Red Boat Kung Fu in Redfern Sydney is the global headquarters of Sifu Rick Spain‘s unique method of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
We provide a safe and friendly environment for people of all levels of experience and all ages. We are primarily an adults school, but have a small but strong Kid’sKung Fu program currently operating during the school term on Saturdays at 11am.
For over 40 years Sifu Rick has trained in and developed the Wing Chun he learned from William Cheung (Bruce Lee’s senior training partner and Ip Man’s live-in disciple), integrating a sophisticated kicking game and Will/Machado Brazilian Jiu Jutsu into what you could now consider to be a complete Wing Chun Martial Arts System.
We have a strong presence in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, starting in the early-mid 80’s at Rushcutter’s Bay Squash Centre, before taking up residence in Surry Hills for 30 years then moving to Redfern in 2016.
The classes are structured to cater for all levels of experience. Beginners to advanced students are welcome in all classes.
We have a strong concept of pressure testing all that we do so we can have real confidence that what we are practicing will be effective in a high stress situation.
Sifu Rick is a former World Champion Full Contact fighter and our school has nurtured many individuals into talented martial artists that have competed and won on many platforms. We don’t have a fight program at our Sydney school, our interstate schools are currently flying that flag for the organisation. We do however have a strong sparring curriculum and that proves to be challenging enough for the majority of our students. For those who want to compete we do of course support them.
Our instructors are experienced martial artists. Some have a background purely in Red Boat Wing Chun and Will/Machado BJJ, others have Boxing, Muay Thai, Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Karate backgrounds on top of their many years of training in Red Boat Wing Chun.
The school’s values are that of Family, Honour and Loyalty. We welcome all students as if they are family and expect everyone to treat each other with the care and respect that you would expect from such a relationship. Our duty is to provide a place that nurtures your path toward excellence in martial arts, and for those who have embraced this culture their lives have changed for the better as well.
Excellence without compromise is our commitment to you. Find out more about our world class instructors here.
View our timetable. Classes 7 days a week. Morning, Lunch and Evening Monday to Friday. Mornings on Saturday and Sunday.
Memberships to suit all budgets and lifestyles! View a selection of our memberships here.
Book in today for your FREE trial class, FREE fitness test and when you join, recieve your FREE Uniform!
Ever wanted to try martial arts but didn’t know where to start? Well, Red Boat Kung Fu’s Martial Arts Academy, conveniently located in South Sydney is the place to go.
Take advantage of our special offer today!
Book by text/calling 0423 610 695 or email info@redboatkungfu.com
FAQ’S
I’ve never done Wing Chun before, Do you have beginners kung fu classes?
All classes cater to all levels. We usually have a “theme” for the week and the class may be divided into beginners, intermediate and advanced, or if suitable senior students may work with beginners so that they can learn how to coach and that you have a more experienced training partner to learn from. If you would like to attend a beginners specific class, then please check our timetable for Beginners Class times.
How many levels are there in this system of Wing Chun Kung Fu?
There is a total of 17 levels. 7th level is the first of 3 Black Belts and 10th level is a Gold Belt which is the first of the “Master Levels”. Level 17 is a Red Belt, at that level you are considered to have achieved mastery within our system.
I’m a woman and would love to do Kung Fu but am worried that I may be the only girl in the class or that I might be walking into a "boys club"
We really do encourage the female aspect of our school and one thing that many people love about the attitude on our mat is that we all leave our egos at the door, we are all kung fu brothers and sisters and if for some reason you happen to be the only girl in the class no one will really notice! Please watch our Women in Kung Fu Documentary to gain an idea of what we are like.
I’m worried that I might be too old to learn kung fu
The classes we offer here include self defense and fitness and we will encourage you to push your boundaries. Age, fitness levels and gender should not prevent anyone from learning these valuable skills. Our youngest student is currently 4 and we have many students in their late 50’s actively training within our school.
I’ve lost a lot of fitness over the years, will I be able to keep up? Should I get fit first and then join?
We want you to challenge and test yourself, if that’s what you want for yourself also then you’re in the right place. The more you train the fitter you will get, anything else is just procrastination. Work at your own pace to the best of your ability and you will go from strength to strength.
How do the belts work?
The progression of belts are as follows
There are 7 masters levels after Gold Belt.
How long does it take to get to Black Belt?
How long it takes really depends on a few different factors: how often you attend classes, how much you practice on your own, your own aptitude to learning martial arts and how goal oriented you are. Typically if you train regularly around 3-4 years.
How long does it take to get to Gold Belt?
How long it takes really depends on a few different factors: how often you attend classes, how much you practice on your own, your own aptitude to learning martial arts and how goal oriented you are.
How often do you hold gradings?
Gradings are held at the end of each quarter, typically March, July, September and December.
TESTIMONIALS
I cannot overstate the benefits on my life. I used to get sick all the time, and was a frequent sufferer of migraines and tonsillitis – both at least once a month. Since joining Wing Chun, I’ve only had one migraine and haven’t had tonsillitis in six months; I recently cancelled surgery for their removal. My blocked sinuses have cleared, and for the first time in my entire life, I breathe regularly through my nose. My flat feet are developing arches – something my podiatrist said was impossible. I sleep a lot less and have so much more energy throughout the day. Though it may be counter intuitive, adding Wing Chun into my routine has allowed me to do more, and has become catalyst for a lot of other activities.
Training has improved my self esteem and given me a sense of achievement. I have been able to set goals to help me overcome my battle with cancer. I have improved as a person and gained self confidence which has enabled me to help other students and also with conducting classes when others are absent.
I have grown confidence in many areas where I know I had fear, as I have learned from teachers and students ways to channel that fear to fight rather than flight when needed, not only in martial arts but in many other mental and physical challenges I face.
