But it is not a job and not a profession, it is a vocation, because when choosing my profession I thought to myself: "You must do what you like doing best!" Following a profession you do not enjoy for a whole lifetime is in my opinion not very wise – even if that sounds cynical. Those with a profession or job they do not like should at least compensate by trying to do something else that they enjoy – even if only privately!

Naturally the road to becoming a professional WingTsun teacher (or even grandmaster) is not an easy one. You need staying power, i.e. plenty of patience, as careers often do not progress as rapidly as one would like or had planned. Then it is important not to give up but carry on, also going against the flow on occasion, and to get up when you have fallen down …

One of the "building blocks" in my WT career was the study of WingTsun – an academic course of study from bachelor to a doctorate. That is why I also want to write something about our academic study projects in this editorial.

This year some of the participants in our courses of academic study, which we organise with partner universities, have once again received their degrees. Some of them with very good results! I am rather proud of this, as I was involved in the projects both as an "Associated Lecturer" and on the organisational side.
 

What courses of study have now been held?

This year a three-year bachelor course in the martial arts with the highly respected University of Derby/Buxton in England came to an end. The standard was very high, and some students ended the course with top-class results. The degrees will be officially conferred in Derby in November.

Following another course of study at the State University of Plovdiv (Bulgaria) for a master's degree as a "Teacher of martial arts (WingTsun)", the participants have already received their degrees.
 

What is the purpose of these academic courses?

Firstly, the EWTO is exclusively able to offer its members the opportunity to crown their martial arts career with an academic qualification. Under the guidance of Prof. GM Keith R. Kernspecht, the EWTO has managed to make these courses of study, which are specifically tailored to the martial arts/WingTsun, a reality. This is the result of many years of hard work. Initial contact with the University in Plovdiv was made in 1996. It was not until many years later that the first bachelor degree course in sports education was realised. While its main emphasis had moved towards the martial arts, it was still a classic course in sport. It was only the two master's courses that specialised in the martial arts and WingTsun, and the degree certificates also reflect this.
Another major advantage from this academic work is research and the further development of WingTsun, which benefits the EWTO and its school owners, instructors and students.

A few examples:
The development of WingTsun intro an "inner" style is substantially due to the research work of Prof. GM Keith R. Kernspecht. The development of student programmes such as BlitzDefence and the ReakTsun programme also stemmed from scientific research.

Prof. Kernspecht's academic research and quest for continuous improvement brought him into contact with the late Prof. Tiwald, who was undoubtedly the pioneer in academic appraisal of inner styles. Thanks to their regrettably too brief but intensive collaboration, the scientific understanding of WingTsun progressed considerably.
What is more – as I have said – it is the best "job" in the world.
 

Preview

In October this year the EWTO's courses of academic study will continue. We are once again organising a Coaching course in Heidelberg. From 2016 it will be possible for EWTO members to begin a bachelor course in martial arts. Both of these are correspondence courses. The Coaching course covers one semester, the bachelor course has a duration of three years. Both courses are offered by the EWTO in cooperation with the University of Derby/Buxton.

In mid-2016 another university correspondence course for a master's degree as a "Teacher of martial arts (WingTsun)" will begin at the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria.

More details can be found here.
 

Don’t dream it, do it!

Those who are toying with the idea of studying the martial arts and specifically WingTsun more intensively are already able to have themselves entered in the list of potential candidates to receive more detailed information about timing, prices etc. Simply send an email to: headoffice@ewto.com.

With best regards
Your Oliver König