Tag Archives: Sihing Tobias Ries

WingChun System

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A diverse demonstration of the unique WingChun system by International Academy of WingChun® (IAW) students and instructors:

MD: Master Degree
TG: Technician Grade
PPL: Pre-Primary Level
SL: Student Level
Sihing: Male Teacher
Sije: Female Teacher
Sifu: Master

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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.

True Weekend Warriors

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Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Four days straight of Special Events is a special holiday gift for us WingChun Warriors.

It started on Friday with a double header. The Master Class and Technician Class are always inspiring opportunities to interact with the best practitioners in the IAW. Saturday was a Small Group mostly attended by those who wanted additional training to prepare for their upcoming Testing. On Sunday we had the longest session yet. It was the first day of evaluations for those pursuing the Pre-Primary Level and Technician Grades. We ended up going for almost five hours.

Finally, on Monday evening everyone converged at Sifu Alex’s main Academy in Stuttgart for the year-ending Christmas Seminar. Preceding the adults, it was a treat to watch Sifu work with the WingChun Tigers. For those who doubt that children can perform and excel in our Self-Defense movements, it’s for want of seeing them in action. They are every bit as passionate as our older members.

At the end of this last WingChun Seminar of 2009, many new graduates were certified. Of special note were Sihing Igor Peic and Sihing Alex Decker whose dedication and diligence to attain the 4th Technician Grade was fully evident. It was also pleasing to be present as Sihing Tobias and his training partner, Sihing Chris Barnisky, were awarded their 3rd Technician Grade. Look out for these two HQ Instructors who might be visiting us during the summer of 2010.

My stay is not quite over yet. Some more learning and reflection to go. Not to mention a trip to France. But all in all this is shaping up to be a perfect concluding chapter for the year. One that sends a strong momentum into the next.

WingChun Winter Wonderland

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First time to Germany in the middle of winter. And it shows. Luckily, I dug the scarf and gloves out of California storage last minute.

But training warms up the WingChun fire quickly. Just a few hours after arriving at the International Academy of WingChun (IAW) Headquarters, the blood began to burn through both the jetlag and cold. First, it was a comprehensive Double Lesson with Sifu Klaus Brand, together with Sihing Tobias Ries. Then another hour and a half Regular Class during which I had the pleasure of checking students in preparation for their upcoming graduation Testings. Rounded off the first satisfying evening with a midnight stroll through the now familiar, depsite the snow, streets and scenes of Bruchsal. Nothing beats dosing the system with fresh air before bedtime.

Day two was marked by more expert instruction from Sifu, this time along with Sihing Igor Peic. Both the keen logic and utter beauty of the Mok Yan Jang (Wooden Dummy) movements continue to reveal itself. I look forward to another Private Lesson this evening as well as plans to capture additional footage for future IAW videos. After seeing the encouraging success of and enthusiastic support for the short clips we’ve recently shared with the world, be sure to stay tuned for upcoming productions in 2010. There is much more we want to express.

Meanwhile, a quick bite at the local cafe. Earlier, I noticed the seasonal pumpkin soup and house-made vegetable quiche. Sounds like a hearty warrior meal doesn’t it?