Who is Windy City Wing Chun Gung Fu?
A fellowship of three martial arts friends all of which trained in the art of Wing Chun Gung Fu under Master Augustine Fong. When we began, we took our 40+ years of combined experience in Martial Arts, and designed a school based on what we felt was the most effective route teaching our style of Wing Chun Gung Fu. We saw all the things we didn't like in other schools and did away with them.
Our goal, our passion, to teach those individuals who seek to learn Wing Chun and complete the art.
Where are we located?
We have 2 locations, 1 in Chicago near the intersection of Belmont and Damen, and the other in the northwest suburb. For exact address, please email us or call.
What are the prices for classes?
All classes are set up in 3 month increments. Here are the following list of options
What are the classes like at Windy City?
Class size- Class size can generally range from 4 to 6 people. Thus, everyone gets to know each other as well as work with one another. And, both Ken and I prefer to teach with a smaller number. Each location is supplied with poles and swords for training, and the Chicago location has 1 dummy while nw suburb location has 3 dummies for training.
How long are classes and how often?
Classes are normally listed as 2 hours long and we update the schedule once a month. A student normally has the opportunity to attend up to 3 and sometimes 4 classes a week at either the Chicago and Northwest surburb location. Style of teaching - We believe that the individual student will always dictate how much and how fast one can learn. We run a very loose atmosphere in class, while we have a set time for classes, students are welcome to come and go at any time that they need to. In the end, the very first lesson a student will get is that it is you, not outside forces that control one’s path. Beginner and advance - Classes are mixed between both beginners and advance, and are geared depending on what the level of the student is for that particular class. Sometimes you work separately and other times you’ll work as a group. Men and women and children - Everyone is welcome to train, but at this time, we do not train any children. You can’t possibly pay me enough to baby sit.Is there a ranking system?We have 2 locati
Is there a ranking system?
We have a very simple ranking system that we created, white, yellow, red, and black. We created it just to give the student a pinch of goal setting for motivation. Everyone starts off at a white shirt ranking, and black is only for those who want to be certified to instruct. Also, ranking is based on 2 of the instructors observing and agreeing whether or not a student has achieved the next level. There is no testing required other then for those who wish to be certified instructors.
Do we need any equipment?
For the most part, the answer is no. In the latter stages of training, if a student wishes too, they can always get butterfly swords or a pole as well as a Wing Chun dummy. All our stuff we normally get through Raven studios. But for the most part the only equipment you’ll ever need is just you simply coming to class.
What’s the general philosophy of how classes are taught?
I know the majority want to “just do it.” But we have a totally different philosophy here at WCWC. I really resented back in the days the old monkey see monkey do way of teaching, with the come back answer, just do it or this is how it was taught to me. All the instructors share a common approach that there’s a rhyme and reason for all that you do, and everything is explained with a common sense approach. Martial arts is a sad excuse to use to find discipline, coz that’s all dependent on the individual. And, we definitely don’t run the school militaristically, and all the student to growon his or her own.
Any other mis. information I might need to know?
After 3 months of training, and if the student signs up for another package, he or she can then have access to our student center. This gives you access to a wealth of information to further help you along with your training.
Is Windy City Wing Chun for me?
I designed this last question, to be as open and honest to the potential new student. We spent a great amount of time making the school how we want it to be. In the end, this is US. Neither Ken or I have the slightest desire to be the biggest or most well known martial arts school, we simply want to teach Wing Chun our way. We are not here to cater to everyone’s desire. If your into rankings, tournaments and trophies, or just fighting I can save you the time and say this school isn’t for you. If your looking for a place to get in shape and burn calories, then I suggest you sign up to Ballies or Jenny Craig. If your thinking you can mix your previous martial arts experience with our Wing Chun, then I’ll save you the time, money, and effort and tell you those who have tried to do that, every single one of them have quit (you don’t put Yugo parts into a Lamborghini). I’m sure you’ll have no difficulty finding another school that will help you blend your stuff together or mix it all up. In the end, I’m not saying were better or worst for doing it the way we do, but this is simply how we like to do things. Like I said, this is us.
I'm still not sure, about Windy City?
If you want to check out the school, just call us and see a regular class. Normally we recommend coming to the Saturday Classes since both Ken and I are there. While your there, ask as many questions as you would like and sit down and watch as much of the class. There is no pressure to join, we are here to teach those who willingly want to learn from us.
