Guro Brent Coleman

Brent Coleman has had an interest in martial arts for years but it is something that he did not pursue seriously until he was over 40. He came to the martial arts from whitewater kayaking, as an activity to help him maintain physical conditioning and flexibility. He began his martial arts training with Aikikai Aikido under Don Hunt Sensei in October of 1998 in Winder Georgia.

He enjoyed his Aikido training a great deal, the classes were usually small and Sensei Hunt was an excellent instructor, but in August of 1999, Sensei Hunt made the decision to close the Dojo. Brent was determined to stay with martial arts training and on a recommendation from Sensei Hunt he made a visit to The Francis Fong Academy. After watching one Wing Chun class with Sifu Fong, he was totally amazed by what he saw and immediately knew this was where he wanted to train. He started taking Wing Chun and JKD class the following week. About 6 weeks later he attended his first Southeastern Martial Arts Conference with Sifu Fong, Guro Dan Inosanto, and Ajarn Chai Sirisute.

After this experience he expanded his training to include Kali, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Brent is still active in all of these classes but in the past few years has concentrated his training more toward Wing Chun, Jun Fan, and BJJ where he is a purple belt and teaches most of the classes at the Francis Fong Academy. Brent was accepted as an apprentice instructor under Sifu Fong in 2003 and is currently an associate instructor level I and is also an associate instructor level 1 under Guro Dan Inosanto in Jan Fan Gung Fu and Filipino Martial Arts instructor program. He has attended the Train with the Masters seminar regularly as well as BJJ seminars with Scott Sullivan and Mario Roberto, Rey Diogo, Master Richardo Murgel, Master Pedro Sauer and Alan Baker. Brent has also participated in CSW training with Eric Paulson.

Brent and his wife Deborah have been married for 28 years and have two sons, Justin 21 and Tyler 20. In addition to martial arts training, Brent is still active in whitewater kayaking, having maintained certification as a whitewater kayak instructor under the American Canoe Association since 1993. He also enjoys mountain biking and hiking.

Personal Statement:

Martial arts have become a very important part of my life, I initially sought improvement in physical conditioning and flexibility, what I have gained goes far beyond this. I have benefited both emotionally and spiritually and have developed a bond with my fellow students and instructors that could only be described as family. My desire is to share this with others as an instructor. I am honored by the opportunity to do so.

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