WELCOME
Welcome to the City Wing Tsun Athletic Association (CWTAA), a network of martial arts schools dedicated to promoting Wing Tsun Kung Fu and its incredible benefits through the highest standards of instruction.
bringing hong kong wing tsun to you!
Visit our online shop for Wing Tsun equipment, clothing, books, and more!
Train Wing Tsun through Intensive Training Camps (ITC) in NYC & elsewhere!
Learn Wing Tsun from the comfort of your own home with video instructionals!
Turbo boost your skills with 20 customized lessons taught over five days.
Ideal for Wing Tsun instructors looking to expand their skills!
Visit our NYC HQ or find an official CWTAA Partner School near you!
what is wing tsun?
Wing Tsun (pronounced "wing chun") is one of the most effective and popular martial arts in the world today, and for good reason! Rooted in the lineage of the late Grandmaster Yip Man—who also taught Bruce Lee—Wing Tsun has a rich history and a proven track record of success.
Thanks to the dedication of Sifu Leung Ting and many other passionate practitioners, Wing Tsun gained global recognition, especially with the recent popularity of the Ip Man films. The art is practiced all over the world by both professionals and hobbyists alike.
At the City Wing Tsun Athletic Association, we take pride in teaching this remarkable martial art through a modern and organized program tailored to help you achieve your personal goals, whether you're seeking self-defense skills, physical fitness, or a deeper understanding of martial arts. Join us and discover how Wing Tsun can empower you both on and off the training floor!
stay up to date!
Subscribe to get a free eBook "Five Ways to Suck Less at Wing Tsun" and get on our mailing list to be up-to-date with CWTAA events and products.
mission statement
wing tsun without gatekeepers
Welcome to the City Wing Tsun Athletic Association (CWTAA)! When I started City Wing Tsun in 2002 as part of Sifu Leung Ting's International WingTsun Association (IWTA), I had no idea that I would eventually be running my own organization. In 2011, my vision for the CWTAA was to create an environment that truly benefits students, free from the constraints of traditional associations. My mission is simple: to bring the fantastic benefits of Wing Tsun to those who need it and want it, without the typical politics and destructive behaviors often found in larger organizations. Here at CWTAA, both students and instructors can learn Wing Tsun in a space devoid of rank politics, unclear rules, and unfair policies. Most importantly, we reject the idea of gatekeepers. Gatekeepers have sought to control their students and slowly drip out information to keep them reliant on them. This time is thankfully over. What we need are more instructors and coaches who are dedicated to you—the student. Our focus is on your growth and development, not on titles or control. It’s time for Wing Tsun to flourish, free from the man-forged manacles of past gatekeeping regimes that no longer earn the trust of their own students. If you are a Wing Tsun (WT) practitioner from any of the various derivatives of Leung Ting’s martial art, I invite you to come and see what the CWTAA has to offer. It is not necessary to be a full member of our association—I welcome students from all WT affiliations. Please feel free to contact me through the website or on any of my social media accounts. Better yet, come visit me in NYC for training or join me at one of my training camps. I look forward to meeting you. As we say in Wing Tsun—Go Forward! Respectfully, Alex Richter
what makes the cwtaa different
the art of wing tsun
hong kong wing tsun by way of nyc!
At the CWTAA we present Wing Tsun (WT) in a way that truly sets us apart. While many associations may focus on lineage, titles, and rank, our dedicated instructors prioritize you, the student. We’re a student-focused association committed to ensuring you have access to the full breadth of Wing Tsun, empowering you to achieve your individual goals. Whether you’re here for self-defense, to appreciate the art, or simply to enjoy the positive vibes of a cool hobby, our approach is designed to meet your needs. Wing Tsun is a practical, rewarding system of Chinese martial arts that not only challenges you but also equips you with powerful self-defense techniques. At CWTAA, we blend classical Wing Tsun with modern teaching methods, ensuring you gain the best of both worlds. Our focus on the essential methods of Gwo Sau allows you to unlock the true potential of Chi Sau, helping you master the art more effectively. We believe in transparency and provide access to all aspects of Wing Tsun without secrets. Join us and discover how Wing Tsun at CWTAA can enhance your physical skills while enriching various areas of your life. Your journey starts here!
transparency & clarity
standardized programs & no secrets
We believe that transparency in teaching is essential for effective learning. That's why our curriculum is designed to be open and standardized, benefiting both students and instructors, especially those transitioning from other Wing Tsun associations. Here, we prioritize equal opportunity for everyone who trains with us. Our training is structured progressively, allowing you to develop your skills in a clear, step-by-step manner. Importantly, we do not conceal "secrets" or obscure vital details; instead, we emphasize sharing all aspects of the art openly. CWTAA founder Sifu Alex Richter, known as the Kung Fu Genius, is celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and genuine passion for sharing Wing Tsun with others. This spirit of openness and dedication to detail is woven into the ethos of all our CWTAA Partner Schools. By fostering an environment where knowledge is freely shared, we empower you to grow and succeed in your martial arts journey. With us, you can trust that every detail matters, and your development is our top priority!
instructor training
training the next generation of tsunners!
