SUN WU Gongfu Schule Zürich

Locations:

SUN WU Gongfu School Zurich
Oliver Hasler
Zweierstrasse 106 (c/o Budokan)
CH-8003 Zurich

Training times

SUN WU Gongfu School Basel
Patrick Jeannotat
In der Ziegelhöfen 20 (Neubad)
4054 Basel

Training times

SUN WU Gongfu School Oberwil
Judith Jeannotat
c/o Mudo Coaching
Mühlemattstrasse 13
4104 Oberwil

Training times

HEALTH, BALANCE, SAFETY

Taijiquan / Sanda – Chinese kickboxing / Wing Chun Kuen
The SUN WU Gongfu School Zurich was founded in 2017 from the NING MUI Gong Fu School Zurich, which has been based in Zurich Wiedikon for 20 years.

Sun Wu is the full name of a Chinese general who was also a Daoist philosopher. He is known to most by his honorary title 'Sunzi' – Master Sun. The classic work he wrote, 'The Art of War', not only sheds light on conflicts related to war, but also allows us to gain a deeper understanding of conflicts in everyday life, communication, business, and many other areas of application:

"Every battle avoided is a battle won!"

Through martial arts, we develop the ability to know ourselves and thereby gain knowledge of others and the circumstances around us. The term "gongfu" refers to this very ability, this skill, which is why such practices are considered teachings of knowledge in Asia. The training content and methods are therefore directly related to our everyday lives and their applicability there. Of course, you don't have to see it this way or even strive for it from the outset. In our schools, everyone can simply enjoy physical activity.

Mental freshness
Feel balanced, powerful, and focused. The basis for optimal performance and well-being!

Fitness
Feel a marked improvement in your fitness. The basis for a better quality of life!

Self-defense
Experience a new sense of security thanks to effective self-defense techniques!


Personal development and martial arts

GONGFU (KUNG FU)
Gongfu (Chinese for "skill"; also known as kung fu, kuoshu, or wushu) is the common umbrella term for all Chinese martial arts. Its origins date back to the Yao period, approximately 2,800 years before our era.

Note: Budo is the umbrella term for all Japanese styles, such as aikido, iaido, judo, ju jutsu, karate, kendo, kyudo, etc.

Grades
Gongfu involves physical and mental engagement with oneself. First, the body is trained and movements are coordinated—the basis for effective self-defense. Later, practitioners will inevitably deal with the more advanced aspects of gongfu, such as its philosophy. The energies and forces generated by fixed, predetermined sequences of movements (forms) and partner exercises are not only applied physically, but also serve meditation, specific healing techniques, and the strengthening of trust.

Each gongfu style comprises the following three training aspects:

• Forms
• Applications
• Meditation

The aim of the training is to unite these three areas in order to achieve physical and mental harmony – "finding your own center."
The training is based on the Chinese teaching of the five elements: wood (forms) – fire (techniques) – earth (emotional training) – metal (increasing resistance) – water (meditation).

YONGCHUNQUAN/WING CHUN CHUAN
In Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan (Chinese for "singing spring fist"), as in Yiquan, a similar attempt was made to shed unnecessary ballast. It is possible that the Shaolin tradition [1], with its rich teaching content, led to the conclusion that streamlining the excessive number of forms and techniques was essential in order to restore the proper emphasis to the actual content of gongfu in martial arts.

Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan is one of over 500 different styles of gongfu. Thanks to its logically structured directness, Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan is used for efficient self-defense. The style was developed around 1760 during the Qing dynasty [2] by the nun Ng Mui in the legendary Shaolin monastery. Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan was considered a secret teaching by the monks who had practiced the "hard" Shaolin styles [3] for 15 years.
Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan increases the efficiency of practitioners by incorporating the following revolutionary aspects:

• Simultaneity (of defense and attack)
• Focus on the central line (median sagittal plane)
• Sensitivity training (reflex exercises)

Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan is not about exercising force against force (the stronger wins). Through targeted exercises, you learn to use your opponent's force to counterattack simultaneously, i.e., to protect your weak points and strike your opponent's at the same time. In addition, your reflexes are considerably improved. Since everything is based more on skill and tactics than on strength, even a physically inferior person can successfully defend themselves against a much stronger opponent. This style is therefore particularly suitable for women and children.

