Meet Our Head Coach – Alasdair Monteith
With over 45 years of experience in martial arts, Alasdair Monteith brings a wealth of knowledge to Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi. An internationally experienced competitor, coach and judge, he is passionate about sharing the physical, mental and personal benefits of traditional Chinese martial arts.
Alasdair's coaching approach is based on patience, encouragement and positive reinforcement. He creates a supportive environment where students of all ages and abilities can develop their skills, build confidence and progress at their own pace.
Whether teaching beginners or experienced students, his aim is to make learning enjoyable, accessible and rewarding. For Alasdair, the greatest achievement is seeing his students grow in confidence and accomplish things they never thought possible.
A Lifetime in Martial Arts
Alasdair began his martial arts journey in 1979, initially studying Shotokan Karate before progressing to traditional Chinese martial arts, including Nam Pai Chuan Kung Fu. He later specialised in Northern Shaolin Chin Woo Kung Fu, which has become the central focus of his martial arts career.
His training under Grandmaster Teng Wie Yoo of the Selangor Chin Woo Wushu Association in Malaysia has been fundamental to his development as a martial artist, competitor and coach. Grandmaster Teng remains our Grandmaster today, and his teachings, principles and approach to traditional Chin Woo Kung Fu continue to guide the training at Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi.
International Competition and Recognition
Alasdair has enjoyed a successful international competitive career, representing Great Britain at major martial arts championships in Malaysia, China, Germany and the United States.
His achievements include nine gold medals at the 2002 Chin Woo World Championships in Texas, alongside numerous other international medals and championship titles. He has also contributed to the sport as an international coach, judge and team manager.
In recognition of his contribution to Chinese martial arts, Alasdair was awarded his 7th Dan in 2012.
Founding the British Institute for Chinese Martial Arts
In 1994, Alasdair founded the British Institute for Chinese Martial Arts (BICMA), establishing an organisation dedicated to promoting and developing traditional Chinese martial arts in the UK.
Through BICMA, he organised coaching programmes, instructor training, international seminars and study trips to Malaysia, helping students and instructors develop their skills and deepen their understanding of the art.
His commitment to maintaining high standards of traditional training, combined with modern, effective coaching methods, remains central to the approach at Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi today.
Beyond Martial Arts
Alasdair's expertise in movement extends well beyond martial arts. A qualified British Gymnastics Level 4 coach, he has many years of experience coaching recreational and competitive gymnasts. This has given him a deep understanding of balance, coordination, body mechanics and how to teach physical skills safely and effectively.
He has also worked extensively in film, television and theatre as a professional stunt performer, fight choreographer and weapons specialist. His credits include Tomb Raider, Red 2, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 and Shanghai Knights, as well as productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Young Vic Theatre.
Alasdair founded the London Stunt School, where he trained aspiring stunt professionals in stage combat, falls, weapons handling and other specialist skills.
These experiences continue to shape his teaching, combining technical expertise with patience, clear instruction and an emphasis on safe, progressive training.
Qualifications & Achievements
Qualifications & Professional Roles
BCCMA Wushu and San Shou Coach
BCCMA Wushu Judge, Head Judge and Head Coach
BCCMA San Shou Judge and Referee
British Gymnastics Level 4 Men's Artistic Gymnastics Coach
Former Treasurer and NVQ Assessor for the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts
Safeguarding Adults Level 3
Competition Achievements
Nine gold medals at the Chin Woo World Championships, Texas, USA (2002)
British Champion – World Martial Arts Organisation Kung Fu (2014)
Represented Great Britain at the Wushu World Championships, Baltimore, USA (1995)
Multiple gold, silver and bronze medals at international championships in China, Malaysia, Germany, the USA and UK
Team Manager for British teams at the Chin Woo World Championships (2014) and European Chin Woo Championships (2014 and 2015)
Our BICMA Affiliation
Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi is proudly affiliated with the British Institute for Chinese Martial Arts (BICMA), founded by Alasdair Monteith in 1994.
Master Andrew Harris began as Alasdair's student and later became his partner in running BICMA. When Alasdair moved to Norfolk, Andrew took over the organisation, while Alasdair went on to establish Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi.
Today, the two organisations maintain a close relationship, sharing a commitment to traditional Chin Woo Kung Fu, high standards of training and the teachings of Grandmaster Teng Wie Yoo.
Club Secretary: Lisa Monteith
Lisa has been training in Chin Woo Kung Fu and Yang Style Tai Chi with Alasdair since 1997. As Club Secretary, she plays an active role in running Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi, managing the club's administration and communications and regularly participating in classes.
A writer and editor specialising in health and fitness, Lisa holds a degree in Nutritional Therapy and qualifications in sports nutrition and mental health awareness. Her professional background reflects a long-standing interest in health, wellbeing and the benefits of physical activity.
The photograph shows Lisa learning Tai Chi from Grandmaster Teng Wie Yoo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Grandmaster Teng Wie Yoo
Grandmaster Teng Wie Yoo is a highly respected master of traditional Chinese martial arts and a leading figure in the Chin Woo tradition. He began training in Chin Woo Wushu as a child and became Master of the Selangor Chin Woo Association in Malaysia in 1979. In 1999, he established the Northern Shaolin Chin Woo Wushu Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
An accomplished martial artist, competitor and teacher, Grandmaster Teng has won numerous international medals and has dedicated his life to preserving and passing on traditional Chinese martial arts. His expertise encompasses Chin Woo Kung Fu, Tai Chi and other traditional disciplines.
Grandmaster Teng is Alasdair's teacher and remains our Grandmaster today. His knowledge, principles and approach to traditional Chin Woo Kung Fu continue to guide the training at Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi.