FAQ

We offer classes in WingChun, Escrima (available on demand), and practical self-defense. Our self-defense training focuses on situational awareness, verbal and physical boundary-setting, and efficient techniques drawn from WingChun.

Adults (12+) of all experience levels are welcome. We also offer specialized programs for women, young women, and corporate groups.

Absolutely, you can start martial arts as an adult! In fact, embarking on this journey can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make for your personal growth and well-being. Martial arts, such as WingChun, not only teach valuable self-defense techniques but also foster discipline, focus, and resilience.

Many adults find that engaging in martial arts provides a powerful outlet for stress relief while simultaneously boosting confidence. The beauty of starting as an adult is that you bring life experience and maturity to your training. You may discover a new passion or even a supportive community that encourages you every step of the way.

Not at all. In fact, 40 is a great age to begin.

Adults bring focus, discipline, and self-awareness that often make learning more efficient. By 40, most people have a better sense of their physical limits and how to train without injury, which leads to smarter, more sustainable progress.

WingChun emphasizes structure, timing, and technique over speed or raw power. You don’t need to be fast or athletic — you need to be consistent and attentive. Starting at 40 often results in deeper understanding and long-term growth, not missed opportunities.

We do not offer general children’s classes. Our regular group training is designed for adults and teens age 12 and up. In some cases, we offer private or semi-private self-defense lessons for younger students when accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. These sessions are tailored to maturity level and focus on awareness, safety, and basic physical skills. For more information or to inquire about private training, please contact us directly.

Schedule an intro class online or contact us at info@iawberkeley.com

Wear comfortable athletic clothing and indoor training shoes. No special gear is required for beginners.

For training, we generally recommend leather-soled shoes or shoes with minimal grip. These support foot sensitivity, mobility, and muscle engagement. This type of footwear helps improve balance, flexibility, and overall control as you advance in WingChun.

For those just starting out, regular street shoes are acceptable. Choose a pair with smoother soles and lower traction to allow more natural movement. Please avoid shoes with metal components, hiking boots, high heels, or flip-flops, as they can increase risk to both you and your training partners. If you're unsure, feel free to bring a couple of options and ask before class.

We offer flexible options to suit your schedule:

• Drop-in Class: $35 per session
• 5-Class Card: $150 (valid for 12 months)
• 10-Class Card: $250 (valid for 12 months)
• Monthly Membership: $145/month — unlimited access to all regular classes
• New Student Intro: $20 for one class or $45 for 2-week unlimited trial

No contracts. No enrollment fees. Class cards are great for flexible attendance. Membership is best for consistent training.

No, we do not engage in traditional sparring.

Most sparring formats are built around safety and sport, not real-world survival. They use rules, padding, and controlled pacing to protect both participants. In essence, it's a form of play-fighting that teaches you to exchange blows rather than stop a threat.

WingChun takes a different approach. Our goal is not to score points or win matches. It is to disable an assailant quickly and decisively in a real self-defense situation. That requires a different kind of training.

Instead of freeform sparring, we use structured partner drills and controlled scenarios that train precision, structure, timing, and decision-making under pressure. These drills develop functional responses without the bad habits or false security that often come from game-based sparring.

For a deeper explanation, read our blog post: WingChun That Evolves With You

We teach a modern, principle-based WingChun system developed through decades of hands-on training, instruction, and refinement within the European WingChun tradition. Our focus is on practical self-defense, not on preserving rituals or following figureheads. For us, authenticity means functionality. What we teach is consistent, pressure-tested, and based on clear physical principles. Every technique serves a purpose. Every movement is trained to perform under stress.

We are not affiliated with legacy organizations or personalities. We choose to remain independent in order to maintain integrity, clarity, and full control over our curriculum. This gives students a focused, efficient training experience without distractions or hierarchy. The training environment is centered entirely on your progress and practical skill.