Do you have concerns about training solo?
This was a question that was put forward by a student in our closed Facebook group and I feel is an important point to share, particularly as it was supported by others:
Question:
Hello Sifu,
I have a question and could use some guidance as well. I was very motivated to continue to learn Wing Chun, but the biggest problem I am facing is not being able to find partners to train with. I have asked everyone I know or that I would trust to be reliable and willing to learn, but I’m having no luck. I know I can train on techniques by myself, but at some point, I need to be able to play Chi Sau and such with a training partner. I’m beginning to get discouraged and have been considering if it’s even worth trying to continue to learn if I can’t find someone to workout with and practice.
So, first of, what are your thoughts on learning Wing Chun “solo” so to speak? The second thing is, if I should decide to continue to learn, are artificial training aids such as the “Wing Chun Tec Board” or similar products just gimmicks, or do you feel they provide value for someone in the same situation I am in? Or, would be even be worth purchasing / building a wooden dummy and utilizing it even at the beginner level?
Thank you for your guidance Sifu.
Answer:
This is a good question and a fair point, and I do understand your concerns.
To answer this I would like to direct you towards part of a message I’ve sent out many times, in particular these couple of paragraphs, especially the start of the first one:
Look at it this way, before you can partner, you need to know what you are doing yourself, how to stand, how to punch, what the blocking positions are and so on, most of this you will do on your own, maybe even before you look for partners (that way you may feel more confident with what you are doing). If a person can join a school then great, as wingchun.online will help you to better understand what is being taught, but if you have no school, then why not create your own school?!
By way of like-minded people just training together, allowing ME to be your guide and teacher, with you being the coach, calling for partner changes, arranging the next meeting and deciding on what videos to watch and study before the next session.
Perhaps going for it and just starting your own group may be the answer.
I know you’ve tried this but what I am talking about is on a much grander scale, putting a small advert in the local newspaper or making posters to display at gyms and shop windows in your area?
Basically just asking if anyone is interested in studying Wing Chun? (Direct linage to Ip Man).
No class fees, no contracts, just interested parties to meet on a weekly basis by way of like-minded people just training together with classes taught through WingChun.Online with you as group leader.
It could turn out to be something wonderful, who knows?
Sifu