Tag Archives: IAW Event

My WingChun Trip Report

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Sihing Paul at IAW Event 2012.

Since 2008, I’ve travelled to Germany half a dozen times. I’m grateful for these opportunities to do so. Without my students, colleagues or teacher, this would be impossible. They support me physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, socially, financially. No one succeeds, though each one must proceed, alone.

Years ago I realized that I wanted to seek a path, to master something, to become extraordinary. None of this is a big deal. I am not the first to dream as such, even among the thousands to have come and gone in this last decade of the IAW. However, the sheer reality of necessary resources invested long-term is another matter. Continue reading →

My Headquarters Visit 2011, Part 3

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WingChun Diploma Graduates

Attaining the WingChun Diploma with Sihing Tobias, Sihing Igor, Sije Nina and Sihing Marc.

Continued from Part 2.

I can still feel it from my brain to my bones. The effect of the IAW Event weekend lingers in body and mind. It takes a while to digest everything I ingest. Especially when it’s a daily WingChun buffet and happy hour rolled altogether here.

Saturday was part one of testing for aspirants to the Pre-Primary Level, a Technician Grade or Professional Degree. This continued in part two on Sunday, which was also open to all IAW members new, old and young. But regardless of age and experience, everyone turned up the heat. Literally, the hundred of us were steaming and sweating, almost swimming! A lemonade stand would have made a lot of euros. Continue reading →

My Headquarters Visit 2011, Part 2

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Continued from Part 1.

On Friday, Sifu and I went to check out the site for the Sunday IAW Event in Bruchsal. It’s at a local school gymnasium.

I always get excited walking onto these indoor courts. Play is imminent and eminent. Brings me back to my fun pickup volleyball and junior varsity basketball days. In this case, let the WingChun games begin! Continue reading →

IAW Headquarters Trip – Day Three

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Sunday was the official annual IAW Event for all members. Despite the nationally significant World Cup game with Germany versus England playing that afternoon, it was a good showing. Although from the cacophony that ensued after victory, perhaps even WingChun couldn’t drag hardcore soccer fans away from one of the many public screens. Black, red and gold streamed everywhere.

This was a gathering of WingChun people from throughout the whole organization. There were practitioners of all grades, from the First Student Level to the Master Degree, each excited to share a day of intensive practice together. Seven tough hours later, and seven long hours better, they were still going strong. Even one of the WingChun Tigers contingent, stayed until the end. Not bad for a six-year old.

I was happy to witness everyone engaged in continuous training, without making excuses about the heat or time. This kind of dedicated effort is the respected norm in the IAW. It was great to spend most of the day with Sije Nina, Sihing Marc and Sihing Tobias. We covered various Section, Lat Sao and Application ideas. Specifically, Section 1, 3, 4, 8 and 13, Lat Sao 1, 2, 3 and 5, and Application of Section 2, 3, 8, 13.

It all added up to an incalculable amount of inspiring insights. Continue reading →

IAW Headquarters Trip – Day Two

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Saturday featured the first day of the annual IAW Event weekend for testing and training of the Technician Grade and Instructor Degree programs.

As the Degree aspirants were being thoroughly examined by Sifu, the remaining partcipants worked on Tenth Student Level footwork exercises, Second Section applications, Fifth Section corrections and Second and Fifth Lat Sao patterns.

Sifu also unveiled the latest update to IAW system in the Tsum Kiu form. It was a functional upgrade to the Bong Sao (Winging Arm) and Juen Ma (Revolving Stance) sequence. As always, these developments come after much research and testing. And when revealed, they make uncanny sense on clear hindsight.

There is much to see and absorb here, in each class with every person. And my WingChun knowledge and ability improves with such direct experience. For this I am thankful.