Photo of a person performing the wooden man form.

Amherst Wing Chun Club

Informal, beginner-level, free* kung fu lessons


This is a passion project to teach wing chun kung fu in the Amherst, Hadley, and Northampton area. Currently we are in the planning phase. Please fill out our interest form!

Interest Form

https://app.formbricks.com/s/cmkq7qqn25mptad01kg0by9lg

Q&A

What is Wing Chun?
Wing chun 咏春 is a Chinese martial art which emphasizes simplicity and technique over raw strength.
According to legend

A new style of kung fu was developed by a Shaolin nun who taught it to another woman in secret. That woman used the art to win a duel against thugs, saving her from being forced into an unwanted marriage. Her name was Wing Chun. The literal translation of the Chinese characters “咏春” means “singing spring.” True or not, this tale depicts how the wing chun style of kung fu is about how the physically weak might defend itself against the strong.

In real life, Wing Chun was made famous internationally first by Bruce Lee, then again by Donnie Yen in his Ip Man series of movies.

Do I need to be athletic?
No. Wing chun focuses on simple and direct movements, unlike most other kung fu styles and martial arts. In fact, wing chun is often practiced in China by senior communities similarly to Tai Chi.
How much do lessons cost?
I hope to make the lessons free—cultural knowledge should be freely accessible to all. If we have to pay money to rent a space, I will accept donations of around $10/week. Whatever money left over will be donated to LUCE.
Where will class take place?
You decide! The interest form contains a survey about possible locations: Amherst, Hadley, or Northampton, and indoor or outdoor preference.
What is kung fu class like?
Close-distance partner drills with light contact

Focusing on repetitive partner drills is a modern approach to practical martial arts instruction. This is different from traditional teaching styles. We hope to provide an alternative to learning martial arts that is less intimidating and for busy people. For reference, traditional kung fu and karate lessons typically involve 30 minutes of stretching, calisthenics, and meditation, followed by rehearsal of forms (kata, 套路), which are choreographed sequences of fighting postures.

Who are you?
My name is Jennings, I am an Amherst resident. I have 4 years of Wing Chun experience. That makes me a beginner as well—which is part of the reason why I decided this class should be free.

Contact

Please reach out with questions, suggestions, or to just say hi!
Signal
@jennydaman.45
Email
jennings@amherstwingchun.club