Unified Body Concepts Wing Chun

I had the pleasure of taking Darren’s yoga class at xplicit fitness and I have to say his yoga class is exactly what I needed… It was fun, energizing, challenging, and gave me the deep stretch that I needed for my body… What really sets his yoga class apart from other yoga classes is that he brings in live music and it really makes the experience amazing… Go check out Darren’s yoga class!.. You won’t be disappointed!!!

I’ve been going to Darren’s yoga class for the last few months and I couldn’t be happier. His expertise, enthusiasm, and attention to detail make for enjoyable and constructive classes. I’ve done a fair amount of other types of yoga and had varying instructors but the reinforcement and positivity from Darren makes for a safe and inviting environment I haven’t quite had before. Now if we could just do something about that British accent.

I may be a lot of things, but a yogi is not one of them. In other yoga classes, I had always felt out of place and lost. Darren makes everyone feel comfortable and completely at ease. The classes are challenging enough so I feel like I got a good work out in, but they always close with a peaceful relaxation period, which I love. Darren is extremely attentive and helpful, not to mention funny. Any yoga instructor that says «bloody bullocks» is OK in my book :)

If you’re interested in Wing Chun and a complete approach toward this fighting style than this is the best in SD. I’m so glad Darren has opened up his teaching to the public, was just private lessons before. The group classes are small so everyone gets personal attention. Darren’s teaching style is straightforward/​meticulous and is all about the students growth.
Dogmatic systems have always seemed stale to me and this one isn’t. Darren’s an open minded martial artist which is huge. He even brings in other instructors from out of town occasionally to expose his students to different schools of thought. But as far as Wing Chun is concerned he is a great student of the Wong Shun Leung lineage and you will learn all the legacy systems here.

Darren’s class is my first real yoga experience and I could not ask for a better instructor. Darren makes everyone, new or experienced, feel welcome and comfortable while also pushing each student to do their best. I leave each class both dripping in sweat but also feeling renewed and ready to face the next day. This has become my place to unwind after a long work day, get a good workout in, and laugh a time or ten. I highly recommend Darren’s classes! Namas’cray!

This is an unsolicited review for Darren at UBC. Darren is not only a great, respectful human being who can relate to anybody but, he is also a very gifted teacher in a martial art called Wing Chun and yoga. He is very patient with his students, gives clear directions and cues (both verbal and visual). I have trained in martial arts for 30 years and, as a teacher myself in numerous styles including JKD, I always, I repeat always look forward to attend Darren’s seminars /​classes. He created a fun, safe, dynamic environment, with no ego and BS (and a great group of students). Without hesitation, go take a class in Wing Chun and you will not regret it.
Last but not least do not miss to take a yoga class and a women self defense class. In the crazy world we live in, odds will always favor a prepared person. This guy walk the talk period!!!

First let me begin saying that I have only done yoga once or twice in my life. I have always found it too boring or not enough of a workout as I typically enjoy high intensity workouts of cardio and strength. When Darren came to Xplicit Fitness to teach yoga, I’d thought I’d give it a try, «cause why not?». Darren’s class made me forever change my mind about yoga. Gone was my perception of yoga being easy or similar to an hour of nap time; this class made me work on a different level and I have never felt so at ease and relaxed at the end of a workout (or even a nap) than I have with Darren.
Darren has perfected the art of teaching yoga. His classes, small but powerful, allow him to spend more time assisting students to perfect their form and go deeper into the positions. He takes the time to listen to the class and their energy and model the hour to address any wants or wishes that have been brought up. Want help with inversions? Done. Hips feeling tight? Darren has something for that too. Feel like hovering 2 inches away from the ground by supporting your body on your triceps? I may need some (a lot) of help, but let’s do it.
While I will always love higher intensity workouts, Darren has made a place in my heart for yoga and I always look forward to another class with him.

I attended a women’s self defense clinic that Darren facilitated. He incorporated cardio workouts, practical techniques for fending off aggressors, and yoga poses to wind down after a truly tough session. He worked us out! While I truly hope I never have to put these to use, I picked up good tips on protecting myself and counterattacks should they ever become necessary. Darren makes you feel empowered and tosses the concept of the damsel in distress right out the window.

I used to think yoga was just relaxation and stretching. Then I saw a couple of Darren’s classes and was intrigued to see everybody working incredibly hard, maintaining difficult poses, dripping sweat, and being pushed to the edge of their abilities. Not for the faint of heart, it’s no-​nonsense strength training that also improves balance, posture, and flexibility. Darren gives individual attention to each student, has a great sense of humor, and never lets anyone coast through class. Highly recommended.