Sifu Dave George began his martial arts training at the age of 15. After years of being bullied at school and feeling unable to defend himself — and inspired by the Bruce Lee films of the time — he decided it was essential to learn how to protect himself.

In 1977, one of his former instructors told him about a new club teaching Wing Chun, a close range combat system from southern China. After attending his first class, Sifu Dave was struck by how direct and effective the system was. Although the principles were simple, true skill required years of committed practice, and he embraced that challenge.

After around two years of training, Sifu Dave moved to study directly under Master Derek Frearson, travelling regularly to classes in Leicester, Rugby, and Nottingham.

Five years later, he opened his own Wing Chun classes in Nuneaton and Bedworth, sharing the art with new students. Alongside Wing Chun, Sifu Dave expanded his training to include Tai Chi and Seven Star Praying Mantis, deepening his knowledge across multiple traditional Chinese martial arts.

Master Derek Frearson has invited guest Masters of many different styles to the UK and has organised regular training trips to China. Sifu Dave has taken part in these journeys and has travelled to China and Hong Kong twice, meeting several distinguished Grand Masters, including Wing Chun Grand Master Lun Gai, Yang Style Taiji Grand Master Ou Rongju, and Northern Shaolin Seven Star Mantis Grand Master Lee Kam Wing.

Sifu Dave has also travelled internationally with Master Derek Frearson, visiting America, France, Greece, and Hungary to continue his training and broaden his martial arts experience.

For over 49 years Sifu Dave George has now been training with Master Derek Frearson, and the International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association. Sifu Dave is also part of the Traditional Lion Dance Team. And has formed relationships with Brothers all over the world affiliated to Master Derek Frearson.

Sifu Dave opened a new Tai Chi class in South Wigston in 2019 which has now been going 7 years. Sifu Dave trains with Master Frearson on average 5 days per week

More recently Master Frearson has been teaching the senior instructors Liu He Bafa Quan, which he learnt from GM Ou Rong and more recently his son Master Ou Qikang.

What is sad is that all 3 GM;s, have now passed away, and Dave is very grateful off the chance to learn and practice with these GM’s.

The South Leicester Tai Chi club is affiliated and part of the International Taijiquan & Shaolin Wushu Association.