Kamon Wing Chun
Kamon Wing Chun
Get fit while you learn!
People often say to me ‘I’d like to learn a martial art but I want to get fit first’. I’ve never understood this. One of the great advantages of martial arts training is the ‘two in one’, get fit whilst learning effective self defence at the same time.
Which martial art for you?
If I am able to convey this to them the next thing people want to know is ‘Which art is right for me?’ This is a tricky one and obviously I am biased. The best way to answer this question is with another. What do you want from a martial art?
Something for everyone.
If you want to compete then a grappling art like Judo or Ju Jitsu or a sports striking art like Boxing, Kick Boxing or Tai Boxing may be right for you. If you are after tradition and discipline then perhaps Karate. If mastery of acrobatic manoeuvres inspires you then, perhaps, Capoeira or performance Wushu may be right for you. Perhaps you prefer the gentle holistic approach of Tai Chi practice.
Fighting skills.
In what seems to be an increasingly violent society your primary motivation may be simply to learn to defend yourself, as quickly and effectively as possible. If this is the case then Wing Chun is probably the one for you.
History
There are many conflicting stories about the origin of Wing Chun, but all seem to agree on one thing. When the survival of the Shaolin temple was threatened, an attempt was made to amalgamate and strip down the traditional styles into one with a focus purely on combat efficiency that could be learned by the laity in months or years rather than a lifetime. The result was Wing Chun. Most sources agree that the main originator of Wing Chun was a Buddhist nun. This seems likely as there is an emphasis on body mechanics that enable a smaller or weaker person to deal with a more powerful adversary and has often been the martial art of choice for both women and scholars.
Bruce Lee
The more recent development of Wing Chun took place in no rules fights between Kung Fu schools on the roof tops of Hong Kong. One, more notable, combatant in these was the young Bruce Lee.
Bruce Lee’s first and primary art was Wing Chun. Although he deployed more elaborate moves from other styles in his movies, Wing Chun was the system Bruce Lee used when fighting.
What’s the attraction?
The attraction of Wing Chun, for me and many others, is the non formulaic way in which it is taught. Less of the, ‘if he does this you do that’ and more concentration on reaction drills based around instinctive responses.
The right mix
In martial arts today, there seems to be a general move away from the traditional. Modern combat systems must be careful not to ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’ in neglecting some traditional aspects especially in flow and reaction drills that are often the product of centuries of evolution. In Wing Chun you find the best of both worlds a hybrid of ancient and modern.
Kamon Wing Chun
Your Local Class:
When: Friday 7.30pm
Where: Woosehill, Wokingham
Who: Suitable for 16+
How: Contact Kevin on 07909 821 030
more classes and info at www.kamon.co.uk
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