We take instructor training very seriously! As Wing Tsun Grandmaster Leung Ting stated in his book "Wing Tsun Kuen," "not all technicians are certified instructors. They must first undergo special instructor courses." Unfortunately, many Wing Tsun organizations do not adhere to this standard, often conflating "technician" with "instructor." We honor Sifu Leung Ting's vision by offering Leadership Courses specifically designed for those who show potential to become exceptional instructors. Our training goes beyond just technical skills; it encompasses everything you need to excel as an educator. This includes class organization, effective communication, teaching methods tailored to different types of students, and staying up to date with the latest program developments. Only instructors who have successfully completed the City Wing Tsun Leadership Courses are eligible to open their own schools. By committing to a rigorous and comprehensive training process, we ensure that our instructors are well-prepared to guide their students effectively and uphold the highest standards of Wing Tsun practice.
gwo sau anyone?
hong kong methods taught clearly
If you're a Wing Tsun student or instructor, you know that the worldwide success of Leung Ting's Wing Tsun (WT) system has been remarkable, especially when compared to many other lineages of Yip Man's Wing Chun. However, this success has also brought a fair amount of confusion regarding the methods taught in Hong Kong. In recent decades, a trend known as "Seminar Tsun" has become the norm. Sifu Leung Ting developed a framework for teaching Wing Tsun on a large scale through seminars. While this framework has its benefits, it often focuses on teaching Chi Sau sections (partner forms) rather than the organic, logical progression that was once the hallmark of our training. Unfortunately, this shift has led to a diminished emphasis on sparring and Gwo Sau—the method of Chi Sau sparring that activates its applications. As a result, many practitioners of "Leung Ting Wing Tsun" worldwide find themselves grappling with Chi Sau through abstract sections, often unaware of the essential Gwo Sau methodology. This issue is compounded by a misunderstanding of the Chinese methods, including the incorrect belief that a "Lat Sau Application" of Chi Sau must begin from a distance. At CWTAA, we are committed to teaching Chi Sau with a strong focus on its application in Gwo Sau. Our approach emphasizes skill-based drills and seamlessly integrates these drills into the entirety of your practice. We offer a highly organized program designed to shape the chaos of practical application in a thoughtful and intelligent way.
intensive training camp (ITC)
in depth kung fu training with a modern twist
At the City Wing Tsun Athletic Association (CWTAA), we embody the essence of Kung Fu, which means achieving excellence through effort and practice. This philosophy is at the heart of our Intensive Training Camps (ITC). An ITC spans 3 to 7 days, with immersive training sessions lasting around 6 hours each day. This format is the most effective way to teach Wing Tsun in a condensed timeframe, allowing participants to experience heightened intensity and depth in their practice. The ITC is especially designed for those who are not local to our NYC headquarters and want to maximize their learning in a short period. But it’s not just about cramming information; our ITC emphasizes the rigorous training necessary to develop real skills. Participants receive a balanced mix of hard training and valuable insights, equipping them to grow and refine their abilities over time. Every year, CWTAA hosts a shorter 3-Day Winter ITC in January and a comprehensive 7-Day ITC at the end of June in NYC. As CWTAA continues to expand, Sifu Alex Richter will be offering more ITC events (ranging from 3 to 7 days) at various locations around the globe. For more information or to stay updated on upcoming events, please contact us or subscribe to our newsletters. Join us for an unforgettable training experience that combines tradition with a modern twist!
books & video tutorials
developed from years of wing tsun refinement
On our CWTAA online shop you’ll find a treasure trove of resources designed to enhance your Wing Tsun training! Sifu Alex Richter, known as The Kung Fu Genius, has authored several insightful books, including The Wooden Dummy, Seek the Bridge, The Little Idea, The 15 Chi Sau Fundamentals, and Martial Arts Movement for Wing Chun. Each book serves as a valuable companion to your training, delving into various aspects of Wing Tsun with clarity and detail, always keeping you, the reader, in mind. In addition to these comprehensive books, Sifu Richter has created a series of form tutorials covering the Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu, Biu Tze, and Wooden Dummy forms. These tutorials showcase each form in meticulous detail, making it easier for you to grasp the techniques and principles involved. Recently, he released an extensive Siu Nim Tau course, featuring over 70 videos—offering the highest level of detail available anywhere. He has also launched a video tutorial for the 15 Chi Sau Fundamentals and is actively developing more video content. Stay tuned for updates or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new books and videos that can elevate your Wing Tsun practice. Happy training!
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