Tony Blencowe was introduced to Wing Chun in 1983 and has trained continuously since. He started learning Wing Chun through a WEA short course at Sifu Jim Fung’s International Wing Chun Academy in Adelaide. He then travelled overseas and on his return took up Wing Chun with a vengeance. The initial learning experience consisted of a lot of self-defence style techniques. Tony trained and taught in the International Wing Chun Academy and ran a branch at Dover Gardens with Lindy Scott. In 1986 the school was privileged to have a visit from Sigung Chu Shong Tin. It was his first trip overseas and he was in Adelaide to present at a Martial Art Masters Convention. It was a very enlightening time. Tony and Lindy were the first junior students to travel independently and train in Hong Kong in 1988. Sigung Chu’s main message was to use the mind to produce “relaxed” and not brute force and this was reinforced by Sigung’s students and their approach. Tony and Lindy have returned to Hong Kong to train a number of times. In 2002 they started their own school ‘Adelaide Wing Chun Kuen’, to continue learning and teaching in a manner similar to what they had experienced in their early trips to Hong Kong.

Q&A with Tony

How does wing chun integrate with your daily life? What principles or movements of wing chun do you notice permeating your everyday?

Wing Chun promotes mind/body awareness that has great continuing health benefits.

How has training changed for you over the last 2 years?

It has become increasingly refined and perhaps less precious and more holistic.

Any tips for training alone, or any favourite solo exercises?

Follow Einstein and go for walks. “Einstein’s daily walk was sacred to him. While he was working at Princeton University, New Jersey, he’d walk the mile and a half journey there and back. He followed in the footsteps of other diligent walkers, including Darwin who went for three 45 minute walks every day. Walking can boost memory, creativity and problem-solving.” 

What is one thing a martial arts teacher or fellow student has said that you’ve never forgotten?

Sigung Chu on retaining a positive, curious and spontaneous attitude.

If you had to recommend a book, an album, or a movie for everyone to check out, what would it be? (Doesn’t have to be martial arts related)

“Proko” on Youtube for understanding the body – Tom Meyers book on fascia “Anatomy Trains” – or watch any great athletes.

Thanks for your contribution, Tony! We look forward to seeing you in action at the conference.