GREENFIELD — Scott Stapleton’s interest in the martial arts goes back to his childhood.
From being a fan of Kung Fu Theater and the works of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, he is now a Sifu, which means instructor/teacher/father in the martial arts system. He is a certified instructor in Shaolin Wing Chun. In fact, he is part of the Shaolin Wing Chun lineage that helped develop the iconic Lee.
“I had always been interested and fascinated with martial arts,” Stapleton said.
Stapleton said Wing Chun is defined as martial arts expressed at its highest level which is maximum efficiency of time (position), space (structure) and energy. He said martial arts were developed to its highest level because of need for survival in hand-to-hand combat of all ranges or with weapons before the time of firearms.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Stapleton’s knowledge and skill were put to test on the world stage in December.
The Head Instructor/Owner of Meng’s Martial Arts in Greenfield, he was one of the Team USA representatives at the inaugural International Wushu Federation World Wing Chun Open Competition in Foshan, China.
Stapleton’s grand master, Benny Meng (the namesake to the school) was important in selecting the Greenfield teacher to the team that represented the United States. Meng was a student of Grand Master Moy Yat, a classmate of Lee’s. Both Yat and Lee studied under martial arts legend Yip Man. Stapleton learned much of his skills from his master, Chango Noaks and grand master Meng.
Stapleton said the family tree of Shaolin Wing Chun is an important aspect of the art. It is about respect of elders and those that have come before. It is a family, he said.
At the world championships, there were 1,100 competitors from 20 countries. Stapleton competed in and placed in four events. He placed fourth in three categories, including Baat Jaam Dao (knives/weapons), Siu Nim Tao (demonstration of forms expressing the art) and Chi Sau (a skill application exchanging/fighting with a partner). He was fifth in Chum Kiu (another form of expressing the art).
“It was a great opportunity,” Stapleton said.
It wasn’t the local instructor’s first competition. In 2016, in Baltimore, he earned first in advanced Chi Sau at the US International Kuo Shu Championships. In 2018, also in Baltimore, he was third in advanced Baat Jaam Dao at the Ku Shu Federation World Championships.
In 2016, he was awarded at the 30th Anniversary of Meng’s Martial Arts, at the headquarters in Huber Heights, Ohio. He was named the Assistant Instructor of the Year for his work at Meng’s Martial Arts of Richmond, Ind., working with Sifu Noaks. Two years later, he was awarded the Dragon Award, the Shaolin Wing Chun Instructor of the Year, at the 32nd anniversary. This award was given by Grand Master Meng to only one instructor throughout the worldwide organization.
A 25-year veteran of martial arts and a teacher for the last five and one-half years, Stapleton began his operation in Greenfield in September. He teaches classes to all ages and abilities and has students from the ages of four and up.
Sifu Stapleton said he can guarantee studying Shaolin Wing Chun will be a life-changing experience, but getting to the level of a world championship is not an easy undertaking. It requires many years of hard work to reach that level.
“The hardest thing to do is to cross that threshold,” said Stapleton, pointing to the entrance of his studio. "Learning martial arts is about improving the quality of your life. It’s your own personal journey.”
Stapleton, 49, works full-time in commercial maintenance. At his school in Greenfield, he teaches classes at all levels, from beginners to leaders, four nights a week and some Saturdays.
“Learning martial arts has improved my life,” said Stapleton, whose initial journey began with his captivation of martial arts and its icons, along with the desire to be able to protect himself. “It helps you be more focused and you apply self-discipline in your life. It’s made me a better worker, better employee and applies positive reinforcement.
“Martial arts teaches you how to get out of your own way,” Stapleton added.
