Michael Matsuda's training began in 1968 in Judo. Michael enrolled a Hung Gar Gung Fu school in 1974. Two years later he transferred to the main school headed by Vernon Rieta. Later Paulie Zink also joined the class and became friends with Michael.When Paulie began teaching Monkey Kung Fu, Michael became his first and best student. Michael Matsuda has been training in Tai Shing Pek War under Master Zink for over 2 decades.Master Matsuda is now a 6th Generation Monkey Master. Master Matsuda and Master Zink are two of the few non-Chinese to master all 5 Monkey forms. Master Matsuda is also a respected instructor and wrote many books on martial arts.