Sijo Rusty Gray, also known as Sijo Tou Lung Gra or L.R. Gray, is a highly accomplished martial artist and founder of the Gray Dragon Martial Arts Society. He holds a 10th-level black sash and is recognized as a Senior Grand Master in multiple martial arts disciplines. Here are key points about his background and contributions:

•  Martial Arts Achievements:

•  1989-90 World Heavyweight Champion: Gray won the gold medal in the Kuo-Shu (Chinese Kickboxing) World Championships, becoming the second American to achieve this title.

•  Training History: He began training in 1960 with Marine Combat Judo and Boxing, followed by Kempo Karate (1962), Okinawan Karate (1969), Pai Lum Kenpo Kung Fu (1972), and Sil Lum Kung Fu Wing Chun under Dr. John W.L. NG (1978).

•  World Karate Hall of Fame: Inducted as a three-time Kung Fu Master of the Year (1992, 1996, 1997) and as a Pai Lum Tao Pioneer in 2015 alongside Grand Masters Mike Crane and Jack H. Lannom.

•  Tennessee State Sport Karate Champion (1976) and top-rated lightweight in the USKA (1978).

•  Promotions: Elevated to Sijo rank (10th-level black sash) in 2015 by notable martial arts figures including Grand Master Jim Thompson, Jack Lannom, Dr. Y.Q. Wong, and Dr. John W.L. NG. He was also titled Professor by Si Tai Gung Glen C. Wilson in 2015.

•  Contributions to Martial Arts:

•  Gray Dragon White Tiger Martial Arts: Founded by Gray, this organization teaches a modern system combining NG Wing Chun, Wa-Lu Chuan Fa, and Kali stick and knife fighting. He co-founded this system with Sijo Jack H. Lannom, integrating Wa-Lu’s energy projection techniques with Wing Chun and Southeast Asian weapons training.

•  Training Philosophy: Gray’s system, Sil Lum NG Wing Chun Kuen, emphasizes “full-cycle” techniques (attacking, blocking, stepping simultaneously) and “listening skills” through sensitivity drills like Chi Sau and Poon Sau, focusing on unity with opponents rather than overpowering them.

•  Workshops and Certifications: He has hosted seminars, including a notable certification workshop on September 10, 2016, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, focusing on Wa-Lu drills, dummy forms, and Chi-building exercises.

•  Legacy: Gray and Lannom have collectively taught over 25,000 students and promoted over 1,000 black belt students. Gray credits his 1989 world title to his training under Lannom.

•  Notable Students and Associates:

•  Gray has trained high-level martial artists, including Grand Master David Gaw (8th-level black sash, former Wing Chun wooden dummy world champion), Sigung Marcus Vickers (8th-level black sash), Sigung Nancy Compton (8th-level black sash, Tai Chi champion), Sigung Ashley King (8th-level black sash, head of Kali weapons), and Sigung Hal Cassell (9th-level black sash, three times Nashville City full Contact kickboxing, champion, and lifelong student since age 5).

•  He appointed a Sigung Board of accomplished grandmasters to support his system.

•  Published Work: Gray has written for Inside Kung Fu Magazine, contributing to martial arts literature.

Sijo Rusty Gray’s impact on martial arts is marked by his competitive success, innovative system development, and extensive teaching legacy, particularly in Wing Chun, Wa-Lu Chuan Fa, and related disciplines.