Soon Summer
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise.
Seek what they sought."
— Matsuo Basho
As the weather grows warmer, it seems so does the popularity of WingChun. Besides the strong response (almost 30,000 views) to our YouTube videos, there has also been increased media interest because of actors and movies who are connected to the style. Namely, Robert Downey Jr. of Iron Man II and Donnie Yen of Ip Man II. There is even a remake of Karate Kid that features kung fu and Jackie Chan.
Due to this general awareness, I have received more inquires about the system defined by our organization, the International Academy of WingChun (IAW). Is WingChun equivalent to wing chun, wing tsun, ving tsun? What is the lineage of the IAW? How does it differ from other styles like karate or kung fu?
In short, I simply reply that the IAW was founded in 2003 by Sifu Klaus Brand to spread his modern synthesis of WingChun Self-Defense. Ours is a progressive system directed towards engineering innovation and function — both in teaching methodology and training approach — rather than a traditional style focused on codifying history and doctrine. We are thus more academy than museum.
By analogy, the first commercial cell phone was invented in 1973 by Motorola and the first iPhone was released in 2007 by Apple. Rather than trying to imitate products of the decades past, or even rest on the success of selling 50,000,000 iPhones to date, the upcoming fourth-generation iPhone goes beyond all previous generations
In our WingChun process, the IAW shares this same forward-directed vision. Nor do we shun the past. As WingChun was formulated 400 years ago for a revolutionary uprising, we proceed with the same spirit of excitement for new ideas and advancing change.
Furthermore, I reiterate that WingChun is Self-Defense. Not a martial art nor a combat sport, both of which have rituals and rules, theories and conventions that would confer disadvantage if not accelerate death in a real-life confrontation. Especially against an intent attacker free of such arbitrary restrictions. In combat sports there are competitive fouls that preempt strikes to the throat, a vital Self-Defense target. Many martial arts make assumptions that prevent optimal use of your neurophysiology or biomechanics. You apply what you train, so practicing wrong is dangerous.
Finally, I like to say we do WingChun to learn Self-Defense, which is an enjoyable and empowering pursuit to become sovereign. Pragmatic, friendly and fun-loving people comprise the worldwide community of the IAW. We don't seek to be aggressive or violent, but understand that aggression and violence exist near us and in us. And that these objective and psychological realities must be examined and addressed in order to earn a life of peace. So I agree with Albert Einstein:
"I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war."
Later this month, I will visit the IAW Headquarters in Germany to further research these and other aspects of Self-Defense dynamics. During my study trip, I will gain 35 hours of continuing education and professional progress towards upgrading my understanding and performance of WingChun.
Besides my personal resolve to master the art — however long it takes, for I am still proudly on the profound path with you — this motivation also stems from a desire to responsibly pass on the distinctive system transmitted to me by my continuous teacher of thirteen years, Sifu Klaus Brand, who himself also evolves with us in the art.
But perhaps the foremost reason to invest myself in embodying the highest skills I can is to hopefully inspire you to be your best. Please follow me along this journey via my blog as I update you on the sights and my insights.
Until then, I look forward to seeing you for the intensive training at the HQ Seminar this weekend, Sunday, June 6, 1:00-3:30 pm.
Best Regards,
News & Announcements
Latest YouTube Video
See WingChun Function II
The sequel to our first WingChun Function demonstration follows up with direct applications against common attacks drawn from our Basic Levels. It has been posted online where you're welcome to rate and comment.
June Summer Special
Invite Your Friends
Contribute to a win-win-win. New members you refer will win because they will receive 30 days of unlimited training for just $30 ($90 off). You will win because if your refer someone who takes advantage of this offer, you get 50% off the HQ Summer Seminar on July 18. Moreover if you refer two people, you can attend for free ($65 value). Our whole WingChun family also wins by gathering more people to train together. Offer only valid at HQ Berkeley location.
Spring Series Recap
The Biggest Ever
We hope you enjoyed our greatest Spring Event Series to date. Over the last two weekends of April, Sifu Klaus Brand gave over 20 hours of public teaching, including our 3rd Annual Spring Camp in the Marin Headlands. Thanks to everyone who made the experience unforgettable. View these action collages for a glimpse of what we accomplished. For those who couldn't make it, plan to join us next year. And don't forget our Fall Event Series this October.
What's a Good Teacher
Give Your Opinion
Each of you absorbs WingChun in a different way. So it is the responsibility of your teacher to develop the proper skills and appropriate mindset to ensure a successful Self-Defense education. To that end, we'd like to know what you think makes a WingChun teacher effective. Please take a minute to choose three qualities. Your feedback will help us help you because it will be integrated into our WingChun teacher training program.
IAW in Asia
WingChun in Malaysia
We have made an entrance into Asia. The latest group which has tentatively affiliated with us is located in Penang, Malaysia. Sifu will be travelling there in August to officially initiate them into the IAW with a WingChun Seminar. Meanwhile, two groups in Italy and one in France have also, literally, contacted us and are deciding whether to become a part of our WingChun movement.
Latest IAW-US Members
Welcome to WingChun
In May, we grew our American WingChun family. So if you see any of these new members, please make them feel at home:
- Alex Mclachlan
- Jonah Cohn
- Nicole Rodriguez
- Sherrie Rodriguez
- Juan Rodriguez
- Michael Diaz
- Vivek Ayer
- Kurt Schwartz
- Brice Watson
New Second Technicans
Our Role Models
The IAW 2nd Technician Grade (TG) covers techniques and applications within half (or two out of four) of our WingChun forms, namely, the Siu Nim Tau (Small Intention) and Tsum Kiu (Seeking Bridge). This is no easy task, requiring obvious effort to attend Regular Classes, make Special Events and receive Private Lessons, not to mention spending substantial time, energy and cost behind the scenes over years. Thus, the accomplishment of Sihing Carl Hettiger, Sihing Mike Treanor and Sihing Matt Hawkinson is worth noting. Congratulations on being just one of twenty in the world.
WingChun Tiger Show
Demo at LeConte Elementary
We had the pleasure of sharing our art with a group of almost 100 students, teachers and parents at the LeConte Elementary School in Berkeley. Read on about our exciting presentation.
Student Spotlight
Sihing Brandon Solano
Occasionally, we feature the personal experience of one of our IAW members. You might find it interesting to read how others came to WingChun and what they love about it. This time, we put the spotlight on Sihing Brandon Solano.
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 Read Sihing Paul's blog
 See our WingChun clips
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Upcoming Events
Join us for special training topics. Please contact the Headquarters to register.
WingChun Seminar
Sunday, June 6
1:00-3:30 pm, $50
No Prerequisite
@ HQ Berkeley
Degree Module
Saturday, June 12
2:30-5:00 pm, $50
2 SL Prerequisite
@ HQ Berkeley
Combat Class
Saturday, June 19
2:30-4:00 pm, $35
No Prerequisite
@ HQ Berkeley
Special Class
Sunday, June 20
1:00-2:30 pm, $35
4 SL Prerequisite
@ HQ Berkeley
Technician Class
Sunday, June 20
3:00-4:30 pm, $35
PPL Prerequisite
@ HQ Berkeley
Annual IAW Event 2010
Sunday-Saturday, June 26-27
@ HQ Bruchsal, Germany
Contact Us Here
IAW-US Headquarters
1380 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
866-99-IAW-US
HQ@IAW-US.com
www.IAW-US.com
Tell Us Now
Anytime you have insights you'd like to share with us, please don't hesitate. You can conveniently do so via this Feedback Form.
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