ACADEMY OF VING TSUN KUNG FU

Martial Arts Bio 

Sifu Dale Steigerwald began his study of Ving Tsun Kung Fu in 1996 under the instruction of Sifu Dino Rhelos.  While training under Sifu Dino, he served as the active di si hing (senior student) and spent many hours with Sifu Dino and his kung fu brothers, with training sessions that often lasted four or more hours.  While Dale was in college, Sifu Dino relocated to a new area.  After graduating college, Dale moved to the greater Philadelphia area to continue his study of Ving Tsun under Master Jay Hitchman, whom he would later complete the Ving Tsun system under.   In 2006 Dale began formally teaching students the Ving Tsun system at his home and in local parks, in 2007 he established the Academy of Ving Tsun Kung Fu in New Brighton, PA where he currently teaches. Dale is currently the only active public teacher of the Ving Tsun system in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Sifu Dale is thrilled to share his love and knoweldge of the martial arts and looks forward to sharing it with you! 

Personal/Professional Bio

Sifu Dale currently lives in Beaver County, PA with his wife, Melissa, and their two dogs.  He is a full time fifth and sixth grade teacher in the Ambridge Area School District, and is personally dedicated to his calling as a teacher - both in the kung fu school and in his classroom.  In his youth, he excelled in athletics and leadership abilities.  As a high school athlete he was a two-year team captian for his football team and was named to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Fabulous 22 in his senior year as well earning many other awards and recogntions.  He was also a two year team captain on his back to back WPIAL team championship track and field team.  As an individual he placed first in the WPIAL track and field men's long jump, and competed in the state competition.  Through his efforts as an athlete he earned an athletic scholarship for football and track and field to Geneva College, While at Geneva he competed nationally in track and field and served as a team captain.  During his time at Geneva College, he realized the true importance of education, and made the decision to become a teacher with the hope and desire to help others realize the value of education at an earlier time in their lives. 

After graduating college, Dale went on to teach in the Philadelphia School District, and later returned to his home area to teach at the Ambridge Area School District.  Currently, he is pursuing a masters of education degree through the University of Pittsburgh.  In addition to his credentials as an educator and martial artist, he is also a certified personal trainer through the National Endurance Sports Trainer Association (NESTA).  Through his dedication to personal excellence, he hopes to be able to positively impact others' lives through the teachings of Ving Tsun Kung Fu.