FAQs
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When do you train and how often? [click here]
I am over fifty am I too old to do Wing Chun?
No. Unlike other martial arts Wing Chun teaches a high degree of relaxation, relying on conservation of energy, so does not require the same intensity of fitness as some other fighting systems.
Do I need to be strong to do Wing Chun?
No. Brute strength can be a disadvantage because it telegraphs your intentions, and at the same time makes you less responsive. Power is generated through relaxation prior to a strike, with immediate relaxation after for maximum efficiency, enabling you to carry on without dely. A punch or strike gets its power from elbow rather then the biceps, which is actually resisting the forward motion by a significant amount (large muscles are generally in opposing pairs such as biceps and triceps, etc). Strikes are not cocked or loaded, which just wastes time, is too committal and can be read more easily.
I have poor coordination can it be improved?
Yes. In Wing Chun you work towards moving your body and using your limbs simultaneously, flowing in unison. This is particularly emphasized through a type of training exercise called Chi Sau.
What sets Wing Chun apart from other martial arts?
A common problem with learning a fighting system is you need to somehow be able bridge the gap between theoretical practice such as ‘forms’ and real life applications. Unique to Wing Chun, Chi Sau or ‘Sticky Hands’ is a comprehensive training exercise or controlled sparing that does just that. It is characterized ‘rolling’ of interlocked arms and hands and teaches you about relaxation, sensitivity, energy, structure and positioning. Through it you can learn to apply your technique and as well as how to react to attacks intuitively.
How effective is Wing Chun on the street?
All fight situations are unpredictable. You never know where a strike is going to coming from. Wing Chun trains you to become instinctive, to react without thinking and move out the way at the same time, instilling in the practitioner Fan Sau or ‘Returning Hand’ where, once contact has been made either via defense or from attack, a rapid-fire action of techniques is initiated automatically.
Is there an age limit?
There is a lower age limit of 14 years, but there is no upper age limit.
What is you lineage?
We follow the lineage of Ip Man. Our Wing Chun is based on as taught to us by Grandmaster Samuel Kwok who learned from Ip Ching and Ip Chun the sons of Ip Man.
What do I wear for the training?
For the first month you should wear something loose and comfortable and trainers. After this period, should you become a member, a uniform will be provided: A club T-shirt and yellow sash, which required to be worn, every class with trainers and black tracksuit bottoms / trousers.
Will Wing Chun improve my fitness/health?
Yes. Wing Chun provides a good around level of fitness, and unlike other forms of exercise is never dull or too similar. The fitness and personal improvement in class, could intern lead to improved confidence, and achievement outside of class.
Can I start at any time?
Generally we try to get new students to all start at the same time and usually this is every month. New students come to our Tuesday class for the first month and are then welcome to the Thursday class.
How long does it take to become a black belt?
We use colored ‘sashes’ to mark certain millstones in your level of proficiency. There are five levels to advancement through in our club: Beginners (Yellow Sash), Sui Lim Tau (Red Sash), Chum Kui (Green Sash), Bui Gee (Brown Sash) and Instructor (Black). Apart from the three form levels, you have to become proficient in Wooden Dummy, Butterfly Knives and the Pole to become an Instructor
