Is my Wing Chun School Genuine?

**Acosta** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 8:28pm

I'm very interested in learing Wing Chun, and I've looked at three schools in my area. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The closest is 5 minute drive, and the next two are 30 min drive (1 hour busing).

I went into the first school to check it out. There were two sifu's, and they offered me a free day. They teach in a rented room in a community centre.

They have one wooden dummy, and sandbag, and no mats. The sifus were very attentive to me despite me having not paid. I only practiced forms, the basic punch, and block, and punch. I"m not sure how it translates as they were talking chinese.

I don't believe it's a McDojo, but I'm not sure about the school. The sifus let me practice with other people, seniors and juniors. Most of the students are teenagers, but there are plenty of adult learners.

They seem to know what they're talking about in terms of relating the Wing Chun concepts (economy of motion, and strength) to a street Fight. There is some sparring, but no Full contact (which is a bit of a red flag). Classes are $140 for 12 classes.

THis is the website:
http://www.wing-chun.ca/

These are the other two schools.
http://vingtsun.
ca/index.html
http://www.wingchun-canada.com/
What do you guys think?

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 8:37pm

First what are you looking for in a Martial Art?

140 is a ton especially if there is nothing else offered.

**Acosta** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 8:51pm

I'm looking for self-defense, and discipline.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 9:04pm

Okay, you should have learned discipline form your parents. If not, join the military. If you are looking for cultural discipline take some cultural awareness classes.

If you are set on wing chun make sure they do not theorize and they spar on a regular basis. No, not once a week or an optional class, but every class. Relating to the street, through theory, does not mean it has ANY applicability on the street.

If they do not compete in Lei Tai, Sanda, Sanshou, or legit MMA and Kickboxing venues don't bother. Take up judo and/or boxing.

**alex** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 9:14pm

well if by genuine you mean, is it like most WC schools, then yes. if by genuine will it teach you how to fight, probably not. just go take up boxing and judo like IIF said.

if you have a boner for eastern martial arts, at least go the kyokushin/judo etc route.

***battlefields*** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 9:48pm

What is your background in martial arts in general? Wing Ch_n appeals to people with little to no experience in martial arts, it's sad but it's a fact.

Do you want to rearn disciprine? "Our lineage of the Ch-n is the true lineage of a traditional martial art (which we will repeat often until it becomes truth), our Sifus, despite being so white that they are almost transparent, teach strict respect in accordance with Chinese traditions. It is an art that is direct, devastating and deadly. You will become able to defend yourself against multiple opponents instantly and will become an instructor within a couple of years. It will also take a lifetime to master. Um, plus we will throw in secret techniques for just an extra $50 a lesson, but first you have to reach the mystical next level, oh you sneezed, you have reached that level, now if you pay a little more you will receive the secret instruction."

**Petter** · Posted On: 10/10/2011 11:10pm

Originally Posted by Acosta

I went into the first school to check it out. There were two sifu's, and they offered me a free day. They teach in a rented room in a community centre.

Free trial lessons is pretty standard for martial arts. (Community centre locations are common, too.)

The sifus were very attentive to me despite me having not paid.

Why “despite”? It makes perfect sense for them to be very attentive precisely to people who haven’t paid, who are just trying it out: They’re basically trying to sell something to you, and naturally want to give you a good impression. If I ran a martial arts school, I’d be attentive to visitors, too.