Magazine article: Master Brian Lewadny

[sihing]

Since I've been pretty active on this forum I thought I would forward you all a web link to a Martial Arts Magazine with a Interview with my Sifu, Master Brian Lewadny, enjoy...
http://www.kickstartmag.ca/online_magazine/

James

[William E]

James

Thanks for sharing the link to the article written by your sifu. You are one of the lucky ones who have the opportunity to train with someone who is a true professional martial artist. From what I read, it sounds like Sifu Lewadny is running a top notch organization.

Can you tell me how long your WC classes usually last and what they consist of?

Also, what is the ranking system and how long does it take a typical student to move up in rank?

Thanks again for participating on this forum and sharing the art you practise.

William E.

[sihing]

Thank you William for the kind words, it’s very much appreciated.

Each class is 1 hour in length and there are approximately 30 of them a week, not including private lessons. Mostly in the evenings, we do offer afternoon classes from Tuesday to Friday for 1 hour, which mostly consist of skills training. In the evening there are 3 classes which consist of two skills classes and one cardio/conditioning class. A skills class can consist of any skills type training, Chi-sao, Combat Techniques, Self-Defense, Forms, Weapons defenses, ground fighting, Drills and more drills, then at the end of each skills class the instructor will group the students together for multiple person sparring, working on the techniques drilled on during the class. Lower levels will work at a basic level, meaning not much at random and less movement from the attacking partner. Higher levels will work in a more random environment with more attacks allowed and more movement allowed by the attacker, but they sometimes will be limited to only use a specific technique against a specific attack to drill it in you. Cardio/Conditioning consist of Calisthenics, Heavy Bag work(kicks/punches), Focus mitt work, stretching, Chi-kung training, etc..

Sifu uses a Level 1 to 10 ranking system for the students, with level 10(Gold Sash) being of "Sifu" level knowledge and one has learned the entire system, although we do have an apprentice instructors program(Lv.6 & up) with these hand picked individuals given more detailed information on the art since they will become teachers one day. A beginner can grade for level one after 3 mths training and another 3 mths for level 2. The time increases from this point on to advance to the next level. When one has graded to level 9 it is generally a two year wait until they can go for the Gold Sash, level 10. Right now this whole process takes about 8yrs to achieve. After this, if the student was invited into the apprentice instructor program they will be able to operate their own school under the Canadian Wing Chun Kung-Fu Association if they choose to. Also they will receive a red stripe for every two years at this Gold Sash level, to be attached to the sash on the end. After 10 red stripes the student is awarded a Red Sash signifying Master Level, 20yrs at Sifu level. For myself I have my Gold Sash(96') with 4 red stripes. I've been teaching since around late 90', and operated my own kwoon under the association from 1992 till 1996, presently I am 3rd in line of seniority under Master Lewadny, behind Simu Brenda Lewadny, and my Sihing, Sifu Gerald Boyle.


James

[Cang Long]

Sihing,
Very interesting and informative article I haven't finished reading it but what I have read so far really gives good insight into your Sifu's background and some of his ideology, thanks for posting the link.

[sihing]

Thank you for your kind words also Anthony..