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Sifu Kleber E. Battaglia
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Sifu Kleber
Batagllia
Internationally Renowned Educator, Author, and Cultural Anthropologist; A Scholar-Warrior dedicated to the preservation of lost internal wisdom. He bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern science, transforming the martial arts from simple combat into a profound path of self-mastery
The Scholar-Warrior of Living Tradition
Half Italian and half French, Sifu Kleber is an internationally respected martial artist, researcher, and educator whose path bridges practical Wing Chun, Chinese internal martial arts, and modern learning science. Known for his analytical depth and firsthand research across Asia and Europe, his work integrates traditional transmission with contemporary understanding of how humans learn, train, and develop skill.
I view myself not just as an instructor, but as a bridge. My mission is to strip away the mysticism while preserving the depth, translating the ancient 'Kung Fu Spirit' into a language that the modern world can understand and embody.
A Lifetime of Mastery
Numbers tell only part of the story, but they reveal the magnitude of dedication required to achieve true mastery across multiple authentic lineages.
43
Years of dedicated martial arts study
13
+
Years lived in Mainland China and Hong Kong
7,000
+
Hours of deliberate practice during the Hong Kong immersion period alone
7
+
Authentic classical martial lineages studied directly under masters
The Pilgrimage
Follow the extraordinary journey of a young Italian-French martial artist who would become a recognized guardian of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts, traveling from Europe to the ancestral home of Kung Fu in search of authentic wisdom
1983
The European Foundation
Sifu Kleber began practicing martial arts at age 9, initially inspired by the global explosion of Hong Kong cinema and a desire to be the "Italian Bruce Lee". Starting with Japanese Jiu Jitsu, his path expanded over the years to include Western Boxing, Escrima, Indonesian Pencak Silat, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. While still in Italy, he had the honor of training the military police, demonstrating early recognition of his practical skill.
(2000 - 2008)
London Era — Sharpening the Blade
Moving to London, he began teaching Wing Chun and immersed himself in training with several of the most knowledgeable Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun masters active in the UK. This period was crucial for sharpening his understanding of practical application, structure, and fighting logic.
2008
The Move to Foshan
Coinciding with the Beijing Olympics, Battaglia made the decisive pilgrimage to Foshan, the ancestral home of Southern Kung Fu. Here, he sought authenticity under Master Lun Gai, one of the earliest disciples of Ip Man. Overcoming the "closed door" skepticism facing foreigners, he proved his dedication through endurance and Confucian respect.
2010
Hong Kong Immersion
Seeking to deepen his mechanical understanding, he relocated to Hong Kong for nearly four years of full-time training under Grandmaster Wan Kam Leung. Training five hours a day (accumulating over 7,000 hours), he absorbed a highly practical Wing Chun system rooted in functionality. During this period, he also began his first serious exploration into the internal aspects of Chinese martial arts.
2013
The Shanghai Chapter & Internal Research
In 2013, Sifu Kleber relocated to Shanghai to teach full-time while dedicating himself to in-depth research into Internal Martial Arts. He studied directly with respected masters including:
- Yi Quan: With Yao Cheng Rong (Beijing) and Xi Mei Wei.
- Emei 12 Zhuang: Under Master De Wen—Sifu Kleber remains the only foreign student to have completed the full system under him.
- Wen Sheng Quan: With Wang An Lin.
- Liu He Ba Fa: Under Yun Yin Sen.
2013 - Recent years
Lineage Research & The Institute
Alongside internal studies, he deepened his understanding of Southern arts like Fujian White Crane (with Lee Kong) and Chow Gar Southern Mantis (with Ng Si Kai). Crucially, he expanded his Wing Chun research by studying the system taught by Gwok Wai Jaam, representing the Foshan-period Wing Chun of Ip Man. Today, he contributes to the Eternal Spring Institute's vision of quality and authenticity, working closely with his friend Sifu Sergio Pascal Iadarola.
The Masters’ Circle
The path to mastery is never walked alone. Sifu Kleber Battaglia honors the guardians of tradition who have shared their art, techniques, and wisdom.
The Lineages of Mastery
Wing Chun lineages studied:
- Grandmaster Wan Kam Leung Practical Wing Chun (completed)
- Master Lun Gai Ip Man Wing Chun (completed)
- Sifu Gwok Wai Jaam Traditional Foshan Wing Chun(completed)
Ancestor Systems:
- Master Yao Cheng Rong Yi Quan
- Master De Wen Emei 12 Zhuang
- Master Wang An Lin Wen Sheng Quan
- Master Yun Yin Sen Liu He Ba Fa (Six Harmonies Eight Methods)
The Master's Philosophy
Beyond the External
One of Sifu Kleber’s most significant contributions is the restoration of "wholeness" to the martial arts—bridging the gap between the "killing skills" of external combat and the "life-nurturing skills" (Yangsheng) of internal cultivation. Through decades of "eating bitterness" (Chi Ku) and rigorous "rescue archaeology" across China, he has recovered the internal engines often lost in the modernization of Kung Fu.
His approach moves beyond mere choreography, integrating the authentic "mind-intent" (Yi) of internal arts like Yi Quan into the practical structures of Wing Chun. By combining this traditional wisdom with his expertise in modern psychology and learning science, he decodes esoteric concepts into tangible, scientifically grounded training methods.
Real power does not come from muscular tension, which is merely a unilateral force. It comes from the bones and tendons—a deep structural alignment that requires the relaxation of the mind to allow the body to truly transfer force.
Learn from a Living Master
Now is your opportunity to study with one of the most knowledgeable Wing Chun masters alive today. Whether online or in person at our Madeira sanctuary, Sifu Kleber’s teachings will transform your practice.