Before I start, this is is not me trying to say we are better than other clubs, because different does not mean better.  The truth is that the majority of students who start a first lesson never return, and for those that do only one in five will still be coming a month later. I have given up trying to work out what people want, I explain it to them straight and let them decide.

Over the last two weeks we have had over 20 different students come to class, each with widely different backgrounds. I know at least 5 with over a decade of wing chun experience each,  others are brand new and the rest have backgrounds in all manner of martial arts. What is amazing is that over the months they have  been introduced into an art where they are not being asked to mindlessly follow drills, they are learning how wing chun actually works, how their body works and crucially how the mind has to be involved at all times. Previous experience and lineage is put to one side at the door, all are welcome to share and experience. There is no criticism of techniques learned previously, only guidance on how they can be developed to be done with less effort and more efficiently. This is a revelation for most, instead of mindlessly competing with each other, virtual strangers are now discussing and actually marvelling at how counterintuitive wing chun can be; being truly relaxed can match the results of muscular contraction and speed. It is great to see female students starting as well, a good sign that macho posturing is at a minimum.  For us to be part of this is amazing, to create a group and work together without ego. 

I always say that this type of wing chun attracts good people, others struggle to let go of their ego and competition long enough to understand the difference. My hope is we become a home for all those interested in the essence of wing chun, regardless of previous lineage, to come and share with an open mind.