What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and trainers (lightweight ones are best). Students who have graded wear black trousers and a plain black or white T-shirt, or a club shirt. If you'd like a club T-shirt, ask the instructor at the end of class.
What should I bring?
Just the class fee. Training can get hot, so bring water or another drink.
Do I need to book my first class?
No. New starters can just turn up. You can also book and pay online if you prefer.
How much sparring is there?
Sparring is usually limited to the last 5–10 minutes of the lesson. It is light or no contact, without pads.
Do you have competitions?
Our branch doesn't run competitions, but the organisation does at a national level. Wutan national competitions are held once or twice a year, usually at the UK base in Southampton. Entering is voluntary but encouraged. Events include individual and group forms (open hand and weapons), semi-contact sparring with pads and gumshield, and Tai Chi forms.
Do you have gradings?
Yes, roughly every 3–4 months, when a coloured sash is awarded. In our school the sash is a marker for the teacher rather than the student: it shows the teacher what they have taught you, which helps them organise the class. You'll almost certainly pass your first gradings. After a certain level the emphasis changes, and you only take the next grading when your teacher thinks you're ready.
Are there classes on other days?
Not at the moment. We train on Tuesday evenings only.