Master of Sports – Martial Arts (Plovdiv University/BG)

School(s) in: Regensburg

School Owner since: 2004

Motto:

WingTsun as a philosophical, Asian martial art means to me, besides realistic self-defense, above all lifestyle and self-development.

Why did you start with WingTsun?

I started WT when I was 19 because I can get into dangerous situations in my job as a police officer. I needed a self-defense that would work when it mattered. Within a relatively short period of time, my ability to defend myself at the time increased and so did my confidence. Due to my self-confident appearance, which I owe significantly to my WingTsun skills, I was able to solve many situations by de-escalation. Especially the BlitzDefence program of my grandmaster Keith R. Kernspecht, taught me how to act and communicate in a violence-preventive way in the pre-fight phase.

Why are you still doing WingTsun?

After learning to fight very quickly in the first few years, the aspect of “real” fighting loses its charm. One no longer wants to compare or duel. The fight with one’s own ego begins. WingTsun as a martial art is way and goal at the same time. Way insofar that one never stops learning and can always become better. This is true both as a WingTsun practitioner and as a WingTsun teacher. On the other hand, WingTsun is also a goal. One has already arrived. At the moment of practicing and training, everything is already there. There is no better or worse, you don’t have to make yourself crazy, titles and graduations are not the essential. Much more important for me is the social component of a training group. WingTsun can easily be done until old age. The associated friendships of many years are the salt in the soup of life, a second family.

What was your standout WT experience?

Outstanding were many moments. Outstanding were these moments only because of the people involved. And not because of the graduation, but because of their exemplary personality, I would like to mention the grandmasters and a few special speakers of our federation. First and foremost GM Kernspecht, whom I have faithfully followed as a private student for well over 10 years. But also all other grandmasters of the EWTO have become role models for me. Not to forget Master Thietje with his Kids WingTsun. Only he reduced my shyness to work with children. I am also incredibly grateful to Master Schirdewahn for his violence prevention program, which I like to use in schools.

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

The big change between 1st HG and 5th MG is in the responsibility. At that time, I had no training group to lead and focused only on my advancement. When I received the 5th MG, I ran my own academy. As for my own skill, I see myself as exactly what I am, a junior master, a beginner at the master level. With time you learn many things, but at the same moment you are shown what you cannot do yet. WingTsun for me means lifelong learning and practicing. But I can handle that well.