The Ultimate Martial Arts Academy, Hallam, VIC

I started coming to the Ultimate Martial Arts Academy in Hallam after putting on a tremendous amount of weight (36kg) after having my 2nd Child. I was heavily overrweight (got to a shocking 90kg) was seriously unfit, unhealthy and more importantly too unmotivated to make a change? Within the first month i lost 7kg and then continued to have amazing results every month that followed. I am now 57kg and well towards achieving my pre-baby weight in just 5 months. Its been an incredible journey, and one that i could never have done without the support and encouragement of SiFu Henry. If you need to loose weight, increase your fitness, strength and flexibility whilst also learning a unique and scientific martial art that will teach you self-defence, discipline, dexterity, and assist you in achieving your goals personally, mentally and physically then you are definately in the right place. Why pay for a gym membership that youll barely ever use? Why run on a treadmill when you can learn a life long skill and art? Wing Chun's specialty is in close contact combat, using quick punches and kicks with a tight defence, coordinated through agile stances and footwork for a quick advance. The effectiveness of this fighting style is achieved by well coordinated attacks with simultaneous defence and vise versa. Due to its effectiveness this martial art makes for an effective form of self defence. Its excellent for women and men of all ages. There are elderly ladies and gents still practicing this art for mental acumen and physical strength. If you ever thought martial arts was primarily for the young and its far too late for you to start now- then think again, because its never too late to start! We are fortunate enough to have THE Best Wing Chung Academy and World Renowned SiFu Henry Araneda, incredibly close to us here in South East Melbourne ( Hallam ) so why not come by and give it a shot. It just may be the best thing you ever did!

I wanted to write a review to help people make informed decisions when researching which martial arts schools in Melbourne to go to because everyone wants to learn from the best, to be the best-its really as simple as that... but how does one know who is the best? And if the Master is really as good as he claims to be if the students don't say anything and let it be known? Anyway I don't quite know where to begin but want to obviously mention the most valuable aspects of SiFu Henry's tutelage and unique "Applied" Wing Chun training techniques that actually differ and is more superior when compared to the other various Wing Chun styles out there. For One, thats a HUGE advantage. For me, personally, my training and experiences here are so much more than the mere listing of generic features and benefits that could so very easily be associated with every other other martial arts school around. That sweeping, non-exclusive message is certainly not the message that I want to convey here, because THIS SCHOOL... HERE...is UNLIKE every other martial arts school around! We're a Family. And I want to acknowledge how SiFu Henry becomes personally invested in the personal lives and goals of every student that puts on his uniform and thus becomes a part of HIS Kung Fu Family. That's what I think is important to him. And everyone that studies under SiFu knows, sees and feels his distinction when compared to other Masters. SiFu Henry is not only an exemplary teacher, but I know for him to be an honorable, respectful, understanding, patient and amazingly enough, a humble man despite all of his achievements. One can easily list SiFu's accomplishments as a world- class martial artist, ALLLLL DAY LOOONNGGG and make note of his world renowned martial art tournament fighting experience, his extensive work as a stunt double including his most recent role as Tony Leung's stunt double in The Grandmaster, his various published articles on Wing Chun in Wing Chun Illustrated, Blitz and other martial arts magazines, and also his recent appointment as Director of the International Applied Wing Chun Federation which strive to promote and preserve late Yip Mans Wing Chun Kung Fu principles, curriculum and training methods. That's just naming a few, but for some people thats all they need to hear and they are sold. It certainly says it all when you see that the whole Wing Chun/ Martial Arts Community recognize and hold his superior skills in such high regard. But Despite all of his impressive accomplishments, I still think that to him, the most important thing is his Kung Fu Family, the work he undertakes here at the school and his students continuous development and advancement in Wing Chun. I Hope this helps at least one person when choosing which martial arts school to go to in the Souh/East of Melbourne. Before signing up with any school, do your research/ youtube /read reviews etc. and do a trial to see if they've got everything you're looking for in a martial arts school.