What is Wing Chun?
張氏詠春-Wing Chun is a form of martial art that is most effective at close range. Wing Chun was developed from around the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) for practical self defence rather than for sport or exhibition. Its characteristic nature is to attack relentlessly when the opportunity arises, while simultaneously neutralising the opponent’s attack. As such, movements are swift, efficient and economical.
Its practicality comes from not relying on the student’s size, gender, age or the initial need for a high level of fitness or flexibility*. But instead, Wing Chun relies on the students’ intelligence and understanding of simple concepts and principles together with a lot of practice.
At Cambridge Wing Chun 張氏詠春會 (i.e. at http://www.cheungswingchun.co.uk or http://www.cambridgewingchun.co.uk or http://www.cambridgewingchun.wordpress.com), students are taught techniques, concepts and principles of the art.
* Naturally, with training fitness and flexibility would be improved provided the Student puts in the effort.*
Wing Chun fighting art (Ip Chun’s lineage) 詠春拳-葉準糸
http://www.cambridgewingchun.co.uk – This was my old site and since I was unable to make changes, so I opted out the present new site: http://www.cheungswingchun.co.uk However, I still kept the old site as a static advertisement.
Beginners getting the proper grip of the ‘goat’ stance.
The following are some of the students testimonials (most recent at the top):
Little Lucy’s short clip ……
In any martial arts, genuine mastery lies not just in learning and gaining proficiency and efficiency in the physical techniques, but in harmonizing and syncing the body, mind and spirit. Learning to block, kick, punch and throw among a myriad of other techniques is as much about overcoming external obstacles as internally, where development of physical strength and inner calm goes hand-in-hand. In Sifu John Cheung’s Wing Chun classes, one gradually discovers all these elements and much more. Other than being a dedicated and caring mentor, Sifu encourages his students to understand, imbibe and practise not just the self-defense techniques, but also, the true spirit of Wing Chun. It is a privilege to be his student and learn the art of Wing Chun from him. Su
“I have been taking private Wing Chun lessons with Sifu John Cheung for approximately two years, and found him a patient and informative teacher which has really helped my Wing Chun tuition. Each lesson is varied and focuses on a couple of different aspects, with Sifu teaching the movements, and more importantly, the practical applications behind them. Furthermore, Sifu also goes in to the philosophy, explaining the reasoning behind each move or principle as well as their reason for their name, helping you better understand their application. Over the years I have taken both private and group classes at many different martial art institutions, and rarely is this level of teaching and insight given. It really helps in the understanding of the principles and gives a much broader and complete learning experience.” – Phil Warburton.
The Wing Chun classes with Sifu John are very useful. Usually the groups are not big and therefore Sifu gives a lot of individual attention. He is a sharp observer and gets right down to the core so that you feel a direct improvement once you act upon his suggestion. He focuses on what works rather than training something abstract which does not help in real life. As a Sifu with a holistic approach to Wing Chun we also did Lion Dance to sophisticate our foot work and maintain our lower stance, reaping the benefits of getting more stability and strengthening the structure. This class is equally beneficial for beginners as well as advanced students.
I approached John to learn basic self-defence, but there is such a fascinating artistry to Wing Chun that I’ve continued our sessions. John is a great teacher and the lessons are hugely enjoyable. He also does a great job of adapting Wing Chun for my son.
Phil Graves.
“Sifu John Cheung is the most fantastic and brilliant teacher I have ever met. When I first learned Wing Chun, he was patient to teach me the basics and I had to go through some rigorous training that I had never went through in my life. I felt that learning Wing Chun has improved both my stamina and my strength as well as understanding the philosophy behind of every move. I would highly recommend other martial arts enthusiast to come along as I found Sifu John’s lesson to be the most fun and enjoyable experience in Cambridge.” – Andrew Yip.
I have been practicing Wing Chun for about 4-5 years from Sifu John Cheung. I am probably Sifu’s prodigal student because I would not show up to class for a month to 6 months and then to return again. I think I started at the same time as Ben Huckel. I started Karate when I was 6. I got to 1st blue belt which was four away from black.I took part in a couple of tournaments but had to leave the club when I was 10 when our family moved to St. Ives. I tried Tang Soo Do and Ninjitsu for about a year in St. Ives. I’ve loved everything to do with Martial Arts, it’s history and culture ever since I can remember.When I turned 12 like a lot of teenagers I turned down the wrong path and lived a party lifestyle until I was 26 although Martial Arts still burned deep inside my soul. So when I started Wing Chun I wasn’t as committed as I should have been.I eventually sorted myself out, quit smoking and put my juvenile past behind me. Sifu had always said “come back when you are ready”. Sifu understood and welcomed me back. Sifu John Cheung is a great teacher. He loves Wing Chun and Martial Arts and he has a very philosophical and mechanical approach to his teaching which help you to understand not only how to defend yourself but a deeper understanding of life and Wing Chun Kuen.
