Welcome to the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen (est. 1982)

Established by Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe in 1982, the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen teaches traditional Wing Chun as taught to Sifu Rawcliffe in Hong Kong by Wing Chun's Grandmaster Ip Chun , eldest son and senior student of the late Grandmaster Yip Man.

Following 10 years of Wing Chun study with several well known and respected Instructors in the UK, Sifu Rawcliffe travelled to Hong Kong in May 1989 to continue his training with Wing Chun's Grandmaster, Ip Chun. The training took the form of one-on-one intensive training, up to three times a day at the home of Ip Chun. Since that initial trip, Sifu Rawcliffe has returned to Hong Kong over 27 times to continue his studies and to maintain and improve his skills.

Today the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen (MWCK) is a national and international Association of small informal schools where Sifu Rawcliffe and his qualified instructors can share their wealth of knowledge and experience with their students. Sifu Rawcliffe and the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen instructors continue to teach Wing Chun in the same manner that he was taught in Hong Kong; the same methodology used by Grandmaster Ip Man to teach his students, including his own sons, traditionally and informally.

As part of his desire to share his experiences, Sifu Rawcliffe organises regular training trips to Hong Kong with his students, so that they too can enjoy the Hong Kong Wing Chun experience. Sifu Rawcliffe takes the students to train with his teacher, Ip Chun at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association, with his Kung Fu brothers at Shatin, the City University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. They also get the opportunity to meet and visit other Wing Chun Sifu's, particularly Yip Ching who always comes to visit Sifu Rawcliffe during his stay. In addition to the hectic training schedule, Sifu Rawcliffe also plays Hong Kong tour guide, shopping advisor and travel planner, so that all the students get the most out of their stay. see photo gallery

In keeping with tradition, acceptance and training within the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen is on an invitation only basis, anyone wishing to start training in Wing Chun within the Association must first attend and complete the twelve lesson introductory course to assess their suitability.

The Midlands Wing Chun Kuen teaches students how to utilise their bodies efficiently to generate more power rather than simply on hitting pads and bags or practising fancy, impractical techniques. Through the co-ordination of movements, correct use of body structure and focussed use of elbow energy, Wing Chun students can develop power equal to that of assailants twice their physical size and more. They are also taught how to redirect or neutralise powerful strikes by parrying the technique, rather than blocking the attack using strength. Students are encouraged to analyse and question the reason for each movement. Because Wing Chun is a scientific system of self-defence, a thorough understanding of the art is necessary to enable students to execute the movements effectively and remember them long-term. Our training is aimed at sharpening mental as well as physical skills - relaxation, concentration and awareness form an integral part of the system. Our training method offers the proven benefits of relaxation and stress control.

The Midlands Wing Chun Kuen offers:-

Authentic Wing Chun Kuen taught in a traditional, holistic manner offering safe enjoyable training in this martial art which successfully combines a highly practical and effective street self protection training with health and fitness to help ward off injury.

The complete, undiluted Wing Chun system taught systematically within an informal training environment allowing individuals to progress at their own pace and explore their own individuality.

Special weekend seminars covering all aspects of Wing Chun self defence, accupressure, psychology and Positive Mental Attitude methodology.

The opportunity to meet and train with other Wing Chun Sifu's at closed door seminars arranged specifically for The Midlands Wing Chun Kuen.

Group training trips to Hong Kong and Foshan, China, to train with Ip Chun Si-fu and meet many other Wing Chun and Kung Fu Sifu's.

Open courses and seminars to both Wing Chun and non Wing Chun groups abroad and in the UK.