Southend on Sea Wing Chun Kung Fu

Smart Wing Chun Kung Fu
Association

Anthony Archer

My time spent as a student, five years, and my reason for taking up Wing Chun.

I have had a desire to learn a martial art for many years, they have always been an interest to me, as a means of self defence and the kind of ‘hobby’ I knew I’d enjoy. When I found out about Wing Chun I went to a lesson and was instantly captivated watching two senior students perform fighting Chi – Sao.

About My Training etc.

I’ve found that Wing Chun has become a massive part of my life, I train several times a week and enjoy it a great deal. Since taking it up, I have made a lot of really cool and like minded friends, at all levels of the club from the Master, through to the newest of students. Not only have I increased my fitness, but Wing Chun has given me a higher level of confidence, which gave me the confidence to be able to spend a year travelling around the world on my own without worrying about my safety.
I’ve found Wing Chun to be challenging and very effective as a martial art; it doesn’t rely on brute strength, but focuses instead on technique and skill, which suits my body type and outlook a great deal. I’ve learnt a huge variety of techniques for dealing with all sorts of situations, from unarmed attacks through too armed, and I am now enjoying the new challenge of learning Double Arm Chi – Sao myself.

The students are from so many different walks of life, that you can really appreciate the appeal of the system from seeing the different people you get to train with. We have members who are professionals, public servants, students and people of more alternative paths, such as musicians, all having a great time together. I find this to be a really great thing, as it means that when your there you always feel accepted for who you are, and why you want to be there.

The structure of the system is excellent because it is pre – determined but you learn at your own pace, there are a lot of different things that I have seen as my studies progressed which have been like small targets for me, from working on the wooden dummy, through to Sil Lim Tau, then the various stages of Chi – Sao.

I really can say I get a great deal of benefits from my training in Wing Chun, I enjoy learning it, practicing it and helping to teach it, and there is always something new to learn around the corner. On top of the more obvious benefits of it, my body is stronger, I’m more confident of dealing with any situation, and have gained a lot of friends since taking it up five years ago.