(610) 280-0873

Full-time dojo serving Chester County since 1998.
14 N. Village Ave. Exton, PA

THE ORIGINS of WING CHUN KUNG FU…

The origin of Wing Chun Kung Fu can be found in the turbulent, repressive Ching dynasty of over 250 years ago. It was a time when 90% of the Chinese race, the Hons, were ruled by the 10% minority, the Manchus. The Manchus placed a great amount of unjust law on the Hons. For instance, all the female Hon infants were made to bind their feet so that when they grew up they would be dependent upon their parents or husband.

MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING:

        Adult & Teen
       * Aiki Kempo
* Daito Ryu Aiki-jujutsu
       * Meishin Muso Ryu Sword
* T 'ai Chi
       * Wing Chun Kung Fu
           * Fitness Kickboxing

  Youth
* Kempo
* Little Lions
* Summer Program
   * Birthday Parties

MORE INFORMATION:

Blog & Newsletter
Calendar of Events
       Class Schedule
       FAQs
   Pricing
     Our Story
       Testimonials

CONTACT US

Still have a few questions that need to be answered? We'd love to help. Send us a message and we'll get right back to you.

Do you have a question? *

Phone *

Email: *

Check here to receive email updates

Name: *

The work opportunity of the Hons was also restricted. They were unable to hold office in Government higher than a certain level. Heavy tax burdens were placed on the country so that the Manchus could have economic control of the Hon people. Kung Fu training was also banned for the Hons, however the Manchu Government was adopting the Hon culture. They respected the Shil Lim Temple as a Buddhist sanctuary.

When all weapons were outlawed by the Manchus, the Hons began training a revolutionary army in the secret art of Kung Fu. The Shil Lim Temple became the secret sanctuary for preparatory trainings of a classic style which took 15 to 20 years to master.

To develop a new form, one which would have shorter training time, five of China’s grandmasters met to discuss the merits of each of the various forms of Kung Fu. By choosing the most efficient techniques from each style, they developed training programs that would develop an efficient martial artist in 5 to 7 years, one third the original time. However before this new form could be put into practice, the Shil Lim Temple was raided and burned by the Manchus

Ng Mui, a nun, was the only survivor of the original five grandmasters. She passed her knowledge onto a young orphan girl whom she named Wing Chun. The name represented “hope for the future”. In turn Wing Chun passed her knowledge on to her husband. Through the years the style became known as Wing Chun. Its techniques and teachings were passed onto a few, always carefully selected students.

In 1950 Yip Man started to teach Wing Chun in Hong Kong. One of his first students was the Grandmaster William Cheung, head of the World Wing Chun Kung Fu Association. Sifu La France currently studies Wing Chun under Sifu Keith Mazza the heir to the traditional Wing Chun system as decreed by Grandmaster William Cheung himself.

"The Martial Arts Studio is the best. I have always felt welcome here and Sensei La France's knowledge ensures that I am getting the best training possible." -- B. Rose

Wing Chun is an old Chinese martial art that was developed for warriors. In fact, it was the first martial art EVER to be created by a woman. Therefore, Wing Chun does not rely on strength in its fighting skills. It is an art of speed and angles. You’ll find that there is little kicking in Wing Chun as this art was designed for fighting in tight spaces… being up close and personal with your opponent. That is why Wing Chun is 80% handwork and only 20% kicking. There is much footwork involved as students must take the angles… but little kicking.

Many of the top elite military groups still do Wing Chun. It is a fighting art.

FAQ: What is the difference between Modified and Traditional Wing Chun?
The split between Modified and Traditional Wing Chun began during the Boxer Rebellion. Those who fought with Modified Wing Chun did battle head on. Those who trained in Traditional Wing Chun, cut the angle fighting to come out unharmed.

Today, there is very little difference between Modified and Traditional Wing Chun. Modified Wing Chun now has a stronger focus on footwork so the training between both styles is almost similar.

FAQ: How is a Wing Chun class structured? What happens in training?
Class structure varies as there are many things to learn about Wing Chun. Many times students work on basics… footwork, angles, etc. Some days it is an intense workout. And other classes are based around theory. Why do we kick this way? What is the history behind that technique? Because the more a student understands why to kick this way – what the purpose is – then he or she will be able to apply that technique all the better.

FAQ: Do you train with weapons in Wing Chun?
Yes. Weapons are practical. When fighting, the first thing almost any person does is look for a weapon. After all weapons are the great equalizer. That is why we teach weapons from the start. And in our Wing Chun training, students are taught both the Butterfly Swords and knife work.

FAQ: Do you earn Sashes and rank at The Martial Arts Studio?
Yes. Testing and graduation occur when the Sifu believes it is necessary and time.

Request more information...

Wing Chun Kung Fu