Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start training at the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen ?

You can start at anytime as we run an ongoing introductory group. It is, however, best to ring first to confirm that it is convenient. The introductory period will last a minimum of 12 sessions and is designed to allow you, as a new student, to build up a bigger picture of what our classes, students and instructors are like. This helps you to decide whether you want to continue training when / if we invite you to become a full member. All newcomers are kept separate in an introductory group for 12 lessons, during which time they are taught the basics but are also encouraged to watch the main class train. Over this period you can watch 12 typical classes, ask questions about any aspect of Wing Chun Kuen, the Sifu (Instructor), the students, etc. At the same time however over the 12 lessons each newcomer is the subject of a psychological and physical assessment and analysis by the Sifu and his assistants, who listen to your questions, review your attendance and punctuality, note all beginner's respect (or lack of it) and assess each applicants suitability and attitude. Upon completion of the introductory period and if we are happy that you will fit in, we will invite you to join our organization.

Can I watch before I join in ?

You can watch as long it doesn't disturb those training, however only by joining in will you begin to understand what Wing Chun has to offer.

What do I need in order to start training ?

If you intend to train wear something appropriate, we wear club T-shirts, training trousers and training shoes and expect you to wear similar, preferably a plain white or navy t-shirt.

How much does it cost for those first 12 introductory classes and what will be covered ?

The initial lesson costs £7 to cover personal insurance. Subsequent lessons cost £6 per 2 hour session. During the 12 lessons introductory course you will learn about the background of the school, the teacher and the history of the Wing Chun system. In addition you will be taught the correct etiquette and approach the Wing Chun training. On the physical side you can expect to learn the fundamentals of Wing Chun including the stance, posture punching, stepping and turning. Alongside these the correct and efficient body mechanics and the correct musculo-skeletal structure and alignment are taught. The physical aspects of Wing Chun are also supported by the Wing Chun principals including economy of movement and energy, correct usage of energy, the centreline, simultaneous attacks and defence principals. Furthermore the physical movements are explained in terms of the natural laws of physics.

What happens at the end of the 12 lessons introductory course?

Should you be invited to join our organisation, which involves the completion of a membership form, agreement in writing to our constitution and codes of conduct and the annual membership of £38.00. This payment covers full membership and insurance for the next 12 months and includes a club T-shirt. Membership and Insurance is renewable annually and subsequent years are £28.00. Membership allows you to train at any of our schools, attend seminars by Sifu Rawcliffe, Master Ip Chun of Sifu Rawcliffe's Kung Fu brothers and even accompany Sifu Rawcliffe on his training trips to Hong Kong.

Are there any gradings in Wing Chun ?

We do not have a grading or belt system, instead we have a structured training agenda that we call assessments. An assessment is the student's opportunity to stand up and show what he/she has learnt over the previous 4 months or so. They serve to check the students progression through the Wing Chun system. There is no pass or fail, if during the weeks leading up to the assessment the student is not capable of performing the assessment techniques successfully, they will not be submitted for assessment by their instructor. In addition the assessments, which are primarily conducted personally by SIFU Rawcliffe, serve to ensure that the clubs respective instructors are teaching according to the way that they were taught and therefore retains the authenticity and traditionalism of Wing Chun through the levels. Each assessment costs the same and is NOT priced on a rising scale i.e. the higher the level the higher the cost.

Do I need to be physically fit ?

Wing Chun is suitable for everybody and can be adapted to suit all levels of fitness. Practice and training will itself develop, maintain and then increase each students fitness levels. Obvoiusly should anyone be extremely unfit, medical advice should be sought prior to any physical activity or exertion.

What other excercises can I do to enhance my Wing Chun ?

Many students ask if there are any excercises that can enhance their skill and speed up their journey along the Wing Chun path. The answer to this is Yes and No, the fitter that you are physically can only help you, however you must weigh the time spent increasing only your fitness with increasing your skill and experience of the techniques that are contained within the system. Surely if you want a fast and powerful punch the best way to achieve one is to practice that punch so that you can build and hone the muscles and tendons that you need to execute that punch ~ if you want to learn how to swim, the only way is to actually get into the water. This is true of all the Wing Chun techniques, in that the primary method to improve at any of them, is to practice them and not waste valuable time on pure muscle building excercises.

Do you enter competitions ?

No, Wing Chun is not a sport. We train only for self protection, no rules, no gloves, no point scoring , no fancy trophies and no referees.

How long will it take before I can defend myself ?

I wish there was an answer to that question. It all depends on how often and how hard you train and practice. At the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen we have simple philosophy, we teach you a movement, when you can perform it sucessfully, we will teach you the next. Until you can perform it sucessfully, we work with you on that movement. Advancement within Wing Chun therefore is based solely upon your ability.