On April 18th, 2009 student Daniel Duran of Meng’s Martial Arts of Houston received his 1st Degree Black Belt under Sifu Brad Ryan, owner of the Katy Branch. Even though Meng’s headquarters has given out over 250 Black belts in 22 years this is the first one for the Katy Branch.
Mr. Duran began his journey in the martial arts in December 2002 when crossing paths with Sifu Ryan. At this time Mr. Duran with the opportunity to train privately with Sifu Ryan. After 5 months Mr. Duran had the very good fortune to meet and begin direct personal training under Master Benny Meng. By now Mr. Duran had begun to realize the values and wisdoms contained within the experience of martial arts training.
Two years later Mr. Duran started to compete. At the 2005 Taiji Legacy International Martial Arts Championships in his first martial arts competition and came home with 2 gold medals and 1 silver. In 2006 Mr. Duran competed again and came home with the Taiji Legacy Wing Chun Grand Championship, including a 3rd place finish in the San Shou full contact fighting event. In February 2009 Mr. Duran also competed in a Full contact Cage fight in Beaumont, TX and won in the 3rd round by a TKO. By completing his 1st degree black sash training this gives the practitioner complete awareness in all ranges of combat;( long kicking, long striking, trapping and grappling as well as traditional values and wisdoms).
Mr. Duran continues to train and prepare for competition in San Shou, NHB and cage fighting events throughout the year and strives to represent Meng’s Martial Arts in truth and with honor. “We are all very proud of Daniel of his leadership here at the school. He is a great example for other students to follow, said Sifu Ryan.”
