Darrell Carreon
Sifu / Owner
Ving Tsun Montreal - Sunny Tang Kung Fu (VTMTL)
July 17, 2006
Interviewer - Joanne Beaulieu
In late 2000, Darrell Carreon moved to the city of Montreal from Ottawa, where his early experiences and influences were rooted from many areas. From working in a five star hotel to an automotive repair shop or courier messaging, Carreon is well known for mixing music for local night clubs and parties (Disc jockey) since the age of 15.
Carreon started teaching Ving Tsun Kung Fu at age 25, and produced two black sash students to date.
It was in Ottawa when he (age 16) found inspiration in Ving Tsun Kung Fu with Master Walter Jakimzcuk in April 1990. Tae Kwon Do was Carreon's childhood experience, although recreational fighting and sparring was never an interest being the avid musical connoisseur who strived stayed out of trouble . In July 2001, Carreon earned his "Sifu" title when he decided to share his Ving Tsun in Montreal after discussions with his Sifu, and his Sitai-Gung - Master Sunny Tang . This was the beginning phases of Sunny Tang Ving Tsun Montreal (VTMTL). During the humid summer of 200 1, Carreon taught Ving Tsun to merely five students in an outdoor park - charging a fee that entailed at least one "cheap" dinner a month instead of money.
Today, Carreon has privately taught over 100 students after five years, and has approximately 40 students actively training. Carreon's motto, "If I can't remember your name, our classes are too full". He continues his highly available schedule for five years running - five private classes a week, minimum 3 hours each class in the heart of Montreal. He continues working full-time in the same corporate environment since he moved to Montreal within the technology industry .
In March 2002, Master Jakimzcuk accepted Carreon as one of his first disciples. This reflects the tradition Master Jakimzcuk upholds as a disciple of Master Tang within Grandmasters Yip Man and Moy Yat's lineage. Carreon has made a personal mandate to produce quality "grandstudents" for his Sifu, as a token of his appreciation. He understands that it may be a lifetime of hard work to achieve such a goal.
This summer of 2006, I was able to meet with Sifu Carreon at his new school location. "I wouldn't have made it here had I not experienced many avenues", Carreon says as he laces up his sneakers before class. "For example, working in a hotel taught me the importance of hospitality. Working in an automotive garage showed me the aspects of fine tuning and efficiency. But it was playing music in the night clubs that ties everything together." He lightly nods his expression for encouragement to students who prepare themselves on the training floor. "Like a dance floor, there's something about controlling a dance floor and it's outcome that sticks to me. People can dance on it, have a good or bad time on it, stay or leave it - but it was all up to me." Carreon focuses his stare on a particular student practicing their stepping and attacking co-ordination. "Today, the dance floor to me is VTMTL's training floor. It's sacred to me, because it's still up to me." He stands up from his desk and walks around the school.
Carreon is fortunate for being able to travel with best friend/kung fu brother Dennis Lafond to Master Tang's school during the latter years of training. "I had to take the opportunity in hanging out with Sigung. He's given me so much insight and support to my growth in the Kung Fu Life. Also the relationships I developed with Alan, Ivan, Jackson, Kyle, Chris, Jeremy and Alex contributed to my perseverance in kung fu... they're great guys, great kung fu uncles...great friends."
We concluded our interview as Sifu Carreon washes his hands before teaching class in its fifth year anniversary.
Other affiliated links:
Sunny Tang Martial Arts Centre
Sunny Tang Ottawa
Ving Tsun Ottawa
West Coast Sunny Tang Wing Chun
Moy Yat Ving Tsun NYC
Moy Yat Ving Tsun Martial Intelligence, Brazil
Canadian Ving Tsun Academy