Whitsun seminar

Even "normal" seminars with GGM Leung Ting and GM Kernspecht are a source of inspiration and extraordinary knowledge for every WT follower, however the five-day Whitsun seminar in particular can hardly be excelled in terms of information content, for it is on this occasion that the Grandmasters have a real opportunity to teach in progressive learning stages and give detailed answers to any questions. It is always particularly interesting for European students when GGM Leung Ting explains original Chinese maxims and concepts relating to WingTsun in detail. It quickly becomes clear that many misunderstandings and incorrect interpretations are simply due to translation difficulties, in addition to the great cultural differences between the Europeans and Chinese. It is a great stroke of fortune for all WingTsun enthusiasts, and indeed for all followers of the Chinese martial arts, that the Chinese Grandmaster and his German master student have built a unique bridge between such differing lifestyles and attitudes. It means that valuable knowledge can be transferred not only across cultural and linguistic divides, but also historic and traditional boundaries. In addition to advanced techniques, basic concepts, detailed background knowledge, numerous WingTsun anecdotes and Chinese stories etc., those taking part in the Whitsun seminar had a very special treat in store: for the very first time GGM Leung Ting showed the trailer for the new film project on which he is currently working. We can reveal this much: together with several major figures in the Asian martial arts movie scene he is planning a major production on the life of the king of WingTsun, Dr. Leung Jan.

Private tutorials

At the Langenzell Castle Training Academy GGM Leung Ting continued his series of private tutorials, during which he teaches and explains the finest details and aspects of the teaching system to advanced WT instructors and masters.

Owing to its clearly structured teaching programme anybody is able to learn WingTsun if he trains conscientiously. The system transfers the requisite knowledge from its source, the founder of the style GGM Leung Ting, to each individual student without the latter ever having to receive direct instruction from the source itself. Only in this way has WingTsun been able to spread all over the world at such an amazing speed.

Nonetheless it was in order to give as many WT enthusiasts as possible the opportunity to look behind the scenes and understand the structure, origin and background that the two Grandmasters Leung Ting and Keith R. Kernspecht initiated the private tutorials.

Is every Bong-Sau a Biu-Bong? Which movements are "incorrect" movements that are needed to practice certain techniques? What is the meaning of the term "horse stance", and what does it have to do with the "goat stance"? To what extent is the 3rd Chi-Sao section a supplement to the 1st section? Why is WingTsun a wolf in sheep's clothing? What really lies behind the Dim-Mak techniques? The treasure-trove of knowledge that GGM Leung Ting passes on to his students during these tutorials is almost inexhaustible. He answers every conceivable technical question in the utmost detail, not to mention the many completely unknown anecdotes which have never been published in written form! What is the origin of the so-called "Sideling" Wing Chun, for example? Or the story of the Yip Man student who built a wooden dummy fitted with power-operated, rotating knives. In addition GGM Leung Ting relates well-known Chinese legends and myths such as the story of the famous archer who met his match in an oil dealer.

With each tutorial the picture of the wonderful Kung Fu style WingTsun becomes more complete, more colourful and more complex. More and more light is shed on the darkness of ignorance about Chinese culture. The more one learns and understands, the more one is amazed.

Nonetheless, the Grandmaster constantly emphasises that when learning WingTsun it is not important to know as many techniques, movement combinations and maxims as possible. The decisive point is to understand the principles and concepts, to reduce everything to its essence. Only in this way does WingTsun become a "formless style" as Bruce Lee called it, freeing the user from himself and the opponent. The fact that this maxim is not merely limited to physical combat makes WingTsun a particularly effective means of self-development in the great tradition of the Asian philosophies.