International Chinese Boxing Association

WHFSC Newsletter October- December 2025

To All ICBA Members, Dr. Great Grandmaster John Ng has resigned from the ICBA Worldwide after approximately 40 years of service, guidance and friendship to the ICBA.

We fully understand John's reason for his resignation, and although we are sad to accept this, we are happy and excited for John and the next page of his family-based and non-martial aspects of his life.

We wish him good health, wealth, comfort and happiness and remain his brother - ready to assist him in any endeavor as time goes on!!

The International Chinese Boxing Association Worldwide held its 50th anniversary celebration in Dallas, TX, on August 30, 2025. The ICBA's 50-year history is distinguished by its focus on fraternity within the organization and its commitment to promoting authentic and traditional Chinese boxing (Kung Fu). The ICBA Board of Directors, composed of representatives from several countries and states within the United States, convened to outline strategic initiatives for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. These initiatives include advancing training methodologies through online platforms, developing structured digital curricula, and utilizing virtual tools to enhance member engagement.

The ICBA strategy meeting included a PowerPoint outlining future requirements to sustain self-sufficiency and growth. Board representatives included video presentations from: Grandmaster Davud Muhmudzadeh (Eastern Europe), Grandmaster Xingsheng Shi (Mexico and Central America), Grandmaster Huascar Anda C. (South America), Grandmaster John Bain (Philippines), and an exceptionally professional video submitted by Grandmaster Ron Goninon (Australia).

Additionally, Chairman of ICBA Worldwide, Great Grandmaster David Grago Sr., and Simo Sandra M. Grago, ICBA Board Secretary and Treasurer, were present at the meeting.

From the board of Directors were Grandmaster Steve Millet, Grandmaster Tony Jordan, Grandmaster Trey Crake, Grandmaster Travis Spoonamore, Grandmaster Vivian Hernandez, Grandmaster Fred Hansard, Grandmaster Tim Pickens, Master David Bowen, Grandmaster Ricky Marcum, Grandmaster Brent Allred, Grandmaster Josh Mayers, Grandmaster Kelly Hukill, Master Aaron Chen, Master David Bowen and Senior Shifu Rafael Arredondo.

The meeting began with quick introductions followed by a PowerPoint presentation that outlined future strategies and requirements for the expansion and success of the ICBA through 2026. Specific digital strategies were reviewed, such as the implementation of virtual training systems, online curriculum assessments, and increased use of digital resources to reach members globally.

In addition, a structured question-and-answer session was held to gather ideas and concepts for new digital initiatives aimed at supporting the ICBA’s future, including innovative membership acquisition tools and differentiated online solutions. The meeting yielded valuable digital opportunities as a direct result of the strategic review.

ICBA Worldwide Strategy Components

Main Themes:

Accessibility of Traditional Knowledge: The ICBA aims to make previously exclusive Chinese boxing knowledge accessible to a global audience through
online video instruction.
Comprehensive Training: The program will offer a wide range of training, including internal and external arts, Tai Chi, weapons, and self-defense.
Flexible Learning: The online platform will allow users to learn at their own pace
and convenience.
Community and Support: The ICBA provides a community for learners to connect with instructors and peers.
Rank Recognition and Certification: The ICBA offers a rank recognition program for existing martial artists and a certification program for those who wish to complete ICBA courses.
Key Information:

Target Audience: Martial artists of all levels,l and styles from beginners to experienced practitioners.

Curriculum: Includes video instruction on various aspects of Chinese boxing.
Instruction: Provided by respected masters.
Benefits: Improved confidence, discipline, self-defense skills, and connection to martial arts heritage.

Rank Recognition: The ICBA will recognize existing Black Sash ranks from provable systems with lineage, proof of rank, and ideally a letter from the Shifu. This is recognition of earned rank, not a granting of rank.
ICBA Rank: Rank and certificates of competency are awarded upon successful completion of ICBA courses in Open Hand Forms, Weapons Forms, or Self-Defense.
Evaluation:

Strengths: The ICBA offers a structured and accessible way to learn Chinese boxing, with expert instruction and a supportive community. The rank recognition program adds credibility by underwriting the earned rank of Chinese practitioners.
Overall: The ICBA presents a valuable opportunity for individuals interested in learning or advancing their knowledge of Chinese boxing. The combination of online learning, community support, and rank recognition makes it an attractive option for beginners as well as advanced practitioners looking to supplement their knowledge.

For further information concerning the ICBA Worldwide, please review our Website at www.icba-worldwide.com or email [email protected].

The ICBA Worldwide just celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Dallas Texas this past weekend August 30th - September 1st.

Attached are a few photos from the celebration with some of the US Board of Directors.

Good morning ICBA Members, Board of Directors and Senior Leaders. This post is for ALL Martial Artists and shares the opinions of a Senior Martial Arts Practitioner and Member of the ICBA Board of DIrectors. Ranking in the Chinese Martial Arts (or all Arts for that matter) has become an arbitrary and unsubstantiated practice. Tony Jordans' commentary is listed below. It is well thought through (from my perspective) and is strongly supported by the ICBA Worldwide. Please read and provide your thoughts and opinions.

