Lou Fu Institute
Sifu Giovanni Antonietta
Sifu Gio: Our Sibak
Sifu Giovanni Antonietta – known with deep respect as "Sifu Gio" – is a 6th generation master of the Choy Lee Fat lineage, a direct disciple of Grand Master Poon Wai Sanchez, and a student of the late Grand Master Poon Shing in Hong Kong.
For Sifu Claudio and the Lou Fu Institute, he is our Sibak – a term of honor meaning "senior uncle" or "elder training brother."
A Bond of Constant Training
Sifu Claudio does not exaggerate when he calls Sifu Gio his second master. Every week, they connect via Zoom to train, discuss the art, and ensure the Poon Shing teachings are transmitted with precision and care.
Master and student, training brothers, friends and family. Their relationship is one of constant communication, deep mutual respect, and shared responsibility for the lineage.
A Life Across Continents
Sifu Giovanni began his training in Bolivia (1983), taught in Rio de Janeiro (1991-1996), and later moved to the United States. The highest honor of his journey came in 2007, when he was accepted to train in Hong Kong under the direct supervision of Grand Master Poon Shing himself.
An Engineer's Mind, A Martial Artist's Heart
Kung Fu, Sanda, Lion Dance and Tai Chi instructor, he holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and speaks English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
His analytical skills allow him to deconstruct complex routines, determine optimal repetition counts, and adjust movements with surgical precision. A fusion of engineering logic and martial arts tradition that produces a teaching method that is systematic, measurable, and highly effective, while remaining completely faithful to the Poon Shing family's principles.
Our Family's Respect
Sifu Gio represents the living bridge between the older generation (Grand Master Poon Shing, Grand Master Poon Wai) and the newer generation (Sifu Claudio and our students).
He holds the memory of training in Hong Kong under the Grand Master Poon Shing himself. He holds the scientific method developed under Grand Master Poon Wai. And he generously shares all of it with us.
When Grand Master Poon Wai is not available, Sifu Gio is the next voice: when Sifu Claudio has a question about technique, history, or application, Sifu Gio is the first call. This relationship is not ceremonial: it's active, live, and ongoing! It means that the Lou Fu Institute is connected to a global network of masters who train together, respect each other, and uphold a shared standard.
For our school, he is not a distant figure. Sifo Gio is our Sibak and an integral part of our family.
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Instituto Lou Fu
Avenida Gomes Freire, 753
Lapa, Rio de Janeiro RJ - BRAZIL
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