An Interview with Sifu Alex Richter
If you’re a martial arts enthusiast or simply curious about the world of Wing Chun, you’re in for a treat. In this series of interviews from our list of martial arts, Sifu Alex Richter, a renowned expert in Wing Tsun (Wing Chun), you’ll discover the intricacies and philosophy behind this traditional martial art. From debunking common myths to exploring lesser-known training tools, Sifu Alex offers candid insights into his lifelong passion for Wing Chun. Join us on this journey to Wing Chun mastery and learn how perseverance, curiosity, and a dedication to self-improvement are key to achieving mastery.
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From Karate Kid to Kung Fu Genius: How Sifu Alex Richter’s Passion for Martial Arts Led to the Mastery of Wing Chun
Sifu Alex Richter’s journey into martial arts began when he was just eight years old. After facing bullying from a neighbor, Alex enrolled in a nearby karate school, beginning his lifelong passion for martial arts. “I started mainly, almost like out of an eighties action movie. I was bullied by a neighbor, and I had the kind of the karate kid experience and decided I needed to take some martial arts to learn how to defend myself,” Alex recalls.
Enter The (Little) Dragon
The transformative moment in his martial arts journey came when he watched Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon.” The film led Alex to become intrigued with kung fu, specifically Wing Chun. “And then I saw Bruce Lee, and I’m like, what is this kung fu? What is? I wanted to be just like him,” he says.
Despite his eagerness to learn Chinese martial arts, Alex found it difficult to find a suitable school in Central Jersey in the 1980s. It was when his family relocated to Seattle, Washington, that he discovered a Wing Chun school led by Sifu Johann Sasynuik, a student of Bruce Lee’s third student, James DeMille.
However, Alex’s curiosity wasn’t satisfied with just learning the non-traditional version of Wing Chun inspired by Bruce Lee’s philosophy. Instead, he yearned to understand the classical, traditional form of the martial art. “I wanted to go and see if classical or traditional Wing Chun had anything to offer,” he explains.
This quest for deeper knowledge led him to Vancouver, Canada, where he met Sifu Ralph Hanel, an instructor from the Leung Ting lineage. The encounter proved to be a humbling experience for the young martial artist. Alex shares, “I basically fired a punch at him, and I was like on the wall and on the floor very, very fast. And I said, okay, what is this wizardry you’re doing here?”
EWTO & Beyond
Determined to learn more, Alex moved to Germany to study Wing Chun at the European Wing Tsun Organization (EWTO) headquarters. “I studied Wing Chun six hours a day, five days a week for three years and became kind of like a junior-level instructor,” he says.
Upon returning to the United States, Alex opened his own Wing Chun school in New York, continuing his martial arts journey and sharing his expertise with others.
Throughout his years of dedication and hard work, Sifu Alex Richter’s passion for Wing Chun has only grown stronger. Today, he is an inspiring figure in the traditional martial arts world, demonstrating that perseverance, curiosity, and an unquenchable desire for self-improvement are key to achieving mastery.
The Essence of Wing Chun:
From Forms to Footwork: Discover the Intricacies of Hong Kong Wing Chun
Wing Chun can have many interpretations depending on the lineage and individual teaching it.
Forms
According to Richter, Wing Chun training predominant in Hong Kong comprises three unarmed forms: Siu Nim Tao 小念頭, Chum Kiu 尋橋, and Biu Jee 鏢指, which are learned alongside their respective applications in fighting. “The first two forms are like the operating system. That’s 90% of what you’ll need to defend yourself reasonably against a regular attack,” he explains.
The third form, Biu Jee, serves as a “technical patch” for issues that may arise in the first two forms. It provides recovery tools for practitioners who might lose their centerline or find themselves in a compromised position.
The wooden dummy form is another integral component of Wing Chun training. It acts as a “finishing school” for the system, refining movements and enabling practitioners to generate power even when already in contact with an opponent.
Weapons
In addition to the unarmed forms, Wing Chun features two weapons: the long pole (Luk Dim Boon Gwan 六點半桿) and the double knives (Baat Jaam Do 八斬刀). The long pole emphasizes strength training, live sparring, and partner practice. The double knives considered the pinnacle of Wing Chun training, are designed to fight against various types of Chinese weapons. Footwork is a crucial aspect of this training. As the Chinese saying goes, “If your opponent has two swords, beware his footwork.”
Fallen From Glory
Richter believes that modern Wing Chun has become too focused on Chi Sao 黐手 (sticky hands) practice against other Wing Chun practitioners rather than against different martial arts styles. “Wing Chun was designed to fight against other martial arts. Modern Wing Chun is very Chi Sao versus Chi Sao dominant, an unfortunate byproduct of the tribalism common to Wing Chun factions,” Richter laments.
Despite these challenges, the essence of Wing Chun remains a versatile and effective martial art. With the right guidance and dedication to understanding its principles, students can unlock the true potential of this fascinating fighting system.
