Jon Arico (Sifu) was first introduced to Kung Fu at Phoenix Academy of Martial Arts in Mercer County, NJ  around the age of 13. He trained diligently for a year before going to High School, being introduced to the strenuous practice of holding southern Kung Fu stances. 

In high school Sifu Jon trained on the wrestling team for a couple years, developing an appreciation for grappling and hard-core conditioning. 

At the age of 20, Sifu Jon began training under the tutelage of Louis Diaz Ali El (Sifu), a true master of multiple southern, northern, and internal systems of Kung Fu. Sifu Louis Diaz is an internationally recognized world champion in the Chinese national sport of Wu Shu. 

After a couple years of dedicated practice, Sifu Jon began teaching beginner kung fu classes and became a disciple. 

Sifu Jon spent several days a week training with his Sifu and fellow kung fu students. He performed lion dancing, demonstrated at various events, and competed in multiple competitions including empty hand forms, weapon forms, two man fighting sets, continuous sparring, and full contact fighting. 

During this time Sifu Jon also trained in San Da, or full contact fighting. Under the guidance of his Si Hing, Curtis Diaz (Sifu); he attained the level of assistant instructor in full contact fighting. 

In 2019 Sifu Jon moved to Delaware County, PA where he founded Ancient Wayz LLC in 2020.