Reviews of The Philip Nearing School of Wing Chun

If you are looking for a no non-sense approach to Wing Chun, then this is the place. A good collection of people to train with, a good environment to learn in. Sifu Nearing has been in this business for almost 35 years, training and teaching many other instructors in this town. Not only is he a master with 35 years in WC he also has a BB in BJJ, he started learning from Carlson Gracie himself.

Sifu Nearing has a well rounded and practical approach. He isn't into any mystical theories, just stuff that works. If you want to learn Wing Chun, do yourself a favor and visit this school.

I've spent several decades training in various martial arts, with various teachers. This school is about as good as it gets -- you owe it to yourself to at least check it out.

What you'll learn: A practical, down-to-earth system of effective self defense that also happens to be a fun, stress-relieving way to become healthier.

Who will teach you: Philip Nearing, who is both a world-class wing chun practitioner AND an excellent instructor, will personally oversee your instruction and progress, making sure you understand the principles behind the art (i. e., why this stuff works) and helping you make those principles work for you, specifically. Students benefit from his diverse and continually broadening knowledge in not just wing chun, but other combat systems: he holds a black belt in Brazilian jujitsu and is well-versed in historical European sword methods. Just as importantly, Phil is -- simply put -- a good guy.

Your classmates: In the martial arts, a good instructor is just part of the equation -- your fellow students are just as important to your learning and your experience. Here you'll be training with a diverse group of affable men and women who check their egos at the door, train hard, and have fun -- people who want to help you improve so that you can join them and make them better as well.

I trained here for many years before I moved to the East Coast. I still come back here to train whenever I can. And there's a reason why I make that effort.

The qualities of a good Sifu and a great Sifu may be subtle, but can make a world of difference to a student. Not only does Sifu Nearing possess 30 years of technical knowledge, he realizes how to communicate that knowledge, and tailor that information to each students individual needs. He also knows how to deliver praise and criticism in a way that a student will take to heart.

Having been involved in sports for over 40 years, I have never meet a instructor or coach who had more passion for his art. His passion for the art and improvement is contagious making the learning environment a positive experience for every student at the school regardless of their skill level.

Sifu Nearing is an instructor filled with compassion, and takes the time to get to know his students both inside and outside the school. I have never meet anybody who has made a greater effort to listen to my needs and treat me with respect, or has worked harder to give me every opportunity to improve my skills. He has always made the time to answer any question I ever asked. He never grew tired of explaining or demonstrating a technique I was having difficulty learning. I'm taking about every instance spanning over a decade.

Sifu Nearing possess the necessary leadership qualities to give every student direction and motivation to reach their potential. He is highly organized and has a plan to encourage each student to believe and work together. He is truly an enthusiastic individual leading by personal example.

Sifu Nearing I can honestly say is the most humble individual I have ever meet. He wants every student to succeed, but not at the expense of their skill development. He truly measures success by each students improvement and passion for the art. He is a Sifu who is more concerned about the team, than the man behind the bench.

A great place to learn self defense and meet people from all walks of life ! Here you will not only learn Wing Chun, you will also learn about meditation n yoga and how it all fits together in martial arts . I highly recommend it .

I have studied with Sifu Phil Nearing for 6 years, great school, atmosphere and instruction. Sifu Nearing always teaches class and is open to questions and ideas, I have learned a lot about kung fu and self defence, I would highly recommend this school.

The atmosphere of this school is balanced between being welcoming yet focused. Students joke and smile with one another. They sweat during the opening workout of class and they sweep the floor together at the end. There is always respect and a clear mindfulness to being a good, safe training partner for your fellow students. The jovial atmosphere does not get in the way of diligent training and serious study. The Sifu, Philip Nearing, is both ready with a laugh and advice on technique but remains serious about detail and finer parts of the art. His instruction always cleave to the more practical and realistic and he doesn't harbor any illusions about what will and won't work in a fight. The Nearing School of Wing Chun remains a pragmatic school that upholds the old fashioned value of martial culture while looking forward to remaining relevant and modern. I can not recommend it enough.