I started WT out of curiosity. I came away from the very first lesson with a usable self defence technique and was convinced of its effectiveness. 6 years later, I am still hooked. The class provides a friendly environment in which to learn and there is no pressure to have to ‘master’ a technique in a set time. You learn at your own pace. I’d recommend it on the basis that it teaches you direct, effective self defence, not ineffective flash moves. It’s fun too!.........................................Heath McAvilley
Wing Tsun is a soft external art, which in English means that you don’t need to be a 6’ 5” powerhouse and be able to do the box splits. I don’t care how many Jet Li films you’ve seen, it may be impressive but it has no real practical use on the streets. Wing Tsun was invented (if that’s the right word) by a woman and was shown to a young girl, who the system is named after, according to legend.
The idea is that when you are confronted with a hard attack, you should not try to match it’s power, but flow over, under or around it in a soft way. Let’s get this out of the way before I forget and you get the wrong idea, SOFT DOES NOT MEAN WEAK. I have studied many martial arts for over 27 years and although some do use this principle I have not found it used in a more effective way than in Wing Tsun.
The hardest thing I found is to trust this way of fighting, but believe me, it does work. Wing Tsun can and will teach you to respond to an attack from the three distances (kicking, punching and grappling) and on the three levels (standing, sitting and floor). After practicing for about 15 minutes a day over a six month period, you should be able to to up to six punches a second.
Now, what does all this mean to you, the reader? If you wanted to try a martial art but are thinking that you are too old/weak/unfit/overweight then think again. You don’t need to be in your 20’s and super fit with a six pack to do this system. Wing Tsun teaches you correct posture and will help you breathe correctly. I started in my mid 30’s and weigh 114kg or 18 stone if you are older than MTV. You will find, like me, that your health and mobility will improve.
Hope to see you at one of our classes.Owen Culverhouse
© Chris Saunders MMVII