
Vince Black began his journey in the martial arts in the early 60's with Kajukenbo instructor Jay LaBistre in Yuma, AZ.
During a visit to the Los Angeles area in 1973, he met his first Hsing-I instructor, Master Hsu Hong Chi.
This first introduction would lead to a ten-year relationship with Master Hsu. Dr. Black studied with Master Hsu when he came to California, hosted Master Hsu at his school in Yuma, and went to Taiwan on numerous occasions, including a trip in 1980 when he won the super heavyweight division of the Cheng Chung Cup invitational tournament.
In addition to teaching Hsing-I, Master Hsu also taught Dr. Black Chinese medical theory according to the classics, tuina, bone-setting, and herbal applications for acute injuries.
In 1985 Dr. Black received his Diplomat in Acupuncture with the National Certification of Acupuncturists. And in 1986, received his Doctor of Oriental Medicine degree from California Acupuncture College in San Diego.
After Master Hsu's death in 1984, and following his advice, Vince Black continued to seek out other instructors in the Chinese Internal Arts, traveling throughout mainland China.
The details of each relationship Dr. Black has had with medical and martial practitioners are too extensive to be examined in detail here.
Some notable instructors with whom he has worked extensively, however, include Sijo Adriano Emperado (who lived with Dr. Black during much of the 1980's), Grandmaster Li Ziming, founder and president of the Bagua Zhang research association for 20 years (Liang Zhenpu Orthodox Bagua), Li Guichang (Shanxi Hsing-I), Liao Wuchang (monkey boxing and traditional Chinese medicine), York Y. Lu (acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Liuhebafa), Fu Shu Yun (Bagua and Hsing-I), Liu Wanfu (Bagua and Hsing-I), Zhang Huasen (Orthodox Bagua), Wang Shu Sheng, Liu Shuhang, Li Xueyi, and Ge Guoliang (Gao Bagua), "Brother" Abe Kamehoahoa (Kajukenbo), Felimon "Momoy" Canete (Doces Pares Escrima), Liang Kequan (Hsing-I and Bagua), Ma Gong Wong (traditional Chinese medicine), and John Upledger (craniosacral therapy).
Dr. Black also studied at the China Shanghai International Training Centre, and interned at various hospitals in Shanghai.
Dr. Black continues to seek out true masters in the traditional healing and martial arts who can contribute to his wealth of knowledge.