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SIFU EMIN BOZTEPE 6:TH LEVEL PRACTICIAN
Martial Arts Background
Currently Emin devotes his time in the study and teaching of Wing Tsun kung fu under the auspices of the International Wing Tsun Martial Arts Association (IWTMAA). When not training or teaching, Emin works on his acting career, which has landed him roles in movies filmed in Europe and the United States.
Early Days
Emin's early days in Germany were not easy owing to his Turkish heritage. He was constantly the target of racial insults, and more often than not, verbal abuse would swiftly turn into physical abuse. Martial arts became something of a necessity. His father urged him to begin training, thus at age 14 Emin's martial arts career was begun. His training quickly developed into a passion that he carries to this day.
True Martial Artist
Due to Emin's preference for effective self defense techniques, he now views himself as a true martial artist and not a "sportsman". It was this same preference that originally attracted him to Wing Tsun when he saw a Wing Tsun demonstration in Germany. This led to him seeking instruction from Keith Kernspecht, noted European Wing Tsun master and senior student of Grandmaster Leung Ting. Many years of training in the Wing Tsun system have now passed for Emin. He is thoroughly convinced that the self defense techniques and philosophy of Wing Tsun are second to none.
Embodiment of the Wing Tsun Philosopy
The life of Emin Boztepe is a mirror for the Wing Tsun philosophy as taught through the IWTMAA: be aggressive in all endeavors while avoiding conflict whenever possible. When faced with the inevitable challenge of conflict, meet it head on, finish it quickly, expend as little energy as possible, and continue on your way. According to Wing Tsun philosophy, the simplest,easiest, and most effective way is the best way. "Avoiding a physical conflict that is not truly necessary is not to be a coward, but to be humble," states Emin. "However, physical conflicts must be met head on when you are left no other choice such as causing physical harm to yourself, your loved ones or your family. This includes my Wing Tsun family which currently spans over 30 countries."
Though Emin has trained in many different martial art disciplines, he currently bases his self defense techniques solely on Wing Tsun kung fu. He feels this helps him fulfill his philosophy of ending conflicts quickly by using effective and simple techniques. These sorts of techniques are the hallmark of Wing Tsun. Emin confesses, " I only believe in using techniques that work as quickly as possible and minimize injury to myself. The Wing Tsun philosophy states : To be kind to your enemy is to be cruel to yourself. Why be kind and gentle to someone who is trying to hurt you or your loved ones?"
Training
The Wing Tsun philosophy also advocates realistic training. Emin feels that this is one of the most important factors in developing effective self defense techniques. Although Emin believes in other forms of training such as bag training, weight lifting, jogging, aerobics, etc., he feels that nothing can take the place of a live partner. This is best achieved through sparring and Wing Tsun chi sau training. Emin emphasizes that training should become a regular routine for the serious martial artist. "You can have the best techniques and the best instructors, but if you don't practice them regularly and realistically they will not be useful." Emin exemplifies this himself by adhering to a strict training schedule of 4 to 6+ hours a day.
Emin today
Emin has been a professional Wing Tsun instructor throughout Europe for the past 10 years and has become widely recognized for his self defense and fighting skills. His seminars are now in great demand both in Europe and the United States. He is the only instructor of the European Wing Tsun Organization (EWTO) that has been authorized by his sifu, Keith Kernspecht, to teach Wing Tsun outside of Germany. Emin is also the the Chief Instructor for the American Wing Tsun Organization (AWTO) and the Swedish Wing Tsun Organization (SWTO) and divides histime between America and Europe. He has trained many elite police and military personnel, including the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) of the FBI and the 4th Force Recon Batallion of the US Marine Corps. Emin Boztepe is a Sixth Level Practician in Wing Tsun (a Master), and is the highest ranking person in Wing Tsun in America. He continues to commit his talents to help spread and develop Wing Tsun in the United States and abroad.
Late Grandmaster Yip Man
Sijo Leung Ting
Sigung Keith R. Kernspecht
