Nevada Wing Chun Kung Fu Authentic Ip Ching Wing Chun As taught by his father, Grandmaster Ip Man

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Frequently Asked Questions What is Wing Chun? What makes Wing Chun effective? Is Wing Chun a hard or soft style?  What is the difference? Why is lineage important? How do I choose a school? Do you spar or compete in tournaments? Is there any weapons training in Wing Chun? Does Wing Chun use kicks? What about ground fighting? What is Chi Sau? Can anyone learn Wing Chun? What can I expect from practicing Wing Chun? If I have never studied a martial art, will Wing Chun be difficult to learn? How many classes do I need to attend each week? How soon will I be able to defend myself? Are there testing and/or belt fees? What is the average class size? Can I try a class?  What should I wear?

An exact replica of Grandmaster Ip Man's Bot Cham Do  on display at the Ip Man Tong

What is Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is a direct, realistic, and very powerful combat system that uses proven fighting principles.  For example, there are no kicks above the waist, nor any spinning, acrobatic movements.  We rely on simplicity and economy of motion to defend ourselves.  Wing Chun was designed to be practical and effective in real self-defense situations.
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What makes Wing Chun effective?
In a fight, there is no time for thought.  You will not have time to decide what to do next.  Wing Chun teaches fighting principles that can be applied anywhere in any given situation and do not require memorization or years of practice to know which technique to use when.  When attacked, you must react without hesitation.
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Is Wing Chun a hard or soft style?  What is the difference?
Hard styles use force against force to stop an attack, such as a punch or kick.  Because of this, it will most often be the stronger fighter who wins.  Soft styles redirect the blow instead of meeting the force directly.  Therefore, it is not necessary to be particularly strong to be effective.  Wing Chun is a soft style which uses the opponent's force against them to take their balance and create openings to attack efficiently.
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Why is lineage important?
Lineage is the family line.  For instance, who taught your instructor, and who taught his or her instructor?  This is the only way to ensure the purity of the art you are studying.  It is important to know that you are learning your martial art from a reliable source.  We teach the complete Wing Chun system traditionally through Master Eric Li and Grandmaster Ip Ching as it was taught to him by his father, Grandmaster Ip Man (Bruce Lee's teacher).
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How do I choose a school?
It is always a good idea to first do some research on any school or lineage that you are interested in.  However, the best way to decide is to visit the school.  This way you can meet the instructors and students, and participate in a class.  While you are there, be sure to ask questions.  A good instructor will take the time to address any concerns that you may have.
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Do you spar or compete in tournaments?
No.  Wing Chun is a combat art.  In a competition, there are rules.  Therefore, to compete, you must train to fight within those restrictions.  In a real confrontation, there are no rules, so we train to fight in this situation.  We teach Wing Chun only for self-defense and self-improvement.  We are dedicated to providing training that will help you overcome violent assaults.
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Is there any weapons training in Wing Chun?
Yes.  Weapons are taught after the student becomes proficient in the empty hands training of Wing Chun.  Then, the weapon becomes an extension of the practitioner.  Wing Chun has two weapons forms, the lok dim boon quan (six and a half point pole) and the bot cham do (eight slash knives).
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Does Wing Chun use kicks?
Wing Chun has many kicks that are both powerful and effective.  Kicks in Wing Chun are designed to be very practical, there are no spinning kicks or kicks above the waist that would compromise balance.
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What about ground fighting?
In a real confrontation, it is very dangerous to fight on the ground.  Therefore, we do not teach ground fighting.  Instead, we teach how to avoid this situation, and what to do if you do end up on the ground.
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What is Chi Sau?
Chi Sau, or sticking hands, is an important part of Wing Chun.  This is the way practitioners learn to develop sensitivity and the ability to control and deflect an opponent's attacks.  Chi Sau practice imitates a real fight in that it is completely unpredictable and trains the practitioner to remain relaxed and in control in any given situation.
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Can anyone learn Wing Chun?
Wing Chun is for anyone who wants to learn something new and have some fun.  Wing Chun does not rely on size or strength, but on skill and principle.  We learn to 'borrow' our opponent's energy thereby using it against him.  Because Wing Chun uses the simplest method to overcome an opponent, there are no acrobatic movements in the system.  Therefore, men and women of all ages can benefit from this training.  One does not need to be athletic to learn Wing Chun.
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What can I expect from practicing Wing Chun?
The experience of learning the art of Wing Chun will be different for every student.  However, there are many benefits from training that most practitioners will begin to notice rather quickly while practicing Wing Chun.  Some examples of these are improved health and sense of well-being, better balance and flexibility, reduced stress, and increased self-confidence.
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If I have never studied a martial art, will Wing Chun be difficult to learn?
Wing Chun does not require any previous training or skill level.  Each student moves at his or her own pace, and every student helps the others to improve.
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How many classes do I need to attend each week?
We currently offer four classes per week to help accomodate the varying schedules of our students.  Most students are able to attend one or two classes per week.  Of course, students can attend as many of the classes as they want.  Wing Chun is a martial art that requires self-discovery through practice.  Coming to class at least once or twice per week provides you with an instructor who serves as a guide in your studies.  Then, by practicing in your free time, you will develop your skill and understanding.
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How soon will I be able to defend myself?
Wing Chun was designed to be learned quickly.  The average person will acquire the basic skills necessary to defend themselves effectively within 9 to 12 months.
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Are there testing and/or belt fees?
Absolutely not.  Testing is not needed in our class due to the simple fact that we know where you are in your training.  Each student is given individualized attention throughout his or her progression.  When you are ready to move to the next level, the instructor will simply move you.
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What is the average class size?
We keep the class size small enough to allow each student the opportunity to receive individual attention, and large enough to give each student the opportunity to work with several different people.  The average class size ranges from twelve to twenty students.  There are two main intructors and three assistant instructors.  So the ratio of students to teachers is small.
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Can I try a class?  What should I wear?
Of course.  You can contact us anytime to set up a free introductory class.  We practice in regular clothing and do not remove our shoes.  So, just wear clothing that is comfortable to work out in and tennis shoes or other closed-toe shoes. 
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