทั้งกลุ่มขนาดใหญ่และขนาดเล็กตามคำร้องขอในประเทศไทย ติดต่อและนัดหมายได้ที่ +55 21 99912-1998