Our mission is to pass on the teachings of Grandmaster Chu Shong Tin in a pure and unadulterated fashion, in the hope of fulfilling his last and final wish; that his students find a quicker way of achieving “Nim Tao” (a type of flow state) so that anyone can protect themselves and experience its mental & physical health benefits. This state of mind-body connection causes one to naturally move in a relaxed, integrated and unusually powerful manner.
Prior to coming in contact with Chu Shong Tin, Sifu Mark trained and taught for many years using the more common approach centred around techniques, drills and mental and physical conditioning. His shift in approach over the last 20 years is informed by his lived experience with real violence and a much deeper understanding about how to safely and more effectively teach this uniquely powerful (and often counter-intuitive) system. The main focus of training at Chi Sau Club is therefore primarily on developing a deeper level of mind-body connection. We place emphasis on developing certain principles of movement rather than drilling lots of complicated techniques. Students are taught the “Four Pillars” of CST Wing Chun (Tai Gong/Stance, Sing Hei/Upright Spine, Fong Song/Relaxation, Herng/Aim), and all exercises are linked back to these fundamental qualities. With a stable stance, upright posture, integrated and relaxed body, and pinpoint aim, even an old man or woman with small stature and no brute strength can produce tremendous force.
While general strength and fitness are important for wellbeing and help reduce the risk of injury, they are not required for this approach to Wing Chun. Instead of brute strength, we rely on the movement and rotation of our centre of mass to generate force. Similarly, flexibility and athleticism are not required and training can be as low or high impact as each student wishes. Training is relaxed and casual with a focus on achieving the correct mental state and physical condition that underpins this unique approach. Our instructors range in experience from 5 years to 20+ years of private instruction directly under Sifu Mark Spence who has personally selected and trained them in the hands on methodology that CSC is renowned for. Students are welcome to train at their own pace or join in the group classes, which are run by our most senior instructors and cover all aspects of the system. Forms are practiced slowly and in-depth with emphasis on understanding the body-mechanics and leverage aspects of every movement. Practical application, along with the development of fighting reflexes, is addressed during Chi Sau (sticking hands) training.
Although the internal path can initially seem slow or difficult and requires commitment, it quickly becomes addictive once one begins to feel its unique benefits. If you enjoy using your mind, and seek to enhance your mental and physical well-being through meditative and physical exercise, you’ll enjoy this process.
Hong Kong Style Training – No Uniforms, Rankings or Gradings
As in Hong Kong, most of the trappings of western martial arts schools such as compulsory uniforms and official ranks are not enforced in Chi Sau Club. This creates a friendlier and more productive training environment. We do have club t-shirts and hoodies available, but many students simply train in their favourite comfortable clothing.
Given Sifu Mark oversees most training sessions and takes an active interest in every students progress, we also have no gradings or “paywalls” before students can progress through the system. Classes are friendly, relaxed, and free from the ego, pomp and ceremony found in many schools. Tea and coffee provided.