Participants in a Wing Chun master class pose for a group photo at China Cultural Center The Hague in The Hague, Netherlands, July 10, 2024. (Courtesy of China Cultural Center The Hague/Xinhua)
THE HAGUE, July 12 (Xinhua) — A Wing Chun master class here this week attracted more than a dozen martial arts enthusiasts, some of whom have been passionate about the Chinese boxing style for decades.
Also attending the master class was Eric Batstra, head instructor of the Dutch Wing Chun Association. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Batstra told Xinhua that he began 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 kung fu martial art characterized by close combat, rapid-fire strikes and efficiency.
Founded in 1974, the Dutch Society primarily studies the Wong 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 Chinese Wing Chun master Cheng Tsukieh. Mr. Cheng delved deep into the history and techniques of Wing Chun, detailing the principles of Chinese philosophy and culture that underlie this martial art. Participants had the opportunity to practice Wing Chun techniques under his guidance.
Cheng noted the genuine passion for Wing Chun among Dutch Wing Chun practitioners. In comments to Xinhua, he said the aim of his visit to the Netherlands was to foster close exchanges 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 artists also highlighted the benefits of Wing Chun to health, well-being and personal growth, and expressed hope for further 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 on the martial art.
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.
“I watched those movies and always thought that's what I wanted to do,” he said.
Kass said Wing Chun has changed his life dramatically: “Wing Chun has become a part of my life and it gives me strength both mentally and physically.”
The Dutch martial artist said his experience of practicing Wing Chun goes beyond physical movements.
He said mutual respect and close brotherhood are key aspects of Wing Chun practitioners as they share knowledge and practice the art through its various movements and lineages.
“Brothers practice harder and practice longer, which pushes the limits and really experiences what the human body can do,” Kass said. Kass 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.” ■
Chinese Wing Chun master Cheng Zujie (right, back) hosts a master class for Dutch kung fu practitioners at the China Cultural Centre The Hague in The Hague, Netherlands, July 10, 2024. (Courtesy of China Cultural Centre The Hague/Xinhua)
Chinese Wing Chun master Cheng Zujie (first from left) hosts a master class for Dutch kung fu practitioners at the China Cultural Center in The Hague, Netherlands, July 10, 2024. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)
