School(s) in: Berlin/Kreuzberg

School Owner since: 1987

Motto:

Be alive!

Why did you start with WingTsun?

I started WT in 1985 for a simple reason. Today one would say: self-defense. What fascinated me then was that all the concepts, ideas and exercises made practical as well as philosophical sense.

Why are you still doing WingTsun?

For the joy and fun of discovering new worlds.
 The longer I am at it, the following two points showed up for me as a guideline: “To be able to go consistently in one direction.”, and “To be ready to go new ways.”. Both of these poles are critical skills for me that can leave the realm of physical self-defense and transfer into life. In addition, my sense of responsibility grew both to my students, teachers, colleagues, and fellow human beings, as well as to myself. As a teacher and Sifu you have the joy of and the duty to teach, this gives me stability and forces discipline.

What was your standout WT experience?

There were many, but the most surprising was: that a victory in a physical confrontation or in a larger setting, initially leads to euphoria. Afterwards, however, self-reflection sets in: “Was this what I wanted? Weren’t there other ways?” The question that comes after that, “What is winning? Do I always want to win over the other person?” We want to win, but fight only when we have to.

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

There were already bigger changes with the achievement of the 1st Higher Degree and the 5th Master Degree.
 From the first 1st HG dominated with me the pride in the ability to prevail with force (from today’s point of view) and to have the greater knowledge of techniques and tricks than my opponents. With the master degree I did not feel the change so abruptly. More of a gradual process of accepting the role.
 It was also seeing that the world is made up of different kinds of conflicts that affect me and my life. That dangers and strategies can come from directions that are completely unknown to me and that one must be able to protect oneself in many ways. Simple example: If you simply win physically, it may not be easy against psychos.
 And with that, everything focuses on you again. The attention and the big seven are a solution for this.

No more theory! Life calls!