Tips to start learning Wing Chun
Just like starting any other type of art, it is quite a challenge, and especially if you have never practiced or trained in one. Broadly speaking, not having a solid base of knowledge can represent a demanding learning curve for the less experienced.
For this reason we are going to help you with some useful tips to learn Wing Chun in a progressive and comfortable way, whether to start training it in a Kwoon or on your own, this small list of tips will help you start your path in martial arts. For this reason we are going to help you with some useful tips to learn Wing Chun in a progressive and comfortable way, whether to start training it in a Kwoon or on your own, this small list of tips will help you start your path in martial arts.
The first step is always the most important and the first thing of all is not to take for granted the clichés and opinions of third parties. Wing Chun, like other martial arts, is focused on fighting based on principles and techniques. It’s very easy to get caught up in the rush of the moment and start training a fighting style because of the popularity of a martial artist, a series, or a movie.
Wing Chun or any other style of Kung Fu is adaptable but not infallible, nor is it nor will it be the definitive martial art. It all depends on the skill and expertise of the practitioner, do not fall into false judgments if you truly do not have a base of knowledge of the system or style.
Do the exercise of trying it for yourself and deciding whether to try it based on your capabilities. And lastly don’t forget; Choose to build healthy health, instead of destroying your body.
Find a training space
Having a space to train is perhaps the first aspect you should consider and ultimately essential if you are going to need space to move or exercise. Although training Wing Chun at home may seem like a comfortable and economical alternative, you must take into account your own safety and mobility. Put order around you before you start training!
Parks, garages, gardens, patios, gyms or other similar spaces are ideal for practicing. If you choose this option, it would be best to find a secluded or protected space to protect yourself from the cold or heat depending on the time of year. Also keep in mind to wear appropriate clothing and, if the situation requires it, mosquito repellent.
Don’t forget that you must respect the spaces and above all allow free access for people. Truly any place you like and are comfortable with can become your ideal training site.
The mirror is your best ally, but also your best enemy
One of the tools that will best help you work on the bases is a mirror. Seeing your reflection when you execute the movements and sequences can help you correct them, especially if you feel discomfort or lack of coordination.
The person behind the mirror is yourself and reflecting in it, you can imagine one of the most formidable opponents you are going to face. The mirror is ideal for monitoring posture, foot and hip movements, all of these variables are essential to ensure adequate learning progress.
It is important that during the early stages of learning you use the mirror as a reference, long before you start sparring or free exercise on your own.
Adjust training times with different exercises and routines
Creating a routine of strength and resistance exercises to complement the training is crucial to evolve as a practitioner. Working with your body will require that you learn to take care of it and get to know it in the face of your own current limitations.
Having a reference training plan can be a good start, mainly try to add 10 to 15 minutes of cardio exercises or stretching, as well as introduce some calisthenics routines or strength exercises that help strengthen the core and legs.
Dosage the times depending on your day to day, you can take advantage of the small gaps in your day, 15 minutes of exercise is better than nothing. If you have a teacher, he/she can advise you, if you are alone you can use books or videos to inspire you with ideas.
The importance of having a rested mind and body
Rest is an important part of all types of training, regardless of the type of activity or martial art, you must keep in mind to dedicate 1 or 2 days to rest so that the body can recover and thus avoid the appearance of unexpected injuries or cramps. muscular.
Depending on your daily routine, you should dedicate 5 to 8 hours of rest. During rest, your body regenerates and, above all, frees itself from the tensions of the day. Accompanying your rest with stretching and relaxation exercises can help you increase performance and motivation.
Remember that the body without the mind and the mind without the body cannot survive. You must have a mental and physical balance to overcome the challenges of everyday life and, above all, eliminate unwanted tensions.
Work the bases and learn to know your body
As we stated previously, the mirror can be an essential tool to start working on the first techniques and exercises, especially it is very useful to visualize the central line and measure the intensity of the technique.
Some reliable channels to learn Wing Chun online:
https://www.youtube.com/@WongShunLeungSpain
https://www.youtube.com/@LIOMONK11
Simplicity is the key to brilliance
This famous quote from the legendary martial artist and philosopher Bruce Lee represents one of the basic concepts and pillars of the Wing Chun style. When facing a conflict, the practitioner must resort to his most effective tools instead of his most artistic ones.
It is easy to get carried away by the most attractive forms or combinations, however, you should consider adapting the techniques, movements, applications and sequences that will truly be useful to you, especially in a situation of imminent danger or deliberate violence.
Certain techniques like bong-sao can be complex to execute during the early stages of learning, especially if you use them against other combat styles. Try to take advantage of combinations that focus on simultaneous attack and defense such as tan-sao, jeet kuen, cham-sao, pak sao…
Find a teacher or martial partner
Learning a martial art by yourself is a personal challenge but you should not neglect that without the help of a teacher or in this case a person of a higher level or rank than you you will limit your training and it is possible that you will make mistakes or technique has a forced execution.
Having a master or guide is essential to start any artistic discipline, this figure is important to help you in your personal growth and above all transmit knowledge to you and even higher-ranking colleagues (Si hing) could teach you tips and tools to improve your technique and knowledge fighting.
This is a real point to consider especially if you want to take an even bigger step. Likewise, you have to make sure that the master is trustworthy and is an official instructor to avoid future disappointments.
And that’s it for our tips for learning Wing Chun initially. We hope that this small list helps you and above all has the mission of motivating you or taking your first steps in Wing Chun.
The key, like all things in life, is patience and perseverance with oneself.
