Workshop Feedback

I like how Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann uses the circular energy and the way he combines the Tai and Kit energy together to utilize more power and energy. I enjoy doing the forms even through they’re awkward and foreign to me at first. When he shows you how the forms are used in Kiu Sau you start to see more of the big picture. Like he said, most schools are used to just rolling hands back and forth only using the arm. He utilizes all three (Heaven, Man and Earth). I also believe in analyzing what you are doing in a reality point of view, something he stressed several times. ‘Cause if you don’t how do you know what you are doing is effective or not? Most of all, I liked when he said that Kung Fu is to be applied in all aspects of life, not just for combat. One of the things he was saying was how to learn balance - how you can’t have too much of one and not enough of the other. If you have no fear, you’re not careful; if you have too much fear you’re overwhelmed and will find defeat. There must be balance.

What I think of Grand Master Hoffmann’s expertise: I think he is the right man to run the Chi Sim. He is an expert at all of his techniques in the Chi Sim system. He is a very funny and can get along with others easily.

My impression on Chi Sim: Chi Sim is very cool. I learned things that are easy to understand and very effective. Not all people get to experience the beautiful art of Chi Sim Weng Chun Kung Fu, or kung fu for that matter. Chi Sim Kung Fu teaches an old type or system of kung fu. This system can help lots of people in their self-defense. I’m honored to get to learn the basic to advanced levels of Chi Sim.

How Chi Sim fits into Wing Chun: Its system, by itself, is a whole different style to the kung fu art. It’s a more advanced system of Wing Chun kung fu. People say that Chi Sim is not Wing Chun. By fact from the words of Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann, it is. It is an older style of the Wing Chun but uses the basic principals and transforms them to a more advanced level in kung fu.

Grand Master Hoffmann’s command of the Chi Sim system seems very comprehensive. While I know nothing of Chi Sim beyond this seminar Grand Master Hoffmann seems to have a deep understanding and complete knowledge of what he teaches. A very quiet and friendly man, his manner mirrors the Chan philosophy he teaches. I certainly see that Chi Sim is Wing Chun. The principles are the same that we learn in the Hung Fa Yi lineage. The simple fact that Lau is so well emphasized tells me that Chi Sim is Wing Chun. It is very interesting to see Chi Sim and fit all of the ideas, principles, and concepts into a HFY perspective. I don’t think an Ip Man player could do the same. Since Chi Sim is really two steps away from Ip Man, with HFY being “in the middle”, it would be difficult for the Ip Man guy to understand. The Chan Buddhist principles are so prevalent in Chi Sim only a self-righteous numbskull would dare say Wing Chun was never practices in the Shaolin Temple. We do people assume that a “religious person” could not develop techniques to defend himself, his family or his way of life.

The really funny part is that the people to yell the loudest about being a “Chan Buddhist” are the ones who violate the idea of “direct experience.” They sit behind a keyboard, judging others words and never get off their lazy asses and come out to experience Hung Fa Yi or Chi Sim.

The seminar was very interesting. The information is a bit stronger for a beginning Wing Chun player. It’s a bit overwhelming and I’m not sure how this information plays out in my system (though I suspect it’s very useful for the Hung Fa Yi players). I’m finding the information about energy very interesting but learning an entirely new form is confusing! In the end, it’s very fun and informative and is well worth the time and money. Mostly I wish that I had either more experience in order to understand everything or more time to practice the basic concepts.

Grand Master Hoffmann was incredible. His knowledge of the Chi Sim Weng Chun system was phenomenal and a testament to the teachings of Shaolin. His mastery of using the whole body in every movement and controlling all 3 gates in all 3 dimensions was an honor to behold. Grand Master Hoffmann was an extreme gentleman; he was charismatic, and withheld nothing during the seminar. It is no wonder that Grand Master Hoffmann was chosen as the successor to the Chi Sim lineage and it was an experience I will cherish in my lifetime pursuit of Kung Fu.

