Wing Chun: The Ultimate Sport for Women

To a novice, the many martial arts offered mainstream may fall under the tern "karate." But each style is rich in culture, history and origin. Wing Chun, for example, is not karate at all. Wing Chun is about diverting energy which is better for women than strength- against-strength (where men often have the upper hand.)

Designed by a Woman, For Women

The original history of Wing Chun began with Ng Mui (pronounced nING - my), a female Shaolin Monk. After being attacked and one of the sole survivors, she and two others developed a condensed version of Shaolin Kung Fu. (The typical Shaolin Style took 20+ years to master. Ng's new version, allowed mastery in less time.)

Yim Wing Chun, also a female, lived near Ng Mui. Yim was famed for her beauty. She was so famous that a local warlord (bully) was going to force her to marry him and she wanted nothing to do with it. Ng Mui took pity on Wing Chun and offered to teach her the style she created, to help her protect herself. Yim followed Ng into the mountains and trained tirelessly day and night. Yim ultimately made a deal with the warlord that if she could defeat him in single hand-to-hand combat, the wedding would be off. That is exactly what she did!

Ng Mui named her new version of Kung Fu in honor of her student: Wing Chun (which means beautiful springtime.) 300 years later, the style was made famous by the late Bruce Li. This is a sport founded by women, for woman - no doubt.

Self Defense

Wing Chun is famed for fighting techniques that conquer foes. It never relies on force against force. It's not about strength; it's about applying the proper technique. This style works for woman because generally speaking, women are not as strong as men.

Chi Sao (meaning: sticking hands) is an integral part of the style. It bridges the gap between learning a technique and applying it in a real world situation. In training true to the style, you will repeat one-on-one drills. The repetitive nature of practicing Chi Sao allows women to act instinctively when and if self defense is ever required.

Self Esteem

Knowing how to defend yourself raises confidence in all situations. Fear lessens and the accomplishment of knowing a skill (as well as, being rewarded in class and among peers) helps children and adults alike feel pride in mastering a unique fighting style.

In addition, unlike many sports Wing Chun classes can often be smaller. In this setting, you are likely to get more focused and personalized attention from your Sifu (teacher) which always seems to turn into an encouraging friendship. True masters of the style view their students as students not only of sport, but students of life!

Exercise in Disguise

Though some do not like exercise, most all would admit that they need it. The simple disciplines of Wing Chun always work the legs, butt, stomach (via extensive turning) and arms; three areas most woman want to focus on. In addition, most classes are 30 minutes to an hour. Two or three times a week, this may be all a woman needs to get their heart-rate going and shed the 10 - 20 pounds she is hoping to lose...in the areas woman value most!

If you are a woman, and wanting the learn self defense, there is no better style to train in than Wing Chun; for your own defense and esteem, for exercise and because it was created by women...just for you!