How to Get Good at Wing Chun
“Everyone wants to know how to get good at Wing Chun. But the truth beginners don’t want to hear is that not everyone has what it takes to get good at Wing Chun.” -Sifu Adam Williss
And that’s the truth. The facts. The undisputable reality.
I’m Sifu Adam Williss. I’ve been practicing Wing Chun for 29 years now. I’ve taught thousands of students over that time. I’ve seen students succeed. But if more so, I’ve seen students fail.
For years I racked my brain trying to find innovative ways of helping students succeed. The last thing I ever want as a teacher is to see a student fail.
After about 15 years of frustration and disappointment I finally accepted the truth.
You see…
I’m an optimist. To a fault.
I’m one of those teachers who believe in my students more than others think is wise. Its why I beat my head against a brick wall for so many years thinking that if my belief was so strong, they’d believe like I did.
But I’m also not insane.
You know…
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
So I accepted the truth…
No matter how hard I tried. No matter how much I cared. No matter how much I believed.
It didn’t change the fact that time and time again people would quit on themselves.
The reality is that I can’t make them believe like I believe.
I can’t make them have the kind of confidence I have in Wing Chun and in their own ability to get good at it.
I always knew that…
Getting good at Wing Chun was far from easy.
The truth is that it’s much easier to fail at Wing Chun than it is to actually get good at it. That’s one of the reasons there are so many people who practice Wing Chun who aren’t very good or who quit and move onto something easier to achieve.
It takes a certain kind of person to get good at Wing Chun.
Most simply don’t have what it takes to get good at Wing Chun.
Those who worry about “how long it takes to be good at Wing Chun” generally don’t have what it takes. Because its not a matter of how long it takes.
Commit first. Figure the rest out later.
Questioning how long it takes to get good comes from people who are weighing their options. Basically they aren’t committed to getting good. But that’s just it… if you want to get good at Wing Chun, you need to be committed to it without question. Those who are fully committed are the only one’s who will ever get good at Wing Chun.
The people who get good at Wing Chun don’t care how long it takes. They are all in. And they are all in for life. There isn’t a question of how long it take sto get good. Instead, they spend their time doing exact what and whatever it takes.
So if you TRULY want to get good at Wing Chun, focus on what you CAN do, IN the present, based on knowledge you have RIGHT NOW, nothing more.
Here’s a simple recipe on improving your Wing Chun…
How to Improve Your Wing Chun (A Recipe)
Getting good at Wing Chun is a combination of a 4 important ingredients. Each of which blend together to achieve a great recipe.
- Long-Term Commitment to Getting Good – Regardless of how long it takes
- Trusting & Following Your Sifu’s Advice – Stop thinking you know better!
- Hands-on Training with Your Sifu – There’s no substitute for good hands-on training
- Practicing Wing Chun at Home on Your Own – The more you practice the more you will improve.
Let’s talk about specifics on what these ingredients mean…
What is a Long-Term Commitment to Wing Chun?
Everyone wants to get good at Wing Chun as quickly as possible. But successful students make a long-term commitment to getting good at Wing Chun. This means 10 years or more. Short-term students don’t get good. A 6-month training commitment certainly isn’t enough. And no… a 3-year commitment isn’t enough either. The way to stop worring about how long it takes to get good at Wing Chun is by commiting yourself long-term. Once you allow yourself to accept that this is going to take a while, you won’t feel rushed or impatient at your progress or lack of progress. Wing Chun is just what you do. Because time is no limitation to your commitment to getting good.
Trusting Your Sifu
Almost every good Wing Chun practitioner has a good sifu. And a good sifu knows exactly how to help you get good at Wing Chun. That’s where trust comes in. It isn’t easy to trust. Its much easier to do what you think is best instead of what your sifu tells you. But make no mistake, trusting your sifu is one of the most important things you will do. It’s a sifu’s job to help students get good. Sifu’s teach all the time, so they know what they are doing. As a student, listening to everything they say is crucial. Its important to accept the fact that everything they are telling you to do is for you to improve. Once you learn to trust your sifu, you will listen and follow their advice.