The seminar itself was awesome. Grand Master Hoffmann integrated technical knowledge, history, and physical training, which all equated to one thing: experience. Grand Master Hoffmann allowed each of us to ‘experience’ Chi Sim, and he enriched us all. Getting to look at and receive an understanding of Shaolin’s 10 Wisdoms and the 7 Principles of Chi Sim was amazing. The explanations were brief, due to time constraints, but detailed and the ability to use that knowledge in all aspects of life and not just in Kung Fu was very enlightening. I also enjoyed the physical aspect of the seminar. I learned a lot about Hei Gung and the channels and direction of flow that Qi takes throughout the body, both in the big and small circles. I found it interesting that circles of energy work opposite of one another and create a balance in the body. I enjoyed the Hei Gung exercises we worked on and was amazed at how my body felt more relaxed after the invigorating exercise that before I had started. I enjoyed the experience of learning only a part of the basic Chi Sim Form. We only learned 7 of the 11 motions but the detail in the individual exercises as well as the motions from the form was eye opening. I learned a lot about body unity and energy flow and using the whole body in each and every motion while staying relaxed. I have been doing Wing Chun for many years and I learned a lot from this seminar.

I enjoyed this seminar because it added more to the whole picture of ‘What is Wing Chun?’ I received more information on the history, philosophy, principles, concepts, techniques, Hei Gung, and how they all tie in and relate to one another. As a Hung Fa Yi practitioner, I found it extremely interesting to see how Wing Chun progressed from Chi Sim into Hung Fa Yi. In just my short look at Chi Sim, I can easily see the similarities and where the initial information for the Hung Fa Yi came from. I can see the principles and concepts of the Chi Sim system and where they are detailed and expressed in the Hung Fa Yi. I also found it interesting how Chi Sim is very focused on Hei Gung right from the beginning and hot it work son the ‘natural expression’ of flowing with one’s opponent at all times. Hung Fa Yi has this flow but is much more detailed in its training mechanism, yet all the concepts and principles are the same. All in all, it was very enlightening to see how the Chi Sim coincided with not only Hung Fa YI, but set the stage for the history and growth of Wing Chun.

The seven principles of Chi Sim are fairly easy to comprehend. The form itself and its applications seem effective for combat strategies. I like the training of Qi building and the knowledge to know the different between Qi and Ging. I believe it is important to learn and understand how to develop Qi to release the appropriate energy. I am enjoying this part of the training very much. Grand Master Hoffmann is a good trainer and the information addressed about Chi Sim is clear and it makes sense! This seminar is providing additional history about Weng Chun and it helps me understand that aspect of this martial art better. It is a beautiful form.

Grand Master Hoffmann was able to convey the 3 treasures of Shaolin kung fu, the principles of Weng Chun kung fu and how limitless, formless, and seamless the practice of Weng Chun kung fu can be when performed correctly. His ability to bring the student to a state of reality is unquestionable. The best way to describe Grand Master Hoffmann’s ability to affect the student is to say as a beginning student I understand.

Grand Master Hoffmann demonstrated complete knowledge and teaching ability along with superlative oratory skill, which made for an excellent seminar and general learning experience.

In reference to the Hung Fa Yi, Chi Sim displayed a similar methodology and concept along with a cohesive methodology of techniques and execution. The main difference was the placement of boundaries for hands and the use of motion as opposed to structure to generate force. Both systems rely on body unity.

I would first like to thank Grand Master Hoffmann for bringing his knowledge and enthusiasm. He was able to impart a vast amount of information concerning the Chi Sim Weng Chun system.

Through Grand Master Hoffmann’s detailed demonstrations, explanations, and teaching, the true roots of Chi Sim Weng Chun (and all subsequent styles) came to life. The Shaolin connection to Wing Chun, and the Weng Chun Tong as a repository for the essence of Shaolin Kung Fu, is undeniable.

As a practitioner of both the Ip Man style of popular Wing Chun and the military science of Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun, Chi Sim because the last missing piece in the puzzle of Wing Chun’s roots. With all of the principles and concepts intact, its place in the history and development of Wing Chun is obvious.

I especially enjoyed Grand Master Hoffmann’s discussion on the wisdoms of Chi Sim Weng Chun. It was readily apparent that the Chan philosophy and the art form’s principles, concepts and wisdoms cannot be separated: they are one and the same.

Thank you, Grand Master Hoffmann, for giving us a glimpse of this beautiful flower may it, like it’s name, life forever in an eternal springtime.