Thank You Sifu.“People walk the bow, I walk the string”
Richard Findlow.
I have wanted to learn martial arts for some time and recently came across Wing Chung. Having attended for a few months now with my son, I am very please to have chosen this form and John’s classes. The martial art style is comfortable and effective, taught in an engaging manner with a lot of patience. The class size allows for close scrutiny, whilst being large enough to include people at various stages. We are both enjoying it, aim to continue and would happily recommend it to others – Mick Hickey.
I am a black belt in Tang Soo Do and starting wing chun in the US with Sifu Steve Lee Swift in Oldsmar, FL. I was looking for a place in England to continue training which led me to meet Sifu John Cheung. The training was very enjoyable and I learned a lot about the art and philosophy behind each move. My favourite part of class is the free sparring where techniques learned previously can be applied in a realistic manner. I would strongly recommend Wing Chun to any martial artist with a lot of experience in traditional arts- Austen Bolitho 2014.
This is my first experience of learning a martial art and I did look around a little before settling on Wing Chun with Sifu John. I have to say the whole experience is really enjoyable and fun, and I definitely feel like I am learning something and being helped to progress. Sifu John is very patient and makes sure that the whole class of different levels of experience are catered for. I would definitely recommend the classes for anyone of any background and experience. – Jeremy Dexter
I thoroughly enjoyed training at Cambridge Wing Chun in between university semesters. Sifu John is an outstanding instructor and I really appreciated the time he invested into teaching me the principles of Wing Chun in a way that I could easily understand and follow. I had a lot of fun attending this class, there is a great atmosphere and the whole club is very friendly and welcoming. – Enrico Teterra
Wing Chun is a very effective, and enjoyable, martial art, and the class is welcoming and friendly. Sifu John Cheung teaches in a traditional Chinese way, which means a superb scientific attention to technique. As an older student I’m not a fit as the younger ones, but I’m encouraged to be the very best I can be, whilst training safely. I feel I’m gaining a lot of benefits from the class both in terms of fitness, health and outlook. I very much look forward to the training each week, and I can thoroughly recommend the class to anyone – Adam Brown
My name is Richard and I’m an engineer working in Cambridge. I started coming to Wing Chun with Sifu John Cheung about four or five months ago, having never done a martial art before. I’ve found it to be enjoyable and rewarding and classes have been pitched well for me as a beginner as well as providing plenty for those more advanced in the group. Sifu John teaches well in a friendly style, with an attention to detail and considering application, not just mindless motions. I would recommend this class to anyone interested. –
Richard Cunliffe.
“I have been practicing Wing Chun for some time now and I have always found that it has been difficult to strike the balance between theory and practicals. Sifu Johns Cheung’s class seems to have stroke that balance. What i admire the most is that Sifu class uncovers a lot that is not first apparent with the art due to the very interesting attention to detail. I always go home after each lesson saying why did i not see this in the beginning! with this style of teaching there is no doubt that i will continue to be curious about the new things i discover, thereby ultimately improving my Wing Chun – Ngwa Ashusina.
“I have always liked martial arts and keeping fit. I practice Karate but have always been keen to try Wing Chun. So I was delighted to discover Sifu John Cheung’s class. I am really enjoying the classes they are a friendly fun and focused place to be, the techniques you learn are very strong and clever, but at the same time you need to be relaxed but alert and natural, it’s a real challenge. The techniques are very clearly explained with the excellent patient guidance of Sifu John Cheung. You can improve your overall fitness your core balance coordination and strength, increase your flexibility and sharpen up your reflexes in this martial art, Im really glad I found Cambridge Wing Chun -JamesYoulden
“I’ve always had a big interest in Martial Arts and I have previously studied Karate, Boxing and a little Judo, but I’ve now found Wing Chun and I love it! Personally, it beats the others hands down.
Cambridge Wing Chun is a friendly and professional club and my Sifu, John Cheung, has been a massive help to me in trying to find my feet in these early few weeks. His attention to detail and technique is just what I’m looking for in a Sifu. I’m really enjoying my classes and I always look forward to them. I love the history of Wing Chun and it is helping me in all aspects of my life. I know I will be learning Wing Chun for the rest of my life!” Chris.
