Dutch enthusiasts get a kick from martial arts

THE HAGUE — A Wing Chun kung fu master class held recently attracted more than a dozen martial arts enthusiasts. Some of them have developed a passion for this form of Chinese kung fu decades ago.

Erik Batstra, head instructor at the Wing-Chun Kung-Fu Association of the Netherlands, also attended the master class. On the sidelines of the event, he says that he began practicing Wing Chun when he was 18.

"When I came in contact with Wing Chun, it became my life's passion," Batstra says. Since 1981, the Dutch martial artist has dedicated himself to the study of Wing Chun, a martial art characterized by close-quarters hand-to-hand combat, rapid-fire punches and efficiency.

The Dutch association, founded in 1974, primarily studies the Wong Shun-Leung lineage of Wing Chun, which favors efficiency and directness. Wing Chun is on the list of China's national intangible cultural heritage.

Attendees of the recent master class came to learn from Zheng Zujie, a Chinese Grand Master of Wing Chun. Zheng delved into the history and techniques of Wing Chun and elaborated on the Chinese philosophical and cultural principles underpinning the martial art. Participants had the opportunity to practice its techniques under his guidance.

Zheng noted the genuine passion for Wing Chun among the Dutch practitioners. He says that his visit to the Netherlands aimed to foster close interactions with local Wing Chun practitioners.

"They come from a wide range of ages, with some well into their 60s and 70s, yet all show remarkable dedication to practicing Wing Chun regardless of their age," he says.

The veteran martial artist also expresses hope for further exchanges to connect people and jointly promote Wing Chun, emphasizing its benefits for health, happiness and personal development.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the Wing Chun master class, Batstra says he is looking forward to going to China for further exchanges.

Sebastiaan Kas, a 51-year-old dedicated Wing Chun practitioner, says he has been immersed in the art form since 2006. His journey into Wing Chun was inspired by his childhood fascination with martial arts films of the 80s and 90s, featuring icons like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

"Watching those films, I always said, 'that's what I want to do'," he says.

Kas says it has profoundly changed his life. "Wing Chun has become a part of my life that gives me mental and physical strength."

The Dutch martial artist says the experience of practicing Wing Chun went beyond the physical movements.

The respect for each other and the close community is an important aspect of this art for Wing Chun practitioners, who share knowledge and practice the art through various movements, he says.

"You have people who train harder and work longer hours. Then boundaries are pushed and you actually experience what the human body is capable of," Kas says. This intense dedication, he believes, fuels the passion and love for Wing Chun.

During the master class, Kas shared a personal dream. "For me, being able to go to the South Shaolin Temple in Fujian, China, the birthplace of Wing Chun, is like a dream for me. I'm really looking forward to going."

Xinhua