Good afternoon.

 

This week saw the final introductions for prospective students. I would like to extend my welcome to the group of students that joined the schools in the last few days.

 

One of the things that has been most pleasing to see is that such a wide selection of society is interested in the art of Wing Tsun. I have always believed this to be so, but for one reason or another it has not always been the case –you find theory and reality are seldom the same. However, over the last two weeks not only have people from all ages attended (from 10 years old up to age of 79) but from all backgrounds and experiences. There were whole families present, there were couples, there were those who were new to the martial arts and there were high level practitioners and seasoned martial arts from a variety of different styles. All of these were training happily with people they had met for the first time that night. And this was the most important; despite any apparent differences and disparities in experience every single person came with good humour and the intention to learn.

 

In the next the weeks I will endeavour to drop into class to make sure that your first few weeks are going smoothly, which I have every reason to believe they will. You should have received a copy of the school rules and etiquette and if you have questions on these you will be able to ask me then. Please remember, you are not expected to learn everything straight away – strong foundations take time but are always better than the ‘quick-fix’ in the long term… You will find the next weeks exciting, but a little frustrating. It will also be tiring, perhaps more so mentally than physically. However, persevere and I promise you will get through it…

 

I would also like to thank the existing students for their patience and help. Due to the large interest in the schools there has been, inevitably, some degree of disruption to the way the classes are normally run. However, this only happens once or twice a year and was good to see that quite a number of the existing students came along to the talks to help the new students (and I even spotted a few taking down notes themselves). The classes will now go back to their usual running and structure.

 

Thanks should also go to the teachers and assistants. Many have attended and helped almost every day, for no other reason than out of good intentions and desire to see the art of Wing Tsun develop. This kind of attitude goes a long way in Chinese Kung Fu…

 

Finally I would like to focus on the assistants in particular. Over the last two weeks I have noticed substantial improvements; as they are beginning to learn, being a good teacher is not as easy as it might first appear. There are many skills that are ‘hidden under the water’ which take time to both appreciate and learn. The message I want to tell you is make the most of the opportunities in the following weeks to continue this development. The only way you can improve is by constant practice, thought and reflection...

 

Sifu