Well it is the ONLY kung fu class in town. I actually took it for a few months a few years back, but had to stop due to illness. Now that I have resumed my training, I am disturbed by the change in instruction. It seemed back in the old days, they explained more…maybe they think I remember more than I do. I have mentioned a few times that I don’t remember the Sil Lim Tao…but have yet to be retaught it.
I should perhaps clarify some of the conditioning involves footwork drills,stance changing and the like.
I just feel like a fish out of water here though…the next newest student has a few months of training on me. They just tell me to follow along and I will pick it up. Am I wrong to feel this way…is this traditional teaching?
Bull sh*t to everyone, I say. No one is thinking objectively–everyone thinks the way that they run their class/their class is run is the best way. If your teacher knows Wing Chun and is obviously good at it, do what he says. If he wants you to mop the floors like Mr. Miagi, have some faith in him.
The idea that we should work our fat asses out more often isn’t a bad one. Sounds like he’s training serious fighters, not weekend practicioners.
Don’t worry too much about the sets. If you do a lot of drills, you’ll know all the moves that the sets are supposed to teach anyway. Knowing the sets is neccessary to get the full scope of Wing Chun, but it isn’t the most important part of the system, nor is it required to become a skilled fighter. Some Wing Chun lineages do not teach sets, but rather teach everything through sparring and drills.
-Scott
“I’m just an actor, just like Robert f***ing Redford when I say those stupid words that they expect me to say.”–Art Alexakis
If you don’t like the changes that your sifu has made, you may consider letting him know about it because he might do something.
In addition, I noticed that instructor like to experiment new routine once in a while to see what works best.
At any rate, you are investing your hard earned money so I feel you should have a saying.
Finally, the best way to learn to wing chun or any martial arts style is to learn one of one with the master. One on one class are the best and your skills increase dramatically. It’s too bad one on one class are beyond what I could ever afford or willing to pay.
if you question your school now, you will question it later…
Little Dragon
IMO, the time you spend on Wing Chun is just too small. Politely, bring these issues up with your Sifu and ask for an explanation as to why so much time is focused on conditioning. Maybe he can shed light?! In addition, I don’t really think you should doing hardcore conditioning if you are going to be learning/practicing the form/skills after…fatigue will play a factor the way you learn/execute everything…especially building your foundation.
If you already have feelings that the school is suspect, then do what is right…investigate and make your decision.
