Wing Chun Coach
Regarding Self: The whole body must remain relaxed with no tension sites and suspended on the spine which is the frame
Regarding Opponent: One must ‘feel’ for tension sites on the opponent as then one can use these sites as pivots for attack
Regarding Self: The forms should be practiced regularly so that they become subconscious reflexes requiring no active thought
Regarding Opponent: The forms are utilised without any predetermined thought against the tension sites of the opponent
Regarding Self: The reach of the forms should not be limited to the physical body but can extend to where one has conviction and belief
Regarding Opponent: The opponent is just a weak physical essence that is easily overcome by your conviction which transcends physical nature
My martial arts journey as far as I can recall began very early on in my life when I had a desire to train in some form of martial art and to get a better understanding of myself. I subsequently was further intrigued by the likes of Muhammed Ali, Bruce Lee and others so as a teenager my search became more real.
So after sampling a number of arts I settled for a Kung Fu system called Wing Chun. My first teacher was Brian Hook who I trained with in the early 80’s for several years in Leeds.
I then began training with Brian Hooks Sifu (teacher), Samuel Kwok who was based in Blackpool. Sam introduced me to Ip Chun (Son of Grandmaster Ip Man) whom I trained with for several years. I also had the honour of training with Ip Chun’s brother Ip Ching.
There is no difference in who started to study first; the one who achieves accomplishment is first
Additionally I had the opportunity to train with many of Bruce Lee’s peers including Wong Sheung Long, William Chung amongst others. I have several years’ experience in Aikido, Escrima and Brazilian Ju Jitsu which I have enjoyed thoroughly and have been able to apply the principles of Wing Chun to those arts.
I believe in the end it comes down to personal taste no single art has all the answers until they are internalised. However, during my visit to Hong Kong I met the legendary student of Grandmaster Ip Man known as Chu Shong Ting.
I had been introduced to him a decade earlier when in Chinese he said to me “you have no energy” and effortlessly pushed me away. A decade later he reminded the same issue still applied. I realised the true essence of this art lay in understanding the internal energy and its application as well as mind intent and Chi.
This was a vital turning point in my journey and I continue to learn and have a lot of respect for internal martial arts whether it’s Tai Chi, Aikido etc. I have been teaching privately and publicly for more than 25 years and I intend to continue to learn going forward.
