The Bedford Wing Chun Syllabus was instigated in 1985 by Master James Sinclair, the Founder and Chief Instructor at the prestigious UK Wing Chun Kung Fu Assoc.
However, before we discuss this further it may be best to have a little discussion on a small part of the history of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
Students Pass Grading to move to Advanced Classes
Bedford Wing Chun Teacher James Sinclair with Grandmaster Ip Chun 1987
Throughout the history of Wing Chun Kung Fu there has been a noticeable lack of grading structure. The reason for this is very simple, there were very few people training in the art!
This lack of an extensive network of students and teachers meant that for a large part of the Art’s history the practitioners of a few generations would have known each other. In such a close group of students and teachers there was no need for belts, gradings and other tests.
Historically there is no such thing as a black belt in Wing Chun. Chinese martial artists often wear a sash which is used to protect and warm the Tan Tien or “centre of Energy” in Internal Chi Training, it is not an indication of skill or mastery of martial arts.
As Wing Chun migrated away from its roots and became popular in the West, the lack of a cohesive grading syllabus has caused problems.
With the martial arts boom of the 1970’s it became necessary to separate classes in order to keep beginners, intermediate and advanced students in the right environment for their continued progression. Within Wing Chun the coloured belt structure is not the preferred approach of the Art.
The Bedford Wing Chun School is a part of the much respected UK Wing Chun Kung Fu Asscoc. and as such uses a three tier class stucture.
This Assoc. was formed in 1985 by Master James Sinclair. Through his experience of over 40 years in Wing Chun Kung Fu training and teaching, the UKWCKFA has made a very deliberate effort to install a clear syllabus.
The UKWCKFA syllabus leads to the best outcome for all students who wish to progress their skills to a high level, and brings consistency in the standard of teaching and ability of teachers.
The UKWCKFA was the leader in building an instructor development programme which has led the way to them producing many of the very best teachers available in the word today.
In the West martial arts is often turned to for the short term goals of temporary fitness improvement and basic self defence awareness.
Bedford Wing Chun students train kicks as well as close range hand skills
However, the martial arts in the East are far more than this and have the potential to give the practitioner the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of activity. The West is realising this is of extreme importance for a long healthy life.
Due the West having a very goal centric focus the development of grading and belts has become an established method to create enthusiasm and focus within Martial Art generally, and more recently within Wing Chun.
The setting of targets enables students to aim for a series of staged coloured belts in order to finally attain the elusive Black Belt. This is a popular approach in the West.
The problem is that many groups do not belong to a strong Association and governing body, which has led to poor quality control within the Art.
The Bedford Wing Chun Class Structure does not rely of the belt grading structure. We rely of the simple syllabus of our Art.
We do not mix student of vastly different abilities and ONLY HAVE 2 COMPULSORY GRADING!!. These two grading are used solely to judge if you are capable of moving up to the next class level with the least disruption to those already ahead.
No belt is awarded, just a certificate of achievement and the pleasure of moving up to the next level.
Bedford Wing Chun student train in the skill of Chi Gerk or Sticking Leg.
In the following text we will lay out the structure of OUR training classes in order that YOU can more easily understand the journey ahead in YOUR progression toward mastering the Art of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
In order to ensure that YOU as students get the most from our classes throughout your journey through the Wing Chun system we have developed a three-tier approach to our classes. We do not mix classes and you will not be going backward and forward constantly as new student wish to join. You will always be moving forward.
Any student of a higher level can train in classes below the level they have achieved. They can then continue to review basics, whilst at the same time are able to help and inspire the less able students.
Less experienced students are simply not allowed to train in the more advanced classes.
Wing Chun Training needs to be structured in order that you make gradual progress in a manner that not only makes sense, but brings personal reward too.
Here we will lay out the structure of OUR training classes in order that YOU can more easily understand the journey ahead in YOUR progression toward mastering the Art of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
In order to ensure that YOU as students get the most from our classes throughout your journey through the Wing Chun system we have developed a three-tier approach to our classes. We do not mix classes and you will not be going backward and forward constantly as new student wish to join. You will always be moving forward.
