Tag Archives: Master

Let’s Collide

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Below is the most recent essay by my teacher, Sifu Klaus Brand, Grandmaster of the International Academy of WingChun (IAW).

In it, he reiterates the dynamism of IAW WingChun and narrates our way of training through the Student Levels (SL). You lay a robust foundation of primary techniques during the Basic Levels (1-4 SL), reinforce them in varied contexts during the Middle Levels (5-8 SL) and synergize their full application during the Upper levels (9-11 SL).

The path is thus paved for a WingChuner. One which is both challenging and clarified as you walk towards mastery with all your body, heart, mind and spirit. Each limb collision in class is an instant test of your cumulative knowledge, bravery and will. Over time — but only via sufficient frequency and intensity of practice — you earn the golden assurance of sovereign skill. Continue reading →

IAW Headquarters Trip – Day Eight

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It was a free Friday morning. So I took off to Karlsruhe for a tasty lunch at my usual eatery there and a sunny stroll through the pedestrian-friendly streets.

This time, while crossing a long arcing bridge on the way downtown, I even managed to happen upon several dust-bathing elephants. I’ll have to assume they were just local zoo denizens. Taking advantage of the extremely convenient public transport system, I made it back in time to Bruchsal for a Special Class at the Headquarters.

The current summer event schedule has been perfect for an indefatigable WingChun journeyman like myself, since many days have featured multiple trainings. Today is no exception as we subsequently geared up for a Master Class, my second one this visit.

Tonight integrated a wide-ranging mix of representative excerpts from our Forms, Sections and Applications. Sifu was deliberately preparing us for our important Sunday endeavor. In an earlier post, I briefly referred to this occassion. I’d like to elaborate. Continue reading →

IAW Headquarters Trip – Day Seven

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Once again I met up with Sihing Marc today. This morning it was to complete our first testing session for the Fourth Level of Escrima called Espada y Daga, which covers the flexible usage of asymmetric weapons. For a couple searing hours Sifu had us coordinate a sword and shield in numerous attack and defense patterns.

Animating metal is more rigorous than wood or bone. You also quickly determine the exact feel of optimal biomechanics, or the lack thereof, because your skin, muscles and joints soon tell you otherwise.

Then, in the afternoon I had a Double Lesson with Sihing Ralph. Sifu focused on refining a couple parts of the First Section, namely, 7 and 9.2. I have executed these sequences for hundreds of cycles. But never quite like this. To say the least, the simultaneous power and precision we exerted was enlivening.

Finally, I finished off Thursday with another HQ evening class, which I mostly spent training with Sihing Chris. This ended the first week of my trip. It’s been extremely action-packed so far. But perhaps the busiest days are yet to come.

I wonder what enlightening topics await our keen attention at the Special Class and Master Class tomorrow. Will let you know as soon as I do.

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 One

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After a tolerable flight, I landed in Frankfurt today at high noon. It was a balmy 30° C, which Sifu promptly calculated as 86° F using a conversion heuristic. Incidentally and otherwise, I always learn a lot from him. We enjoyed catching up a bit while heading back to Bruchsal.

A few hours later, despite some lingering jetlag, I was fortunately able to maintain decent focus and adequate energy through a Technician Class and Master Class at the IAW Headquarters. In each, we covered the Biu Jee (Darting Fingers) form and Mok Yan Jang (Wooden Person Pile) function, respectively. I discovered enlightening links between these advanced programs and the fundamental levels.

It was an exciting commencement of my trip to spend a dynamic three hours with my WingChun colleagues, diligent exemplaries like Sifu Alex, Sihing Igor, Sihing Alex, Sihing Marc and Sihing Tobias. Tomorrow we meet again with Degree and Technician aspirants for five more hours of fun.