The uniqueness of the Chi Sim system appears to be the utilization of the third line. The similarities of the systems are in terms of the gates and the occupation of the centerline. Grand Master Hoffmann’s expertise is clearly top notch. I found the circles in Chi Sim to be surprisingly large yet still effective when he demonstrated the application of the techniques. The relationship between the systems is obvious when de describes the theory behind Chi Sim.

First of all I’d like to thank Grand Master Hoffmann for taking the time to come out and share Chi Sim Weng Chun with us.

Being involved with Wing Chun and Hung Fa Yi for only a year now, it is difficult to determine just exactly the level of expertise, because I have not yet seen all of what is in the system. I can only assume from my kick of experience that what is being shown to me is indeed a powerful system.

So for the Weng Chun that we have seen is very fun to do. It most certainly resembles other forms of Wing Chun that I have seen. Like GM Hoffmann said, “forms are different, but principles are the same/” Details are absolutely necessary. The Shaolin in Chi Sim Weng Chun is very open and beautiful.

Grand Master Hoffmann has an excellent approach to teaching because he emphasizes the connection between Shaolin, Wing Chun, and Hei (Qi). He is so calm yet powerful. He really embodies yin and yang. His calm nature is very deceiving until you touch hands with him and he destroys you. He is an expert in many ways. He demonstrates that by showing how the form applies to combat, no matter how different it might look to a Hung Fa Yi player.

The Chi Sim system is a very beautiful but effective system. It embodies the beauty and grace of Taiji with the destructive power of Wing Chun. The beauty of the system is very deceptive to the opponent and draws the person in and destroyed them before they know what happened to them.

GM Hoffmann did an excellent job of demonstrating how Chi Sim is Wing Chun. One can see how the Heaven/Man/Earth concept is carried through and an essential part of Wing Chun. There are many similarities between Chi Sim and HFY even through the form looks very different. Chi Sim is essentially the missing link between Shaolin and Wing Chun. GM Hoffmann did an outstanding job of clearing up and misconceptions about this.

Grand Master Hoffmann’s skill is obvious. Words have no change in explaining the fluidity of his Kung Fu. Every step and sweep of the arm has the grace of a ballerina yet is filled with the power of the Tiger he sports on his chest. Never before have I seen a warrior flow so quickly into the invisible flows of an opponent.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is clearly the Shaolin roots of Wing Chun. While the motions seem exaggerated, when applied they are quick, precise, and deadly.

Chi Sim Weng Chun has a rich history that livens its content and principles that are the foundation of all families of Wing Chun. It’s the clear roots of Weng Chun, holding steady to the Shaolin ideals.

Grand Master Hoffmann expresses the details and concepts of Chi Sim Weng Chun very clearly. The concepts directly related to those of the Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun system. The explanations of the Chi Sim system are clear and his body movements express extreme detail. He has relayed many concepts in a new manner that will greatly help my structure and form.

The expressions of Chi Sim support the concepts of centerline, references in height, depth, and internal energy (ging). The flow between the body is a central aspect of developing the Ging and Qi. The Ging and Qi expressions help emphasize the structures (forms) and principles of the Chi Sim system. Mobility is also expressed in the depth component of the concepts.

Based on the concepts seen from Chi Sim, the foundatio0n of Hung Fa Yi can be related. Hung Fa Yi changes the structure and fluidity of movement of Chi Sim to become much more efficient in time. The concepts of centerline, use of the full body, the three reference points, and gates are all seen in the Chi Sim system. Also, the 10 Shaolin Wisdoms are fully expressed in the Hung Fa Yi system as well as the Chi Sim.

Grand Master Hoffmann’s expertise is exceptional, but his humanity, humility and genuine demeanor add tremendous value to the information that he passes along so freely. His explanations of the 10 Wisdoms of Weng Chun and Shaolin philosophy were particularly enriching. The Ging and Qi exercises, specifically, were beneficial and I greatly appreciate the knowledge that GM Hoffmann shared this weekend.

GM Hoffmann’s explanations and demonstrations this weekend show that Chi Sim is truly a Shaolin Wing Chun system. It is readily apparent that Hung Fa YI and Chi Sim share the same roots and concepts. Chi Sim is unquestionable a Wing Chun art. The precision and preciseness that stems from Knowledge wisdom is reflected in the focus on detail.

Excellent seminar!! Chi Sim Weng Chun is definitely a treasure that must be experienced and enjoyed.

