Chris Collins is a former competitive boxer, Greco Roman wrestler, bouncer, full contact fighter, and US Marine. He is currently a Master Level Instructor in WingTsun Kung Fu under Greatmaster Cheng Chuen Fun and Grandmaster Leung Ting. He is Hong Kong’s National Director of the Pekiti-Tirsia Kali Combat System founded by Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr., under Mandala Rommel Tortal, and Jasper De Ocampo.
Throughout his involvement in the martial arts over the last 15 years, he has come across many systems of unarmed combat and stand firm in his belief that WingTsun is the most advanced empty hand system in the world, at the moment. It is a system of simplicity, science and sensitivity. WingTsun is a conceptual art rather than a technically driven system. Once grasped, one can be unlimited in his or her ability as a human weapon. Its structure is not on the physical prowess of the individual, it is instead built on a foundation of body mechanics, the dynamics of human anatomy, and the science of movement. This makes WingTsun a system that can be learnt and applied by any individual with a mind capable of learning and participating in a contact environment. WingTsun is fast, powerful and suffocating to the opposing side. It is true that nearly 70% of all violent confrontations in the street involve a weapon of some sort, a knife, a gun, a bottle, or a club. Violent persons do not fight fair and will seize the advantage when given the opportunity. They are predators of society and operate on the fear of their prey. Therefore, Chris believes it to be an absolute priority to have the understanding and training as an armed combatant. The Pekiti Tirsia Kali system is a ‘blade’ based system. To date, Chris has not yet come across a system more advanced in the use of the edged weapon. It is a truly devastating combat system rooted in the practice of guerrilla warfare. It too is based on body mechanics, the dynamics of human anatomy and the science of movement. Its learning structure is particularly insightful. By learning with the longer weapons (rattan sticks, bolo’s) to increase distance control and manipulation, speed and power is achieved through torque and momentum of the swing. The training of the blade or knife, the practitioner gains speed, coordination and confidence in close quarters with cat like reflexes, finally with the hand the Kali practitioner will have the speed, power, coordination and confidence to work within the unarmed circle using joint destruction, joint manipulation and devastating striking capabilities from stand up to ground fighting. Chris teaches these two systems in their entirety, without watered down versions or ego driven concepts. These systems are, in his opinion, complete in their philosophy, complete in their delivery of knowledge and complete in their development of the individual student as a capable warrior.
