PATRICK VUONG
| noun | pa-trik v-ong |
Owner + CEO + Chief Keyboard Pounder
BIOGRAPHY
As a self-defense instructor since 1999, Patrick Vuong closes the wide gap between two traditionally separate warriors: martial artists and firearms enthusiasts.
He helps customize Tiga Tactics’ combatives programs for a wide range of students, thanks to his diverse knowledge of fighting systems and his 20-plus years of experience as a self-defense teacher. His studies range from combat sports and traditional martial arts to reality-based self-defense and tactical firearms training.
Vuong is also the former senior editor of Recoil Magazine and former head editor of Recoil Offgrid Magazine.
During his concurrent five-year tenure at both publications, he had the honor of studying under some of the most elite tactical trainers in the United States. These leaders included former and current members of the U.S. Navy SEAL’s DEVGRU, (AKA SEAL Team Six), U.S. Army CAG (AKA Delta Force), the U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon, and the U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers.
He was also the resident knife expert on staff, reviewing all manner of self-defense technology, from the latest firearms to knives and gear.
Before that, he was a newspaper reporter covering the police and fire beat and served as a columnist for the iconic Black Belt Magazine for nine years.
Vuong has also worked as a stuntman, fight choreographer, and stunt coordinator for various feature films, short movies, and web series. This is particularly important for his combatives courses — as he uses this experience to dispel many street-fighting myths perpetuated by action movies and TV shows.
TRAINING BACKGROUND
Copies of his instructor certifications and complete training resume are available upon request. His credentials include (but not limited to):
Authorized Instructor in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali
This close-quarters combat art from the Philippines specializes in both bladed and impact weapons, with applications for empty-hand striking and grappling. It’s often the first system elite military units go to when they want to learn knife techniques.
2nd Degree Black Belt in Lai Chung Chuan Fa
Founded by Master Ted Lai, one of the first Chinese instructors to teach non-Chinese in California in the early 1960s, this Southern Shaolin Kung Fu system melds traditional techniques and modern combatives with both bladed and blunt weapons.
1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate
This American form of self-defense draws its roots from Japanese Karate, fusing a wide range of kicks, empty-handed strikes, blocks, and joint locks. Patrick was a direct student under the late Master Margitte Hilbig, Canada’s first female karate black belt.
Certified Pistol Instructor
As the former senior editor of Recoil Magazine, Patrick had the honor of training under current and former police SWAT officers, U.S. Navy SEALs, and U.S. Army Special Forces in various tactical firearms and high-risk dignitary protection courses. He’s currently certified to teach handgun fundamentals.
Instructor of Women’s Self-Defense
As founder and head instructor of Fluid Fighting Systems, Patrick has been teaching and empowering women since 2008. His reality-based program focuses on lifestyle choices, situational awareness, and life-saving combatives.
Founder and Head Instructor of the CSUF Martial Arts Fitness Class
This hybrid striking class combined kung fu, karate, and kickboxing with plyometrics and calisthenics. It was held at California State University, Fullerton, from 2008 until 2017.
Current Student of Pentjak Silat Serak
Originating in Indonesia, Serak is a deadly close-quarters combat system that utilizes bladed weapons and empty-hand combatives, exploiting extreme leveraging to devastating effects.
Current Student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Originating in Japan, this Brazilian combat sport specializes in chokes, joint locks, takedowns, and ground defense. Its use by world champions has made it popular in the UFC, Mixed Martial Arts, and even in military units around the globe.
Current Student of Muay Thai
Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing) is a bicious combat sport often seen in the UFC and is based on ancient military warefare from Southeast Asia. It’s often called the Art of Eight Limbs for its deadly use of the fists, elbows, knees, and feet.