Video of Yip Man's Xiaoniantou/Siu Lim Tao

The eight main exercise groups are a model that promotes personal development. The insights are gained from the experiences gained through striking and defending. The exchange of blows is not an end in itself, but an analogy for a far-reaching learning process. Of course, this always takes place in such a way that men/women are challenged but not overwhelmed. Provided that men/women train seriously enough [4], the path to the top is open to everyone.

1. Xiaoniantou/Siu Lim Tao (Small Idea). Standing exercises that consolidate the basic structure through their movements. Initial ideas (concepts) of evasion and simultaneous countering.
2. Xunqiao/Chum Kiu (Seeking Bridge). The concepts developed in the previous group of exercises are additionally implemented with stepping techniques.
3. Biaoken/Bju Tse (Finger Stabs). Thanks to the stability developed, the opposite concept of direct attack can now be implemented, i.e., the inner strength can gradually be brought to a point.
4. Murenzhuang/Mok Jan Chong (Wooden Dummy). All previous concepts are combined into a single unit and the practitioner's own resilience is greatly increased. The goal is to be able to exert force at will, at any time and in any direction.
5. Liudian-Bangun/Lok Dim Bun Guan (long pole). By further strengthening the basic structure, every technique becomes significantly more effective. The long pole also forms the basis of all pole weapons (point-leading). Tactical considerations are trained in a targeted manner.
6. Bazhandao/Pa Cham Dao ??? (short swords). The basic structure is optimized down to the tips of the fingers and toes. The short swords also form the basis of all cutting weapons (circular). Strategic considerations are specifically encouraged.
7. Chishou/Chi Sao (sticky hands). In these partner exercises, your own level of knowledge is tested in a limited way. Pressure is exerted on each other's arms and/or legs, and later striking and defense techniques are added. First with one arm or one leg while standing, later with both arms or both legs, and finally with steps.
8. Sanshou (free hands, free fighting). The same as the previous exercise, but now the focus is on "real" fighting rather than practice. Preliminary stages of this include, for example, competitions with rules and protective equipment that limit the possibilities (Qingda, Sanda, Leitai). Ultimately, there are no rules. A blow that hurts cannot be glossed over.

YIQUAN (DACHENGQUAN)
Yiquan (Chinese for "spirit fist") managed to create a framework of the most efficient techniques based on traditional gongfu styles and inspired by Western influences [1], while consistently emphasizing the efficiency of the various forces as a central theme, which is truly remarkable.
Yiquan is exclusively concerned with the quality of the various forces. Mainly, it is about consistently working on inner strength in order to develop overall body strength. This quality can also be integrated into any other teaching system [2].
As an analogy: if I want to use a small, almost empty battery as an energy source for performance, it doesn't make much sense. For health (Yangsheng) and combat (Jiji) benefits, Yiquan first fully charges the existing battery and then attempts to replace or supplement it with one or more larger batteries in further steps. The most important exercise group is therefore Zhanzhuang.
The key to the right quality lies not in the purely technical implementation of an exercise, nor in the quantity of physical repetitions, but in the various mental visualization exercises that accompany the physical movements. Over time, these become several images that are visualized simultaneously and superimposed. Below are the main exercise groups in Yiquan, which were significantly supplemented and developed by Yao Zongxun.

Video of Yao Zongxun's health dance (Jianwu)

The seven exercise groups are not a model that one must necessarily follow. Rather, they are a representation of the ideal state that is achieved when one has trained sufficiently seriously and the time is ripe for the corresponding level.