Exploring the Richness and Variety of Chi Sao as a Bridge Between Forms and Sparring
Chi Sao 黐手, an essential component of Wing Chun training, is the bridge or glue between forms and free sparring. Sifu Alex Richter explained its importance in developing a well-rounded understanding of martial art.
Chi Sao specializes in the moment of contact with an opponent’s arms, teaching practitioners to be mindful of their stance, relaxation, and breathing. However, it is important to recognize that Chi Sao encompasses a vast range of techniques and ideas, with some being more intrinsic and mindful while others involve heavier pressure and more aggressive approaches.
Richter highlights that Chi Sao is an extremely broad category that includes various training methods, all under the umbrella term of “sticky hands.” For example, the iconic photo of Bruce Lee and Yip Man performing Poon Sao is just one aspect of this rich practice.
Ultimately, students of Wing Chun must appreciate the richness and diversity of Chi Sao to gain a comprehensive understanding of the martial art. By exploring the full range of techniques and methods within Chi Sao, practitioners can unlock new levels of skill, awareness, and effectiveness in their training and sparring.
Unraveling the Mysteries and Origins of Wing Chun’s Diverse Lineages
Sifu Alex Richter highlights the difficulties in tracing the origins of Wing Chun, as much of its history is shrouded in hearsay and folklore. The histories of most Wing Chun styles, like many other traditional Chinese martial arts, are quite similar and often appear to be plagiarisms of one another. This makes it challenging to determine the true origins of the martial art, as many of the stories lack historical accuracy or verifiable evidence.
We discussed the Red Boat Opera of the 1850s, during which many southern martial arts were practiced and taught by opera actors or individuals disguised as such. This period, however, is also marked by a blending of martial arts history with kung fu movies and pulp fiction, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
Among the most famous Wing Chun lineages are Ip Man and Yiu Kay-san, with the latter being a contemporary of Ip Man in Foshan. Canton Wing Chun, another significant lineage, is often referred to as a more generic term, encompassing anyone not part of Ip Man or Yiu Kay-san’s lineage. However, these styles are often rarer and more difficult to find.
Why Ip Man Was So Influential
Richter emphasizes the role of fate in the prominence of Ip Man’s lineage, as he arrived in Hong Kong at a critical time and had to prove the worth of Wing Chun by training his first generation of students to fight. This urgency influenced the way he taught the martial art, leading some traditionalists to claim that his approach was not as traditional as others.
Richter argues that the founders of martial arts styles were, by definition, rebels and innovators who broke from tradition. As a result, it is crucial to focus on one’s skills rather than relying solely on the prestige of a particular lineage.
Unconventional Or Lesser Known Training Tools for Wing Chun
Wing Chun is an ancient martial art, but Sifu Alex embraces the future by integrating modern training techniques into his traditional teachings. Richter shed light on the unconventional and lesser-known training tools he uses to enhance his students’ Wing Chun experience.
The Wing Chun Wall Bag
“The most underrated tool in Wing Chun,” according to Richter, “is the wall bag, the three-section sandbag that goes on the wall.” He believes the iconic wooden dummy often overshadows it, but the wall bag is an excellent way to train the penetrating style of punching Wing Chun is known for. “You are never knocking the wall down behind that wall bag,” Richter explains, “so you have a mild isometric contraction almost at the end of every explosive punch.” This unique feature of the wall bag trains tendons and ligaments more effectively than conventional strength training protocols, allowing practitioners to “punch above their body weight.”
Variations of The Wing Chun Dummy
Richter also delved into the different types of wooden dummies at his school. The more modern spring frame dummy, called the “song Chong” or live dummy, provides better feedback when hit. The slat design dummy, popularized in the 1950s, is also used. Richter values both types and encourages his students to train on each one, saying, “I can never make up my mind which one is better.”
While the weapons in Wing Chun, such as the long pole and knives, are only taught to senior students, they can be invaluable for stance training and strengthening wrists. Richter also incorporates modern martial arts equipment like teardrop Muay Thai-style bags, focus mitts, heavy bags, and kick shields into his classes.
The Balance Beam
The most unconventional training tool Richter mentioned is the balance beam. These long four-by-four pieces of wood are used to practice forms solo or with a partner for footwork and balance exercises. He said, “We emphasize it here because it’s a great self-correcting tool for centering your balance on your foot.”
Debunking the Chain Punching Myth
Wing Chun, a dynamic and powerful martial art, is often reduced to the misconception that practitioners simply “do a bunch of fast stuff like chain punches.” According to Richter, the chain punch stereotype arises for two reasons. First, beginners just starting their journey in Wing Chun are taught chain punches as a stop-gap measure. “If you don’t know anything and someone attacks you, even if you chain punch horribly, you have something you can fight back with,” Richter explains. As students progress, however, they develop more advanced skills like power, connectivity, footwork, angles, and timing, ultimately weaning themselves off chain-punching.