I have seen a great consistency throughout every seminar that has been at Meng’s of AZ. The visiting Grand Masters all share a tremendous amount of humility and humbleness. One would not get the slightest impression that these men are in reality true masters of combat, health, and philosophy. Grand Master Hoffmann speaks with a gentle poetry and is very much a Shaolin Master.

Strangely enough, all seminars carried out at Meng’s of AZ follow a consistent routine – regardless of being about Ip Man Wing Chun, Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun or Chi Sim Weng Chun. The workshop starts out with a history lesson and progresses step-by-step into the meat of the system. The most prominent aspect of this seminar (so far) has been the physical expressions of Chan Buddhism. All versions of Weng/Wing Chun have profound similarities through the same principles. So, following Grand Master Hoffmann’s method of teaching is fairly natural because the principles are the common language.

Shaolin Weng Chun identifies itself as perfect knowledge. It can express any technique within the guidance of its principles. Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun identifies itself as the ultimate expression of Shaolin through maximum efficiency and precise time/space concepts enforced and proved by its principles. Popular Wing Chun today is held together by its principles, but is short of the Shaolin philosophy and the heath aspect. The three treasures (combat, health, Chan), in whole or in part, are the common ground of all Wing Chun.

My introduction to the Chi Sim system was through a seminar conducted by Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann. I found GM Hoffmann to be a very soft-spoken man with great knowledge and unselfishness to spread the system of Chi Sim through speaking and through touch.

First, he spoke of history and of philosophy. He talked of Maha Kashaba who was the first to learn of Chan mind-to-mind transmission. The Buddha held up a flower that brought a smile from Maha Kashaba.

I enjoyed the seminar immensely on the material that was covered with energy. From external to internal this helped me to utilize my whole body, knowing how to relax my body to use internal energy instead of trying to muscle my external force. Also, how Ging and Qi play their role into the scheme of the picture, with Qi being the flowing energy and Ging being the live, explosive energy that is relaxed exactly after its release.

Lastly, my experience through Chi Sau with Grand Master Hoffmann opened my eyes to a whole new aspect on it. It’s not just about 2 gates that are playing as in the Ip Man system (head/torso), but about three gates: Heaven (upper – head), Human (middle – torso), Earth (lower – legs).

From this point on, I will always be aware of all gates at one time and it is only through Grand Master Hoffmann’s great interpretation of his system that I can understand a piece of this through only 2 days. Thank you to Grand Master Hoffmann and to my Sigung, Benny Meng, and my Sifu, Richard Loewenhagen, in bringing Grand Master Hoffmann to Arizona.

Grand Master Hoffmann started the weekend seminar with an in-depth exploration of the roots of the Chi Sim system and the relationship of Chan Buddhism to the Southern Shaolin Weng Chun Tong. He discussed the history of how Buddhism traveled from India to China and how the system honored the Buddhist ancestors. The main principle was that to understand was through experience. He emphasized that Weng Chun is an internal art and went on to show us through experience how to train the 7 internal powers or Ging and also how the Qi works with the Ging to produce the internal power. He then went on to teach teh10 Wisdoms of Chi Sim Weng Chun and the interrelation of the wisdoms and how they fit into the Chi Sim system.

GM Hoffmann’s expertise was evident in the way he explained both verbally and with his kung fu. He was a very approachable Sifu and his love for his system shows through with every explanation and demonstration he gave.

The Chi Sim system share some commonalities with the others systems I’ve had experience in, centerline, cooperation of energies, etc. and I learnt some new concepts such as the 3rd line, 6 ½ points, and how the ½ point (centerline) is 50% of the system. All in all, it was an excellent seminar.

I find Chi Sim fascinating, different from what I have learned in any other Wing Chun style/system to date in my limited exploration. The dimensions presented offer a refreshing perspective to expect the unexpected. the circular motions, wither small or large seem to penetrate in an unfamiliar way I have learned in Wing Chun thus far. As I progress in my training, I find it enlightening to know there is Chi Sim Weng Chun out there to appreciate and respect. I would like to know what has been incorporated into the 2nd version of Wing Chun from Chi Sim and the 3rd line is taught, were as, the 1st and 2nd line is taught in the more popular Wing Chun lineages. Thanks again to the Ving Tsun Museum and Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann.

