Why Join Wing Pai?

The Wing Pai Federation

A Message from Grandmaster David Grago

Greetings, my name is Grandmaster David Grago, and I am honored to have led the Wing Pai Federation (Wing Pai) for the past 58 years. My journey began with a vision that started as a modest regional fraternal Kung Fu organization in the 1960s. Over the decades, this vision evolved, and by the mid-1980s, the Wing Pai Federation transformed into a global association featuring nearly 10,000 members.

As the Wing Pai continued to prosper, we witnessed the significant evolution of Chinese martial arts. What once comprised a small number of family-based styles had now transitioned into a vibrant community that garners worldwide attention. Today, Chinese martial arts are no longer limited to traditional practitioners hidden away in secluded training halls; they are showcased across social media, captivating audiences across the globe. However, this transformation has not been without its challenges, as the art forms and practices we cherish are occasionally misrepresented, leading to a perception that resembles a circus sideshow.

With the Wing Pai re-launch this year, we are embracing a new and exhilarating chapter in our history. We have assembled a talented and professional group of Chinese boxers who will play a crucial role in managing and governing this esteemed organization. Together, we aim to preserve the integrity of our martial arts while adapting to the modern dynamics of our social environment. Our dedicated leaders are committed to ensuring that the essence of Chinese martial arts is respected, valued, and promoted accurately.

In conclusion, as we embark on this rejuvenated journey together, we invite every practitioner and enthusiast of Chinese martial arts to join us in shaping the future of the Wing Pai. This is not merely a re-launch; it is an opportunity to restore our rich traditions while embracing the endless possibilities that await us in this new era.

About Wing Pai

As members of the Wing Pai International Federation (Wing Pai), we are dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of all martial arts, while fostering a global community of martial artists who strive for excellence in both martial arts practice and personal conduct. We commit ourselves to the values of integrity, respect, honor, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and growth.

Our goal is to provide resources, opportunities and guidance for all Chinese martial artists and martial arts schools. This is accomplished through the numerous programs we offer all of our members. Additionally, it is the Wing Pai’s vision to be a leader in Martial Artist Recognition through our Wing Pai Hall of Honors and the coveted Iron Tiger Warrior Society Induction.

Our Member Programs

Rank Recognition: Elevate your credentials with Wing Pai Rank Recognition. Beyond a simple sesh, this program provides our members with an elite tier of verification, ensuring your hard-earned rank is respected and recognized by martial arts authorities worldwide. Align your achievements with a legacy of excellence and secure the global prestige your dedication deserves.

All Members who request International Rank Recognition will receive an Official Wing Pai Certificate, officially stamped & signed by the Wing Pai Board. A review of credentials and supporting documentation must also accompany this request. It is subject to Board Review and may take up to 30 days before a decision is made.

School Accreditation

The Wing Pai School Accreditation is the ultimate mark of distinction for martial arts institutions, signaling to students and parents that your school operates at the pinnacle of professional standards. This accreditation validates every facet of your organization—from safety protocols and verified instructor credentials to a world-class curriculum and ethical business practices. By earning this elite status, your school is recognized as a premier center of excellence, gaining a significant competitive advantage and the unshakeable trust of your community under the globally respected Wing Pai banner.

Each successful School will receive a School Accreditation Kit to adorn their school, signifying their excellence in the industry.

International Lineage Recognition

Your Lineage. Our Seal. Global Recognition.

The Wing Pai honors the masters of the craft. Our Lineage Recognition Program validates the titles and traditions of system founders and Inheritors (Soke, Sijo, Grandmaster) through a prestigious board-review process. Transform your years of dedication into a globally recognized standard of excellence and ensure your martial arts legacy is acknowledged across the world. Secure the international legitimacy your history deserves and ensure your system’s status is officially documented for future generations.

Lineage Recognition Members will receive a Beautiful Wall Certificate, officially stamped & signed, an Official Wing Pai Patch, and a Custom Wing Pai Sash or Belt in recognition for their Achievement. . A review of credentials and supporting documentation must also accompany this request. It is subject to Board Review and may take up to 30 days before a decision is made.

Legacy & Leadership

The Iron Tiger Legacy: Over A Half-Century of the (Wing Pai)

The history of the Wing Pai Worldwide is a profound narrative of tradition meeting transition. It is a story inextricably linked to the journey of its founder, Great Grandmaster David Grago Sr. , known throughout the martial arts world as the “Iron Tiger.” His influence began long before the Wing Pai’s official inception, rooted in a rare, traditional apprenticeship that preserved the ancient secrets of the Wing Pai lineage.

The Formative Years: A “Closed-Door” Foundation

The seeds of the Wing Pai were sown in 1964 . At just 13 years old, David Grago Sr. was accepted as a “closed-door” student of the legendary GGM Sam Wing in Central New York. In the world of traditional Kung Fu, “closed-door” status is a rare honor reserved for the most dedicated disciples, granting them access to the deep complexities and internal mechanics of the system that are often withheld from the general public.

Under the strict tutelage of Sam Wing, Grago became a primary heir to the Wing Pai lineage , a system deeply rooted in the sophisticated combat arts of the Southern Shaolin tradition . This intensive training allowed him to absorb the refined internal power and physical ferocity that would later become the hallmark of his teaching.

Pioneering the Iron Tiger Kwoon

By 1968 , at the age of 17, Grago’s mastery and entrepreneurial spirit led him to a landmark achievement in East Coast martial arts history. He established the Iron Tiger Kwoon , recognized as the first commercial Chinese martial arts school in Central New York .

During these early years, Grago focused on bridging the gap between the secretive, ancient traditions of the East and a new generation of American practitioners. His reputation as a formidable martial artist and a meticulous teacher grew rapidly. This excellence eventually led to his appointment as a coach for the United States National Martial Arts Team , where he helped elevate American Chinese Boxing on the world stage and cemented the reputation of his system for technical precision.

1975: The Birth of a Global Mission

The formal chartering of Wing Pai in 1975 transformed Grago’s localized excellence into a global mission. Grago envisioned an organization that would do more than teach physical techniques; he sought to create a global fraternity dedicated to preserving the cultural, philosophical, and historical roots of the art.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Wing Pai served as a vital conduit for this fraternity. The association expanded its influence through international competitions—including historic participation in events in Jamaica —and high-level seminars that brought the Wing Pai system to practitioners across the globe. This era was defined by the “Iron Tiger” spirit: a commitment to martial virtue, structural integrity, and the explosive application of Southern Shaolin techniques.

Over 50 Years of Excellence (1967–2026)

In April 2026 , the Wing Pai reached a monumental milestone, celebrating its 59th Anniversary . From its humble origins as a single school in New York, the organization had evolved into an international authority overseeing schools and practitioners worldwide.

The golden anniversary served as a confirmation of five decades of unbroken lineage. Under Grago’s continuous leadership, the Wing Pai has successfully balanced ancient pedagogy with modern accessibility , ensuring that the “Wing Pai” heritage remained vibrant and relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Modern Transition and the Digital Future

As the Wing Pai moves toward the future, it faces its most significant transition to date. To ensure the “closed-door” secrets he learned in 1964 are preserved for future generations, the Wing Pai is implementing:

Grandmaster David Grago Sr. will remain as the Founding Chairman and advisor; his legacy is firmly secured. The Wing Pai stands today as a monumental achievement—a 50 + year testament to the “Iron Tiger” spirit, ensuring that the wisdom of Sam Wing and the dedication of David Grago Sr. will continue to inspire martial artists for the next half-century and beyond.

Joining the Wing Pai Federation opened doors to a supportive community and shared resources that truly make a difference.

Li

★★★★★