Whats coming in 2014

Group photo following a recent seminar I held for Sifu Chris Thompson's students in Bury St Edmunds

Firstly, apologies for not updating this page on a more regular basis...these days I tend to rely on our "Next Level Wing Chun Academy" Facebook page for class and information updates although I will endeavor to rectify this in the coming months as and when I have time.

This year has been a very productive one for our club on many levels, we have built a very good consistent student base with 15-20 members (when they can all attend class on the same day) and I have seen skill progression from everyone in some way which is pleasing to see..as with anything in life, you get out what you put in..nothing more nothing less.

In the coming year of 2014 I have decided that on top of the traditional Wing Chun fundamentals of form, footwork and striking practice, Chi Sau drills and attribute training drills..that it would only be a positive step to cover some training areas that many have asked after and I have promised we would approach at some point in the near future.

* Progressive Sparring
* Dealing with Grabs and Holds
* Blade Awareness
* Completion of Chum Kiu form and application drills
* Wooden dummy workshop days
* Improving Wing Chun Fundamentals

With all the current bickering and political infighting in the world of Wing Chun over who has a better lineage, has more effective Wing Chun etc etc...it is important to distance ourselves from this mentality and focus on what essentially matters most...skill development and understanding of what we practice through training...not talking...what it boils down to for me is teaching/studying/developing a Wing Chun system/approach that fosters self confidence and is fun and enjoyable to participate in

Assisting the next generation of Wing Chun grasp the basics

The last class of this year 2013...is on Sunday 15th December 4pm - 6pm and will be focused on an introduction to the early sections, thinking and common application of the Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy) form...we will have 2 dummies to train on in class...following the Christmas break of 2-3 weeks we are due to return to training on Sunday 5th January 2014 - usual times apply.

I would like to sincerely thank all my class and private students for their attention and work ethic this last year and look forward to helping you develop your Wing Chun in the coming year.

As always Beginners are always welcome to join our classes at any time

Sifu

Visiting Shaolin!!! (well...Southend actually)

On Sunday 17th March 2013 - a group of 13 "Next Level Wing Chun Academy" students (and me) finally took up Sifu Chris Thompson's invite to visit his group and full time training school/shop "Shaolin Martial Art Supplies" in Southend.

Chris agreed to teach on this occasion and took the students through various drills off a bridge hand and working towards bypassing defensive barriers and use of structure and Wing Chun theory to counter strength and a jammed attack line. Chris has a vast amount of teaching and training experience in Wing Chun both in the UK and Hong Kong/Mainland China so its always good to hear his viewpoints and catch up with him once again

All in all we had a good day out and its always good for the students to experience and learn from various teachers and show a willingness to learn and make friends with other lineages without a big political divide.
We all look forward in welcoming Sifu Chris and his students back to our club in Bury St Edmunds later in the year for more of the same.

As far as the current training in Bury St Edmunds goes we seem to have hit a groove of late and the attendance is edging ever closer to 20 regular students (albeit not all attend on the same day...but still)...the work ethic and enthusiasm for learning is also very high as friendships are formed and skills developed and built in over time.

So far this year we have covered and broken down the Siu Nim Tau form into concept and action/application, worked partner flow drills and street self defence scenarios, pad work and push ups, introduced single sticking hands and will be soon covering basic kick defence and the use of Taan and Bong Gurk as well as beginning double sticking hands and the second form Chum Kiu (seeking the bridge) along with the constant recap of the main Wing Chun fundamentals of closing footwork, punching, evasion skills, disruption and control of the opponents centre and generating attack lines.

As always we are actively recruiting new students so if you know of anyone who may be interested in learning Wing Chun please forward them my details or drag them along and we'll make them sweat....erm...I mean welcome :)

Tuition is still £10 per 2 hour session at first or £30 per calendar month

Looking forward to what the rest of 2013 brings to the club...keep open minded and training hard and often

Sifu