Wing Chun Academy, is led by the late Master Matthew Chapplow, who began his martial arts journey in 1970. Throughout the years, he explored various martial arts styles such as Judo, Shotokan Karate, Shaolin Kung Fu, Chinese Kickboxing, and Lau Gar Kickboxing. However, he sought a martial art that could be practised throughout his lifetime, regardless of age, and remain effective and adaptable to individual physical capabilities. Master Chapplow discovered these attributes in the Wing Chun style, and since 2013, he has been recognised as a master of the Wing Chun style by the worldwide Martial Arts Council.
Master Ben Ede, the chief instructor and head of the Mui Faa Academy, started his training under Master Chapplow as a private student in 2009. Over the years, he has achieved his Master level instructor grade and has been promoted to senior instructor and head of the academy by Master Chapplow. Master Ben is passionate about teaching students of all ages the soft yet powerful facets of the Wing Chun system, enhancing their self-defence skills.
Sifu Simon Wilson, the secretary of the Mui Faa Academy, is a senior instructor in Plymouth. He was a direct student of Master Chapplow and now runs his own Mui Faa club. Sifu Simon possesses expert knowledge of the energy systems within Wing Chun and their application in self-defence.
Mui Faa Wing Chun is a traditional yet contemporary self-defence system that traces its roots directly from Yip Man. It is suitable for men, women, and children. The style is fast, explosive, and highly effective, emphasising skill and technique over physical size and strength. Master Matthew Chapplow's extensive 40-year journey in Wing Chun, along with his personable teaching style, forms the foundation of the Mui Faa Wing Chun system.
Learning Wing Chun Kung Fu is often compared to learning a foreign language. Initially, everything may seem unfamiliar and odd, but through training, logical reactions become reflexes with less conscious thought. This approach is perfect for individuals seeking an effective method of self-defence.
Mui Faa Wing Chun offers classes in Bristol every Wednesday with Master Ben from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at The Exercise Club on Whiteladies Road. No booking is required, and the first lesson is free. Subsequent lessons are priced at 8 per lesson or 30 for a block of four. The academy also provides self-defence seminar series for mixed groups or women-only, as well as private lessons upon arrangement.
In Plymouth, classes are held every Monday and Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm at YMCA Plymouth on Honicknowle Lane. Adult lessons are open to secondary school-aged individuals and adults of all ages. Mui Faa Wing Chun believes that it is never too late to start practising martial arts, making it an accessible option for individuals of all ages. A month of free lessons is available for those who sign up.
For more information or to get in touch with Mui Faa Wing Chun, individuals can visit their website and use the provided contact details.