If you’re looking for self defence classes in Leeds, you might be wondering what format classes take? Our classes focus on Wing Chun Kung Fu which is a minimalist style of martial art focusing on straight line attack and defence and low kicks. Our style is based on economy of motion and minimum movement. Wing Chun aims to end an attack in the quickest possible time and with the least movement.
So in terms of Wing Chun’s effectiveness, it seeks to deliver a powerful attack to the weakest parts of the body. Eye strikes, knee kicks and strikes to the vulnerable parts of the body, such as groin, nose, neck and solar plexus.
All these parts of the body lie down the centreline of the body, which is why Wing Chun focused on defending the centreline.
What To Expect From our Self Defence Classes in Leeds
In the above picture, you can see me and Frank crossing arms. We “play” a game which is like putting a fight into a game of physical chess. Each person seeks to unbalance their opponent or strike to the centreline of their body, but without giving up their own defensive positions.
To learn Chi Sau (sticky hands), you must first learn some basic positions. Drills are also used to help install automatic reactions into the body and arms. You’ll also be given some exercises to help you understand how to direct force into the floor, using relaxation and correct posture.
Generally beginners will learn the stance first, and some basic hand positions. Over the course of the free beginners course, you’ll start to build on the skills you have learned. Ultimately the course is geared to get you to the point where you can play the game of Chi Sau.
Chi sau is the cornerstone of the Wing Chun system. It helps you understand some basic concepts:
- Position – your body position and arm positions
- Energy – use of energy and economy of motion
- Reaction – hand contact makes your reactions spontaneous and automatic
- Technique – you’ll learn how to deal with incoming attacks while counter attacking simultaneously
What To Expect From Our Self Defence Classes In Leeds
Our classes are fairly informal but with a focus on learning. You’ll be required to go through a beginners course if you haven’t done any Wing Chun before in order to learn some basics. It also ensures that the people who come to the class are safe practicing with other students. Since the range focuses on close range striking, it’s important that you learn proper control.
Although there are devastating attacks in the system of kung fu we practice, control is paramount. During Chi Sau a lot is happening. You’re attacking and defending simultaneously. To do this at speed, and safely requires a lot of practice. The aim is to continue to learn uninhibited by injury or fear of it.
A training injury can put you back months. So avoiding injury by looking after your training partner is important.
Join Our Beginners Course
If you’re ready to come along and join a class, sign up here for our beginners course. We currently offer a free beginners course of 7 classes. You’ll learn:
- Correct stance and taking pressure through relaxation and correct alignment
- Basic positions for chi sau
- Chi sau drills, lap sau and poon sau – teaching correction reactions for close range attacks
- Street oriented attacks/defences
Since Wing Chun is specifically for self defence, and not sport, we also train against the most common street attacks you’ll encounter. Most attacks will be head strikes with the hands – which is Wing Chun’s speciality. So if you’re looking for a practical self defence martial art, come along and join a course. Beginners are always welcome!
