Sifu Rhi Gibson – Martial Arts and Social Work Practitioner

Sifu Rhi Gibson has been immersed in martial arts for over 30 years, initially inspired by their father, who trained in Zen Do Kai, Ninjitsu, and Karate. Rhi began their own martial arts journey at age 8 with Taekwondo and, by age 12, became the youngest female black belt in this lineage in Australia. At this early stage, Rhi also began teaching Taekwondo to private students.

In 2003, Sifu Rhi discovered Wing Chun Kung Fu and was immediately captivated by the system's depth and sophistication. Over the next 19 years, they trained as a private student of Master Ian Protheroe, a disciple of Grandmaster William Cheung, dedicating themselves to mastering the art. Sifu Rhi is now a 3rd generation Wing Chun practitioner of the Ip (Yip) Man lineage.

In 2006, Rhi was awarded the rank of Assistant Instructor at their Level 6 grading, an unprecedented achievement for someone of their grade at the time. They also began teaching self-defence courses for women in the community sector. In 2011, Rhi reached Level 10, which included a comprehensive grading process that involved a written thesis and mastery of the full Wing Chun system, including open hand forms, butterfly sword and long pole forms, rattan ring forms, Chi Sao, Chi Gerk, Chin Na, practical self-defence, and extensive sparring.

As a passionate, lifelong student of Wing Chun, Rhi continues to train, learn, and teach with dedication, honoured to pass on this knowledge to future generations.

In addition to their martial arts expertise, Rhi is a qualified Social Worker with over 24 years of experience in mental health, domestic and family violence, sexual violence, and disability sectors. This background deeply informs their approach to teaching and training.

Commitment to Safety and Accountability:
While Wing Chun Kung Fu is a powerful system of self-defence, Sifu Rhi firmly believes that those who have experienced violence should never be held responsible for their own protection. It is the perpetrators of violence who must be held accountable for their actions. Rhi is deeply committed to working towards the elimination of violence in all forms within our communities.