We at Oakland WingChun prioritize self defense over competition (sport MA) or preserving a heritage (classical MA). It is in everyone's best interest to be able to defend themselves. WingChun can be used by women and children so that they can feel safe about living in the Bay Area. WingChun is a martial art that can be learned by anyone regardless of their age or size.
At Oakland we emphasize WingChun as a real martial art practice. While I teach nothing that doesn't have direct self-defense application, I expect students to improve their fitness, confidence, and even to know themselves better! Sihing Tom would be one of the best martial art teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area because of his extensive experience teaching and also movement skill and kinesiology background.
At Oakland we emphasize WingChun as a real martial art practice. While I teach nothing that doesn't have direct self-defense application, I expect students to improve their fitness, confidence, and even to know themselves better! Sihing Tom would be one of the best martial art teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area because of his extensive experience teaching and also movement skill and kinesiology background.
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WingChun is a newer discipline of Martial Arts and therefore it uses principles of Newtonian physics. You will learn how to defend yourself from an attacker who might be faster and stronger than you. It is the perfect form of martial art for everybody regardless of your body, size or gender.
With determination, discipline, practice and respect for WingChun, you will learn to defend and protect yourselves from an attacker regardless of the size, strength or speed.WingChun is about self defense but also equally about fun. It will bring about a balance in your life that you might have been seeking more so in a busy place like SF Bay.
With determination, discipline, practice and respect for WingChun, you will learn to defend and protect yourselves from an attacker regardless of the size, strength or speed.WingChun is about self defense but also equally about fun. It will bring about a balance in your life that you might have been seeking more so in a busy place like SF Bay.
Escrima is a martial art that emphasizes the use of various kinds of weapons. It was started in Philippines but you will also see some European influence in it. Escrima also uses weapons such as sticks, knives and swords but, it can also be an unarmed combat system. We even teach how to utilize improvised weapons!
Learning to use WingChun principles and techniques to apply against grappling attacks is not something we get as much of a chance to work with but is actually quite logical and fun. The same techniques we learn in forms and programs are applied from a different physical context. It can be very revelatory to see how our system addresses such a wide array of attacks.
My name is Sihing Tom Richards and I lead Oakland WingChun. With 20 yrs training and about 14 yrs teaching I have a lot of experience in the various facets of learning a real martial art. I also have professional expertise in the functional anatomy of the human body and kinematics (Advanced Rolfing and Movement practitioner).
Reviews (12)
Michael Ernest
Dec 03, 2021
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Tony Hernandez
Oct 28, 2021
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Jeremy Keller
Mar 12, 2021
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I Love East West Wing Chun Oakland. You can’t find a better quality to value anywhere in the Bay Area. Jasan is patient, knowledgeable, and leads a fun and challenging class. You will learn, sweat and leave sore from each session...
Respect is a big deal, but classes aren’t ruggedly traditional and army like. Jasan brings an old style into the modern age with fun music in the background and smiles permeating through the class! Classes are for adults only (young adults still in teens are accepted after evaluation). I highly recommend!
Respect is a big deal, but classes aren’t ruggedly traditional and army like. Jasan brings an old style into the modern age with fun music in the background and smiles permeating through the class! Classes are for adults only (young adults still in teens are accepted after evaluation). I highly recommend!
Ken L.
May 01, 2019
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I have been studying with Sihing Tom Richards for nearly 3 years and I can attest to his skill, guidance and attention when it comes to teaching and guiding students through martial arts. He balances the factors of health, combative skills, forms and the emotional development that comes with practice over time. The age range in the classes currently is mid-teens to the early '70's and the practice can be adjusted to any skill or physical level. Introductory classes are free; others students help guide new students; and wingchun emphasizes quick, close contact and does not require prior
Dave M.
Apr 15, 2019
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Oakland WingChun is run by Sihing Tom. He explains how to do things and why you should do them. He is also willing to answer questions so that you fully understand what you are doing and how to improve.
The school itself is in a shared place, it provides plenty of space to practice in. The other students are nice and are willing to help beginners as well. The school is very open and friendly, the style is very much focused on practical use in street situations.
There are no street shoes allowed inside of the classroom.
There are also no mirrors.
The school itself is in a shared place, it provides plenty of space to practice in. The other students are nice and are willing to help beginners as well. The school is very open and friendly, the style is very much focused on practical use in street situations.
There are no street shoes allowed inside of the classroom.
There are also no mirrors.
Edgar Chan
Jan 28, 2017
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Dan T.
Nov 10, 2015
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This is a great school to learn Wing Chun and defensive fighting skills. I've been attending the school for almost 5 years now, and have been consistently growing and learning.
Jasan, the instructor at the school, teaches traditional style Ip Man lineage Wing Chun and also includes practical applied drills for us to not only test our Wing Chun skills, but also to broaden our defensive and offensive techniques. There is plenty of open-hand practice (Wing Chun drills and chi sao), weapons training (pole, eskrima, knives, among others), and sparring. Jasan has taken a number of us to competitions
Jasan, the instructor at the school, teaches traditional style Ip Man lineage Wing Chun and also includes practical applied drills for us to not only test our Wing Chun skills, but also to broaden our defensive and offensive techniques. There is plenty of open-hand practice (Wing Chun drills and chi sao), weapons training (pole, eskrima, knives, among others), and sparring. Jasan has taken a number of us to competitions
Celia Fong
Nov 10, 2015
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I went to my first Wing Chun class at East West Wing Chun and had a great experience! The class is a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced students, but the dynamic is relaxed and casual. Jason, the headmaster, explained the principles of Wing Chun to me and showed me some basic exercises, including explanations about their application in everyday life. Senior students also gave me helpful pointers during the exercises, which was helpful and a good way to meet other people in the class. It is a practical martial art, and East West is an affordable way to learn it!
Mario Eusebio
Oct 28, 2015
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Sally Haiken
Jul 18, 2015
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This is the Best Martial Arts situation I have ever participated in, and I have been involved in various schools and clubs over the last 35 years.
While this is a "School"; very serious about teaching Wing Chun in a traditional style, it functions more like a club-dues are inexpensive, you work-out at your own pace, you can take advantage of every class or just come once a week, and generally direct your own progress as to your own needs.
At the same time, Jasan who runs the school and is the head instructor, brings in his own vast martial arts experience and can guide you towards sparring, tournament
While this is a "School"; very serious about teaching Wing Chun in a traditional style, it functions more like a club-dues are inexpensive, you work-out at your own pace, you can take advantage of every class or just come once a week, and generally direct your own progress as to your own needs.
At the same time, Jasan who runs the school and is the head instructor, brings in his own vast martial arts experience and can guide you towards sparring, tournament
Jacky Chen
Jun 04, 2015
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Jian Huang
Aug 03, 2012
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Great school to learn wing chun, class consists of various drills with a partner, switching partners every few minutes so junior students can work with more senior students. Students comes from various martial arts disciplines so everyone has a different perspective on a various drill, giving a more complete experience. Great school to learn wing Chun