Hands-On Training with Your Sifu
There’s no substitute for good hands-on training with an expert. Of course you can learn a good amount of Wing Chun online through the use of videos, solo drills, etc. But don’t ever forget that you need hands-on training to get good. Your sifu will be able to feel what you need based on what your hands feel like. If you want to swim, get in the water. Whether this is in class or in private training, you need this as much as you can. If you have the funds, take private lessons from your sifu. If you don’t have the funds, save up and take them sporadically. Its the best investment a student can make in themselves. The experience you will get will be worth every penny.
Practicing Wing Chun at Home on Your Own
Those who get good at Wing Chun are willing to put the time and effort into practicing on their own at home. It may not seem that important but it is. The more you practice the more you improve. This means you will develop the muscle memory specific to Wing Chun. Then your Wing Chun moves will come out when needed. When you combine Wing Chun practice at home with your commitment, trust and regular class attendance, you will see a greater improvement (like a supercharge) to your Wing Chun training.
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Here is an article called…
The Truth about Getting Good at Wing Chun
The truth about getting good at Wing Chun is that you must allow yourself to trust in the process.
In this article, we’ll delve into the truth about getting good at Wing Chun and explore the importance of embracing the process.
Understanding the Process
Wing Chun is a skill that takes time to develop. It’s essential to understand that progress is not always linear, and plateaus are a natural part of the journey. The process of learning Wing Chun involves:
- Building a strong foundation in the basics
- Gradually increasing complexity and difficulty
- Repeated practice and reinforcement
- Adapting to new situations and opponents
- Trusting in the process means acknowledging that each stage is crucial and that rushing or skipping steps can hinder long-term progress.
Letting Go of Control
One of the most significant obstacles to trusting in the process is the need for control. Many practitioners try to force their progress, overtraining or focusing too much on perfection. This approach leads to burnout, frustration, and stagnation. To truly trust in the process, you must let go of control and embrace the natural flow of learning.
Embracing Uncertainty
Uncertainty is an inherent part of the Wing Chun journey. You’ll encounter new techniques, opponents, and situations that challenge your skills and understanding. Instead of resisting uncertainty, learn to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. Trust that your training will prepare you for the unknown and that each experience will make you a better practitioner.
Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is a myth in Wing Chun. Even the most skilled practitioners continue to learn and improve. Focus on celebrating small victories and acknowledging your progress, no matter how small. This mindset shift helps you trust in the process and recognize that every step forward is a success.
Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
Mindfulness and self-awareness are critical components of trusting in the process. By staying present in your training and understanding your thoughts, emotions, and limitations, you can:
- Identify areas for improvement
- Adjust your training to suit your needs
- Make informed decisions about your progress
- Calculated Risks and Learning from Failure
Growth in Wing Chun requires taking calculated risks and stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or spar with different opponents. Remember that failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. Analyze your mistakes, adjust your approach, and trust that each experience will make you a better practitioner.
Supportive Community and Patience
Surrounding yourself with a supportive community and being patient are crucial aspects of trusting in the process. A positive environment fosters growth and encouragement, while patience allows you to trust that progress will come with time.
In the end, getting good at Wing Chun requires trusting in the process. By understanding the natural flow of learning, letting go of control, embracing uncertainty, and focusing on progress, you’ll build a strong foundation for success. Remember to stay mindful, take calculated risks, and surround yourself with a supportive community. With patience and dedication, you’ll master the art of Wing Chun and unlock its full potential.
Remember, trusting in the process is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Start with small steps, and with time, you’ll build your trust and confidence. Embrace the truth about getting good at Wing Chun and unlock your full potential in this efficient and effective martial art.
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Here’s some tips on how to get good at Wing Chun…
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