Sifu Derek Johnson

In 1978 Sifu Johnson’s parents enrolled him in Grand Master Dean Chin’s Jow Ga Kung Fu School located in Chinatown, Washington D.C. This school produced many of the Jow Ga instructors and schools existing today in the United States and abroad.

Sifu Johnson’s primary instructor at Sifu Chin’s school was Master Deric Mims. Sifu Johnson accredits Master Mims for teaching him not only kung fu, but also the etiquette and traditions found in kung fu life.

Sifu Johnson has had the opportunity to represent the United States at competitions and demonstrations in Europe and Asia. Sifu Johnson is forever indebted to Master Greinacher for his guidance and introduction to so many Masters and venues throughout Europe and Asia. Sifu Johnson and his students have attended several competitions and events in Germany, which were sponsored by The Shaolin Hung Choy Association.

Thanks to the support of Master Michael Ek Eng Guan, Sifu Johnson has had the opportunity to learn and perform the Dragon Dance in Singapore and Malaysia. This school produced many of the Jow Ga instructors and schools existing today in the United States and abroad.

Sifu Johnson has had the opportunity to learn and perform the Dragon Dance in Singapore and Malaysia. In 2001 the Singapore National Wushu Federation invited Sifu Johnson to demonstrate Jow Ga Kung Fu in front of 15,000 spectators at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, along with kung fu masters from around the world. He has also performed the Dragon Dance with the Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe and one hundred other groups during an 8-hour procession around Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Sifu Johnson was appointed Officer in Charge of the U.S. Yahya Awal Dragon Dance Troupe by Masters Michael Ek Eng Guan, Chui Hai Chin, and Yap Heng Soon. All of Sifu Johnson’s training and experiences in Singapore and Malaysia would not have been possible without the support of Master Michael Ek Eng Guan.

Sifu Johnson has been fortunate to continue his study of Jow Ga Kung Fu and history in China and Hong Kong under the instruction of Jow Ga Master Kong Yu Choi. Also contributing to his continued learning in Hong Kong are Hung Tai Wai, Samson Lui, William Tsui, William Wong, Windy Wong, and so many others. Sifu Johnson has had the great privilege to demonstrate and participate in the Annual Jow Lung Anniversary Banquet and Tin Hau Festival held in Hong Kong. In 2002 members of the Hong Kong Chau Biu Chinese Boxing Association attended the Grand Opening of his new kung fu school located in Columbia, MD. Sifu Johnson’s training and experiences in Hong Kong and China would not have been possible without the support of his Grand Master and Godfather (Kai Ye) Chan Man Cheung.

Sifu Johnson operates two Jow Ga schools, one in the United States and another in Krakow, Poland.

The accomplishments and success of Sifu Johnson’s schools would not have been possible without the support of his family, friends and students (past and present).

Sifu Johnson served his country as a United States Marine and currently works full-time as a Police Officer.

Sifu Johnson represents the United States as an Overseas Contact Committee Member for the newly formed “Chinese & Foreign Chau Ka (Jow Ga) Martial Arts LTD. Sifu Johnson also represents the United States Traditional Kung Fu Wushu Federation as Vice Chairman for Maryland & Washington D.C.

Each year Sifu Johnson and members of his association host the “Jow Ga 5 Tigers All Kung Fu Championship” in Columbia Maryland. Sifu Johnson was a very successful competitor in the tournament circuit winning the NACMAF Heavy Weight Fighting title, but his most gratifying accomplishments have been promoting Jow Ga Kung Fu.