Small class, personal individualized instruction, affordable. JP is a very personable, easy going, knowledgeable instructor with alot of patience and a great sense of humor. Unlike some instructors who run their classes like a military drill instructor, JP is relaxed. He is not going to make you run laps around the dojo nor make you do 50 pushups. It doesn't matter if you are overweight or out of shape. It's not that kind of class. You are not there to learn Oriental wisdom, philosophy, discipline, loose weight, nor achieve enlightenment,...you are there to learn Wing Chun.
I could kick myself for having spent years of hard training to achieve my Blackbelt in Shotokan Karate. I wanted to learn self-defense. I should have taken Wing Chun instead. I basically learned how to dance, doing katas with stylized, symbolic forms which are completely useless in a real fighting situation. Nothing really bad about Karate. I did learn discipline and the ART of Karate, not how to fight in a real world situation.
Likewise, I practiced Chinese Boxing in Chinatown LA. Once again, the animal forms were graceful and beautiful, with lots of flowing movement. But if you are in a street fighting situation, you better fight like a man and not try to mimic a praying mantis, crane, or tiger since you do not have their physiology. Think about it. Imagine an insect or animal trying to fight like a human! They would not have the natural movements of a human, and their movements would be inefficient and awkward. Ever see a tiger or crane box and execute a front snap kick? It would look ridiculous!
No disrespect intended to those who are practicing Karate and Chinese Boxing. I am just expressing my opinion based on my experiences. They have stood the test of time and are fun. Picking a Martial Arts class is like buying a tool. All tools are useful.
You don't work up a sweat in the class...there isn't any jumping around. It's almost all blocking, trapping hands, and counter hitting. The system is ingenious, logical, and practical! WC is to Karate as chess is to checkers. If you have practiced Judo or Aikido, you will understand the logic of Wing Chun.
I think you will find Wing Chun different and refreshing. Twice a week practice. You practice in your street clothes and no uniform to buy. WC is tailor made for
self-defense/offense. You strike and defend at the same time! That's what turned me onto WC. Ideal for women. When I come home, I think: "Wow, that move was clever!" You will see what I mean when you go on YouTube and see what WC is all about.
I'm taking Wing Chun strictly for fun. The best self defense: Use your head and control your ego. read more