About the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (忠義國術館)
"traditional training for the serious student"
The Meaning of Zhong Yi (忠義)
The Mandarin term "Zhong Yi" carries a meaning that does not have an exact equivalent in English. It is most accurately translated as "loyalty and justice" or "righteousness." These are the guiding principles that members of the Association strive to embody through their martial arts practice, aiming to be upstanding citizens. The Association fosters a family-like environment, distinguishing itself from most martial arts schools. This close-knit atmosphere is reflected in the honorary titles used: the head instructor is called Shīfu (師父), which means "head-of-family," while senior students are referred to as Shīxiōng (師兄) for "older brother" and Shījiě (師姐) for "older sister," among others.
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.
Disciples
In October of 2022 Shifu Ferreira accepted his first group of disciples that will carry on the legacy of the Northern Shaolin and Sar Ping Lion Arts that were handed down to him from his masters. Disciples are students who are committed to learning the whole system and not just part of it. Their journey no longer has “stages” as it is one path they take with their Shifu. Being a disciple, in a sense, is a higher “rank” than any within the school, as they are perpetual students/teachers of the systems and an extension of Shifu Ferreira and his teachings.
Instructors
All instruction at ZYKFA is provided by Shifu Ferreira, his disciples, ZYKFA instructors, and senior students. Instructors are selected based on their character and their commitment to deepening their understanding of martial arts through teaching. There are four levels of instructors at the ZYKFA, Assistant Instructor (working on becoming an instructor), Instructor, Senior Instructor and Master. The instructor team includes regional, national, international, and world champions in full-contact fighting, forms and lion dance competitions, as well as certified referees and judges for Chinese martial arts and lion dance competitions at the regional, national, and international levels.
Students
The students are the heart of ZYKFA. The Association offers both youth and adult programs, striving to create a family- and community-oriented atmosphere. In addition to Shaolin classes, students have access to cultural experiences, such as Lion Dances throughout the year, Kung Fu demonstrations at festivals, and Drum Array performances. The school community also frequently gathers for a variety of social events such as movie and game nights.
Facilities
ZYKFA’s facilities provide a comprehensive and welcoming environment for martial arts training and community activities, including:
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Large class area
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Class viewing area with seating
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Library & study room
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Meeting area
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Private office
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Matted stretching/wrestling/lei tai training area
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Weight room with full Olympic-style free weights, benches, and rack
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Heavy bag area
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Lockers
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Two Separate Single User Restrooms
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Retail area with various items for sale
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu at Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association
The Northern Shaolin Kung Fu system taught at the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (ZYKFA) is based on Grandmaster Gu Ruzhang, one of the legendary “Five Tigers Who Went South” during the Guoshu movement in China (1928-1937) of the Nanjing Central Guoshu Academy, preserving the traditional Northern Shaolin fighting methods and training philosophy.
Dr. Wu Chaoxiang, was an accomplished martial artist who had already mastered Che Style Xingyiquan under Grandmaster Bu Xuekuan of the Taigu Guoshu Academy. Master Wu later became a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and served three terms as President of the Taijiquan Association in Taiwan following the Nationalist government’s relocation to the island after the Chinese Civil War.
From China to Taiwan, Brazil, and the United States
In the 1970s, Dr. Wu Chaoxiang relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he founded the Instituto de Cultura Chinesa (Chinese Cultural Institute). There, he taught traditional Chinese martial arts—including Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan, and Shaolin Kung Fu—and shared Chinese culture with students from around the world, including Nelson Ferreira.
After later moving to the United States, Shifu Nelson Ferreira continued his training with respected teachers of Northern Chinese martial arts while returning to Brazil annually to study under his master and refine his skills. In 1995, Shifu Ferreira founded the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin, with the mission of teaching authentic Chinese martial arts and traditional culture to all who are interested.
A Traditional Kung Fu School in Madison, WI
The Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association in Madison, WI is a welcoming and inclusive martial arts school serving children, adults, families, and competitors alike. Whether a student trains casually or pursues competitive excellence, ZYKFA provides structured instruction rooted in tradition and discipline.
Our Taolu (forms), Chinese Kickboxing (Sanda), and Lion Dance teams have been actively competing since 1997, participating in local, regional, national, international, and world-level championships.
Lifelong Martial Arts Training & Community
At ZYKFA, our disciples and instructors are committed to passing on the knowledge of these arts to students of all ages. We believe martial arts training is a lifelong journey, and that whether you begin at age 7 or 67, you can grow, train, and thrive within a supportive martial arts community dedicated to learning, respect, and personal development.
Meet The Team
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