What is Practical Wing Chun?

Wing Chun Kung Fu is a unique and effective martial art from Southern China that specializes in close range combat. It is the only martial art created and made famous by a woman. About 300 years ago, Ng Mui, the Shaolin nun who developed the system, realized that most of the techniques in Shaolin Kung Fu were ineffective for a small woman to use against a larger, stronger man. She also realized that a woman could not match a man's stamina in a long fight. With this in mind, Ng Mui developed a system of self-defense that enabled a smaller, weaker person such as herself to defeat a bigger, stronger person.

The name "Practical Wing Chun" was originally given to Grandmaster Wan Kam Leung from his teacher Grandmaster Wong Shun Leung.

Our system was  specifically developed by Grandmaster Wan Kam Leung to address those types of everyday situations in which Wing Chun can be applied. Hence the name, "Practical." “Practical” also infers to “constant evolution” and improvement in a world that is constantly changing.
PictureGrandmaster Wan Kam Leung and Master William Kwok
The system is focused around the centerlines, diagonal lines and angles. The theory behind the basic elements includes: balance, timing, control and simultaneity in defense and attacks.

 


PictureYoung Grandmaster Wan and Bruce Lee work together on a screen set in Hong Kong
Movie Stars such as Bruce Lee, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, Donnie Yen and Stephen Chow were Wing Chun practitioners. There are different lineages of Wing Chun depending on the interpretation of the system.

PictureSifu DeSanti practicing free hand drills with students
What are the benefits of learning Practical Wing Chun?

  • Practical Wing Chun is suitable for everyone regardless of size, gender and age. Brute force, strength and acrobatic abilities do not play a decisive role.
  • In addition to learning effective self-defense techniques, you will get in better shape and gain more self-confidence and well-being.
  • You will increase your motor awareness, leading to improved body control and mental alertness.
  • Wing Chun can compliment your other athletic activities by consciously focusing on body structure and relaxation to generate more power.

Who are we and what do we offer?

 Practical Wing Chun Club Connecticut is under the Master William KWOK’s Lineage of Practical Wing Chun. We offer lessons to anyone interested in learning our style of Wing Chun and who comes to train with sincerity and an open mind.

Our style focuses on close range combat techniques and self defense applications via body structure, observation of angles and keeping our bodies relaxed.

The  system is not designed for competition but rather to defend oneself from attacks as quickly and efficiently as possible.