Sifu Vik Hothi
Vik Hothi is a British martial arts instructor and the founder of the International Martial Arts Schools (IMAS) Wing Chun Academy, based in Slough, United Kingdom. Known for his expertise in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Hothi has gained recognition for his research into various Wing Chun lineages and his dedication to preserving and adapting the traditional martial art for practical self-defense.
Early Life and Martial Arts Background
Vik Hothi began his martial arts training in his youth, initially exploring various martial arts disciplines before focusing on Wing Chun. Over time, he traveled extensively to study different Wing Chun lineages, learning from a range of respected masters. His research culminated in the publication of the book The Doctrine of Wing Chun Kuen, which is recognized for its analysis of the history, strategies, and techniques of Wing Chun.
Additionally, Hothi produced a YouTube mini-series documenting his global exploration of Wing Chun.
IMAS Wing Chun Academy
In Slough, Hothi established the International Martial Arts Schools (IMAS) Wing Chun Academy, where he teaches a diverse student body ranging from beginners to advanced practitioners. The academy emphasizes traditional Wing Chun principles while focusing on practical self-defense. Hothi's approach is known for blending traditional aspects of Wing Chun, such as Chi Sau (Sticky Hands) and the Centerline Theory, with contemporary self-defense techniques.
Achievements and Recognition
Vik Hothi's martial arts career spans multiple disciplines and includes a range of achievements across different martial arts forms:
2024: Featured on the cover of Wing Chun Illustrated, edition 80. [1]
2023: Appointed as a Shuai Jiao National Coach under Lavell “American Hangai” Marshall.
2023: British Shuai Jiao Middle Weight Champion. [2]
2022: World Champion in Full Contact Stick Fighting, winning double gold medals. [3]
2022: Awarded a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) under Leo Negao. · 2011: Became the 19th individual to be awarded a black belt in MMA Sambo under Scott Sonnon. [4]
2022: Graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Sports and Exercise Science, with First-Class honors at Manchester Metropolitan University
2021: Inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame. [5]
2017: Led a successful attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most kicks delivered in one hour by a kung fu class, raising £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. [6]
2012–2015: Contributor to the UK’s largest mixed martial arts magazine, MMA Uncaged. [7]
2011: Featured in Men’s Health magazine for introducing Clubbells to the UK and named UK Director of RMAX and TACFIT under Scott Sonnon.
2011: Earned the title "King of Clubs" after completing the “trial by fire” with a 45lb Clubbell in Scott Sonnon’s "King of Clubs" program.
2011: Became the 19th individual to be awarded a black belt in MMA Sambo under Scott Sonnon. [8]
2010: Certified Chinese Tui Na practitioner from Body Harmonics.
2009: Achieved Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC) from Dragondoor under Pavel Tsatsuline and qualified as a Structural Integration Practitioner (KSI) under Tomas Myers.
2007: Earned the title of Sifu from the European WingTsun Organisation (EWTO) under Professor Keith Kernspecht.
2000–present: Escrima Instructor under Master Steve Tappin of Escrima Concepts.
1996: Earned a Black Belt in WTF Tae Kwon Do.
1996: WTF Tae Kwon Do British Regional Champion.
1991: Achieved a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate.