More about Wing Chun

Legend has it that the Chinese art of Wing Chun is approximately 350 years old, attributed to a Chinese nun named Ng Mui. During this period, Chinese martial arts gained popularity as they were used to defend against foreign invaders. Due to the urgency of military needs, the art was taught within a relatively short time, typically six months to a year.

Ng Mui, who was well-versed in various martial arts, decided to pass down her knowledge to a young woman named Yim Wing Chun. In honor of the young girl's achievement and her efforts to spread the art, people later referred to it as Wing Chun. The name "Wing Chun" translates to "In praise of Spring," and some historians believe it also signifies that Ng Mui's art was refreshingly new, akin to the arrival of spring.

Wing Chun was introduced to Victoria in 1978, with the earliest students consisting of martial artists from diverse backgrounds, including members of the police and military. Over time, the art expanded its teachings to include everyday citizens, both male and female, ranging from 4 to 88 years old.

A distinctive aspect of Wing Chun is a specialized training known as "Sticking hands." This training focuses on techniques for combat when in physical contact with an opponent. During this practice, students learn how to attack with speed, power, precision, and timing. They are also taught to capitalize on the slightest mistakes made by their opponents to secure a quick victory. This cooperative training approach sets Wing Chun apart from other martial arts.

The philosophy of Wing Chun

The essence of Wing Chun revolves around three main components: a 108-movement form called the Little Idea form, the practice of "Sticking hands," and an application section for defense against various attacks, such as hitting, kicking, grabbing, and weapon attacks. Contrary to being just a style of fighting, Wing Chun serves as a collection of principles and training methods drawn from various Chinese martial arts. Its purpose is to enable practitioners to acquire fighting skills efficiently, especially when facing one or more opponents. Wing Chun's combat style is closer to that of boxing rather than wrestling, presenting a blend of western boxing and western fencing techniques.

Ray Van Raamsdonk

Ray’s background started in middle school where typically kids wrestled. Then in 1965, in his University days, Ray studied Karate in Calgary and Edmonton under Grandmaster Olaf Simon, for 4 years. In 1969, Ray moved to Toronto to further his studies in mathematics and computer science and while there, found an excellent Hung Gar Kung Fu club behind city hall in Chinatown. This club was run by James Lore and Jack Chin. Both were at the master level. Jack Chin taught in the military style much like Reza does.

In 1975, Ray’s work took him to Vancouver where he started both the study of Yang style Tai Chi under master Raymond Chung and Wing Chun under master Chow Lok Ji who was a private student of Ip Man. Some of the early Tai Chi students actually came out of competition Judo so Ray acquired a combative slant to this art. Ray’s Tai Chi teacher taught until age 105! His Hung style teacher taught until age 93!

Again Ray’s work caused him to move. He moved to Victoria in 1978, where he continued to study both Tai Chi, Wing Chun and also Escrima under Dr. Dom Lopez and Modern Arnis under Fred Shadian, Remy Presas and a little from Bobby Taboada. All of these teachers were at the master level. Ray also learned about the realities of stick fighting from Heiko who was a Rene Latosa student and the number two stick fighting champion in Germany. Heiko knew many of the people who started the European WT empire but himself was a Jujitsu practitioner. He enjoyed our Wing Chun.

In 1982, Ray commuted to Vancouver every weekend where he studied under Dr. G.K. Khoe at the University of British Columbia. Dr. G.K. Khoe was a private student of Master Wang Kiu, who in turn was a private student of the late Grandmaster Ip Man. Dr. Khoe was a Chinese from Indonesia where he trained both in Judo and TaekwonDo. He was very knowledgeable about Thai boxing as well.

Eventually one has to test the waters with their art to find out what you really know and can apply. So in 1987 Ray ventured out to meet and take lessons from many teachers and had the privilege and honor to meet such well known teachers as: Wang Kiu, Wong Shun Leung, Tsui Shan Ting, Kenneth Chung, Eddie Chong, Emin Boztepe, Chung Kwok Chow, Ben Der, Ted Lucay Lucay, Herman Siwanda, Henry Huang, Jessie Glover, Chung Kwok Chow, Robert Chu, Ralph Haenel and a variety of other teachers.

Because of Ray’s different background and maybe age, he prefers to teach the classical early version of Wing Chun which is based on his experiences with the early Ip Man students.

What to wear, what to bring and what to expect?

For your first martial arts class it is best to come in loose pants or narrow legged shorts and a t-shirt. Jewelry, phones, toys, or other personal items should be left outside of the workout floor or mat area. Please bring comfortable athletic footwear. Please bring your own water bottle.