The reason for these differences is because Chinese text does not translate accurately into Western linguistics or the written word. However, the name really isn’t important, the most important thing is that the student learns the principals and concepts of this effective self defence method. The martial art is a style of Kung Fu,  and with it comes different Sifus with different enterpretations and ideas of basically the same art. Because of this some people felt the need to differentiate, weather be through lineage, copyright or people simply claiming a new style. The ‘Trade Marking’ of some terms is purely for business and not anything else, the only two spellings that are based on phonetics are ‘Wing Chun’ and ‘Ving Tsun’, one arising from Western English Speakers (Wing Chun) and the other (Ving Tsun) from Non-English Speakers.

The Chinese characters are for Wing Chun are 詠春, which when spoken in its native tongue (Cantonese (Guandung wa- 廣東話) sounds closer to ‘Wing Chun’ give or take a few sound emphasis!! It is for this reason I prefer the ‘Wing Chun’ spelling of the art but at the end of the day what matters is we are all part of the same family, developing an art that we are all passionate about.

Pak Sau Enter, Trap (gum Sau) and Attack (cheng kuen).

http://lemauricien.com/article/arts-martiaux-s%C3%A9minaire-samuel-kwok-disciple-du-fils-d%E2%80%99ip-man-%C3%A0-maurice

The article in Mauritius | July 20, 2011 – 21:30

Disciple of the son of Grand Master Ip Man, the father of modern wing chun master of Bruce Lee. Samuel Kwok is currently in Mauritius for a seminar on traditional Chinese martial art. The Mauritians met him yesterday at Aanari Resort & Spa, Flic en Flac, where he is staying. The opportunity to trace the route of Ip Man, the Grand Master of Wing Chun, Samuel  is traveling around the globe promoting the art.

The son of a pastor, Samuel Kwok was born in Hong Kong in 1948. He soon developed a passion for martial arts and starts at an early age to practice various disciplines under the guidance of his uncle Luk Chi Fu. Samuel Kwok introduced to several types of martial arts until 1967 when he began his first training Wing Chun in Hong Kong. This discipline, a unique form of martial arts and science, a specialty for close combat, using kicks and punches fast complemented by a strong defense, coordinated through the positions and nimble footwork for a quick progression. The effectiveness of Wing Chun is to coordinate a simultaneous attack followed by a defense and vice versa. The student must learn to deliver the necessary energy, while remaining relaxed.

In 1972, Samuel Kwok left his homeland to set sail for the United Kingdom. Its goal: to study psychiatric medicine and start a new life. In London, where he lives, he met Lee Sing, a teacher of Wing Chun, who will teach him the art. In 1978 to return his passion lead him to China to trace the true source of wing chun.

Through Lee Sing, Samuel Kwok met Ip Chun, son of the famous Ip Man, and Sifu of the Martial Arts taught by his father.  Ip Chun offered to teach several techniques including that of the wooden dummy to Samuel. After several years, Samuel Kwok gained the title of Master of Wing Chun. He opened his first school in Hong Kong. His students was recognized in the various competitions and demonstrations.

Samuel Kwok returned to the UK in 1981, where he was appointed President and Senior Overseas Representative of the Association of Martial Arts Ip Chun. He began teaching Wing Chun in the UK before opening his first school in the country. Continuing his desire to promote wing chun around the world, he organized the first seminar in the UK for Grandmaster Ip Chun. Others followed …

The Association of Martial Arts Samuel Kwok is slowly becoming one of the most respected organizations in the country’s kung fu. Schools open in Europe, the United States, South Africa and Australia and are internationally recognized. If several students of Grand Master Samuel Kwok teach him now, it still provides courses as well. “To be a Good instructor, You Have To Be humble. The instructor to teach the student HAS honestly. The Idea Is To teach how to react, not only in a way combatic purpose in daily life too. “

In 1998, Samuel Kwok received a BA Honours from the University of Manchester for his personal achievement and promotion of martial arts around the world. Choreographer for the film Ip Man, Samuel Kwok is also coach of the greatest martial arts champions.

Now 63 years old, Grandmaster Kwok tirelessly promotes the wing chun in the world through seminars, competitions, demonstrations, books, videos and helping the British Consulate Chinese Martial Arts (CBAMC). One of his books was prefaced by the wife of Bruce Lee. Currently the Grand Master is making a film on the wing chun.

A school of Wing Chun in Mauritius

Those wishing to practice wing chun are served in Mauritius: a school, a branch of the Association of Martial Arts Samuel Kwok, opened recently in Port Louis.

Two sessions are scheduled weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays. The fee is Rs 500 per month and Rs 500 per year for membership in the Association of Martial Arts Samuel Kwok. Classes are taught by a student of Grand Master Kwok, Jacques Li Training begins with “Siu Nim Tao” (little idea form), “Chum Kiu” (crossing the bridge), “Biu Gee” (thursting fingers). Then the student will learn “Muk Yan Jong” (wodden dummy), “Luk Sun Boon Gaun” (nine feet pole) and finally “Bart Cham Dao” (butterfly knife). For more information call 258 8339.

An open house Friday at Cultural Center Chinese Bell-VillageSamuel Kwok will be present at an Open Day Friday at the Cultural Center Chinese Bell-Village, 14 am to 17 pm He will explain the techniques of Wing Chun and give demonstrations. Two seminars are planned pay 23 and July 29. For more information, call 258 8339.

A preview Trailer of Wong Kar Wai’s up and coming biopic of Ip Man, The Grandmaster, Take a look:

Please post any comments, it would be most interesting to hear…………

Day 1

Master Samuel Kwok – Going over the fundamentals from Chi Sao to Fighting and self defence. Master Kwok went over Chi Sao by getting someone new to chi sao rolling and drilling technique in less than 5 minutes and excellent demonstration of Master Kwoks simplistic, yet effective teaching method. Then he went on to explain application from chi sao to fighting and the different strategies employed in fighting and Chi sao as well as going through some effective drills, locls, take downs  etc. 

At the end of the seminar Master Kwok handed everyone a certificate and there was a very special presentation to one of his most senior disciples Sifu Stephen Dyde. Master Kwok presented a very majestic and beautiful statue of Guan Gung (dai)to Sifu, this was to show appreciation of his loyalty and service as one of Master Kwoks most senior students.

All in all it was a great seminar with Master Kwok  delivering information with humour and charisma and everyone had something they could take away with them.

Day 2

Sifu Stephen Dyde – Sifu went over the basic application of the knives, going through the movement of the form and then their application. There was plenmty of drills and form practice that gave the beginners and intermediates an introduction to the basics of the knives and allowed the more advanced to practice and develop what they already know.

Sifu went throught the first fundamnetal movements and drilled the application from a traditional aspect and applied in the real world.  Attendees were also shown distances and how to use the weapons from those distances and also how the action of the knives equates in empty handed situations.

Another great seminar delivered by Sifu Stephen Dyde and it is obvious that this is Sifu’s favourite form. He conducted the seminar and explained techniques  with enthusiasm and passion, everyone in the room enjoyed the training and learnt some very valuable techniques.  All in all a fitting end to a great weekend of Wing Chun conducted by the two of the UKs finest Wing Chun  exponents.

A deep and heartfelt thanks to Sifu Stephen Dyde and Sigung Samuel Kwok