Since its opening in 1987, WKFA has been dedicated to teaching the life-changing benefits of Kung-fu.
On this page:
Our Kwoon
Our Kwoon (translates to "training facility") includes a spacious, fully equipped training area. The Academy also includes a weight/warm-up room and a viewing room for visitors and parents. Change rooms include clean showers and plenty of space.
The main training area.
Note the viewing window for students and visitors (top right).
The main training area seen from the opposite side.
Our Mission
- Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy exists solely to teach the life-changing benefits of Kung-fu.
- We best do this through our belief that every student is an individual and is respected as such.
- We will constantly strive to teach every student to the best of our ability.
- Our intention is to help every student reach their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
- We endeavor to provide a positive, safe and stimulating environment for students to reach that potential.
- We believe that martial arts without philosophy is merely about fighting.
- We believe that true victory comes not from overcoming others, but by being better than you were.
Owner Sifu David Moylan
Sifu David Moylan owns and operates the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy. Consistent with his teacher's intentions, he proudly took ownership of the Academy and responsibility for continuing the legacy of its founder, Sigung Bob Schneider, after actively training with him for the past 16 years. Sifu David holds a fourth degree black sash. He is supported by sixteen adult black sash instructors.
Our Leadership Team
Our Leadership Team is drawn from the ranks of green, blue, and brown sashes. At this level, students begin to take on the responsibility of passing Kung-fu on to others. They begin by assisting in classes, giving personalized "quiet corrections" to less experienced students. In time, they are ready to lead class warm-ups and to help the black sashes as required. This gradual increase in leadership duties ensures that students will be well-prepared for teaching when they are granted a black sash.
Our Black Sash System
The Black sash is WKFA's highest honour, and it isn't given out lightly. Since its opening in 1987, only the students who have been prepared to undergo the dedicated, rigorous training have been granted this most prestigious rank.
Black sash does not mean the end of one's martial arts development, it's simply the beginning of a new phase. Black sashes continue their lifelong learning with special classes under Sifu's direction. And as a testament to their dedication, over 80% of our black sash students are still actively involved with the school, contributing their time and expertise to training others.
Our Black Sash instructors, including Sifu Dave.
A message from Sifu David Moylan
I began my Kung-Fu journey with Sigung Bob Schneider when I was eleven years old. I studied and trained consistently at WKFA since 1990. In October 1999, I successfully graded for the rank of black sash, and in December 2005 received the honour of second degree black sash. In March 2009, I was honoured to be presented with my fourth degree black sash by Grand Master David Chong of the Canadian Karate Kung-Fu Association.
On September 1st, 2006, in fulfillment of Sigung Bob Schneider's intentions, I purchased the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy. Since its inception in 1987, Sigung Bob endeavoured to build a tremendous school, one with experienced instructors, dedicated students and a well-thought-out plan and curriculum for the study and practice of Kung-Fu. I am fully committed to ensuring our Academy lives our Mission Statement and continues to teach the art of Kung-Fu and share its benefits with our students and community.
I truly believe that the lessons kung-fu offers provide a template for success in life. Applying these lessons to my own life, while studying and training at WKFA, I also obtained two degrees from the University of Waterloo and my designation as a Chartered Accountant.
Prior to becoming Head Instructor, I taught regular classes for seven years and was actively involved with the Academy, training, assisting with classes, gradings, tournaments, meetings and the general management of the school. During the course of my training, I have participated in numerous seminars. I am furthering my training, as I continue to experience the limitless depths of Kung-Fu during this next chapter of my journey.
The black sash instructors and I are dedicated to continuing the twenty-year tradition that is the Waterloo Kung-Fu Academy. I look forward to working with all of the students and parents of WKFA as we pursue our dedication to this rewarding art.
Learn about Our History.