Regards,
Grandmaster David Grago
Chairman ICBA Worldwide LLC

The following submission was made by GM Tony Jordan, ICBA Board member

What is your Real Rank?

Many years ago when I first started teaching Kung Fu I knew just about everyone that taught Martial Arts in Texas and most of them knew me. At that time ’Sifu’ simply meant “Chief Instructor of the School “. It took anywhere from a minimum of 5 years to 10 years to obtain Black Belt. After Black Belt, Ranks took 5-10 years PER degree!
A Master meant you had been teaching over 25 years, Senior Master had over 35 years and Grand Master meant you were the ‘Head of the ENTIRE System’. Sifu, Master, or Grand Master actually meant something!

Then it seemed like over night there was a Martial Arts school on almost every corner! You could get a Black Belt anywhere from 6 months to a year… kids 5-6 years old get Black Belts and don’t even know how to tie them! I’ve literally had people that call themselves Master or Grand Master give me certificates saying that I was a Black Belt in their style even though I’ve NEVER trained one minute in their system! I accepted graciously but refused to give them a rank in my style

I know people that got together and promoted each other to high ranks! I have never used my own rank to ‘Self Promote’. I never went for ‘glory’. Many friends tried to get me to go with them to different ‘Hall of Fame’ to pay for recognition, but I refused saying that my students and skills was all that I needed. I said respect was earned not purchased! Today those same people although they haven’t taught or done anything since Black Belt are in every hall of fame and call themselves Grand Master, Senior Great Grand Master, or even Supreme Grand Master.

While I can’t control other styles, I do control mine! You can bet that if you’re one of my students or one of my Black Belts students you are a real Martial Artist!

I know these words are going to ‘step on a lot of toes’ and I don’t mean any disrespect or offense to anyone else. I was told many years ago that sometimes the truth hurts, but it is still the truth!

I know many people that have gotten rich from self promotion, making hall of fames and promoting others that frankly don’t deserve it or even qualify…

I’ve never cared what anyone else thinks about me. I only care what I think about myself and what’s right! While I and my ideas may not be popular, I go to sleep at night knowing that I am what I am and don’t need others to validate me! I believe that my knowledge and skills stand for themselves! I could trot out my certificates and ranks but honestly I don’t care what anyone else thinks about me. I will ALWAYS fight for what is right regardless of whether you are my friend or my enemy, even if it isn’t popular!

My students call me Vo Su (Senior Master). But almost everyone knows me as…
Sifu Tony Jordan

Respectfully yours,

Tony Jordan
Senior Master
Tay Son Nhan
Thieu Lam Noi Quyen
GM USA Division

Good morning ICBA Board Members and Friends. The ICBA Worldwide LLC would like to wish you all a happy and Blessed Easter.

The ICBA is currently seeking new State Directors to assist in managing the Association. Please look at the listed States below. If you are a resident of any of these states and have a minimum rank of 3rd Tuan Black Sash and significant background in a Chinese Martial Arts Style, we would love to have you apply for one of openings:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
Hawaii
Kansas
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
Oklahoma
Virginia
Wyoming

Application for State Director can be found on our Website at:

Talented Shifu for International Chinese Boxing Association | ICBbA Worldwide We seek skilled Shifu with extensive Chinese martial arts experience to represent the International Chinese Boxing Association globally. Join us in promoting excellence in martial arts and fostering international competition.

Please join me in welcoming Master Aaron Chen as the Texas State Director for the ICBA Worldwide. Aaron is a senior Black Sash under Grandmaster Trey Crake from the Lung Shou Pai style (Dragon Claw Family style).

We have noted that there have been online claims of some who have not been appointed to the Board of Directors of the ICBA, as Directors. To clarify the Board of Directors of the ICBA Worldwide consists of the following individuals only:

David Grago, Sr, John (Wing Lok) Ng, Fred Hansard, Tony Jordan, Steve Milliet, Reggie Cochran, Tim Pickens, David Grago, Jr, Trey Crake, Vivian Hernandez, David Bowen, Frank Morris, Rafael Arredondo, Travis Spoonamore, Kelly Hukill, Joshua Mayers, Brent Allred, Ricky Marcum.

International Board Members:
Huascar Anda (South America) Davud Mahmudzadeh (Eastern Europe), Xingsheng Shi (Mexico , Central America).Ron Goninon (Australia)

We are not listing rank or style as they are not significant for this posting. The individual responsibilities of each Board Member are also not listed here but could be found on the organizational chart which will soon be posted on the official website.

To all of my Male friends from 40 years and up... most of us are going through the next phase of our lives. We're at that age where we see wrinkles, gray hair, and extra pounds. We have ran households, paid the bills, dealt with sickness, sadness, and everything else life has assigned us. We are survivors... a number of us are survivors from inner city streets. we are warriors in the quiet... we are men ...like a classic car or a fine wine. Even if our bodies may not be what they once were, they carry our souls, our courage, and our strength. We shall all enter this chapter of our lives with humility, grace, and pride over everything we have been through, and we should never feel bad about getting older. It's a privilege that is denied to so many.

Guys. I challenge you to copy proudly with your picture and age.

My Age: 72