E
Ellen Robertson
via Google I've been taking Wing Chun classes here for two years and it's become one of the best parts of my week. I've really enjoyed learning a skill that is both physically and intellectually challenging while making so many lovely new friends.
The curriculum starts off really slow so that you can you focus on a single, narrow technique for several lessons before moving on to the next one. As you progress over months, you get to see how more advanced techniques are built on the simpler ones, which is really gratifying. Eventually, you get to learn chisao which combines all of the individual skills you've already practiced so much.
Classes aren't divided by skill level, which means that you get to learn from advanced students while still getting plenty of attention from Jasan (the teacher). This is really valuable because each person you work with brings a different perspective and points out different issues. Plus, you get to review the fundamentals when you're the one helping students that are less advanced than you. Meanwhile, Jasan is always ready to draw the connections between different techniques and explain overarching concepts. He then challenges us to analyze how to apply those concepts to new situations. He also hosts workshops and master classes to focus on special skills or explore the history, cultural context, and etiquette of Wing Chun.
Jasan has cultivated an atmosphere which is relaxed and informal without being irreverent. This includes the social vibe, which is laid back, warm, and cooperative. There's no weird macho, wanna-be-military peacocking which I've seen in some other martial arts schools. I think this is in part because we teach each other and in part because of other social activities outside of class that build community, such as a holiday party and a "clean-the-school" day. At tournaments, students who aren't even participating show up just to cheer the others on. It truly feels like we are all on the same team.
J
Jeremy Kellervia Google I Love East West Wing Chun Oakland. You can’t find a better quality to value anywhere in the Bay Area. Jasan is patient, knowledgeable, and leads a fun and challenging class. You will learn, sweat and leave sore from each session...
Respect is a big deal, but classes aren’t ruggedly traditional and army like. Jasan brings an old style into the modern age with fun music in the background and smiles permeating through the class! Classes are for adults only (young adults still in teens are accepted after evaluation). I highly recommend!
M
Mario Eusebiovia Google Best place to learn martial arts. Jasan is an excellent teacher. He is willing to work with all skill levels. The environment very relaxed and laid back making it conducive to learning. Also its relatively cheap. Have a college students budget. I have been coming here since 2013.
D
Dan Tvia Google This is a great school to learn Wing Chun and defensive fighting skills. I've been attending the school for almost 5 years now, and have been consistently growing and learning.
Jasan, the instructor at the school, teaches traditional style Ip Man lineage Wing Chun and also includes practical applied drills for us to not only test our Wing Chun skills, but also to broaden our defensive and offensive techniques. There is plenty of open-hand practice (Wing Chun drills and chi sao), weapons training (pole, eskrima, knives, among others), and sparring. Jasan has taken a number of us to competitions, and we have brought back medals to show for our efforts. Jasan also brings in a variety of guests - masters, who add depth and breadth to our Wing Chun practice.
On top of that, it's just the best bargain you will find in town. For a flat rate, you can attend any, or all, classes - there are 5 per week - as well as participate in 2 - 30 min conditioning classes per week (which will help your Wing Chun, and keep you fit for learning more. You WILL feel it the next day).
Finally, you can't beat the atmosphere. The students are there to learn, but are fun to hang out with too. There is a great mix of backgrounds and ages, so everyone has a contribution to make and can easily fit in. While there is a healthy competition, a real kung fu brother/sister attitude quickly develops among peers. And the more senior students are always ready and willing to help out those who are just starting their Wing Chun journey.
First lesson is free, too, so it's easy to give the school a try.
S
Sally Haikenvia Google This is the Best Martial Arts situation I have ever participated in, and I have been involved in various schools and clubs over the last 35 years.
While this is a "School"; very serious about teaching Wing Chun in a traditional style, it functions more like a club-dues are inexpensive, you work-out at your own pace, you can take advantage of every class or just come once a week, and generally direct your own progress as to your own needs.
At the same time, Jasan who runs the school and is the head instructor, brings in his own vast martial arts experience and can guide you towards sparring, tournament training, mixed martial arts, or whatever specific interests or needs you may have. There is also Eskrima offered one night a week, and between classes anyone can participate in a half hour workout/conditioning regimen that will kick your butt.
Classes are very informal (we used to have Monday night football on TV!) and low-key, but if you want to take it up a notch, there is a coterie of advanced students there to train hard with.
The prevalence of advanced and intermediate students (a testament to how cool this place actually is) is a real boon for beginners, who get quality instruction that will allow them to move forward in the discipline quickly.
Jasan also arranges seminars with various outside martial arts Masters who come in and add their knowledge to what we are doing in class in a way that references and informs the Wing Chun cannon.
I really must commend the way Jasan has nurtured, run the school, and approached the overall issues involved in keeping a school open and functioned for over 10 years...at great sacrifice of time and money on his part. East West Wing Chun is truly a labor of love for him, and this is reflected in the quality of the experience offered.
Plus-no goofy uniforms that other Schools make you wear!