Chi Sim struck me as a very beautiful martial art form. The movements were very fluid and they all carried a great amount of power behind them. I thought the motions were fun to go thorough and even as a beginner I could feel the power in them. Grand Master Hoffman is a very nice man, patient, understanding and an effective teacher. I very much enjoyed his seminar and I liked the easygoing atmosphere and his sense of humor. I’m sure that this ties into Wing Chun and I’ve probably been told how but if that is the case, I don’t remember. I just know it does. Chi Sim seems like it is very effective and good for anyone of any body type or size.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is in its very nature Chan Buddhist and it easy to see that it originated in the Southern Shaolin Temple. It is an internal art utilizing whole body movements in circular motions rather than separating the body parts and forcing them into an unnatural, straight path. Buddhist thought and belief is inseparable from the techniques being performed, for the techniques shows a balance of forces: hard/soft, yin/yang, and when to use it within the vastness of space and time, rather than relying on logic such as, “to use it because I liked it,” but rather because the laws of the Universe, Reality, dictates that I flow with the situation and harmonize with it.

From my impression of Master Hoffmann, he sees very knowledgeable about his system. It this short weekend I have gained much experience and information. He communicates his system very well in an attempt to pass on reality of combat. The skill and knowledge of Chi Sim is in good hands and is sure to prosper.

Master Hoffmann’s expertise in this field (Chi Sim Weng Chun) shows what seems to be the reality of Chi Sim. Chi Sim shows me what my entire body can do at one time. Although this is shown in Ip Man and Hung Fa Yi systems, the motions are not as fluid and the body unity not as visible. Chi Sim also shows the beauty of Weng Chun. This seminar showed me how much Wing Chun is out there and how much I would like to know.

As has been said, Chi Sim is the temple version of Weng Chun. Chi Sim Weng Chun carries with it many philosophies and wisdoms that have been lost in Ip Man system. Since I am not a Hung Fa YI member I do not know the principles and wisdoms contained in that system. Chi Sim carries with it a true Buddhist philosophy and uses that to make an excellent fighting system. For myself, I would like to experience the whole world of Wing (Weng) Chun and learn and experience the wealth of information contained in it.

Grand Master Hoffmann brought to Meng’s Martial Arts of Arizona an entirely new level of kung fu. His demeanor is a direct reflection of the system he inherited. Grand Master Hoffmann has incorporated every aspect of Weng Chun into his character. He is compassionate, direct, and his teaching techniques are very efficient and effective. In every aspect of the Chi Sim Weng Chun system that we touched upon, his knowledge was inexhaustible.

To my limited understanding, Chi Sim Weng Chun is a very complete system. Grand Master Hoffmann has demonstrated the Heigung aspects (health), the external combat applications, and the relationship of Chan (the roots of Shaolin). Very interesting is the ground work portion of Chi Sim Weng Chun. GM Hoffmann showed us the continuation of the circle theories from Man to Earth. The implementation and inherent principles are abundant. So in the interest of time conservation, I will not explore those avenues here.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is very obviously a true and integral part of all systems and styles of Wing Chun. GM Hoffmann has demonstrated how his system adheres and propagates every principle and concept found in Wing Chun. I am definitely looking forward to more experienced with GM Hoffmann and his system of Chi Sim Weng Chun.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is a very beautiful and efficient. I think this art form shows the advanced science of the body that the Shaolin knew before modern day technology and its simplicity of combat.

My impression of Grand Master Hoffmann is that this teacher truly cares about the art form and has a strong passion to help it stay around so that it can still be taught in the future. GM Hoffmann has amazing technique and knowledge and is a man I truly admire and respect.

I think this form of Weng Chun is very similar to our own Hung Fa Yi style. This version impressed me very much and showed me how our Hung Fa Yi derived from this early form of our system.

I learned a lot in the Chi Sim seminar and now look at kung fu in a different way. I got a good idea of the application of Weng Chun and how it is taught. I am now really interested in the history of Wing Chun and have learned a lot about the history.

Grand Master Andreas Hoffmann was an excellent teacher, he makes things very clear, pays attention to the students, and watches everyone’s form. He was very good at Chi Sim and did a good job of explaining it. He is a very nice person and has cool clothes.

Chi Sim Weng Chun is an important part of Wing Chun, and uses a lot of internal energy.