WING CHUN
Do you have a grading syllabus for Wing Chun?
Yes. Up until the end of the Yip Man era (1970s), Wing Chun did not have a grading system. The teaching was very intimate to a select few. Since this time Wing Chun has spread throughout the world and different lineages have developed their own syllabus. The need to develop a grading system has come about for two main reasons.
First, western students have shown a preference for this method of training as it is a form of goal setting and makes it easier to mark progress in a similar way to our schooling systems.
Second, schools were traditionally small with the Sifu always in attendance teaching. The students attended class every day for many hours. This meant that the Sifu knew exactly what stage each student was at and taught them accordingly. In the modern era however, few students are able to commit so many hours to training. Teachers have day jobs and classes are larger. This means that using a syllabus makes it easier for the teacher to monitor a student's progress.
We have developed our syllabus (sash colours) to commence with external (physical) practice so you learn basic Wing Chun and self defence skills quickly and efficiently. Then, after a period of time, the internal (relaxed body using mind/chi power) power is developed as you continue your study of the art.
There are eight grades, with new students progressing from white sash through to black sash over a minimum training period of five years. Each sash colour has a specific key concept which the student is to focus on throughout all of the drills specified.
Do I need to be fit to train Wing Chun?
Wing Chun develops and produces power from the mind. This force flows through the body to produce enormous power. As such, no strength or fitness development is required; you already have all you need.
Wing Chun focuses on the learning of skills that you can use for and will stay with you for the remainder of your life. This ensures you get the most out your valuable training time as oppose to developing brute strength or flexibility that will decline as you age.
Wing Chun is therefore suitable for all genders no matter your fitness level or muscular strength, for those unable to practice other martial arts due to an existing or new injury, and no matter your age you can practice Wing Chun into your senior years.
Am I likely to get injured? What is the training environment like?
We pride our school on its fun, relaxed and respectful training environment. For this reason it is not an automatic right to become a student of our school. All potential students must show a willingness to learn and a positive attitude before they are accepted as a member of the school.
Without compromise we wish to foster training partners and not injure them. Modern life is not forgiving of injury. Few can afford time off work or daily duties when injury is sustained. It is also not practical to arrive at work with a black eye or an arm in a sling. It is important however to face the fact that the practice of any martial art is potentially dangerous.
In our school we have minimised the risk by:
- Accepting only responsible students
- Our safe attitude towards training
- Club code of conduct and rules in training
- Structuring the syllabus so that student’s work within their current skill level
The nature of Wing Chun training is such that the risk of injury is very low. Sifu Leigh is also qualified in first aid.
DOCE PARES ESKRIMA
Do you have a grading syllabus for Doce Pares?
Doce Pares has a grading syllabus that is followed world wide. This ensures that the integrity of the lineage is maintained. All gradings for this system are therefore conducted by a senior practitioner from overseas.
All students commence training as white belts and progress from the first grade of third class brown belt through to 10th Darn Black Belt.
Gradings are conducted every 12 months.
Do I need to be fit to train Doce Pares?
Doce Pares skills range from learning basic skills which require low energy expenditure to full combat in armour including take downs and grappling. The later is a very intense activity.
The syllabus is geared to develop fitness to the required level. Individual student's fitness levels, ability and injuries are taken into account.
Am I likely to get injured training Doce Pares?
Doce Pares practice presents a higher risk than Wing Chun due to the fact that you are training with weapons.
EQUIPMENT
What equipment do I need to train Wing Chun & Doce Pares Eskrima?
Upon joining NZ Wing Chun you will receive your white sash and membership to the school. There will be school equipment available for your use during training, otherwise there are no essential equipment requirements for beginner students. You are also not required to purchase a uniform until you are eligible for your first grading. As a beginner student tidy, comfortable, casual clothing and clean footwear is to be worn - no jeans.
After your first grading if you wish to continue with Doce Pares Eskrima training then you will be required to purchase your own pair of rattan training sticks and you may wish to purchase your own wooden or metal dagger. To continue training in Wing Chun beyond Beginner level there are no essential equipment requirements. There is specific Wing Chun equipment available for purchase direct from the school if you wish to do so.
What equipment do I need for Sport Stickfighting?
If you wish to participate in the Sport Stickfighting classes and events then we advise that you purchase your own set of protective armour mainly due to hygiene reasons. You can purchase this directly from the school.
We have school armour available for casual students or members who wish to participate and give it a go first before deciding to invest in their own set.
GENERAL
What are your fees?
Upon joining the school you will be required to pay a joining fee which confirms your membership at our school and you will be given your beginners' white sash.
You will also need to pay a monthly training fee that entitles you to train in any of the classes you are eligible to attend based on your rank (see Timetable). You are also welcome to come into the school at anytime it is open to practice in your own time.
Monthly Fees are payable in advance and due on the 20th of every month. We have a fee for adults and a reduced fee for university and school students. Identification will need to be shown to qualify for the discounted rate.
We do have a casual fee for non-members who wish to participate in Sport Stickfighting. Otherwise, we have a strict NO CASUAL training rule.
Grading Fees are payable upon become eligible and being invited by Sifu Jenkins to grade.
You are able to set up an automatic payment or pay your fees via a direct debit online.
Do you offer kids classes?
Unfortunately not at this stage but this is likely in the future. Generally, we do not offer membership to children under 15 years of age. Although we will make exceptions to this depending on each individual child, but definitely no-one under 12 years of age.
Do you offer FREE LESSONS?
Anyone is welcome to visit the school and observe the classes during our opening hours.
We offer 2 FREE lessons that you can attend on either Tuesday or Thursday evenings commencing at 6.00pm. The lessons run for 1 hour each night and are a Beginners specific class based on an introduction to both Wing Chun and Doce Pares.
Please wear casual, comfortable clothing and sports shoes if you wish to participate in the lessons.
