Growing up on the dangerous streets of Colombia, South America, Ricardo Vargas managed to choose a path that would lead away from the drug dealing and drama that surrounded him, he found the martial arts. Ultimately choosing to follow in the footsteps of the late Bruce Lee, just as his late teachers – Sifu Jerry Poteet and Grandmaster Richard Bustillo – did before him. Sifu Vargas has combined his physical training in martial arts with his university education in Philosophy to bring a unique teaching style to students of his martial arts academy in his new adopted home of Australia.

Sifu Vargas has been awarded by Colombian organizations as ambassador of a positive image of Colombia overseas (2008) and as peace promoter (2014). As a Martial Arts Instructor, in 2013, Sifu Vargas was awarded with the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Outstanding Martial Artist of the Year, under the International Martial Arts Council of America. Sifu Vargas is a Second Generation Student of BRUCE LEE and holds the Full Instructor Rank in JEET KUNE DO. Sifu Vargas also holds a Bachelor Degree in Philosophy and a Master’s Degree in Theology and has significant experience working in tertiary education as Philosophy and Ethics lecturer and as corporate consultant in leadership and social responsibility.

With over 20 years practicing and teaching Martial Arts added to his academic and professional background, Sifu Vargas has developed KungFuSophy, his own holistic approach in seeking harmony of body, mind and spirit.

Some achievements in Australia:

Since the opening of the academy in 2011 Sifu Vargas has run more than 3 thousand JKD training sessions with about 30 thousand attendants from all ages, martial arts and fitness background in two cities Adelaide (Since May 2011) and Melbourne (Since July 2016).

Guest Instructor for Martial Arts Charities’ Festivals (Cancer Council, Beyond Blue) with the International Budo Federation / Adelaide & Melbourne and the Fight for Life.