What made you take up WT?

After four years of Tae-Kwon-Do training I was introduced to WingTsun in 1988, and immediately knew that this was a martial art I wanted to learn.

What do you find so fascinating about WT?

At first I was amazed how quick and uncomplicated it is to knock somebody down if you know how to go about it. I was fascinated by the soft, dynamic and unbelievably fast movements, and really enjoyed the combat-oriented teaching style of my then instructor. I was sure that I would never again need to feel powerless. And to be honest, I am still fascinated by the sheer fighting power of this art, and the freedom it gives me. I meanwhile know that there is no outside, and WT fascinates me because it puts me in touch with myself. My body learns to move flexibly and softly, and to go with my (life) energy rather than against it. I now concentrate more on the battle inside me, and at the mental level too, the techniques teach me to let go and become more conscious. I love WT because there are always more levels, learning it keeps me aware and flexible and helps me to recognise any tendency within myself  to fixate and stagnate.

What made you start your own school?

I studied sport and German in Kassel, and always wanted to be a teacher. My major topics in sports studies were e.g. “Co-education – for and against“ or “Women and men in sports – differences and similarities“. I partly financed my studies with jobs as an instructor in various disciplines. As early as 1984 I held my first course in self-defence for women at Kassel University, and somehow it was always clear to me that I would open my own school at some time. I created the concept of a women’s school in order to teach this martial art and self-defence efficiently, and to allow women to find their own (female?) way to WT. I started in 1990. A friend wrote a long article for the local newspaper (see WT World No. 14), and I received calls from more than 90 women. Roughly 60 women came to the first trial session, and many of them signed up immediately. At first I rented a room in a flamenco school by the hour twice per week, but after six months we moved into our own premises. Everything went perfectly and almost ran itself. Today the women’s school has an area of 160 sq. m., and there are five classes each week plus two classes for young girls. Sometimes I am amazed how things have developed.

Do you still advertise your school, and if so how?

I have my own website, which I have updated regularly. I also distribute leaflets occasionally, but only sporadically. Nowadays the school mainly runs on word of mouth advertising.

How do you prepare for your classes?

That varies. At intervals I prepare detailed training plans in which I define short and long-term teaching goals. At present I proceed purely intuitively, and allow myself to be inspired by the moment and the students.

What are your future WT goals?

I am currently preparing for the 4th Technician grade, and would like to establish ChiKung in my school. And I work on perfecting my classes and myself as a teacher.