ROCCO AMBROSE on ADULTS AMBROSE ACADEMY

When it comes to martial arts, I saw a need for something VERY different.

As a young person, I needed more than just a place to learn super cool martial arts moves like Bruce Lee, but a place that delivered on its promise of self-defense. My search began when I was twelve years old. Living in the aftermath of the Detroit riots, I was on a quest to find a practical martial art or combat style that meant I didn’t have to hide from the neighborhood bullies or run along back allies to avoid a possible beating. After more than a decade of trying, finding combat styles I thought worked, discovering their flaws (sometimes with dire consequences), and then moving on until the day I found Wing Chun Do.

The Wing Chun Do Difference

This art was indeed something different. Wing Chun Do had all the hallmarks that I was looking for, practical self-defense, simplicity of motion, and efficient execution of technique. Not only was it the most effective defensive martial art, but it turned out that the offensive/defensive capabilities were off the charts. After a month since my first Wing Chun Do class, I knew I would someday become an instructor.

What was different about Wing Chun Do, besides the astounding fact that Bruce Lee was a legitimate part of its legacy, created by the founder of WCD, James W. DeMile, one of the first few dedicated students of Bruce Lee’s Seattle Fighting Period?

Wing Chun Do techniques, tested through the lens of biomechanics, the science of motion and energy, power, and speed easily were explained and demonstrated. While others were seeking the “secrets” of power and speed, “chi,” or metaphysical reasons for why martial arts worked for some and not others, I found an art that made self-defense work for everyone, regardless of size, age, or gender, regardless of their physicality.

Then in 1984, Sijo DeMile visited Michigan for the first time. His knowledge and understanding of the fighting arts were exceptional. He was a truly unique personality, very different than any other instructor we had ever known. We petitioned him to develop an instructor’s program for us, and I was one of the first to join.

Our school, Ambrose Academy of Wing Chun Do, celebrates 34 years in business this year. In 2016, the founder of Wing Chun Do, (Sijo) James W. DeMile, traveled from Hawaii to Michigan to celebrate with us and honored me with the new title. In a moving ceremony witnessed by students, friends, and family, he named me to take his place as Grandmaster of Wing Chun Do.

Ambrose Academy - a different type of martial arts school

What needed to be different about Ambrose Academy of Wing Chun Do? I wanted a school (kwoon) that was welcoming and uplifting in mind and spirit, where students immerse themselves in the great things Wing Chun Do has to offer, both physically and mentally. Prospective students sometimes are taken aback when they encounter the school’s atmosphere, that of camaraderie, lack of egos, and nurturing community of martial art students. But they soon become comfortable and appreciate this new paradigm.

A different type of Wing Chun Do student

What is different about a Wing Chun Do student? Adults with busy lives, children, and work constraints, find respect as students and partners in personal growth and self-defense. They usually have no other martial arts experience at all. They come from all sectors of our society. They are people looking for effective self-defense, a way to feel more certain about their security and that of their family. They are people that enjoy full mental and physical engagement in an activity, helping them relieve the stresses of the day and walking away after each class with a big smile on their face. They can “empty their cup” when walking in the door and fill it up with positivity before they leave.

I welcome you to discover the difference. Discover what Wing Chun Do and Ambrose Academy have to offer. Watch a class. Experience the teaching method by participating in our classes.

It may just change your life. Check out the Adult Class Page.

KID’S PROGRAM - SECURE CHILD PHILOSOPHY

ROCCO AMBROSE on CHILDREN’S AMBROSE ACADEMY

When I first started Ambrose Academy, I focused on getting adults in the door. It was about self-defense, learning to protect oneself if mugged or attacked. Children were not on my radar at all.

However, what happens when a martial arts instructor has his own child? How does he accommodate and nurture this budding martial arts tike? A children's Wing Chun Do class is born. The new task of creating a curriculum that encouraged and guided children in a supportive and caring atmosphere, consistent with age-appropriate and developmental growth norms, and filled with excitement and fun was my new challenge.

Making a Difference in Children's Lives

With the help of my wife, Elizabeth, a future early childhood educator, and our long-time experiences working with children, we created a program that reflects our mission of the Secure Child. Our Secure Child Philosophy means we create a welcoming, nurturing environment, helping children achieve a sense of mental security with their surroundings and trust in the people that interact with them. We tailor our program to the personality needs of each child and guide them to achievement, self-confidence, and life skills of success. Mental self-defense is just as necessary as physical self-defense. A child without confidence can't implement what they have learned. Competency and skill set in mental self-defense lessen the need or odds of having to use their more physical skill set.

Our curriculum reflects our mission of the Secure Child with Stranger Smart programs, how to be a Good Bystander, how to defuse the bully, street smarts, and personal interaction skills. Girls' Mental and Physical Self-Defense classes focus on young girls' issues in our modern and ever-growing aggressive society.

We want our kids to be confident and purposeful young people. We can help that happen at Ambrose Academy. We partner with parents to help them bring about the qualities and personal growth they envision for their children.

Learn more about our children’s programs.