FAQ’s and Reviews | Training at Red Boat Kung Fu Redfern
Whether you’re new to martial arts or are a seasoned athlete there will always be questions, if yours is not answered here please call or email us today as we are more than happy to help.
Red Boat Kung Fu
24/26 Botany Road, Alexandria
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Professional and very inclusive of all types of student, whilst still being assertive at training. I love that sparring is included from quite early on, as I wanted to get the practical experience.
Adding boxing and BJJ to the curriculum … More not only as an afterthought but as important elements of a multi-faceted and combined system I feel is important, as although tradition is highly respected, Red Boat also sees the benefits in other systems and integrates their best parts into our repertoire.
Highly recommend to come to the trial training sessions if you have been thinking about finding somewhere that quickly feels like a family but also pushes you to be your best. -
Great school that offers training in Kung Fu, BJJ, and boxing. An amazing team of seniors, masters and Sifu to guide us.
Would highly recommend to anyone, no matter what fitness or skill level you sit at. -
Have been a student here since 2005. Sigung Rick Spain is possibly the best teacher of anything I've ever studied, practiced and applied myself to. Impeccable pedigree as a martial artist (and Wing Chun lineage if that's your … More thing).
The mat culture is one of encouragement, with challenge and discipline, and the wing chun form itself is progressive and forward thinking (integrating BJJ, some kickboxing and boxing seamlessly into the wing chun core). A diverse group of students and a very solid work ethic turns out successful martial artists who genuinely enjoy their time in the kwoon and form life long bonds.
Is there parking?
There is street parking along Regent Street/Botany road. It is 1 hour, un-metered. Parallel to us is plenty of parking on Cope Street where you will even find a carpark, plus un-metered and unrestricted parking on Raglan Street.
How far away is public transport?
Redfern Station is a 5 minute walk. Green Square station is a 15 minute walk. There are bus stops directly opposite the Kwoon on Botany Road and behind us on Wyndham/Boundary Street (buses: 301, 302, 303, 305, 308 & 309).
How old do kids need to be to start?
The classes cater to children from 4.5 yrs to 13 yrs.
Can I watch my child train?
Absolutely. We encourage it. We also realise that this might be an opportunity for you to get some catching up time, in which case there are some great cafes near by that we can recommend.
This is my first time trying martial arts, do you have beginners classes?
We did run beginner’s classes for a while, but found it a much better learning experience for everyone to be training in mixed skilled classes. The lessons are designed to work for people of all levels of experience. We do recommend booking in for a Wing Chun class for your first visit, unless you are specifically looking to train in Brazilian Ju Jitsu.
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 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 mid 60’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. Work at your own pace to the best of your ability and you will go from strength to strength.
What is the belt structure?
The progression of belts for adults are as follows:
- 1st Level – White Belt
- 2nd Level – Blue belt with white stripe
- 3rd Level – Blue Belt
- 4th Level – Brown belt with blue stripe
- 5th Level – Brown belt
- 6th Level – Black belt brown stripe
- 7th Level – Black belt with red characters
- 8th Level – Black belt with purple characters
- 9th Level – Black belt with gold characters
- 10th Level – Gold belt with red characters
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.
I’m not really interested in being assessed or getting belts, do I have to?
Yes and no. You don’t have to grade if you don’t want to. You will however get to a point where you’re not progressing to working with more experienced students even though your skill level may be close or equal to theirs. Belt assessments/gradings are feedback to you and us as to where you are at in terms of your learning and experience.
