The Zhong Ding Association was established in 1987 by its Chief Instructor, Nigel Sutton.

Nigel lives in Malaysia, where he practices a wide range of traditional martial arts and makes a living as a writer.

He has studied Martial Arts since he was thirteen years old and is a direct student of Master Gao Zi Yin of Beijing, Master Tan Ching Ngee of Singapore and Master Tan Swoh Teng of Malaysia.

Nigel has studied, researched and taught in the United States, Europe and Malaysia.   He is the author of a number of books and has written articles for most of the major international martial arts magazines.

Nigel visits the UK regularly to train with his students,  delivering seminars and overseeing competitions.

The organisation continues to grow and now has Instructors in India, USA, Malaysia and across Europe.

The organisation recently celebrated it's 20th Anniversary with the opening of the new Zhong Ding Training Academy in Penang, Malaysia and a 10 day training camp for members of the organisation.

The late Ian Cassetari was the founder of the East Midlands region of Zhong Ding.  He worked with Darren Roberts and Steve Johnson to develop classes across the region.  Unfortunately Ian passed away 5 years ago, but Darren continues his legacy within the East Midlands region.