Any student of a higher level can train in classes below the level they have achieved. They can then continue to review basics, whilst at the same time are able to help and inspire the less able students. Less experienced students are simply not allowed to train in the more advanced classes.
YOU will be welcomed into our dedicated Bedford Wing Chun Classes Syllabus at Beginners Level.
You will be introduced to the simple but highly effective theories of the Wing Chun Kung Fu system.
We focus your training from the very first lesson, building a solid understanding of self-defence scenarios, ensuring that YOU have the skills and ability to feel confident in confrontational situations, learning how to overcome not only the physical, but also the psychological barriers involved in effective Self-Defence.
Basic concepts of the Centre Line, Economy Of Motion and Developing Close Range explosive short distance power are covered extensively. Blindfolded tactile responses are also introduced and honed, culminating in our Preliminary Grading.
The grading requires students to demonstrate a good understanding and ability in practical self-defence techniques as well as striking and footwork skills. We firmly believe that this can be reached within a 4-5 month period of dedicated training and practice, alongside expert tuition.
YOU will then move up to our Intermediate Class. In the Bedford Wing Chun Syllabus at the Intermediate Level YOUR training will really get to explore the dynamic Art of Wing Chun Kung Fu, and it’s many so called ‘SECRETS’ are revealed.
Following through the skill sets of Wing Chun Kung Fu’s fist form, the ‘Little Idea Form’ (Sui Lim Tao) YOU will progress in learning the techniques and training drills that have made Wing Chun famous and respected fighting/self defence Art.
In the intermediate class YOU will begin combining the shapes and postures of Wing Chun to devastating effect. We will help you YOU increase your reactions to multiple attacks over extremely short distance with our ‘Rolling Arms’ (Lok Sau) drills. We will now also introduce you to the unique training approach of CHI SAU (Sticking Hands). This will take your control, coordination and sensitivity training to a far higher level.
YOU will also begin to spar safely with your fellow students at this level, learning to react and cope with the unpredictability of ‘real life’ situations. Our Grading at the end of this level is the Siu Nim Tao test and it is required that you pass this grading in order to progress to the next class.
It is a huge achievement to move on from this class. The UKWCKFA firmly believe that nothing comes from nothing. We simply do not hand out meaningless certificates. Instead students set themselves the goal of passing this demanding grading, and have to work hard to succeed.
However, we find that it’s a challenge that students accept and enjoy at this point in their training. With diligence, perseverance and ‘Martial Arts Spirit’ we will coach YOU up too and beyond this milestone in your Wing Chun journey. Most students take between 1 year and 18 months to move through this level.
YOU made it!
In the Bedford Wing Chun Syllabus at the Advanced Level, YOU will be training alongside the most talented students and instructors in the UK. The training in our advanced classes is kept secret, with only the students dedicated and skilful enough to pass their Sui Nim Tao grading permitted to attend.
In this class the whole of the Wing Chun System unfolds in front of YOU. All of our our Open-Handed Forms, Wooden Dummy and Weapons training will be revealed. Dedicated training at this level will make YOU a highly skilled close quarter fighter. Alongside skilful, like minded people, YOU will develop the concepts of Wing Chun fighting taking your skills to new levels, continuing too grow into that most admired of positions… A true Martial Artist.
Students in the Advanced Class also have another exciting opportunity….
If YOU possess the drive, dedication and interest required to teach others YOU may be invited on to our Instructor Training Programme.
This is considered an honour amongst students who get to attend.
The monthly ‘Instructor Only’ seminars are conducted by Master Sinclair personally.
Master Sinclair covers EVERYTHING! All aspects of teaching from body language, voice and and highly technical Wing Chun system is discussed and sometimes torn apart to reveal the often hidden application.
This is a four-year course that begins with YOU assisting at your local class under your teacher’s guidance, to eventually being supported within the Association to go out and spread your love of Wing Chun in a branch run by YOU.
Instructors who not only excel in their personal training but also demonstrate their teaching ability by producing Advanced Level students of their own are awarded the coveted title of ‘Sifu’. This title is recognised worldwide as achieving the highest honour in the UK’s leading Wing Chun Kung Fu Association.
