THIS IS NOT AN EYE MATTER EVENT
Movement training for blind and visually impaired people with Martial Attitude.
By Fiona Musgrove.
Wing Chun, is a traditional Chinese martial art focusing on close-range simultaneous attack-and-defense techniques. It emphasizes economy of motion, centerline theory, and sensitivity through touch. This martial art became widely known in the West through Bruce Lee, who studied under Ip Man.
Martial Attitude has designed a free series of programmes, around London, based on this martial art. These sessions are designed for people who are blind or have significant visual impairment to help increase confidence, independence, physical and mental health. They said, “Essentially, we want people to feel happier in themselves and their space.” Martial Attitude encourages the visually impaired newcomer to bring a sighted friend or relative to share the experience.
Martial Attitude explains, “Wing Chun is designed as a form of self-defence (by a woman – according to legend) which functions by understanding your own posture and body structure while interpreting your opponent/partner’s body structure and physical intention by maintaining contact with your forearms with your opponent/partner”.
These sessions can be accessed at the following venues:
Saturday’s start at 2pm-3.30pm at Kobi Nazrul Centre, 30 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR. This is located in Spitalfields between Commercial St and Brick Lane. A short walk from Liverpool St Station and Bishopsgate buses.
On Sundays sessions begin 1pm-2.30pm at the Playhouse East, 258 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4DG. This is located on Kingsland Rd in Hackney, the venue is a short walk from Haggerston Overground Station (Windrush line) and is well serviced by a number of bus routes (149, 242, 243).
Although there is a lot of physical contact , particularily using forearm, there is no throwing, groundwork, large kicks or large punches involved!
Martial Attitude is keen to stress that they have not adapted the artform for blind people, but have adapted the system of teaching it. They have designed a fun, engaging yet challenging way to develop a highly sensitive understanding of how people around them are moving and how to have good balance and, overall, a better posture. This is perfect for building confidence in negotiating places and everyday situations that involve close and crowded groups of strangers such as public transport, busy restaurants and social events etc.
Learning this martial art develops the student’s sensitivity from the contact of the arms and hands. It is a supportive and safe process. Training unfolds in a progressive manner, starting with foundational skills and gradually introducing more advanced techniques. Students will learn drills and exercises that can be practiced easily at home between sessions with their sighted partner. Click here for a short video of their work:
https://youtu.be/PvU7DBHyTl0?si=C_kfZ5tqKnu5A7Qd
Mathias Alberton is an experienced Kung Fu Wing Chun Instructor, registered with the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts, and he has been training blind and visually impaired people in Wing Chun for more than 10 years. He is a qualified Sport and Remedial MassageTherapist, Gym Instructor and a BPS trainee Sport Psychologist.
Places are limited! Workshops are free, but registration is essential. Participants may join the course at any point provided there is space in the workshops.
For more information please contact:
ma@martialattitude.com to get started.