“After 2 years of searching I have finally found a Sifu in Cambridge that teaches traditional wing chun, in which each session I myself have learned something new, regardless from what I’ve read from previous Yip Man lineage Wing Chun books/ DVD’s. From the big differences to the littlest tweaks, that will ultimately affect how effective your technique will be, Sifu really knows what he knows, ready to answer any questions you may have and has enabled to help me make sense of why we’re doing what we’re doing in and how a little difference in your technique can differ how effective it can be, in a constructive approach. After my first encounter with Sifu Cheung, at my first session, I knew right there and then this is what I was looking in an instructor. Joining these classes have really shed light on my life, and I’m happy and proud to say I will be attending Sifu’s Classes for as long as they are available.”- Mitchell Witt
“I have really enjoyed learning Wing Chun under the guidance of Sifu Jonh Cheung. His attention to detail and the whole ethos of his school has been excellant and I would thoroughly reccomend this class to anyone interested. Whilst I am only a beginner I look forward to continuing my training in WIng Chun and improving my overall fitness.”- Neel Kothari
“I have been studying Wing Chun under Sifu John Cheung for over 2 years now. From someone who was unfit and office bound, I am fitter, healthier, more confident and much more relaxed. Wing Chun has helped develop a sense of inner calm within me. Kung Fu translates literaly as ‘hard work’ over time and make no mistake, training is hard !, but the rewards are substantial. I can not recommend Wing Chun highly enough. ” – Ben Huckel
“I have had an interest in Chinese martial arts for many years and had been looking for an opportunity to learn Wing Chun. Joining Sifu John Cheung’s class has exceeded all of my expectations. I have thoroughly enjoyed the mixture of physical exercise and focus on form, theory and application. With a friendly, open and focused atmosphere, training is a pleasure. I feel privileged to be a student at this club.”- Tristram Fox
“Having always been interested in martial arts and keeping fit I was delighted to find Sifu John Cheung’s Wing Chun class. I enjoy the class not only because it’s fun but keeps me fit and allows me to keep my mind active as well. The techniques you learn are very accurate and precise but at the same time you feel relaxed and calm. Wing Chun is good for any level of fitness, as the more you practice, the fitter you become. I think anyone will be able to master the moves and techniques under the excellent tuition, careful guidance and patience of Sifu John Cheung. You can achieve the techniques in this martial art without having to be the biggest or the strongest. I also like the fact that Wing Chun was invented by a woman and it makes me feel more confident, which is always a bonus. – Jennifer Sadler –
“I have been learning from Sifu Cheung now for 18 months. I have found the teaching method to be clear and effective. I would recommend these classes to anyone wanting to know more about the art of Kung Fu, and it’s mental and physical benefits in their everyday lives. ”- James Cope Brown
“Sifu Cheung’s teaching of Wing Chun is informative,relaxed, and very enjoyable. Sifu understands Wing Chun traditions and how they can be used to condition your body and mind. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendliness of the class and Sifu’s ability to ensure all learning abilities are catered for. Sifu will get the best out of you and you will enjoy the experience too as he is a very humble guy with a great sense of humour. He always takes the time to make sure how and why the techniques work ” – James Gemmell
“I am very content so far as I feel like everything I’m doing in class I’m being explained as to why I’m doing the movements as well as shown how to do them. Which I never got in my previous Wing Chun class in which I felt I was always at a loss by the end of class and not much further ahead. But with this class I feel likeI’ve always learned and achieved more knowledge and techniques that I can remember and put into practice when I’m not in class.” – Salvatore Cesaro
“I have only been studying with Sifu John Cheung for only a few months having had no previous experience of Wing Chun before. I have found him to be very approachable, helpful and an excellent teacher. I really enjoy the practical approach taken within the class, which seems to have an emphasis on applying theory to real situations. With Sifu Cheung’s assistance I feel that I am slowly starting to progress in the art.”-Chris Chrisnall
“I am finding the Wing Chun classes very interesting, enjoyable and challenging so far. It is a very effective system of combat and I’m keen to follow the discipline and learn more. Techniques involve very fast attacks through the centre line of the opponent’s body, invading their space and immoblilising them as quickly as possible. It seems to come from a very fluid and relaxed mind and body state.” – Luke Townsend
I have a few years of experience with different styles of Wing Chun from Germany and Switzerland.However, I only started practicing again quite recently after a break of about two years.
Wing Chun Kuen 
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