David Richardson started training in the art of Sil Lum Kune Kung-fu in late 1998 at Bedworth under Sifu Paul Burkinshaw. David was initially training twice a week but after his first grade David wanted to learn at a higher rate and so upped his training to six classes a week plus private lessons. Sifu Paul Burkinshaw privately taught David Weapons, Chi-gung (breathing exercises), self defence as well as the detailed syllabus work. Si-tai gung John Holden also privately taught David some soft aspects of the art (blocks and self-defence), Chi developing exercises and high level forms.

Once David achieved his brown sash grade in October 2000 he opened clubs in Meriden and Shirley. Through the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA) David achieved level 2 Coaching, which is a requirement for all instructors within Sil Lum Kune. Also through the B.C.C.M.A David then qualified as a Qingda Sparring Judge, and has judged at many National competitions with the B.C.C.M.A.

In April 2002 David travelled to Beijing’s Capital College of Physical Education in China and trained with three coaches from the college. While in China, David visited the usual tourist attraction as well as a visit to the Shaolin Temple in the Henan province. In September 2002 due to David’s hard work and commitment to the club he was asked to take the step from student to disciple.
 
David is part of the Lion dance troop specializing in drumming and also a member of the demonstration squad.  He has also had the privilege to attend seminars in traditional weapons, taught by the Nam Yang Pugilistic Association Chief Instructor Ian Armstrong.  David has also been taught Chi-gung by Master Chen Lei.
In 2001 David also started to study Chinese Kickboxing, which was also taught by Sifu Paul Burkinshaw. Unfortunately due to Lion Dance and Demonstration commitments was forced to give up the Kickboxing in 2003.

As part of the Sil Lum Kune Kung fu syllabus David was required to gain experience in grappling for grading.  David had some knowledge of grappling from the monthly classes Sarinder Singh had been conducting for Sil Lum Kune. After enjoying and getting some experience in grappling David and many of the other students wanted to learn more so Sifu Paul Burkinshaw arranged several seminars focusing on grappling. The first seminar was during 2002 and conducted by Andy Davies focusing on groundwork and Ju Jitsu. Sarinder also conducted several seminars during this period which David also attended.

In February 2003, after a gruelling several hour grading David achieved his Black Sash in Sil Lum Kune Kung Fu.  In this year David was able to give up his previous job and teach martial arts on a full time basis.

During 2004 Sarinder Singh, Sifu Paul Burkinshaw and David spent many months testing out the practicality of a syllabus before achieving their goal of a Sil Lum Kune Chinese Wrestling syllabus and classes opening in January 2005.
In March 2005 David achieved his 1st Degree Black sash, and then in the latter half of 2005 David achieved his Level 3 Coaching Qualification through the B.C.C.M.A. Also during 2005, Sifu Paul Burkinshaw expanded the wrestling and grappling syllabus by inviting Master Robert Simpson to conduct several Shuai Chiao seminars which David attended.

In 2006 David was a referee at the Chin Woo World championships held in London.
 
In October 2007 Sifu Paul organised a weeks training in Italy at Master Jeff Sawyer’s Metta centre. David and the other students were taught several moves and applications of Jeff’s style of Ju Jitsu.
In August 2008, David achieved his 2nd Degree Black sash.