What is WingTsun™?
Wing Tsun (pronounced “wing chun”) is a direct and effective martial art that was developed to enable smaller defenders to defeat larger and stronger attackers. Wing Tsun is practiced all over the world (in over 64 countries!) by civilians, members of police units, as well as military and special forces.
How does it work?
Wing Tsun students defend themselves by using simple techniques as well as leverage and angles to turn attackers’ strengths against them. Wing Tsun is effective for everyone, regardless of size, strength or gender.
Do you need to be in shape to join?
No you do not! Wing Tsun training is geared toward the individual. Everybody trains at his or her own level fitness, pushing just a little bit more every time. Most students notice an increase in fitness, joint flexibility, and general strength after just a few weeks. Wing Tsun trains one to apply targeted relaxation and tension to specific muscles groups. Not only does this reduce stress and hypertension, it allows for quicker reactions and improves overall muscle tone.
Is Wing Tsun good for self-defense?
At San Antonio WingTsun™, we specialize in self-defense. Our training program is designed to teach students what really works, while still maintaining a high level of safety. Wing Tsun places a strong emphasis on giving students solid responses to real-world attacks.
Do I need previous experience to start?
Absolutely not! In fact, students with little or no previous martial arts experience tend to have fewer bad habits to break.
Is Wing Tsun good for women?
Wing Tsun was originally developed by women, for women! Wing Tsun is geared for smaller or weaker individuals to enable themselves to defend against strong or aggressive attackers. In fact, women are often the ones who pick up Wing Tsun quicker.
Is Wing Tsun for everyone?
Alas, Wing Tsun is not for everyone! At San Antonio WingTsun™, we want to teach students who have a desire to learn and a desire to improve themselves physically and mentally. If you have these qualities, then Wing Tsun is for you. We reserve the right to refuse people with poor attitudes or ill intentions as students.
Is Wing Tsun safe?
You won’t get kicked in the head or walk home with black eyes! Our training programs are performed with controlled force. We use safety equipment when necessary, and all beginning students are taught how to train intensively and safely with a partner. For those who want more contact we offer our Dynamic WingTsun and Fighter’s Club classes.
What can I expect in the training?
The classes are fun and challenging! Instructors impart information in a friendly environment where the students engage in a wide variety of drills, exercises, and strength training routines. All aspects of training are covered in this comprehensive program.
WingTsun™ is easy to learn and works regardless of size, strength, or gender. In class, students engage in:
- Forms training – which teaches concentration, mental focus, and precision of body movement.
- Strength training – to build and improve your athletic abilities.
- Reflex training – used to improve hand-eye coordination and timing.
- Chi-Sau – a training exercise unique to Wing Tsun which uses tactile reflex development and muscle memory to “program” the limbs to react to contact with an opponent’s attack.
- Lat-Sau – free-fighting training, where the student learns to use the movements of the forms and chi-sau for actual fighting.
- Footwork and kicking drills – provide for mobility and agility in attacking and defending.
- Equipment training – San Antonio WingTsun™ has a wide variety of equipment (heavy bags, focus mitts, kick shields, wall-bags, double-end bags, etc.) to help the students develop striking force, coordination and to improve general fitness.
- WingTsun™ is passive in defense and advocates attack only in response to an opponent’s attack. The underlying principles of the martial art are the same as its underlying philosophy. Wing Tsun seeks to provide balance.
How long will it take to get good?
At San Antonio WingTsun™, we have small group classes that allow the instructor and his assistants to focus more on the individual needs of the student. With this much individual attention, most students have noticeable WT skills after 3-6 months. Of course, it is the individual’s hard work that will ultimately determine the skill and attainment.
Am I too old for WingTsun?
Never! Great Grandmaster Yip Man was able to perform Wing Tsun well into his advanced years! San Antonio WingTsun™ students range in age from 18-72.
What is the difference between Wing Tsun and Wing Chun or Ving Tsun?
The difference in spelling lies partly due to the fact that there is no standard transcription of the Cantonese dialect of Chinese. Using the Yale system of transcription, we would pronounce Wing Tsun as “wihng cheun”. Many of Great Grandmaster Yip Man’s descendants use spellings such as “wing chun” or “ving tsun”. Wing Tsun, or WT is the registered trademark of Professor Leung Ting and the International Wing Tsun Association (IWTA). Only schools that are part of the IWTA may use the Wing Tsun (WT) spelling. Don’t be fooled by imitators using alternate “WT” type spellings. Only official IWTA sanctioned schools may use the trademarked spelling of “Wing Tsun”. For a list of IWTA sanctioned schools, click here.
But the students in this Wing Chun/Ving Tsun School learn the Biu-Tze/Wooden Dummy form already in the first year! Isn’t that faster than in Wing Tsun?
How would the effort of a first grade student in elementary school turn out performing operations with geometric and Cartesian vectors or determining intersections of lines and planes in three-space? How about proving properties of plane figures by deductive, algebraic, and vector methods? This is of course material of Grades 11 and 12 in preparation for University. In any kind of education in our lives, everything has its place and time. When you learn the Biu-Tze form you should have already achieved superior striking power and true measurable skills. Going through the motions of a form does not equal real Kung Fu skill.
I am a student of another Wing Chun/Martial Art organization, can I come and just to learn some of your techniques?
At San Antonio WingTsun™, we do not discriminate base on previous martial arts background or affiliations. However, we are not in the business of selling techniques or movements to unqualified people. This would be considered cheating both the “buyer” of the techniques as well as current San Antonio WingTsun™ students. All new students start as a beginner regardless of previous experience. If our own students have to work hard to earn the right to learn certain techniques, why should we just sell them to outsiders? On the other hand, if a student is very talented or gifted, then that student will be promoted and advanced accordingly.
Will I be able to do movie or fight choreography if learn Wing Tsun?
Fight choreography is an art in itself. Fight choreography is about creating the “illusion” of violence, whereas Wing Tsun is the real deal. Most martial arts would seriously hurt other actors if they don’t learn about creating the “illusion”.
What should I wear? Do I need special clothing or equipment?
For your Introductory Program, wear clothing in which can move. Sweat pants, a white t-shirt, and comfortable sneakers are the best way to go. Dress accordingly. Leave the Prada at home. All long hair must be pulled back off the face. No bare feet. Trainers, sneakers, or martial art shoes are recommended. All jewelry that can be readily taken off will need to be removed. All permanent piercing should be covered with tape or a Band-Aid. Once you decide to join the group class, there is a required uniform that consists of the official Wing Tsun t-shirt, pants and WT shoes. Additional training equipment such as protective equipment and pads is required when after the students have reached the 4th Student Level.
