What Is Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is a highly effective close quarters fighting system designed for the purpose of complete incapacitation of an aggressor. By applying an understanding of biomechanics, angles, leverage and sensitivity to force, Wing Chun is a system that does not require a person to be bigger or stronger than the attacker in order to defeat them.
BORROW OPPONENT'S FORCE
Wing Chun does not pit strength against strength or employ mindless brute force, instead a Wing Chun practitioner aims to borrow an assailant's force and use it back against them. This fundamental principle makes Wing Chun suitable for all, regardless of age, sex or build.
ECONOMY OF MOTION
Wing Chun as a practical self-defence and street fighting method is well documented, it has been refined over the years for economy and direct application. The apparent simplicity of Wing Chun disguises its lethal power and devastating speed, the system does not easily lend itself to display or competition.
TECHNIQUES
Typical techniques include: trapping hands, swift low kicks, close body control, the inch punch and other powerful strikes using the hands, elbows, knees etc. A fundamental part of Wing Chun training is Chi Sau (Sticking Hands), a unique sensitivity training exercise to hone position, energy, reflex and technique. Chi Sau can also be practised blindfolded, which demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the touch reflex.
SKILLED PRACTITIONER
Skilled Wing Chun practitioners exhibit a high degree of coordination and balance, swift reflexes and precise control of power. The mindset is of self-discipline, self-motivation, self-control, determination and commitment.
WHAT WING CHUN IS NOT
Wing Chun does not fall into the category of competitive martial arts as Wing Chun is designed to deal with street violence where unfortunately "anything is permissible". Conversely, most competitions are rules-based and forbid the striking of the most vulnerable targets - the primary targets used when fighting for life rather than belts and trophies. Attempts to adapt Wing Chun for competition result in a debased skill set, lacking any relevance to dealing with sociopathic violence, instead a modern day fisticuffs spectacle emerges. If it's in competition, it's not Wing Chun.
HEALTH AND GENERAL FITNESS
Wing Chun can be compared to the best methods of general fitness training, it is a good form of exercise for the whole body, maintaining health, and developing the skills and intelligence of an individual. Regular practice of Wing Chun helps to maintain the required mobility and stability about the joints, activate and exercise the musculature and improve posture. By the very nature of the training exercises a relaxed and focused mind is attained. This combination allows the body's natural defence mechanisms to strengthen.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
Wing Chun is a highly skilled martial art which must be consistently and diligently trained, as such it is important to stress that strength and conditioning should be in addition to, but never in place of, regular Wing Chun skill training. Please note that our Wing Chun classes focus entirely on Wing Chun skill training, S&C does not form part of the class.
Wing Chun is renowned as a martial art that is surpisingly effective regardless of the practitioner's physical condition. That is true, it's impressive just how effective Wing Chun skills alone are at overcoming powerful attacks. However, Wing Chun is even more effective in the hands of highly skilled practitioners who have physically prepared themselves using a performance based strength and conditioning programme.
In the past many mistakenly believed that strength training made someone muscle bound, slow, inflexible and poorly coordinated. Fortunately, it is now common knowledge among respected coaches, physical educators and sports scientists that an intelligently designed S&C training program enhances physical performance and execution of technique. If we compare two Wing Chun practitioners of "equal" skill, the better physically prepared will always have an advantage. It must be remembered that our bodies are the mechanism through which the skill of Wing Chun is performed; a poorly conditioned instrument is simply not as accurate or predictable as a finely tuned one.
STARTING TRAINING WITH US
Our classes include students at all stages of development and beginners are always welcome. If you are interested in viewing a class or would like to start training with us, please take a look at training info to get involved!