1. Zhanzhuang (standing like a pole). Various positions, mainly standing. This initially strengthens the structure of the postural muscles, then works on the overall internal strength.
2. Shili (trying strength). The internal strength developed in the previous group of exercises is brought into limited movement with the hands, arms, and weight shifts.
3. Mocabu (rubbing step). As in the second exercise, but with additional step sequences, which are predetermined at the beginning and then free.
4. Shisheng (trying tone). Based on natural [4] breathing, the internal and external contraction of the body is generated during a sound. Later, the audible sound is omitted. Integrated into the previous exercises, the next one is already noticeable.
5. Fali (Outgoing Force). All exercise groups in a nutshell. Of course, there are also individual exercises that have a beneficial effect. The goal is to be able to exert force at will, at any time and in any direction.
6. Tuishou (pushing, feeling hands). In this partner exercise, your own level of knowledge is tested in a limited form. Contact is made with the arms or hands and pressure is exerted on each other until one side can no longer withstand it. First with one arm while standing, later with both arms and finally with steps.
7. Sanshou (free hands, free fighting). The same as the previous exercise, but now with punches and kicks. Preliminary stages of this include, for example, competitions with rules and protective equipment that limit the possibilities (Qingda, Sanda, Leitai). Ultimately, there are no rules. A punch that hurts cannot be sugarcoated.

ZHANGBEISHU (DEFENSE)
Zhangbeishu (Chinese, long arm art) was designed with the following objective:

 

• To learn effective techniques for defending against armed attackers.
• To reduce fears of being helpless in the face of a potential attacker.
• Combining these insights and techniques with athletic self-defense training.

This training shows how men and women can defend themselves effectively using everyday items such as umbrellas, handbags, etc.
Eskrima sticks or bo staffs are used in simulated self-defense situations.

Video of self-defense with weapons

Meditation

QIGONG AND MENTAL TRAINING
Qigong (Chinese energy work) primarily comprises exercises for health care.
It includes a variety of practices, such as exercises to support the body's own healing powers, moving exercises such as Baduanjin (Chinese, Eight Brocade Threads), and quiet standing and breathing exercises. In combination with mental training, these have a relaxing effect and increase concentration and performance. Working with qi (Chinese for life energy) visibly improves physical and mental well-being and increases personal balance.
Qigong can also be a preparation for higher forms of meditation.

See Yiquan (Yangsheng)
Video of the Qigong Baduanjin exercises

YIQUAN (YANGSHENG) AND CHAN
Yiquan (Chinese, spirit fist) and Chan ? (Chinese, meditation) are further tools for experiencing one's own being and realizing one's potential.
Combined with styles such as Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan, this creates a symbiosis that can contribute to raising the "normal" level of healing and martial arts in terms of benefits, for example for health. The associated process of insight promotes ethical values and encourages engagement with philosophy.

More about Yiquan
Video of Yao Zongxun's health dance (Jianwu)

"Let me drift through wind, water, and time, but above all through our society. Whatever I encounter, I accept it, only to let it go again soon after. When the inevitable approaches, I smile serenely at it. That is the only way it "is"... Without beginning. Without end."

Applied philosophy
ZHANGBEISHU (PHILOSOPHY)
Handling the bow is a teaching method in which the bow and arrow are aids (Way of the Bow, Chinese: Shejian).
The aim of practical teaching is to bring the practitioner, the weapon, and the target into unity through the concentration of mental and physical powers.

Video of an archery competition

Sword handling is a teaching method in which the sword serves as an aid (Way of the Sword, Chinese: Jianshu).
"Those who master the sword know themselves – only those who know themselves can know others."

Video of a sword fight

INDIVIDUAL TOP COURSES
Would you like to use Shejian (archery) to bring your company philosophy to life,
give your management and employees the opportunity to channel their tensions in a meaningful way with Yongchunquan/Wing Chun Chuan (kung fu), or help them to remain mentally strong even in the most difficult situations with qigong (meditation)?

We offer you individual, tailor-made, and professional solutions.

SUN WU SHOW TEAM
We can offer you a show for the following areas

• Traditional Gongfu
• Acrobatic gongfu
• Martial arts in general
• Action and stunts on a theme of your choice
• Show training

You can book us for the following events

• Discreet exclusive appearances for personalities
• Corporate events and anniversaries
• Weddings
• Birthday parties
• Private events