Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Kung Fu mean?
   Time and energy expended on work. You can use 'Kung Fu' as an adjective e.g.. If the chef has not enough Kung Fu it means the chef is not very good. Nowadays it is translated as 'Chinese martial art'
   
   

2. What does Wing Chun mean?
   Wing Chun or Ving Tsun mean the same thing 'Forever Spring'
   
   

3. Is your martial art modified or modernised to make it better for today's world?
   A 1950s Mercedes just can not run faster and better than a 2000 Ford its true. We are in a
   hi-tec world we all know that but, in Kung Fu, bare hand fighting it is the other way around. The old way of learning and training is the best way. Simply because in the old days people relied completely on their kung Fu skills to defend themselves and stop other people killing them. This meant they had to find a good Sifu and spend a lot of time practicing very hard.
    

4. What is Wing Chun?
   Wing Chun or Ving Tsun are just different spellings of the same martial art. It was devised in China as a means to protect oneself against stronger aggressors. It can not therefore rely on strength or athleticism to achieve this aim. Its effectiveness is derived from selecting the shortest distance to the target, developing sensitivity to the aggressor's movement and providing a simultaneous defense and attack response.
   

5. What are the classes like?
   A new student is instructed on basic warm-up and stretching exercises before the class begins and they are expected to do this themselves pre-class each time they attend. The teaching style is classical so the instructor will move through the class teaching students on an individual (one to one) basis. Students progress at their own rate and only when they have reached an appropriate level of familararity with one technique will they be taught another. Rate of progress depends upon the dedication of each individual student. Similarly gradings occur whenever a student is ready and are for the individual not a group thing.
   

6. Can anyone do it?
   Yes, any person of general well being can learn Wing Chun. You do not have to be young, fit, strong and male to learn Wing Chun as it is not reliant upon strength or athleticism. It is practiced by young and old alike. Your enquiry is welcome.
   

7. What is the minimum age to start training?
   There is no minimum age as such. All applications are treated individually based upon the particular circumstances but as a general guide someone in their teenage years.
   

8. What is the oldest age to start training?
   All applications are treated individually based upon the particular circumstances but as a general guide someone in their fifties or sixties of general good health.
   

9. Is there full contact sparring?
   Where students have reached a level of maturity and technical ability to control their movements supervised controlled sparring is an option but this decision is left up to the individual student to take up should they wish. There is no pressure whatsoever to do so.
   

10. Will I have to enter competitions?
    No. Classical Wing Chun, VKVT, would need to be adapted or techniques curtailed / omitted to enter competitions so there is no focus upon this.
    

11. Will I get injured?
    The chances of being injured are minimal. All training is properly supervised by a VKVT qualified instructor and the class sizes are purposely kept small and the atmosphere is positive and supportive with the aim of maximizing the individual's capabilities in classical Ving Tsun, VKVT.
    

12. Do I need to be fit and strong to commence training?
    No. Conditioning, power and stamina are developed with continued training
    

13. Is training very aggressive? Will I get hit?
    Training is conducted in a controlled, purposeful and supportive environment by a VKVT qualified instructor. No one need be intimidated in attending training. Would be students are only allowed to attend training if they exhibit good character. These are some of the measures in place to ensure your training provides you with a positive progressive learning experience.
    

14. Will I need to be able to do the splits or kick high in the air?
    No. Classical Ving Tsun selects the shortest distance to a target so kicks are kept low.
    

15. Will I need to lift heavy weights and bulk up?
    No. In-class training focuses upon learning Ving Tsun Kung Fu i.e. sensitivity to a would be attack, technique and timing. Conditioning, power and stamina are developed with continued training
    

16. Is it OK for females to train - what's the atmosphere or environment like during training?
    Yes. Ving Tsun was developed by a female monk of Shaolin so emphasis is placed upon sensitivity to a potential attack, technique and timing. The atmosphere is positive, purposeful and highly supportive.
    

17. What are the training times?
    Call for details
    

18. Where do you train?
    Call for details
    

19. How long have you been doing it for?
    Please refer to the biography section.
    

20. How many people are there training?
    Classes are kept small due to the individual one to one nature of the traditional training.
    

21. How do the gradings work?
    There are 10 grades. All gradings are conducted by Grand Master Victor Kan with each individual student.

22. Are there any social functions?
    It's very informal. Social things occur at any time and can be simply staying behind after training for a chat or coming along to a Christmas barbeque - attendance is totally up to the individual - no pressure or expectation.
    

23. Am I able to leave early if necessary?
    Yes no problem
    

24. Does training involve body conditioning?
    This is optional for each individual to undertake or not. The training facility contains the appropriate equipment for arm, leg and other general body conditioning and instruction will be provided if this option is selected.