Wing Chun in Denver, CO

How an Ancient Art Found Its Way to the Mile High City through the Moy Yat Lineage

Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) is a Chinese martial art rooted in practicality, structure, and inner power. It’s famous for its relaxed efficiency and its ability to turn the smallest movements into the strongest results. But how did this centuries-old system — born from resistance in southern China — end up thriving here in the heart of Denver, Colorado?

The story begins with the legendary Grandmaster Yip Man, who introduced Wing Chun to the modern world in the mid-20th century. His most famous student, Bruce Lee, helped bring global attention to the art. Lee once said:

“To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.”

But another of Yip Man’s senior students would go on to pass the full system to the next generation: Grandmaster Moy Yat.

The Moy Yat → Moy Tung → Moy Yat Tung → Denver Lineage

Moy Yat dedicated his life to preserving Wing Chun — not just as a fighting style, but as a way of life. He taught that:

“Kung Fu is a way of life. If it doesn’t help you grow as a person, then it isn’t real Kung Fu.”

Among his most devoted students was Grandmaster Moy Tung, who brought the art to the United States in the 1980s. Grandmaster Moy Tung is well-known for preserving the fighting function of Wing Chun, and for building a nationwide network of dedicated students.

He emphasizes that:

“You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to the level of your training.”

Enter Moy Yat Tung

One of Grandmaster Moy Tung’s top students is Moy Yat Tung.  Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Moy Yat Tung is a long-time practitioner and teacher who has spent decades training under Moy Tung’s direct supervision.

His school carries on the clan’s traditional values and complete training system. His approach is uncompromising, disciplined, and built on depth:

“Don’t skip steps. Kung Fu only works if it’s real — and it’s only real if you earn it.” – Moy Yat Tung
“Wing Chun is simple, but simplicity requires depth. Don’t confuse it for something shallow.”

From Virginia Beach to Denver: Sifu Ely Matson

Sifu Ely Matson, the leader of Denver Kung Fu, is a direct student of Moy Yat Tung. Following in his Sifu's footsteps, Sifu Ely received the complete Ving Tsun system as preserved by the Moy Tung Clan.

In 2018, he was formally recognized as a Sifu — a teacher authorized to guide others through the system. Today, Ely continues to train and refine his own kung fu while teaching students right here in Denver.

“If you’re not connected to your lineage, you’re not connected to the art.” – Moy Yat Tung

Denver Kung Fu is more than just a martial arts school — it's a direct link to a living lineage. Every form, drill, and technique taught here has been passed down hand-to-hand from teacher to student, from Yip Man to the present day.

Why Wing Chun in Denver?

Denver is a city of strength, movement, and growth. Whether you’re looking for an effective system of self-defense, a tool for mental clarity, or a deeper connection to your body and discipline — Wing Chun offers something powerful.

And through Denver Kung Fu, that power is available to you in its authentic, time-tested form.

👊 Ready to Begin Your Journey?

We invite you to experience real Wing Chun for yourself — the same system passed from Yip Man to Moy Yat, from Moy Tung to Moy Yat Tung, and now to you through Sifu Ely Matson.

👉 Book your first lesson today
Train. Refine. Transform.