Day Four – August 6th (Friday)

Third day of summer camp began similar to day two: the focus was on Sap Yat Kuen. For me, it was only a half-day of training because I had to leave for to do a VTM workshop with Sifu Klaus Filbrandt in Eberstadt. During the summer camp, we went over a lot of Saan Sik such as punching exercises, how to use the Iron Rings as well as free-hand Daan Chi Sau. My day finished with the Balance on the Earth Line exercise.

For the workshop, I had to take a train – change stations twice and took 4 ½ hours due to delays. Nonetheless, the train system is very convenient. You can hop on a train and go just about anywhere.

Welcome sign

Sifu Filbrandt picked me up at the station and we went directly to his school, the European Martial Arts Academy. It is a beautiful and big school. Sifu Filbrandt teaches full-time, offering many programs to the public: Wing Chun, Jeet Kuen Do, Escrima, Massage, and cardio-kickboxing. Sifu Filbrandt was an excellent host, a martial artist with great experience in many systems. His students were open-minded, respectful and curious about the information I presented.

The workshop began with VTM research and Ip Man’s history. During the hands-on part of the workshop, we went into the concepts of Siu Nim Tau from the perspective of the Ip Man lineage. In total, there were 16 students in attendance for the workshop.

Workshop participants training in the spacious, beautiful facility

After the workshop we went for an Italian dinner. Over the course of the meal, Sifu Filbrandt and myself, joined by two of his instructors, discussed everything from the politics of Wing Chun, to history, to philosophy, to the different lineages of Wing Chun.

Sifu Filbrandt presented me with some historical photos of Ip Man and a beautiful set of knives, crafted by the same family that were the weapon-smiths of Genghis Khan.

Day Five – August 7th (Saturday)

Staying with Sifu Filbrandt at his house, I had the opportunity to experience a traditional Germany breakfast: cold cuts, bread, and many different types of cheese.

During the second day of the seminar, I primarily covered Siu Nim Tau concepts and principles, Paak Sau, Daan Chi Sau, Luk Sau and Single-Hand Strikes. Throughout the day, I focused on proper body mechanics and related everything back to the concepts and principles. The day ended with a focus on the Wooden Dummy. I believe everyone enjoyed the workshop – I certainly enjoyed the company. Again, Sifu Filbrandt is an extremely nice host and his students also made me feel welcome with their open mindedness.

1st VTM European Workshop participants group photo
(l/r, seated) Sifu Klaus Filbrandt (host) and VTM Curator, Sifu Benny Meng


VTM Curator, Sifu Benny Meng and Sifu Klaus Filbrandt, the host, up close in front of the Ip Man Tong

Sifu Filbrandt drove me to the train station and I left about 5 in the afternoon. On the drive, we discussed future cooperation between the VTM and Sifu Filbrandt’s school. On my way back to Bamberg, I had the chance to enjoy the beautiful Germany countryside. I came back to the Chi Sim Headquarters, well into the middle of a barbecue. I enjoyed the opportunity to socialize with the students and Instructors for the rest of the evening.

The view outside the school