Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Matos

Hi Frank, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

The Genesis of Iron Garden: A Journey in Balance and Strength**

The inspiration behind Iron Garden sprouted from Sifu Frank during his early years in bodybuilding and personal training. Etching the name “Iron Garden” onto his right arm, he symbolized a harmonious existence—a fusion of unwavering willpower and inner tranquility akin to a serene garden.

From a young age, Frank was always interested in training and combat. Influenced by anime, kung fu movies, and icons like Bruce Lee, he knew what he wanted to pursue. As a kid, he even trained with his stuffed animals, embodying the passion that would shape his future.

In 1990, Sifu Frank embarked on his martial arts odyssey, starting with Seido Karate, seamlessly blending it with the fluidity of boxing—marking the inception of a lifelong pursuit.

After years of training with Sifu Grados, Frank was inspired to teach and constantly asked to be made a Sifu. Sifu Grados’ advice was simple: **”Teach and keep training.”** An opportunity then arose to train with Sifu Augustine Fong, and Frank jumped at it. It was at this meeting he realized being a Sifu was possible—he just had to listen and learn. That’s how he began his journey with Sifu Fong.

Wing Chun, Sifu Frank discovered, possesses unique versatility and inherent logic. Beyond combat prowess, it imparts life skills—how to navigate existence with serenity and enhance overall well-being. While Wing Chun is practical and straightforward to learn, mastery demands unwavering dedication.

His second Wing Chun mentor, Sifu Augustine Fong, taught him the truth of Wing Chun. He showed him how to not only perform it better but also to continue developing the system on his own. Sifu Fong revealed the beauty of the journey, how, like wine, it gets better with time, solidifying Frank’s belief that patience is a virtue. Frank often asked Sifu Fong how to get better, and with a smile and a chuckle, Sifu Fong would simply say, **”Practice.”** Now, Frank truly understands the depth of that simple advice.

After over 20 years of dedication, Frank now runs a school in Mt Vernon. Though it’s just starting out, he feels he has found his calling. Frank feels most happy when sharing the wisdom and practice of Wing Chun with others.

In the words of Aristotle, **“Excellence is not an act but a habit.”**

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No, the journey hasn’t been smooth. Anything worth having is difficult to attain, and the road has been challenging but never felt impossible. As long as you remain curious, determined, and dedicated, the road will lead to Wing Chun. But if you waver, Wing Chun will become something you used to know.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

**Career Beyond Martial Arts:** Achievements in Clinical Business Analysis

Outside of martial arts, I serve as a Clinical Business Analyst at Health and Hospitals Corp (HHC), where I’ve been dedicated since 2000—nearly 25 years. My primary role involves managing a team that supports Fetal Monitoring across 11 hospitals, providing crucial user and application support.

What I’m most proud of is my journey from a tech support technician to the technical lead for all OB-related applications, managing an 11-site enterprise. This progression stands as a testament to my dedication and the expertise I’ve developed over the years. Furthermore, I’ve been able to blend my technical knowledge and skills to enhance my kung fu practice, achieving better results through a unique combination of both worlds.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

What matters most to me is personal progress. Each day, I wake up thinking about how I can do better than yesterday, always striving for balance and harmony. I aim to be part of the solution, not the problem, and I believe there’s always room for improvement, no matter how skilled or accomplished one appears to be.

Pricing:

• Unlimited classes 200 monthly
• 10 sessions 150
• 6 sessions 125
• Class fee 35 per class each class is 2:00 hrs

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Irongardenwingchun.com
• Instagram: IronGarden
• Facebook: Irongardenwingchun

Image Credits

Roberto Murichi
Benton Greene
Young Major
Mark Hackett
Frank Trolio
Sifu Frank Matos