Sifu Robert Vogel: Issue 83

Wing Chun Illustrated Issue 83, featuring Sifu Robert Vogel, is now available globally in paperback on Amazon, as a premium hardcover at WCIPremium.com, digitally on the Apple App Store and Google Play, or via WCINewsstand.com.

"Always excellently done, always thought-provoking, always interesting content, very well balanced, and always presented with grace and respect for all. I wish that all our Wing Chun brothers and sisters were as mindful in their day-to-day interactions with each other."

LARRY BUTLER

United States

The simple and profound truth about Wing Chun Illustrated is that it delivers! In a world where bias is omnipresent, hagiography widespread, and superficiality the norm, Wing Chun Illustrated truly does provide a forum for many perspectives and approaches, always with depth and content—meaning that it’s impossible to pick up an issue without gaining new, worthwhile insight into our beloved art. Truly, if one is serious about understanding Wing Chun, regardless of spelling tradition, Wing Chun Illustrated is de rigueur. Consequently, never settle for “just” present and future issues, but do get the full package, including all the back issues!

CHRISTIAN A. STEWART-FERRER

Denmark

This is an impressive magazine and I am set back with each issue by its quality of appearance and content. Clearly, this has the potential to overshadow many other national martial arts publications. Stay the course and always protect the line. Excellent job. As always, thanks and continued success.

MOSES McCLENDON

United States

I have purchased Wing Chun Illustrated in printed format and I have to say that it is simply the highest quality magazine I have ever owned! Beyond the quality paper and printing techniques utilised, the articles themselves are thorough and true to the Wing Chun system. I really appreciate owning a piece of history and I look forward to future issues!

JAMES BUMPAS

United States

I have looked forward to this magazine for months and was not at all disappointed. The articles are well written, nonbiased, and most importantly very informative. This is the first magazine that I have ever read from cover to cover. I’m encouraging all of my Wing Chun brothers and students to subscribe. I’m very much looking forward to the next issue!

WIZE SHABAZZ

United States

I have been practising Wing Chun for the best part of 30 years. In my time, I have read a huge amount of material on the art; however, I can honestly say that your magazine is by a long, long way the finest collection of articles I have come across. The fact that all views (and you and I both know there are so many) on the art of Wing Chun are made readily available in one place, without prejudice, is really inspirational and will hopefully serve as a guiding light and a template for dialogue within the art itself.

CHRIS HARVEY

United Kingdom

Sifu Robert Vogel Cover Feature

ROBERT VOGEL
Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future of Wing Chun
By Eric Lilleør
As head of the Associatie Wing Chun Kung Fu, Sifu Robert Vogel is a key figure in the Dutch Wing Chun community. His martial arts journey has been deeply personal and transformative after he was introduced to Wing Chun by his father, the late Sifu Robert Vogel Sr, the first person to publicly teach Wing Chun in the Netherlands. In this interview, he shares insights on his teachers, Wing Chun’s evolution, sparring and the role of technology in training; offering a thoughtful perspective on the art’s growth while staying true to its core principles.

Columns

MARTIAL MASTERY
The Evolution of EWTO WingTsun
Transformation Since the 1980s – Part 2
By Oliver König
The EWTO’s WingTsun has seen remarkable changes since the 1980s. Evolving from traditional Hong Kong methods, it now embodies modern influences and adaptability. Explore this evolution as we showcase the system’s modern approach.

TALKING HANDS
The Lost Techniques
“Forgotten” Fragments of the Forms
By Glenn Landers
Wong Shun Leung was renowned for his vision of the science of fighting and his ability to convey the functional relevance of all aspects of the Wing Chun forms, leaving nothing to the imagination.

THE MARTIAL MIND
Finding Zen Through Wing Chun
A Martial Meditation
By Kyle and Ted Ritter
Wing Chun is not just a fighting system, or merely something we do – it is something we become. At its core, it is a form of martial meditation.

THE INNER CIRCLE
Preserving Martial Arts History
Mr Tang Gwong Man on Truth & Tradition
By Jim Roselando Jr & Zhang Tianyu
Martial arts historian Mr Tang Gwong Man talks about his decades of research, preserving Wing Chun history, uncovering relics of Leung Jan, and contributing to the creation of the Ip Man Tong and Ip Man Memorial Hall.

THE STRAIGHT LEAD
Get A Grip
Infighting Secrets
By Jason Korol
Jocko Willink thinks everyone needs to learn BJJ for self-defence, but that’s only because the true art of infighting is unknown today. Learn Jeet Kune Do’s brilliant approach instead.

Features

BUILDING BRIDGES
Behind the Scenes with Western Lotus
By Allan Horton
Western Lotus blends traditional Leung Ting Wing Tsun with modern training methods while fostering a sense of community. Sifu Jose Reyes and Andrew Lin discuss their shared martial arts journey, inclusive teaching philosophy, and the dynamic environment they’ve created.

CRITICAL OBSERVATION
Evaluating Martial Arts Demonstrations
By Michael Speights
Seeing isn’t always believing when it comes to martial arts demonstrations. Sifu Speights shares practical observation techniques to help determine whether a technique demonstration truly meets the burden of proof.

MASTER YUEN JO TONG
Honouring a Life Dedicated to the Art
By Zhang Tianyu
Master Yuen Jo Tong dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Wing Chun. A respected teacher, writer and organiser, his legacy lives on through his students, publications and contributions to uniting the Wing Chun community.

THE SINKING BRIDGE
Unlocking the Power of Pok Jeung
By Choi Yan Shing
Mastering Pok Jeung is not only about executing a technique – it’s also about understanding and applying the principles of control, timing and strategy in combat.

FOOTWORK
The Unseen Force
By Alan Paterson
Is footwork the key to Wing Chun mastery? Sifu Paterson examines the 50-50 stance, friction stepping, weight transfer and the Yongquan point, showing how grounding and fluid movement create stability, control and adaptability in combat.

Departments

STRUCTURE AND APPLICATION
The OG’s Approach to Wing Chun
By Dr Robert Chu
Sifu Chu shares insights as our elders pass on, reflecting on Sifu Hawkins Cheung’s unique approach. An “Original Gangster”, Sifu Cheung stood in the sloppiest stance that you’d think he was rubbish. Yet, his skill was nothing short of incredible.

THE SMARTER FIGHTER
The Essence of Wing Chun’s Uniqueness
By Martin Brogaard
More than just techniques, Wing Chun is a cohesive system built for practicality, efficiency and adaptability. Its principles – economy of motion, short explosive power and superior positioning – make it one of the most effective close-combat systems.

IN CLOSE QUARTERS
Distance and “Chasing Hands”
By John Lobb
Sifu Lobb explores the importance of correct distance in Wing Chun for power transmission and control. He examines natural reflexes, structured responses and how to exploit an opponent’s reactions while resisting the same instincts.

Reviews

IN PRINT
Lafayette Harris reviews The Art of Combat by Michael Mehle, and Bare Knuckle: Bobby Gunn, 71-0 Undefeated. A Dad. A Fight Like You’ve Never Seen. by Stayton Bonner.

SCREEN EDUCATIONAL
Alex Danos reviews the educational DVD Wing Chun Universe: Siu Nim Tao Form & Applications by Alfred Neudorfer and Rosa Bannera.