Frequently Asked Questions

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN HOW TO DEFEND MYSELF?
This largely depends on the individual’s build and how much time they devote to practice. Our school follows traditional training. That is, we teach skills necessary to survive in real combat. This means that the exercises are specifically aimed at self-defense skills; we do not focus on competition preparation or health-preserving exercises. To achieve a basic level of self-defense proficiency (which here means the practiced execution and application of fundamental movements), at least half a year is needed. If we want more than this, it takes proportionally more time. Instructor level can be reached in approximately six years with regular practice.
The bad news is that, like any form of physical activity, Kung-fu cannot be learned in a weekend course; it requires relatively regular practice in the long term as well. Without this, self-defense skills will also deteriorate.

AT WHAT AGE IS IT WORTH STARTING KUNG-FU?
AM I TOO OLD TO START?
In our association, regular training can be attended from the age of 14 (this is not set in stone, but for some children the foundational training may be too boring, so we start separate groups for them). Above this age, a wide range of age groups can be found, including people aged 45–50. My oldest student was over 65 years old. We do not teach competitive sport; everyone encounters a level of training load appropriate to their own ability.

I AM AFRAID THAT AS A BEGINNER, MORE SKILLED STUDENTS WILL “USE ME AS A PUNCHING BAG”!
Our goal is to teach you how to defend yourself. We want your confidence to grow so that you dare to stand up for yourself. It is not a good method to beat someone up in their first training session and take away their motivation for practice for life. By maintaining gradual progression, everyone encounters exercises appropriate to their level. No one is put in front of a task they would be unable to solve.

DO I NEED TO REGISTER IN ADVANCE?
It is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended. If you have not registered in writing, please arrive before the training starts and indicate your intention to participate to the instructor leading the session.

CAN I WATCH A TRAINING SESSION FIRST?
Yes. But if there is no obstacle, it is more practical to try it out. The first training session is free of charge, and if you try it, you will truly experience how the techniques work, and you will also feel whether this form of movement is suitable for you. If you are curious in advance about how the movements of our style look, you can find a link to our uploaded videos at the bottom of the page.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING IS REQUIRED?
Naturally, you will need some loose, lightweight clothing in which you can move. Suitable attire includes looser, comfortable pants, a short-sleeved T-shirt, and soft shoes that provide good support for the feet (e.g., sports shoes).

I CAN ONLY ATTEND TRAINING ONCE A WEEK. IS IT STILL WORTH IT?
Yes, but practice at home whenever you have the opportunity! Regularity is an important aspect of all movement learning. This does not mean you have to practice for hours every day, but if you can dedicate a little time daily, you can speed up your progress. Feel free to ask our instructors for help with this!

IS THERE ANY BOOK OR INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO ABOUT WHAT IS TAUGHT HERE?
Yes. The head of our association, Zsolt Kiss, has written a five-volume series about Wing Chun. These cover the entire style from the basics to the master level. Instructional videos have also been made for each volume. In addition, you can find our shorter films and articles about Wing Chun here on the website. There is also a free online magazine where you can find a lot of useful information (links below).

CAN I JOIN AT ANY TIME, OR IS THE TRAINING COURSE-BASED?
We have continuous training sessions that can be joined at any time. Students of different levels participate in the sessions. Separate trainings are held at most as beginner/intermediate/instructor groups. Learning Kung-fu is a long process that takes years. Course-based training is only provided for simpler skills that can be learned in a short time (e.g., a Qigong sequence).

WHAT RULES OR BEHAVIORAL GUIDELINES APPLY DURING TRAINING?
As in every traditional kung-fu school, we also have some customary rules of courtesy.
• Before and after training, when entering and leaving the training hall, we greet the place of training with a bow.
• At the beginning and end of training, the instructor and the students greet each other with a bow. Where possible, if photos of the masters are displayed (forming an “ancestral altar”), we also bow towards them.

Practical rules during training:
Try to arrive on time for training!
Appear in the training hall in clean training clothes and shoes!
Pay attention during training, avoid talking, do not disturb others’ practice!
Support your training partner’s work; your own development also depends on it!
Take care of each other’s physical safety!
Avoid wearing jewelry, necklaces, and watches during practice!