School(s) in: Wentorf near Hamburg

School Owner since: 2001

Motto:

WingTsun: effective self-defense – body awareness – fun

Why did you start with WingTsun?

I started with WingTsun in 1992. Inspired by Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, a friend and I really wanted to learn KungFu and became aware of a small ad in the weekly paper. So we finally ended up at the school in Hamburg-Bergedorf. My buddy only stayed there for half a year. I was totally fascinated by this martial art. I was tall at 1.90 m, but at that time I was rather a slim type, so to speak without muscles. Nevertheless, the techniques worked even with larger and stronger training partners. In addition to the increasingly better defensive skills, my self-confidence also increased. After two years I passed my exam to become an instructor in Heidelberg and was then allowed to support my SiHings in teaching.
 In 2001 I opened my first own school in Bargteheide, then Ahrensburg. Due to the distance, I finally decided to open a school in my home town in 2010, which turned out to be a good decision. The number of members continues to grow steadily and my joy in WingTsun training and teaching is unbroken.

Why are you still doing WingTsun?

One nice thing about WingTsun is that I will never stop learning. It is constantly changing and always holds challenges. The graduation plays no role.
 On the other hand, in the course of time, some friendships have developed and, in addition to my teachers, my students always motivate me anew.
 Many thanks for that!

What was your standout WT experience?

The appointment to the 5th MG was without a doubt my most outstanding WT experience. DaiSifu Piet (Peter Thietje) was a guest in my school to give an examination course and presented me with the certificate at the end of the course. He did not miss the opportunity to say a few moving words. It was just a great feeling!

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

Becoming 1st HG was a big step as a WT-ler: from student to teacher grade. When you teach, you may eventually be appointed Sifu and thus already take on more responsibility for your students as a teacher and role model. The expectations of you as a master become even higher, including the quality of teaching, compared to 1st HG. Whether 1st HG or 5th MG – one thing does not change: I am still a student.