Although I was really scared, I started Wing Chun classes last week. After two classes, I’m still feeling scared and out of place. (I am the only girl in my class.)

I want to continue because I find the program can really help me in several areas: health, defense, confidence, discipline, and it’s a great, challenging sport.

However, despite all of these reasons, I keep having thoughts that I should quit because this is really out of my comfort zone. I never, ever thought I would do martial arts and can’t help but feel stupid.

My question is, are these mental obstacles common when starting Wing Chun? If so, I want to overcome them.
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Answer:
Don’t quit, yet!

If this is your first martial art, then it’s natural for it to feel strange.

Martial arts and fighting arts, whether you do it for sport, health, or self-protection (or all three), is its own culture. Oftentimes, with its own unique languages and strange customs.

Adding to the above, Wing Chun is challenging even for experienced martial artists (even though it claims to be ‘simple’ to learn. This is a relative statement that I’ll get into at some point in the future).

To help you out I reached out the Wing Chun community and asked them to help you:

Jonathan Rios writes: “Yes its very common. I have studied different styles of kung fu and every time I start I’m always nervous and worried about the brothers and sisters, and if I can be great.

“But as long as you try your best just forget the rest. Plus, wing chun was developed by a women so you got them there.”

Raveen Rahulan responds: “Hello friend, my name is Raveen and I know what it’s like to feel intimidated by change. Change can be scary and is certainly not easy at times. But I am here to tell you that it is okay!

“I too felt your uncertainty a year ago. I practiced Shotokan Karate for 10 years and eventually quit due to personal reasons and the way it was taught at my school.

“I met my Master Steve Ruiz at the gym one night and I was intrigued to learn Wing Chun. It was scary to just throw away 10 years of martial arts to learn a new style but trust me, with practice and repetition you will learn fast and grow to love it!

“Never give up on yourself okay? I know what it’s like and let me tell you in time you will improve your Martial Arts and other areas you wish to build on, all in good time.”

I could not have said it better myself 🙂

Rob