The second reason for this misconception lies in the portrayal of Wing Chun in popular media. Films like “Ip Man” and its sequels, starring Donnie Yen and Anthony Wong, often depict Wing Chun fighters using chain punches to defeat multiple opponents. Richter acknowledges that the first “Ip Man” movie had hard-hitting and violent fight scenes, making chain punches look extremely effective. However, these films only serve to perpetuate the stereotype and do not accurately represent the art of Wing Chun.
Most Common Beginners Mistakes
Reflecting on the most prevalent issues facing modern martial arts students, Sifu Richter explained that the abundance of online content could hinder progress. For example, he observed, “People join the school, and then the first thing they do is go on YouTube to teach themselves a bunch of stuff so they can shortcut the training, and they come into class only to have to be then redirected or adjusted. And that, in my opinion, tends to slow things down a little bit.”
This reliance on digital resources and the pursuit of shortcuts has led to a cultural shift in the way students approach martial arts education. However, Alex encourages students to resist this trend, trusting their instructors’ traditional methods and expertise.
Hindsight
Looking back on his early days, Sifu Alex ponders the question of what advice he would give to his younger self. Then, reflecting on his experiences and the mentors who shaped his journey, he says, “I’ve had the chance to have some fantastic mentors and travel to Hong Kong and learn from some of the greats.”
However, one of the essential pieces of advice he wishes he could give his past self involves discerning the difference between martial arts expertise and life wisdom. “The guy who can help you understand how this martial art works might not also be the guy you want to model your personal life after or might not be the person you want to follow as a business example,” Sifu Alex explains.
Recognizing the innate human desire to find a leader who can guide all aspects of life, Sifu Alex urges caution and realism in our approach to learning from others. “We have to be more realistic,” he says, adding, “Really model your Wing Chun after this person. Look at what they do. Don’t always listen to what they say, but look at what they do.”
Sifu Alex emphasizes learning from others while maintaining a healthy skepticism and an open mind. “I think just knowledge of that would’ve helped me through a lot of past heartaches.”
Best Wing Chun Books
When asked about his favorite Wing Chun book besides his own, Sifu Alex mentions David Peterson’s “Wing Chun Kuen Hak,” a collection of essays that offers insights from another lineage of Wing Chun. Sifu Alex believes that reading books from different lineages is crucial to sharpening one’s skills and understanding, saying, “I think you can’t consider yourself a cultivated martial artist or, in my sense, a Wing Chun person if I don’t understand all the arguments against my position.”
Interestingly, Sifu Alex’s all-time favorite book related to Wing Chun is not a Wing Chun book at all. Instead, it’s “Championship Fighting” by heavyweight boxing legend Jack Dempsey (one of my top picks in my Amazon Storefront)! Sifu Alex explains, “I think he explains some Wing Chun ideas better than I’ve heard some Wing Chun sifus explain their ideas.”
Conclusion
Sifu Alex Richter’s journey to Wing Chun mastery is an inspiring example of how dedication and passion can lead to greatness. Through his extensive training and innovative approach, he has become a respected figure in the martial arts world, sharing his knowledge with others through his podcast, publications, and teachings.
I’m grateful to Sifu Alex for sharing his insights on Wing Chun, from Chi Sao’s intricacies to balancing martial arts expertise with life wisdom. His dedication to self-improvement and commitment to exploring different lineages and training tools are a testament to the richness and diversity of Wing Chun.
As we continue to explore the world of martial arts, Sifu Alex’s journey reminds us of the value of perseverance, curiosity, and a lifelong passion for learning. We are grateful for his contributions to the world of Chinese Martial Arts and look forward to following his continued success.
Connect With Alex
If you’re interested in connecting with Sifu Alex Richter and exploring his work on Wing Chun, you can visit his website at CityWT.com. There, you can find his wooden dummy book, as well as other publications such as a book on the first two forms, another book on martial arts movement for Wing Chun, and the 15 Chi Sau Fundamentals. He is also currently working on a third form book and has a collection of video tutorials available on his site.
In addition to his website, you can also follow Sifu Alex on social media platforms like Instagram where he shares insights and updates on his Wing Chun journey. I highly recommend checking out his podcast,The Kung Fu Genius, where he shares his expertise and interviews other martial arts experts.
Overall, Sifu Alex Richter is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Wing Chun, and I encourage you to explore his work and connect with him online.
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Read More!
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About the Author
Ashe Higgs, I Liq Chuan Master Instructor & L2 Nutrition Coach
Ashe is a highly skilled martial arts instructor and certified nutrition coach with over two decades of experience in the field. He holds a Master Instructor certification in I Liq Chuan under Sam FS Chin, making him one of only several individuals worldwide to hold the title. He has taught classes and workshops worldwide and is passionate about helping others achieve their fitness and wellness goals.
With a background in full-contact fighting and a Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition in nutrition coaching, Ashe is a well-rounded expert in the fields of martial arts. In addition to his expertise, he has a wealth of experience in teaching and mentoring others. He has a natural ability to connect with his students and inspire them to reach their full potential.
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