A Report of Grandmaster Ip Ching's 2004 Seminar
in St. George, Utah, USA.
May 28-June 3, 2004.

by Leeonna Johnson
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By all accounts, this was an unprecedented event. The premise of the seminar was unlike any previous.  The intent was for him to personally shape and teach instructors in the Ip Ching lineage in a way that would sharpen their skill and strengthen their grasp of Wing Chun.

The seminar was taught over a period of seven days, during which he personally taught and expounded on the finer points of every form in Wing Chun. The Grandmaster’s training on the Look Dim Boon Kwan and Bot Cham Doe forms was also rich in detail. Everyone was very pleased with the seminar and impressed with the Grandmaster’s agility and power. He was very spry and energetic throughout the long training, morning, noon and night.

At the opening of the seminar, Grandmaster Ip Ching mentioned how pleased he was at the beautifying of the school over the last few years, and the ever-growing number of students that are being taught Wing Chun through the efforts of Master Ron Heimberger.  Grandmaster Ip Ching made mention of how happy everyone was, and that he felt a very warm reception from everyone.

There were many in attendance, including instructors from England, Italy, México, as well as many parts of the United States, all of which received personal attention from the Grandmaster himself.  He specifically watched everyone perform the various forms of Wing Chun and gave personal insight to help each one of them become more solid in propagating his high standard of Wing Chun as they teach their respective students.

The enthusiastic atmosphere made everyone feel welcome to ask any question. The Grandmaster always answered in a very friendly, attentive and forthcoming way.  He spoke enthusiastically, with an unparalleled understanding of the art. It was absolutely clear that Ip Ching’s close student, Master Ron Heimberger, absolutely recognizes and submits to the authority, wisdom, and preferences of his Sifu, Grandmaster Ip Ching.  Grandmaster himself mentioned that he enjoyed the learning environment of the seminar, and that he was overall pleased with the quality of Wing Chun that instructors these instructors have developed.

The training included arduous stints of drills lead by Grandmaster Ip Ching, or he would direct his personal student, Master Heimberger, to lead the drills as he personally corrected the participants’ technique.

In the evenings, the regularly scheduled classes at the Saint George school proceeded as normal.  But one thing was very unique, Grandmaster Ip Ching observed the classes.  That, in and of itself was unprecedented.  Although the Grandmaster has taught many seminars, to the best of my knowledge, he has never made himself available to watch and critique anyone’s regular classes.  He mentioned his approval at the methods employed in creating an atmosphere in which to learn Wing Chun.  The Grandmaster even graced one of the classes with stories of his father, Ip Man.

All who come into contact with Grandmaster Ip Ching remark on his humble, unassuming dignity.  This seminar was no exception.  Yet his personality shined with laughter, good humor and warmth.  He would dine with Master Heimberger, and they were gracious enough to invite all of the students to come along with them.  As a result, all gained a greater appreciation for the Sifu/Student relationship.

 One memorable segment of the week, was accompanying Grandmaster Ip Ching to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  He had always wanted to see its beautiful landscape, and all who went with him felt in awe of the majesty of the canyon.  The Grandmaster’s enthusiasm was contagious, and his deep joy was palpable and captured in many photographs.

The seminar was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain invaluable insight into Wing Chun, as well as into the personality of a true Grandmaster in every sense.  The Chinese Classics teach that the Superior Man can find himself in no situation in which he is not himself, and Grandmaster Ip Ching personifies that definition.  Whether teaching Wing Chun during a demanding session, or touring the Grand Canyon with those fortunate enough to accompany him, Ip Man’s memory is honored by his son, Ip Ching.

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The Ving Tsun Ip Ching Student Union has posted many pictures from both the Seminar, and of Grandmaster Ip Ching's USA Tour & Life. All photos are from the private collection of Grandmaster Ip Ching.
Visit them and enjoy!

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