About the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (忠義國術館)

The Meaning of Zhong Yi (忠義)

 

The Mandarin term “Zhong Yi” (忠義) carries a profound meaning with no exact English equivalent. It is most accurately translated as “loyalty and justice” or “righteousness,” values that form the philosophical foundation of the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association. These guiding principles inspire students to cultivate strong character, integrity, and responsibility through traditional Chinese martial arts training, both inside and outside the school.

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Unlike many martial arts schools, the Association emphasizes a family-like learning environment rooted in respect, mentorship, and mutual support. This tradition is reflected in the use of classical Chinese honorifics: the head instructor is known as Shīfu/Sifu (師父), meaning head of the family, while senior students are respectfully addressed as Shīxiōng/Sihing (師兄) for older brother and Shījiě/Sijie (師姐) for older sister. These titles reinforce the school’s commitment to tradition, community, and personal growth through authentic kung fu training.

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Shifu/Sifu Nelson Ferreira

 

Nelson Ferreira moved from Brazil to the United States and, in 1995, founded the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association in Madison, WI. He has devoted himself to preserving his master's (Dr. Wu Chaoxiang) teachings and promoting Kuoshu/Guoshu in the region. Coming from a family of martial artists, Shifu Ferreira began practicing martial arts at an early age, starting with Judo under his father’s guidance. He explored many other traditional disciplines, including Jiu Jitsu, Karate, Aikido, Kendo, Tae Kwon Do, and Muay Thai, before dedicating himself to the art of Northern Shaolin.

 

In 2013, Sifu Nelson Ferreira met Grandmaster Chan Siew Kee, the Third-Generation inheritor of the Sar Ping (Lui Pai) Lion Arts, at a seminar in Seattle, WA. Inspired by this encounter, Sifu Ferreira began dedicated training in the Sar Ping Lion Arts and, in 2017, became a direct disciple of Grandmaster Chan. Since then, he has committed himself to teaching and promoting the Sar Ping (Lui Pai) Lion Arts, sharing the traditional techniques and cultural heritage of this renowned Lion Dance style.

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​​​Disciples

 

In October 2022, Shifu Ferreira formally accepted his first group of disciples (徒弟 – Túdì), marking an important milestone in the preservation and transmission of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu and Sar Ping Lion Arts. These disciples are entrusted with carrying forward the complete legacy passed down to Shifu Ferreira by his masters, ensuring the continuity of these traditional Chinese martial arts.

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Discipleship represents a deep, lifelong commitment to mastering the entire martial arts and lion dance system, not just selected techniques or forms. For disciples, training is no longer divided into stages or ranks, but becomes a single, continuous path walked alongside their Shifu. Within the school, discipleship is regarded as a higher responsibility than any formal rank, as disciples serve as perpetual students and teachers, embodying and extending Shifu Ferreira’s knowledge, values, and teachings for future generations.

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Instructors

 

All instruction at the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (ZYKFA) is led by Shifu Ferreira, supported by his disciples, certified ZYKFA instructors, and experienced senior students. Each instructor is carefully selected based on strong character, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to deepening their understanding of traditional Chinese martial arts through teaching.

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ZYKFA maintains a structured instructional system with four instructor levels: Assistant Instructor (in training), Instructor, Senior Instructor, and Master. This tiered approach ensures consistent, high-quality martial arts education across all programs. The ZYKFA instructor team includes regional, national, international, and world champions in full-contact fighting, traditional forms, and lion dance competitions, as well as certified referees and judges qualified at the regional, national, and international levels. This depth of experience reflects ZYKFA’s commitment to excellence, authenticity, and professional martial arts instruction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students

 

Students are the heart of the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (ZYKFA). The school offers comprehensive youth and adult martial arts programs, fostering a welcoming, family- and community-oriented environment where students of all ages can grow together through traditional Chinese martial arts training.

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Beyond Northern Shaolin Kung Fu classes, students have opportunities to engage in rich Chinese cultural experiences, including Lion Dance performances throughout the year, Kung Fu demonstrations at community festivals, and dynamic Drum Array performances. ZYKFA also strengthens its community through regular social events, such as movie nights and game nights, reinforcing lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging within the school.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facilities

 

ZYKFA’s facilities provide a comprehensive and welcoming environment for martial arts training and community activities, including:

• Large class area

• Class viewing area with seating

• Library & study room

• Meeting area

• Private office

• Matted stretching/wrestling/lei tai training area

• Weight room with full Olympic-style free weights, benches, and rack

• Heavy bag area

• Lockers

• Two Separate Single User Restrooms

• Retail area with various items for sale