Channel your inner Ip Man: we review a Wing Chun class
The Chinese martial art is all about training the mind as well as the body, as Leanne Douglas finds out during a class at the Mindful Wing Chun studio in Central
What it is: Wing Chun at Mindful Wing Chun, Central, Hong Kong
How it works: Wing Chun is a type of Chinese martial art that focuses on self-defence – it has been made popular through the Ip Man movies, and was a significant influence on Bruce Lee’s martial arts career.
But on a deeper level, Wing Chun provides training for the mind as well as the body.
Like yoga, it can become a lifestyle if practised consistently. While one class won’t bring any lasting benefits, give it the justice it deserves – try it out and speak to seasoned practitioners for information and inspiration.
What we love: Wing Chun aims for overall mind-body awareness, helps develop better reflexes and coordination, and trains your mind to react to stress factors with grace and ease.
By training your body, you can train your mind, and through training your mind, you are able to live with disciplined grace.
We begin the class with gentle mobility exercises and guidance on the Wing Chun stance.
The class I attend has only six students. Those with experience are paired off with each other as they continue developing their skills, while newcomers work together to grasp the fundamentals.