WingChun Berkeley - Albany, California

Derek Wu

I've been taking classes here for a little over two years and I've only now thought to leave a review lol. As you might guess, I really like it here! Everybody, both the instructors and the other students, is really nice and supportive. The instructor, Yuka, is a great teacher and gives a lot of personal attention. She also does a great job accommodating people's preferences and abilities so that they get the most out of their time here.

The studio's super clean - Yuka uses one of those cleaning robots before every class, and the mats all get wiped down with sanitizing spray after each use.

Personally, I take these classes to train for self-defense, and I like that that's what it's focused on. We train for common self-defense scenarios and all of the techniques are very practical. However, this is also a great place to practice Wing Chun for both cultural and fitness reasons! Can't recommend it enough.

Alyssa Moore

Been attending WingChun Berkeley for a little over 4 years and I still enjoy, learn, and am energized at every class. I had no prior martial arts experience when I started and was looking for something practical to help with the street harassment/stalking incidents I was experiencing at the time. The students and the instructor, Sije Yuka, were incredibly welcoming, and the hands-on techniques in class, then and ever since, have been incredibly accessible and practical, no matter your body size/type or level of fitness. The self defense we learn is aggressive and no-nonsense, even though we practice in a way that's safe and easy for new people to join in. Everyone is very patient and kind - truly none of the ego or clique-y attitude that can sometimes happen in martial arts studios.

As I practiced over time, I noticed a huge change in my confidence, the way I carried myself, and how I was able to respond to bad situations on the street. It has truly been a huge positive force for change in my life and I'm so grateful to Sije and the community of students. I hope they know they're stuck with me for good! 🙂

theshepard22

Hard to approach as a new-comer. Took about 3 classes here 5 years ago. Not entry level friendly for a 30 year old fit cyclist. I had much better luck and experience at the one in Oakland. I highly recommend that spot. I still have the scar near my eye from a rubber practice knife that was blocked back into my face by an experienced regular there. Try to match up with similar experience and weight.

Trevino

I have been going for a 2 and half months now and I really enjoy the techniques. I also like how we get to practice the moves with each other and get to explore it more. Sije Yuka is also a very nice and a good teacher to learn from she really inspires me. The community is very nice and helpful. Overall I enjoy learning and being there.

Sabrina Italia

After doing a lot of research into the type of training I wanted my son to be involved in, I chose International Academy of Wing Chun. The philosophy is pretty simple and focuses on self-defense. I am impressed with how much the students take ownership and help the new students out. From the first class, you are hands on. I have peace of mind knowing that my son, who is almost 13, is becoming a part of this community. I highly recommend this school.

Hatef Monajemi

I will write this review based on my observation of the class only one time.

I went there to check out their school and I found the environment very friendly and healthy. People help each other and practice together.

Yuka, the chief instructor, was very nice and let me practice with them. She even showed me some of their Chi Sao practices.

I’d say this is certainly a good environment to train if you like their style and for that I give them a 5 star.

Now, I’d like to make some general comments about the style they practice to let you decide whether this is the right fit for you:

- Unfortunate naming by its founder: The name of the Style is a misnomer. It’s called WingChun, but it shares very little in principles with WingChun (詠春). Their style is perhaps better described as ‘Okinawan Karate,’ which shares the same ancestor with WingChun, namely Fujian White Crane. I say this because WingChun emphasize softness whereas their style certainly emphasizes hardness. So, if you are looking for WingChun, this certainly isn’t a school of WingChun (meaning of Chinese characters: ode to spring). If you are looking for a Karate style that is perhaps a bit closer to Chinese styles of fighting, this may be your best bet!

- Health: Generally speaking, hard styles of martial arts shall be avoided if one’s goal is longevity and health. This isn’t specific to this school, and applies to all forms of hard styles. If you are interested to learn further, you may look into the literature of Chinese Traditional Medicine. So, if you are worried about your health, you should probably choose some other soft style such as TaiJi or WingChun (e.g., Chu Shong Tin and his students).

Hope you find this review useful.

Jesse Hull

Class was no solid communication by sifu. She wasn’t clear left me confused . No theory no real support in what I was doing for an hour.. I’ve had wing chun training for more then a year and can see this class had no structure..

Gabriel

Ill come back one day. Had a great time learning and is something I've always wanted to be a part of. Download the e-book on they're site and have insight into what IAW teaches and why.