By Derek Cornet

Chinese martial art taught as form of self-defence

Apr 17, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The Chinese martial art of Wing Chun is being taught to residents of the tri-communities in a bid to promote self-defence.

Every Monday and Thursday for the last couple of months, sihing (instructor) Robin Charles has been teaching the traditional Chinese Kung fu at Air Ronge’s Gordon Denny Community School. About 12 people attended classes in that time, but Charles said four of them have become regulars.

“If you give it about a year for two days a week, you will see results,” he said. “You will handle yourself well on the street. You won’t have to worry about someone coming at you because you’ll know what to do instinctively.”

Having grown up in the area, Charles noted he knows firsthand what’s it’s like to not be able to defend himself. He had some rough points while going through school, he said, as bullying was an issue he faced. When the time came to stand up for himself, Charles added he was scared, didn’t know what to do and copied what he saw on TV.

Wanting to better himself, Charles travelled to China where he was taught Wing Chun and he noted it’s a fighting style he still studies. He decided to start holding classes in Air Ronge because he said teaching martial arts is a passion of his, and he wants to make a difference in the tri-communities. Classes are free of charge and so far attendees have been 12 years old and up.

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“Wing Chun is really direct and it’s more short distance,” Charles said. “It kind of closes the gap to get up close and personal.”

Throughout each session, Charles goes through a lesson plan of various techniques before the students begin one-on-one combat. As they practice, he also provides tips and aligns their bodies into the proper positions so they can execute the moves safely. Charles also pronounces aspects of Wing Chun in the Cantonese language.

Anyone interested in learning Wing Chun is welcome to join the training sessions. Charles noted, however, it does require a certain amount of dedication as confidence, discipline, self-respect and patience are virtues of the martial art.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter:@saskjourno