Sifu Vik Hothi 
Founder & Head Instructor – Shaolin Martial Arts Academy
Sifu Vik Hothi is the founder and head instructor of the Shaolin Martial Arts Academy, with over three decades of experience in traditional martial arts, grappling, weapons systems, and internal training disciplines. His role encompasses curriculum design, instructor development, and the technical direction of the academy as a whole.
Beginning his martial journey in childhood, Sifu Vik has trained extensively across striking, wrestling, grappling, and weapons-based systems. His background bridges traditional Chinese martial arts with modern combat sports, giving him a rare perspective on both classical method and pressure-tested application. Alongside competitive success and decades of coaching experience, his work has focused on refining how martial arts are taught, trained, and embodied over the long term.
His teaching is underpinned by formal education in Sports & Exercise Science, professional experience in strength and conditioning, and training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and therapeutic bodywork. This allows him to integrate biomechanics, recovery, structural health, and nervous system regulation into martial arts training, supporting performance, resilience, and longevity rather than short-term results.
Sifu Vik has served as a national coach, international seminar instructor, and contributor to martial arts publications. His contribution to the martial arts community has been recognised internationally, including induction into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
At the core of his approach is the development of the Kung Fu Body — prioritising structure, balance, intent, efficiency, and adaptability over brute force or choreography. Training at the Shaolin Martial Arts Academy is progressive, honest, and pressure-aware, producing students who are capable, grounded, and physically robust both on and off the training floor.
Credentials
- International Martial Arts Hall of Fame Inductee
- BSc (Hons) Sports & Exercise Science
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
- Shuai Jiao Coach
- Escrima Coach
- Black Belt – Karate
- Black Belt – Tae Kwon Do
- Professional Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Sifu Sunny Riyat
Co-Founder & Head Instructor – Shaolin Martial Arts Academy
Sifu Sunny Riyat is a lifelong martial artist, senior instructor, and co-founder of the Shaolin Martial Arts Academy. A long-standing disciple of Sifu Vik Hothi, he has trained in martial arts for over 25 years, with more than 20 of those years dedicated to the study and development of Wing Chun under Sifu Vik’s direct guidance.
Sunny began his martial journey in Karate before specialising in Wing Chun, where he has developed a deep technical understanding of structure, timing, and applied training. He holds the 4th Technician Grade (4th TG) in Wing Chun, reflecting his senior technical level and long-term contribution to the system, and was formally awarded the title of Sifu in 2023.
In addition to his Wing Chun expertise, Sifu Sunny is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt, bringing practical grappling experience and cross-disciplinary insight into clinch, control, and ground-based situations. This broader training supports a well-rounded, realistic approach to martial arts education within the academy.
As Co-Founder and Head Instructor, Sifu Sunny is primarily responsible for the development and delivery of the children’s and juniors programmes. He is known for his structured, disciplined, and supportive teaching style, helping young students develop confidence, coordination, respect, and emotional resilience through consistent training.
Sifu Sunny holds a degree in Criminology, which informs his understanding of behaviour, boundaries, accountability, and decision-making under pressure. This academic background enhances his work with young people, supporting safe instruction, clear communication, and positive role modelling.
Beyond the academy, Sifu Sunny is a well-established figure within the local community, regularly delivering workshops, demonstrations, and community events. His commitment to outreach and education reflects the academy’s wider mission of developing capable, grounded individuals both on and off the training floor.
Credentials
- Wing Chun 4th Technician Grade (4th TG)
- Sifu (awarded 2023)
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
- BSc Criminology
- Co-Founder – Shaolin Martial Arts Academy