Ken Werner: The Pioneer of Wing Chun in Florida
You don’t build a legacy by following trends. You build it by going all-in on something real… something that works… and never backing down. That’s exactly what Ken Werner did.
Most people don’t know this, but the true roots of Leung Sheung Wing Chun in Florida can be traced back to this man. Someone who trained directly under Ben Der, who trained under Kenneth Chung, who trained under Leung Sheung, Yip Man’s senior-most student in Hong Kong.
From California to Florida
Ken Werner didn’t just dabble in Wing Chun. He was meticulously dedicated to the art. After moving to Central Florida, he started teaching in 1978 at Seminole Community College. Only one person earned the full transmission of his knowledge: Karl Godwin.
Why? Because Karl wasn’t casual. He was committed. And Werner saw that.
Precision Over Popularity
This is when Florida Wing Chun was born. Ken Werner cared about one thing: the integrity of what he taught. He didn’t water it down. He didn’t adjust it for the masses. He trained with intensity, precision, and purpose. Only Karl Godwin had what it took to give Wing Chun the attention in deserves.
His teacher, Ben Der, called him “intelligent and diligent.” That’s high praise from a man who knows the real deal when he sees it.
Wing Chun, the Right Way
When Karl Godwin opened Seminole Wing Chun in 1982, it wasn’t just another school.
It was the Wing Chun school in Florida, built on the foundation Ken Werner had given him.
From there, the fire spread. Of particular note is Karl Godwin’s student Bill Graves. He brough the art to Jacksonville and the Leung Sheung lineage was alive and thriving across Florida.
Quiet Giant, Massive Impact
Even though Ken Werner stayed behind the scenes, the martial arts world noticed. In November 2024, the Worldwide Leung Sheung Tong Wing Chun Confederation officially recognized Ken Werner’s work. Karl Godwin accepted an official certificate from Ben Der on behalf of Ken Werner during the weekend of the inauguration of Leung Sheung Wing Chun – Florida Chapter.
Legacy Sealed
Ken Werner’s contribution to Wing Chun is undeniable. The way he trained. The way he taught. The way he passed on everything—not just techniques, but wisdom, strategy, and heart.
Below are Ken Werner’s forms recorded for all to see how hard he worked and how detailed he was.
In his own words, when donating his historic form videos to the global Leung Sheung community, he wrote:
“Let Ben know that I send my heartfelt regards for his teachings, patience, and friendship. Wing Chun was a highpoint in my life—and I will always treasure it.”