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” (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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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, from Brazil, 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 martial 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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