Just when we thought we had seen the last of it, the abundance of snow continues…

 

This Sunday saw the recommencement of the teacher training classes. For those who are new to my Blog, these are the regular intensive sessions which are mandatory for the teachers and are also available to the assistants and a few selected seniors. Its main purpose is twofold: firstly to ensure that the teachers are consistently training and developing their physical skills; secondly to ensure the teachers are familiar with the material and structure for student classes. (It should be noted that, in addition to these, there are separate teacher development modules covering a multitude of different aspects of being a professional teacher. These take place at ...

I’m pleased to say that despite the heavy weather the schools have begun with the determination that I expect: all our classes ran as normal this week. Although snow certainly makes things inconvenient, even dangerous at times, I believe that martial artists should keep as much normality in their regime as possible. This not only shows the indomitable spirit that characterises a martial artist but saves us from wasting the precious time that we have. I have been with my Sifu when he was teaching in halls that were -2 degrees so our nice warm schools are a luxury.

I am sometimes asked why I don’t have the ‘day off’. The answer is quite simple; there are few ways I better enjoy my day than teaching personal students. For a good teacher teaching is a vocation, a ‘calling’ which must be followed. In martial arts far to frequently this is not the case - too concerned with ego people teach for the ‘lifestyle’ or the money or the ‘glamour’ (and I even heard someone tell me he wanted to be teacher so he could have it on a business card! ...

I would like to send out my best wishes on this special day.

 

Amongst the presents, food and laughter take a moment and reflect if there is any way that you can improve the lives of those living around you. Christmas is not about material gifts but what is in your heart - and now is the perfect time to look inside…

 

Sifu

The post below was written yesterday morning. However, it was not possible to post it due to the seminar and grading which resulted in a 15 hour day (details to come...). However, despite the slight time lag, I thought it would still be of interest.

Today I would like to discuss this last week. It has been an important one for teachers and students alike. Not only was there an in-depth 5 day study of Chi-Sau (the ‘soul’ of the art of Wing Tsun) but this culminates in the final grading session of the year later today.

This is often a time of trepidation and apprehension for the students; for, without doubt, this exam is the hardest.  In addition to the normal criteria (and, of course, only accepting the highest standards), the exam a ...

Good evening.

 

I am happy to say that the photographs from the opening of the Bromley school are now in the Gallery. I look forward to writing more about this special occasion in due course.

 

Sifu