Our Story: A Walk Through Time
Step into the living history of traditional Kung-Fu — from its temple roots to our global digital academy.
From 1995 and beyond
Rooted in Tradition. Forged Through Time.
The History
In 1977 a young George Michielsen started training in Kung Fu under famous Masters Vince and Dave Lacey in Perth Western Australia. He had intended to join Kung Fu for three months only, but before he knew it, it was six years later, two world tournaments and an Australian title fight, and he was still training.
In 1995, George made the decision to start a full time Kung Fu Academy to preserve the incredible art of Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing. The chosen location, a growing suburb in the market garden region of Balcatta, Western Australia. It was August when the first Academy officially opened its doors. Three years later he opened the O’Connor branch. The Academies were originally named Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing Gwoon, but changed to the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy in 1999.
Since then both Academies have seen immense growth. The market garden area of Balcatta is now a bustling residential and commercial area. There has been many exciting events and visits to the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy by Famous Kung Fu and Tai Chi Masters from all over the world.
We have been privileged to witness many positive changes in peoples lives and enjoy the great relationships and friendships that have started and continue to blossom. He has endeavored to preserve the treasures of real martial arts for us and future generations and he is eternally grateful to the Master’s and Grandmaster’s who have shared their knowledge.
We are all creating history as we go. And that’s why we would love you to be part of it all.

Decades of Dedication
A detailed look into our evolution through the eras.
The First School
Master Vince and Dave Lacey bring Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut to Perth in 1966, opening the first school of its kind in Australia.
The Laneway Years
A young George Michielsen begins his training in the laneway school, as his masters reconnect the school to its roots in Hong Kong.
The World Stage
George fights at the World Titles in Penang and Hong Kong, and trains privately under Masters Kong Hing and Poon Lam.
Balcatta Opens
George opens the Balcatta Kwoon in 1995, the school that still stands as the heart of the academy today.
Going Global
The academy grows beyond Balcatta through the 2000s, with lion dance, China trips and a widening family of students carrying the tradition forward.
The Lineage Passes On
In 2015, 20 years after opening the Balcatta school, George is formally named Sifu Vince Lacey's only disciple in Australia, taking full custodianship of the lineage.
Expanding The Reach
The academy expands into online training in the 2020s, bringing Choy Lay Fut Buk Sing, Chen Tai Chi and Lohan Qigong to students far beyond Perth.
Real Stories. Real Progress.
Hear how students from around the world transformed their kung-fu journey — right from home.
“I can honestly say that the training provided at your school has been a more effective weapon in my fight against depression and anxiety than any medications or therapy I’ve had.”
“Since I have been training, I feel so fit and healthy that I don’t know how I survived without it. The instructors are great and very helpful. As you know I have already had to use some Kung Fu for self-defense. If I didn’t know what to do, God knows what could have happened. Overall I find the school a great place to go to and I always look forward to coming in.”
“I started at the academy to improve my fitness, shape up my body and follow an old interest in martial arts. I found a family first, a group of great people who quickly became a group of mates and I’ve been learning something new every day ever since. I’m 35 years old and never been this fit in my life.”
“I started training at the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy to increase my cardio fitness, strengthen my core muscles, lose a couple of kilos, and have a lot of fun while doing it. I can honestly say that all of the above has happened!”
“For someone looking to start martial arts with no previous experience it can be intimidating thought of rocking up to your first class. Sifu George and all the other instructors are very welcoming and provide an accepting, safe environment to learn in.”
“Training kung fu and tai chi has made me stronger, both physically and mentally. I began to notice the changes after just a few weeks.”
“Suffering from high blood pressure and back pain due to mild scoliosis, I found that regular practice helped to reduce both my blood pressure and back pain.”
“I love the Chen Tai Chi. It has given me a positive mind set and with that, I have to this day lost 29 kilos of weight.”
“My GP told me to do some exercise! So I decided to start Tai Chi classes. I went back to the GP and told him to join too, because it WORKS so well!”
“I’ve tried all types of meditation and styles but I kept falling asleep. I am so glad I found your Academy, your teachers make it so easy and fun to follow and learn.”
“I can honestly say that the training provided at your school has been a more effective weapon in my fight against depression and anxiety than any medications or therapy I’ve had.”
“Since I have been training, I feel so fit and healthy that I don’t know how I survived without it. The instructors are great and very helpful. As you know I have already had to use some Kung Fu for self-defense. If I didn’t know what to do, God knows what could have happened. Overall I find the school a great place to go to and I always look forward to coming in.”
“I started at the academy to improve my fitness, shape up my body and follow an old interest in martial arts. I found a family first, a group of great people who quickly became a group of mates and I’ve been learning something new every day ever since. I’m 35 years old and never been this fit in my life.”
“I started training at the Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy to increase my cardio fitness, strengthen my core muscles, lose a couple of kilos, and have a lot of fun while doing it. I can honestly say that all of the above has happened!”
“For someone looking to start martial arts with no previous experience it can be intimidating thought of rocking up to your first class. Sifu George and all the other instructors are very welcoming and provide an accepting, safe environment to learn in.”
“Training kung fu and tai chi has made me stronger, both physically and mentally. I began to notice the changes after just a few weeks.”
“Suffering from high blood pressure and back pain due to mild scoliosis, I found that regular practice helped to reduce both my blood pressure and back pain.”
“I love the Chen Tai Chi. It has given me a positive mind set and with that, I have to this day lost 29 kilos of weight.”
“My GP told me to do some exercise! So I decided to start Tai Chi classes. I went back to the GP and told him to join too, because it WORKS so well!”
“I’ve tried all types of meditation and styles but I kept falling asleep. I am so glad I found your Academy, your teachers make it so easy and fun to follow and learn.”



