Two gymnastic boxes stand opposite each other in the sports gymnasium at the workshops in Husum. There is actually enough space between them for someone to pass through easily. A group of seven has come together to learn how to deal with fear-inspiring situations under the careful and sympathetic guidance of WingTsun teacher Stefan Schmaltz. In certain circumstances this also means training the voice. "Self-assertion also means using one’s voice energetically at times", says the instructor. "The facial expression and gestures must be in accordance with the relevant situation." Schmaltz sits on one of the two boxes and stretches his leg across to the other box – blocking the path. It is Frauke’s turn. She smiles rather uncertainly. Then she politely enquires: "Can I go through please?" "Nah" he answers abruptly. Frauke takes a deep breath, her smile disappears and she responds more loudly and with determination: "Will you let me through please?" That’s better. She is allowed through.

Since the beginning of January, courses in WingTsun have been offered as an extra-curricular activity at the Husum workshops, initially for a period of six months. WingTsun, a self-defence style, translates as "beautiful springtime" and is very versatile with many aspects. The "soft aspects" of this system are the most important for those attending the course, with training to overcome fear in first place. Social educationalist Jürgen Claussen, who is monitoring the course: "We have concentrated on people who are rather timid and reticent by nature. Lack of assertiveness has often meant that these people have been taken advantage of. With this weekly training we hope we can develop the personalities of the course participants."

Siart has been one of these from the start. "At first I was curious to see what this was all about", says the eighteen year-old. "I found these weekly exercises hard work at first." Claussen lends a helpful hand: "Were you put under tension?" That‘s the word he was looking for, and the young man nods: "Yes. I find the training much easier now." 35 year-old Carola is not that far yet. She has only taken part in two lessons so far. "But I’ll stick to it and hope I can get rid of many of my fears", she says with determination. "After all, I want to make personal progress!"

The aim is for the participants to set limits versus others, and to develop the courage to live their own personality. They are trained in the ability to say "No" occasionally, for someone who can do this is saying "Yes" to themselves, as Claussen puts it. This self-assertion course gives students the equipment to cope well outside the workshops. The foremost objective is to give them more independence.

The teaching concept used by Schmaltz also includes training motor movements. The movements slowly flow into each other, but have a precise rhythm: stretch out the right arm, turn the palm upwards, clench the fist, withdraw the arm, let it drop and shake it. Balance exercises and alternate tensing and relaxation of the muscles are also practiced. In very small stages and with many repetitions, for according to Schmaltz, "the brain needs a high rate of repetition to remember something permanently."

15 years ago Stefan Schmaltz was involved in a major car accident during which he sustained brain injuries and lay in a coma for almost two weeks. This was followed by a many years of severe suffering. A complete recovery was out of the question according to his doctors. With incredible patience and iron determination he began to learn the Asian martial art of WingTsun. Despite numerous setbacks it enabled the 38 year-old to regain control over his movements, and he was spared a life in a wheelchair with uncoordinated motor movements.

Text: Husumer Nachrichtenc