Wing Chun Distance Learning, really possible?

In the place I grew up, most people would be surprised if you tell them that there are different kinds of Kung Fu. So finding Wing Chun masters felt impossible back when I started. Even when I found people who could teach wing chun, they found it uneconomical to teach just one or two students. That was when I began tracing out Indian lineages and wing chun students, finally to find some people who could help me get started.
Some ex-practitioners of wing chun, gave me the basics and Sil Nim Tao. But I was stranded without understanding the deep theories and applications involved in Wing Chun. My only option left was the great and wise, 'Google Sifu'.

From Ip Chun, Wong Shun Leung, Chu Shong Tin and Samuel Kwok to Alan Gibson, Chuck O'Neil, Master Wong and Jin Young, all became my unofficial teachers! Youtube videos, dvds, and books became my source for understanding what wing chun hides beneath the slow movements of Sil Nim Tao, the dynamic shifting in Chum Kiu and the darting techniques of Biu Jee. I practice whenever and wherever possible. The techniques and theories combined with the practice has made me successful in all my fighting/sparring routines. So the bottom line is, Wing Chun can be learned without an official teacher and a big wing chun school at the comfort of your home, though it can never be compared to what we can achieve with a real sifu and lots of wing chun peers.

Always check out the master's lineage when you want to read or buy their stuff. A 1st or 2nd Generation master would be more knowledgeable and they could give tips which will dramatically improve your training. Most of their teachings and directions will be the same, but watch out for those tips like I mentioned. Always learn the forms from the 1st and 2nd generation sifus.
Sifu Kwok's book(mastering Wing Chun) and dvds has helped me a lot in my forms. Master Wong has the cheapest combo dvd series I know of, but don't stick on to his forms because no one knows what his lineage is, I would recommend his collection because it has a lot of applications involved. If you like Online one-on-one training with a systematic approach to get your training analyzed by sifus, you could go to Wing Chun University. Now if you want it for free, I would recommend Jin Young, he has the best wing chun training videos on You Tube.

Have Faith, Train Hard!

Wing Chun and Taichi - Internal Training

We can read a lot of books or be taught that energy is that or energy is this; but unless we actually realize and believe the concept of universal energy it would not benefit us in its complete form. This energy is not seen nor heard, but felt. This is the actual life source connected with all other matter in the universe. The Chinese recognizes it as 'chi', the Arab as 'taaqa' and Indian as 'prana'. People before us understood it better than people in our age who treat everything that cant be seen or understood as a 'myth'.

Just as students of wing chun practice Sil Nim tao as a form of meditation, the role of internal training is pivotal in understanding any Martial Art. Sil lim tao can be practiced like a drill over and over again, but unless you realize the concept of utilizing your breath in every move, synchronized with a still mind, it would be just another show off resulting in waste of time and energy. Tai chi is an internal martial art with various forms and an amazing outline. the base of this art lies in understanding the flow of energy so as to merge with it. Hence you become a pipeline, through which energy is directed and used to your liking. As a martial art, taichi uses this pipeline concept to divert and control your opponents energy, and use it to attack your opponent. This application is widely practiced in the name 'Taichi Push Hands'. You use the sensitivity in your arms and body to feel energy and understand your opponents behavior. A push hands training session would look pretty much similar to the chi sao we practise in wing chun. Most people today gives importance to the drills in wing chun and use chi sao as only to put the drills into application. But the real wisdom is using chi sao to sense energy variations and understand your opponents body.

My scope of explaining taichi with regard to wing chun is quite limited, as I am only a beginner to both, hence this article is only an attempt to outline the concepts used in both martial arts. I suggest you read Sifu Scot Baker's very inspiring article on Wing chun and Internal Energy training.

Wing Chun Schools Kerala

Wing Chun is relatively new to Kerala. But with cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi being more aware about the need for self-defence, wing chun and other close combat systems like Krav Maga are in demand.

Kochi Wing Chun Head:  Sifu Sabu Sebastian   I am currently practicing under Sifu Sabu Sebastian. He is a wonderful teacher and is efficient in the art of Wing Chun (Sifu Naresh Krishna) and Mansuria Kung fu (from Sifu Shekar). A humble man and a true martial artist who finds solace in sharing all his knowledge. The classes take place at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Kadavanthra. Time: 5:30 - 7:00 For more information you can contact the sifu at @ 9846316665

Yaolan Kung Fu School  Head: Sifu K.P. Nataraj    The Yaolan Kung Fu School, Trivandrum is a prominent wing chun school in Kerala. They have got branches in Kottayam and Vayanad, but only the School in Trivandrum teaches wing chun. They have 2-3 classes per week. Personal classes with the Sifu can also be arranged. Visit their website for contact information-  www.yaolankungfu.com