Why I came full circle and changed back to Hong Kong Wing Tsun.

My initial foray into Wing Tsun in 1990 with the American Wing Tsun Organization introduced me to a simplified version of the Hong Kong system. I learned forms, chain punching, kicking, basic partner drills, and fundamental Chi Sau. This changed a year or two later when Sifu Emin Boztepe assumed leadership of the AWTO, shifting the focus towards a more self-defense and combat-oriented European interpretation of Wing Tsun. Although rooted in Grandmaster Leung Ting's lineage, this European approach emphasized aggressive forward movement and practical self-defense applications. In my late 20s, 30s, and even early 40s, I was drawn to this intensity and deeply impressed by Sifu Emin's skill. I dedicated many years to training in this style, continuing to follow his tutelage even after he established his EBMAS organization.

However, by my mid-2000s, as my body aged and responded differently, I began to reflect on my progress. After eighteen years of involvement in Wing Tsun, I questioned why I hadn't grasped the complete system and why my skill level lagged behind Sifu Emin and even some of his advanced American students.

I acknowledge my own role in this. There were periods of inconsistent training, and I didn't always capitalize on opportunities for private instruction with senior teachers.

Beyond my personal shortcomings, I began to critically analyze the training structure. In those early years, my learning was primarily through seminars. A significant impediment to my progress was the lack of consistent, advanced instruction to correct my errors. For many years, I was essentially the de facto instructor in Austin, teaching mainly to secure training partners and maintain my existing skills, without developing the essential foundational knowledge for deeper advancement.

Furthermore, the Wing Tsun curriculum felt unnecessarily protracted. Instead of structured progression through distinct training levels, seminars often recycled similar fighting skills programs (European Lat Sau). More advanced Chi Sau knowledge required costly private sessions with Sifu Emin, which, while including some technical instruction, often prioritized a "tough love" approach through intense sparring. While I accepted this at the time, believing it would build resilience, my perspective has since shifted. The financial burden of advanced training also grew significantly, with various fees for Chi Sau sections, applications, forms, testing, teaching licenses, and annual memberships. It felt as though instructors were being penalized for seeking deeper understanding. Coupled with internal politics and excessive scrutiny of instructors, I eventually reached a point of needing a break and a change.

My decision to transition to a more traditional Hong Kong-based approach was driven by the desire for a more efficient and complete learning experience. Recognizing that time is not on my side, I aim to master the entire Wing Tsun system before age becomes a greater obstacle. The learning costs are reasonable, with no additional fees for Chi Sau sections, forms, or fighting applications – these are integral parts of the standard curriculum covered by the regular monthly dues.

While some might argue that the Hong Kong Wing Tsun lacks the effectiveness of the "tougher" European version, I believe this is largely instructor-dependent. Sifu Alex Richter, the head of City Wing Tsun organization, has extensive experience with both European and Hong Kong Wing Tsun, having trained with the European Wing Tsun Organization for three years. His teaching effectively blends these experiences, leaning towards the Hong Kong methodology. Ultimately, the Hong Kong approach can be equally effective and potentially more time-efficient to learn, contingent on the quality of instruction.

My love for Wing Tsun remains strong, but my body is no longer as resilient as it once was. Recovery takes longer, and the risk of injury is higher. Therefore, I need to learn Wing Tsun in the most effective and efficient manner possible – the way it was originally intended to be taught. After all, Wing Tsun's genesis lies in its reputation as a rapid method for learning Kung Fu. Stretching out the learning process seems to contradict this fundamental principle.