Why is there an age limit before starting Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is very much a practically based hands on martial art. This means that in a typical class a certain element of realism is called for in order for the techniques to be effectively trained. For example, when defending a punch to the head, the attacker must deliver the blow on target and at speed in order for the counter to be real, effective and technically correct. I for one feel a bit uncomfortable at the thought of punching or kicking someones kids. This means that Wing Chun training is only suitable for those who have done most of their growing up!
Can ladies do Wing Chun?
Of course! Legend has it that Wing Chun was conceived and developed by two ladies: Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun, after whom the system is named. Because the essence of Wing Chun is technique and relies on the bodys natural structure, greater size and physical strength are often a handicap at first.
Im too old / too fat / too unfit, and Im scared that people will laugh at me!
Wing Chun strengthens the physique slowly and gently. Wing Chun practice develops what the Chinese call internal strength and energy. In this way, Wing Chun practice, although physically demanding, isnt just for those who are young and sporty. Far from it, in fact. Take another martial art, such as Boxing. How many world champions have there been over the age of 40? Not many. The reason why is that boxing is a physical skill, with little emphasis on internal development. However, Wing Chun has been compared to an excellent wine: the ingredients remain the same, but it just gets better with age! The physical body may start to decline, but Wing Chun continues to develop the internal energies no matter what age you are! There are many people who enjoy Wing Chun into old age. As for being unfit or too fat, just remember that everyone has to begin somewhere. Nobody will mock you for getting things wrong; they will congratulate you for being willing to try! Although Wing Chun doesnt produce sculptured, beautiful bodies, it produces an excellent armoury of fighting skills, and does tone you up. As you practice, you will become fitter, faster, stronger and more energised.
How long will it take to become proficient?
Kung Fu translates as skill over time. Wing Chun is a simple and uncomplicated martial art on the surface. Essentially it is a system of ideas and way of thinking which manifests itself through physical training. Like any such exercise, for example driving a car, proficiency comes through practice over time. Essentially its up to you. Put the effort in, and you will get to know everything I know. My goal as a teacher is your development of the skills I enjoy. Given consistent (thats the key word) practice and training, you will reach a level of confidence with your new skills in around a year. What else is there? Refinement, polish and investigation makes learning Wing Chun a personal journey which has no end. Just as I teach Wing Chun, I am also still a student. Therefore, I am a committed lifelong learner of the system.
Wing Chun is very much a practically based hands on martial art. This means that in a typical class a certain element of realism is called for in order for the techniques to be effectively trained. For example, when defending a punch to the head, the attacker must deliver the blow on target and at speed in order for the counter to be real, effective and technically correct. I for one feel a bit uncomfortable at the thought of punching or kicking someones kids. This means that Wing Chun training is only suitable for those who have done most of their growing up!
Can ladies do Wing Chun?
Of course! Legend has it that Wing Chun was conceived and developed by two ladies: Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun, after whom the system is named. Because the essence of Wing Chun is technique and relies on the bodys natural structure, greater size and physical strength are often a handicap at first.
Im too old / too fat / too unfit, and Im scared that people will laugh at me!
Wing Chun strengthens the physique slowly and gently. Wing Chun practice develops what the Chinese call internal strength and energy. In this way, Wing Chun practice, although physically demanding, isnt just for those who are young and sporty. Far from it, in fact. Take another martial art, such as Boxing. How many world champions have there been over the age of 40? Not many. The reason why is that boxing is a physical skill, with little emphasis on internal development. However, Wing Chun has been compared to an excellent wine: the ingredients remain the same, but it just gets better with age! The physical body may start to decline, but Wing Chun continues to develop the internal energies no matter what age you are! There are many people who enjoy Wing Chun into old age. As for being unfit or too fat, just remember that everyone has to begin somewhere. Nobody will mock you for getting things wrong; they will congratulate you for being willing to try! Although Wing Chun doesnt produce sculptured, beautiful bodies, it produces an excellent armoury of fighting skills, and does tone you up. As you practice, you will become fitter, faster, stronger and more energised.
How long will it take to become proficient?
Kung Fu translates as skill over time. Wing Chun is a simple and uncomplicated martial art on the surface. Essentially it is a system of ideas and way of thinking which manifests itself through physical training. Like any such exercise, for example driving a car, proficiency comes through practice over time. Essentially its up to you. Put the effort in, and you will get to know everything I know. My goal as a teacher is your development of the skills I enjoy. Given consistent (thats the key word) practice and training, you will reach a level of confidence with your new skills in around a year. What else is there? Refinement, polish and investigation makes learning Wing Chun a personal journey which has no end. Just as I teach Wing Chun, I am also still a student. Therefore, I am a committed lifelong learner of the system.
