Dr. Chee K. Ling
Sensei Ling is the chief instructor and founder of Delta Martial Arts. Also a family physician and clinical professor for UBC, Dr Ling has been practicing martial arts for over 60 years. He started Judo in 1962 before beginning karate training in 1970 with Sensei David Akutagawa who achieved his eighth degree blackbelt directly from Mabuni Kenie Soke, the eldest son of the founder of Shito-Ryu Karate. Alongside his Karate studies, Dr. Ling also pursued Iaido from 1987.
While living in northern B.C., he helped establish, and was senior instructor of the Kitimat Karate Club for over 15 years. Now, Dr. Ling’s focus of instruction is on teaching Blackbelt level Karate, Iaido and Kobudo weapons to adults. The curriculum of Iai he currently teaches is Eishin Ryu Iaido, Takeda Ryu Iaido and Seitei Iai. The curriculum of Kobudo he teaches is Ryukyu Kobudo in Bo, Jo, Tonfa, Sai and Kama.
Rank:
- 8th degree blackbelt in Takeda Ryu Iaido
- 6th degree blackbelt in Eishin Ryu Iaido from Dai Nihon Iaido Renmei (DNIR).
- 6th degree blackbelt & Shihan in Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate.
Dr. Ling served as Secretary of the National Karate Association, member of the World Medical Commission of the World Karate Federation (WKF), and was a top National A Level Referee. He was also Director representing the sport of Karate on the Canadian Olympic Committee for 17 years.
A motto he lives by is, “The pen and the sword must be in accord.” This means that a persons academic studies and studies in physical activity must be balanced. Finding this balance aids success in each arena and contributes to wellness physically, mentally and emotionally.
- Matthew Cheng
Grandson of Sensei Chee Ling and son of Sensei Rassamee Ling and Sensei Marshall Cheng, Matthew grew up learning Karate at a very young age. He has over 15 years of practice in Karate. He primarily focuses on developing fitness, fighting skills and competence in his youth classes.
Rank:
- 1st degree blackbelt in Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate
Accomplishments:
- Several time Kumite provincial champion in British Columbia
- 5th place in Kumite at Canadian Nationals
Rassamee Ling
Sensei Rassamee learned martial arts under the tutelage of her father, Dr. Ling and Sensei David Akutagawa. She has 50 years of martial arts practice. She shares the teaching of children’s classes with her husband Marshall Cheng. Her primary focus of instruction is on basics, kata and bunkai (kata applications for self-defense).
Rank:
- 6th degree blackbelt & Shihan in Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate-Do
- 1st degree blackbelt in Eishin Ryu Iaido
- 1st degree blackbelt in Ryukyu Kobudo Fukyukai
Accomplishments:
- Bronze Medal, Kumite, 1989 PanAmerican Karate Championships, Venezuela
- 5th place, Women’s Team Kata, 1990 World Championships, Mexico
- 4-time Canadian National Kata Champion
- 5-time Canadian National Team Kata Champion
Sensei Rassamee is also currently a National A Level Referee for Karate Canada and is often seen refereeing at Provincial and National level karate competitions.
Having two sons who have studied and competed in karate, her focus in the children’s karate program is on a balance of physical, emotional and character development that empowers young people to feel confident, capable, compassionate and aware of their own and others’ needs.
Marshall Cheng
Sensei Marshall began his training as a youth studying Goju-Ryu Karate with Nomada Sensei in Delta, B.C. He has 40 years training in martial arts and focuses on fitness, athlete development and kumite training in his karate classes with youth and adults.
Rank:
- 3rd degree blackbelt in Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate
Accomplishments:
- Five-time Canadian National Kumite medalist, winning gold in 1999
- He placed 5th in his kumite weight division in the 1999 PanAmerican Karate Championships in Havana, Cuba
- Holding his Competition Development certification with Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program, he has served as a B.C. Karate Team Assistant Coach 2003, 2014 & 2015.
Mark Vinluan
Sensei Mark Vinluan has been a long time member of Renshikan karate and originally trained under the former Sensei Akutagawa. He is an assistant instructor here at Delta Karate Club, specializing in traditional karate.
Rank:
- 4th degree blackbelt in Renshikan Shito-Ryu Karate