Fort Collins Wing Chun

Our Philosophy

Fort Collins Wing Chun teaches authentic and traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu as passed down by Sifu Ben Der. We focus first and foremost on passing down and preserving an authentic lineage of Kung Fu from the late Grandmaster Leung Sheung, the first Disciple of Grandmaster Yip Man.

A Different Approach

Most modern combat sports focus on youthful athleticism and a “wear and tear” approach that eventually breaks the body down. At Fort Collins Wing Chun, we do the opposite. Following the lineage of Grandmaster Leung Sheung via Sifu Ben Der, our training is designed to build you up. We prioritize relaxation and skeletal structure over raw muscular force, making it an ideal practice for those who want a practical self-defense system that also promotes longevity.

Our curriculum is a deep dive into the small details. From the foundational Siu Nim Tao form to advanced sensitivity drills, it’s moving meditation that serves as a direct antidote to the stresses of modern life. We aren’t a belt factory or a commercial gym; we are a Traditional Chinese Gung Fu school for adults who value diligent practice and effort over ego. For a flat monthly fee of $108, you get full access to all weekly sessions and a community dedicated to the art.

FAQ

Q: So, I get a sweet Karate uniform right?

A: There are no uniforms, but we recommend wearing comfortable clothing to class.

Q: When do I get my belt/sash? What belt are you?

A: Belts come from Japanese and Korean martial arts, which adhere to a strict military-style structure. Chinese Gung Fu (Kung Fu) is based off the family unit. As such, we have no belts, no sashes, and no ranks. Sashes are a modern addition to some Gung Fu schools to compete in the Western market, as many people expect belts or other rank indicators, but we find that can lead to 同門雙輕 (roughly, ego and infighting), and so we opt to carry on traditionally.

Q: So what does all this cost?

A: Classes cost a flat fee of $108 USD per month per person, whether you come to half a class or all 11 hours every week. The first month costs a little extra to demonstrate a sincere desire to learn.

Q: What’s all this I’ve seen about red envelopes?

A: According to traditional Chinese martial arts customs, students may sometimes present a red envelope to their teacher as a gesture of respect or appreciation. This is an old martial arts practice, and is not required. Students who wish to express their respect in this way may do so at an appropriate time, without others around to observe. The emphasis is on sincerity and respect, not on the amount. Tl;dr, this is a token of respect, and has nothing to do with tuition. It is most commonly given when beginning at a new school, learning a new form, or other milestones in your own development where you feel it appropriate to express gratitude. There is never any demand nor expectation of this.

Q: What ages do you train? Is this like an after school karate program?

A: 18+. While we will make occasional exceptions to accommodate parents who would like their children to train alongside them, we do not have a stand-alone kid’s class.
We’re happy to recommend our good friends over at Kaizen International Black Belt Academy in Fort Collins, for parents looking for a class for only their children. Kaizen IBBA has a fantastic kid’s program; you can find them at Kaizen International Black Belt Academy

Q: Where are you located?

A: 4562 Denrose Ct, Unit 4, Fort Collins CO 80524. We share a space with Agility Therapeutic Massage (located inside the school in a separate room), and Malama Massage & Bodywork (located at the rear entrance behind the building). Please respect our neighbors by not entering their spaces without permission.

Q: Is there a contract or anything?

A: No, those suck. We do have to have you sign a liability waiver when you sign up, but you’ll never be locked into a long-term contract of any kind. If Wing Chun isn’t right for you, we want you to find the thing that is.

Q: What are all these titles? Sifu? Sigung?

A: Sifu (師父) is a traditional term for a Kung Fu teacher, meaning “Skill Father”. It represents the relationship between a teacher and student according to traditional Confucian ethics. Sifu (師傅) is a similar sounding term, meaning Skilled Master, used as a term of respect for any teacher or skilled person, whether another Kung Fu teacher, painter, seal carver, or a taxi driver. Sigung (師公) means Skill Grandfather, your Sifu’s Sifu. Sitaigung (師太公) is your Sifu’s Sifu’s Sifu. None of these terms mean anything like “grandmaster” or “great-grandmaster” and the people that try to use them that way for marketing are, in our opinion, being silly.

Q: Well, what should I call you?

A: Just call me Rain! No need for titles here. The most important thing is to train diligently and focus on the small details (細微功夫)

Q: Are you currently accepting new students?

A: If you are interested in training with our group, please fill out our form. As I teach privately, and not as a commercial endeavor, I am rather selective with the students I accept, but I am always happy to discuss your reasons for wanting to train.