Wing Chun master Cheng Tsu-chieh (left) instructs practitioners at the China Cultural Center in The Hague, Netherlands, in July. Xinhua News Agency
THE HAGUE — A recent Wing Chun kung fu master class brought together more than a dozen martial arts enthusiasts, some of whom have been devoted to the Chinese kung fu for decades.
Also taking part in the masterclass was Eric Batstra, head instructor of the Dutch Wing Chun Association. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Batstra said he started practising Wing Chun when he was 18 years old.
“Once I discovered Wing Chun, it became the passion of my life,” says Batstra. Since 1981, the Dutch martial artist has devoted himself to the study of Wing Chun, a martial art characterized by close combat, rapid-fire strikes and efficiency.
Founded in 1974, the Dutch institute focuses on the Huang Shun Leung style of Wing Chun, which emphasizes efficiency and directness and is on China's list of national intangible cultural heritage.
Participants in a recent master class came to learn from Cheng Zu Chiet, a master of Chinese Wing Chun. Mr. Cheng delved into the history and techniques of Wing Chun and detailed the Chinese philosophical and cultural principles that underlie the martial art. Participants had the opportunity to practice the techniques under his guidance.
Cheng said he noticed that Dutch Wing Chun practitioners had a genuine passion for Wing Chun and that his aim in visiting the Netherlands was to develop closer contact with local Wing Chun practitioners.
“The participants range in age, some in their 60s and 70s, but regardless of age, they are all incredibly dedicated to practising Wing Chun,” he said.
The veteran martial artist also highlighted the benefits of Wing Chun for health, well-being and personal growth, and expressed his hope for more exchanges to bring people together and jointly promote Wing Chun.
Mr Batstra expressed his enthusiasm for the Wing Chun master class and said he looks forward to going to China for further exchanges.
Sebastian Kass, 51, an avid Wing Chun practitioner, says he has been passionate about the martial art since 2006. He started practicing Wing Chun as a child after becoming fascinated with martial arts films from the 80s and 90s featuring stars such as Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.
“Watching those films, I always said, 'This is what I want to do,'” he says.
Kass says Wing Chun has changed his life dramatically: “Wing Chun has become a part of my life, giving me mental and physical strength.”
The Dutch martial artist says his experience of practicing Wing Chun goes beyond the physical movements.
He said mutual respect and close community are key aspects of Wing Chun practitioners as they share knowledge and practice the art through its various movements.
“There are people who train harder and work longer hours, and that pushes the limits and really experiences what the human body is capable of,” Kass says, and he believes this intense dedication fuels the passion and love for Wing Chun.
During the master class, Kass shared a personal dream: “It's a dream come true for me to be able to go to the birthplace of Wing Chun, Southern Shaolin Temple in Fujian Province, China. I'm really looking forward to going.”
Xinhua News Agency
