School(s) in: Uster

School Owner since: 2000

Motto:

WingTsun and Escrima combine realistic self-defense, extraordinary body experience and Taoist as well as scientific way of thinking. For me, the development of the (7) skills, their implementation in the classroom and in everyday life is a life goal to express my creative or analytical side.

Why did you start with WingTsun?

Shortly before my 1st Dan Shotokan Karate, I had to look for a new club due to my move. At that time I had done intensive competition training. Before that GM Kernspecht’s “Vom Zweikampf” and Bruce Lee’s “Tao of Jeet Kune Do” had aroused my interest in WingTsun and self-defense. It happened that I was allowed to meet my SiFu ,the today’s GM Schembri at a Budo Gala in Switzerland. After a course with GM Kernspecht and a trial lesson with GM Schembri, I was infected with the WT virus.

Why are you still doing WingTsun or Escrima?

WT and Escrima still challenge me. I always discover new exciting aspects in things I thought I had mastered. I enjoy developing new exercises and watching the success of my students.

What was your most outstanding WT/Escrima experience?

In the almost 25 years that I have been in the EWTO, I have had some outstanding experiences. Without the chance (?) meeting with GM Schembri, then with GM Kernspecht, GM Bill Newman, GM Rene Latosa, GM Leung Ting and many other outstanding personalities I might have ended up somewhere else. They always provided aha-experiences and directed the view to the essentials. Apart from these events, the appointment as Sifu was a special outstanding experience.

What changed for you when you received the 1st HG or 5th MG?

From today’s perspective, the 1st HG was a transition into a new WingTsun world. In the time from the 1st HG to the 5th MG many developments took place. New insights led to new program contents. New interpretations of previous forms of exercise and new forms of exercise emerged and required mental and physical flexibility. As a student – which I remain with the 5th MG – there is no end in sight to this evolution. As a teacher I have the responsibility to support this development and to pass it on to my students in a way that is appropriate to their level, i.e. didactically meaningful.