As someone who has devoted more than three decades to the study and teaching of traditional martial arts, I enrolled at Meng's Martial Arts because I genuinely wanted to immerse myself in what I believed was a traditional Wing Chun lineage. I was not looking for a fitness program or a casual hobby. I came as an instructor holding Black Sash or equivalent rank in Chen Taijiquan, Yang Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Northern Shaolin/Tien Shan Pai Kuo Shu (Kung Fu), Silat, Kali/Escrima, and Krav Maga, and as someone who has studied--and continues to study--Jun Fan lineage Wing Chun through students of and directly under Guru Dan Inosanto, with the sincere desire to broaden my understanding of another branch of the Wing Chun tradition.
Unfortunately, after nearly three years and thousands of dollars invested in tuition and Black Sash Club fees, I left profoundly disappointed. I enrolled in the Black Sash Club based on the representations made regarding its curriculum, opportunities, and premium benefits. In my experience, those representations did not translate into the value that was presented when I enrolled, and I do not believe the program delivered what a reasonable consumer would expect after paying the additional cost.
Beyond the financial aspect, I found the atmosphere personally discouraging. Despite my commitment, consistent attendance, and genuine enthusiasm for the art, I often felt overlooked and treated differently from other students. Even small courtesies routinely extended to others--such as birthday acknowledgments over the course of my nearly three years there--were never extended to me. While that may seem insignificant by itself, it reflected a broader pattern that left me feeling unwelcome and undervalued despite my dedication to the school.
I have my own conclusions as to why I experienced this treatment. However, because those issues are the subject of anticipated litigation (now that I am back on my feet financially), I have intentionally chosen not to address them in this review. Instead, I am limiting my comments to my personal experience as a paying student and longtime martial artist.
My purpose in writing this review is to inform prospective students--particularly experienced practitioners seeking authentic traditional Wing Chun instruction--to conduct careful due diligence before making a significant financial commitment. Ask detailed questions about premium memberships, request that promised benefits be clearly documented, and evaluate whether the program actually provides the value being represented. Based on my own experience, I cannot recommend Meng's Martial Arts or its Black Sash Club program. read more
