For more than forty years, Mark Stas, founder of the Wing Flow System, has walked a path defined by discipline, passion, and continuous evolution. From a restless child inspired by television and library books to an internationally respected martial artist, teacher, and action-film performer, his journey is a testament to what happens when dedication meets authenticity.
“When you truly love your practice, there’s no pressure of ‘I have to do this.’ Training becomes sheer pleasure.”
A Childhood Passion That Became a Lifelong Path
Mark Stas’ love for martial arts began long before formal training halls and organizations entered his life. It wasn’t inherited or imposed — it was instinctive.
As a young boy, he could barely sit still. His first “training space” was his own room, guided only by what he saw on television and what he read in books borrowed from the local library. Those early moments sparked a passion that would shape every major decision he made.
“From a young boy, I fell in love with training — it became a part of me.”
More than four and a half decades later, that same love continues to guide him, both as a martial artist and as a person.
Walking Away to Walk His Own Path
After more than thirty years within organizations and federations, Mark made one of the most defining decisions of his life: to step away and create something entirely his own.
This moment led to the birth of the Wing Flow System (WFS) — a martial art forged through discipline, sacrifice, and deep personal exploration.
Rooted in Wing Chun and enriched by earlier martial arts experiences, Wing Flow System was not created overnight. Mark revisited years of notes, stripped away what felt unnecessary, and rebuilt techniques until they aligned perfectly with his own understanding of movement, efficiency, and flow.
“I reshaped, rebuilt, and transformed everything I knew.”
After eight years of refinement, Wing Flow System emerged as more than a method. It became a personal expression — a martial art born from the essence of his life’s path.
From Martial Arts to the Silver Screen
Another key milestone came in 2017, when Mark appeared in his first featured action movie, English Dogs in Bangkok. That experience opened the door to a new creative dimension.
Since then, he has appeared in four action films and five short films, blending the philosophy and physicality of Wing Flow System with cinematic storytelling. His work in choreography and performance has allowed him to express martial arts in a way that reaches far beyond the training hall.
The Power of Balance: Yin and Yang in Life
Among all the defining moments in his life, one stands apart for its personal depth: meeting his wife.
She brought balance, grounding, and harmony — a living embodiment of the yin and yang principles that are central not only to martial arts, but to life itself.
“She showed me how harmony is essential both in life and in martial arts.”
“The Belgian Bruce Lee” and a Global Vision
Over the years, Mark’s unique expression of martial arts earned him the nickname “the Belgian Bruce Lee” in the Belgian press, both in Flanders and Wallonia — a title first given by a Swiss TV channel in 2016.
As a lifelong admirer of Bruce Lee, the recognition holds deep meaning.
“Training and striving to become a better version of myself has become a disciplined habit.”
Teaching is now one of his greatest sources of fulfillment. Through seminars, his association, and his online platform Wing Flow Online, Mark guides a growing international community of martial artists.
“Being able to share my passion and help others grow in theirs is one of the greatest blessings in the world.”
Awards, Recognition, and Meaningful Milestones
While Mark has always trained for himself, recognition has marked important chapters along his journey.
His first award, Master of Self Defense, remains especially meaningful — the moment when years of quiet work were first acknowledged. Later, being honored as a Legend in Martial Arts at the Portuguese Hall of Fame reinforced the depth of his impact.
In February 2026, he received the Pioneer in Wing Flow System Award, symbolized by a Samurai statue — a tribute not only to his work, but to the evolution of the system itself.
“It celebrates the responsibility and privilege of creating something that inspires others.”
Additional honors include Best Choreography in New York for Borrowed Time: Falling Apart and Best Inspirational Film for his biographical short film At the Edge.
Discipline, Organization, and Staying Centered
Balancing a full-time job, Wing Flow System, online content, events, and private life is no small feat. Mark credits strict organization, a precise calendar, and — above all — genuine love for everything he does.
Each aspect of his life feeds the others, creating a sustainable rhythm built on balance rather than burnout.
A Belgian Legacy and a Different Path from Jean-Claude Van Damme
As one of Belgium’s internationally recognized martial artists, Mark often finds himself compared to Jean-Claude Van Damme — a comparison he embraces with pride and respect.
While Van Damme followed his calling into Hollywood cinema, Mark’s journey has always placed martial arts first, with film as a powerful extension rather than the core pursuit.
“For me, martial arts have always been number one. Film is a beautiful extension.”
Looking Ahead: Wing Flow Online and the Future
Looking toward the future, Mark’s primary focus is the expansion of Wing Flow Online, offering structured, in-depth training to practitioners worldwide. With members already joining from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the platform is rapidly growing.
On the film side, several projects are nearing release, making 2026 a pivotal year — intense, demanding, and full of promise.
“It’s a year that promises a lot of beautiful things.”
