Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Anyone may join the class: Stanford students, faculty members, employees, or simply members of the greater community with no affiliation to Stanford. If you're worried that you're not eligible, don't be. Practically everyone can join.

Who is the instructor?

When and where are the classes held?

When new students should come?

New students should come about an hour later than the listed class time: 8 PM on Monday or Wednesdays.

A clarification and apology.

Before we became a Stanford University student activity, we were the Menlo Park Wing Chun Student Association, located at the Menlo Park Civic Center. We have been the Stanford University Wing Chun Student Association for several years. Unfortunately, some Web sites have incorrect information about our location and our lineage. We apologize to our visitors for any difficulty they may have had in locating us and hope that these outdated sites will correct their misinformation soon. We are also preparing a more accurate family tree of sifu Chung's San Francisco Wing Chun Student Association and of our own association to be placed on our site in the near future. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion.

When can I join classes?

Anytime! You don't have to wait for the beginning of the quarter.

Are classes offered for course credit?

Although the class is a formal Stanford University Student Activity, it is not offered for class credit through the athletic department.

How much does it cost?

The fee is $75 per month for two classes a week. Alternatively, the fee for only one class a week, whether Monday or Wednesday is $50.

What are the classes like?

Classes are quite informal. There are no uniforms and no ranks. Students of all skill levels practice with each other, and everyone wears whatever clothing they want. At the beginning of class, students start with forms, then go on to practice whatever they would like to work on. The instructor typically gives some personal attention to each person, and there is plenty of informal interaction among students as well. We are a fairly young group; the most experienced student has about three or four years under his belt, so to speak.

Why are there no ranks?

We do not believe in using ranks and belts. If you're good, you're good. Each person has different ways of learning and rates of growth, and it is not in our interest to promote the ego over learning for the joy of learning.

Should I have previous martial arts experience?

You don't need any prior experience in the martial arts. In fact, if you have learned one of the "hard" forms, such as karate or taekwondo, it may take some time to adjust to Wing Chun, which stresses softness and sensitivity over strength and power. As they say, empty your cup if you wish to learn Wing Chun.

What can I expect out of practicing Wing Chun?

Wing Chun is not for everyone. It takes time, patience, and discipline. We are not flashy; we strive to practice an effective martial art, not one that simply looks "cool." Experienced martial artists like Wing Chun for its simplicity and its effectiveness. However, these skills cannot be learned immediately. If you join Wing Chun, expect to spend some time learning the basics — and unlearning bad habits — before you can use Wing Chun skillfully. If you are searching primarily for an aerobic workout or if you want to go fight in competitions, Wing Chun isn't for you. If you are seeking a martial art that develops excellent fighting ability along a very simple yet exact and powerful philosophy, an art that develops internally-oriented awareness ("nium"), direct action, and a relaxed sense of centeredness that can expand from martial arts into your life in general, give Wing Chun a try.

How can I find out more?

We strongly suggest that you come to a class to see what we're all about. It won't cost you anything and it'll give you a sense of what Wing Chun is like. Once again, new students should come about an hour later than the listed class time, i.e. 8 pm.