Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that specializes in aggressive close-range combat. Traditional Wing Chun is the most authentic, effective and efficient form of wing chun. Wing Chun focuses on the efficiency of your body mechanics to increase the effectiveness of your strikes, improve your self-defence skills and strengthen your mental awareness and discipline. Some of the benefits of training Wing Chun kung-fu include improving your self-awareness, self confidence, self-defence skills, focus, concentration and physical flexibility. It also aids in reducing your stress levels while conditioning you physically and mentally.
History of Wing Chun
The origin of Wing Chun Kung Fu can be found in the turbulent, repressive Ching dynasty of over 250 years ago. It was a time when 90% of the Chinese race were known as the Hons and were ruled by the minority, who were the other 10% and were known as the Manchus. The Manchus placed a great amount of unjust law on the Hons. For instance, all the female Hon infants were made to bind their feet so that when they grew up they would be dependent upon their parents or husband. The work opportunity of the Hons was also very restricted. They were unable to hold office in Government higher than a certain level. Heavy tax burdens were placed on the country so that the Manchus could have economic control of the Hons. Kung Fu training was also banned for the Hons. Nevertheless, the Manchu Government eventually began adopting the Hon culture and they respected the Shil Lim Temple as a Buddhist sanctuary.
Master Joe Sayah was born in Melbourne, Australia. He began training Wing Chun Kung Fu at age nine. When he was 17, Master Joe became a certified instructor and for the next five years he trained full time and completed the Iron Palm and Iron Shin training programs. At age 22, Master Joe began competing in competitions including K1 kickboxing and Cage-no holds barred matches. He is currently the youngest red sash Master.
The simple answer is yes. Since Wing Chun provides the practitioner with a low intensity total body workout, calories will be burnt therefore aiding in weight loss. There are also classes that provide a higher intensity workout (more effective for overall fat-loss) that are run at the school, i.e. Cardio Kung-Fu.
If I have a bad back or knee, can I learn Wing Chun?
Yes. The Wing Chun exercise regime stresses a complete balance between the strengthening and flexibility of muscle groups combined with proper posture during movement. Due to this format there have been many testimonials of back and knee improvement to concur the effectiveness of the Wing Chun methods of training.
Am I too old to practice Wing Chun?
No. Strength, speed and stamina, and the qualities of youth are not necessary to achieve skill and effectiveness in the art of Wing Chun. Therefore Wing Chun provides people of all ages and abilities an art in which they can participate fully and enjoy all the benefits from.
