Controlling Instructor

Becoming proficient in Wing Tsun, like any martial art, takes dedication and consistent practice. What makes Wing Tsun unique is its emphasis on developing instinctive reactions through a specialized training method called Chi Sau, or "clinging hands." This partner-based drill is crucial for ingraining the muscle memory needed to respond without thinking.

Initially, you'll learn the basic movements of Chi Sau. As you progress, you'll incorporate more complex variations, including footwork in every direction. The only way to truly master these techniques is through regular training with different partners.

Your instructor plays a vital role in guiding your practice and correcting your movements, but this guidance should never come at the cost of your autonomy. Adult students deserve to be treated with respect and trust. 

If you notice any of the following controlling behaviors from your instructor, it's a significant warning sign that you may need to seek out a different teacher:

Restricting advanced training: Your instructor insists that advanced Chi Sau practice can only be done in private lessons with them.

Controlling partnerships: You are only allowed to practice with a partner under the instructor's direct supervision, or you are forbidden from exploring new movements with training partners unless the instructor has personally taught them to you.

Prohibiting outside instruction: The instructor forbids you from learning from any other source without their explicit consent.

Charging for curriculum access: You have to pay extra fees to learn advanced curriculum beyond the standard classes.

Discouraging partner work: Your instructor discourages you from practicing advanced movements with lower-ranking students, often due to unfounded fears about "stolen" techniques.

Mandating approval for teaching: The instructor imposes restrictions on who you can teach based on their personal approval.

Selling rank and titles: The instructor demands payment for you to earn the Sifu (instructor) title.

Discriminating against students: The instructor refuses to teach certain students they deem "undeserving."

Demanding ceremonial subservience: The instructor requires you to kneel as a prerequisite for acceptance as a student.

Fostering a toxic environment: The instructor creates an atmosphere of "us versus them" or tribalism within the training group.

Your training journey should empower you, not put you in a position of dependency. It’s important to find an environment that supports your growth and treats you as a respected member of the martial arts community.