Testimonials

Throughout the years, numerous students have entered the Unified Theory Wing Chun class. These individuals represent a diverse background, with some transitioning from other Wing Chun schools and clubs, while others arrive with experience in various fighting systems such as boxing and MMA. Whether seeking a change in their martial arts approach or aiming to augment their current system with a fresh perspective, our students come with a variety of motivations.

In crafting testimonials for the school, we have chosen to go beyond the conventional 2-3 line format. Recognizing that each person carries a unique story and journey, we've invited individuals to share their personal narratives. Presented below are in-depth testimonials from a select few of our past and current students, providing a glimpse into their experiences within The Unified Theory Wing Chun Programme.

Edney Griffiths - Bournemouth

Life before Joining  "Unified Theory Wing-Chun" (UTWC) 

I spent much of my early childhood years watching martial arts movies, in particular, movie stars such as Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. This led to a development of a keen fascination with Kung-Fu. In my teens, with enough pocket money, I attended my first Wing-Chun school locally. I was fascinated with the Chi-Sao exercise and the traditional Wing-Chun forms as I observed the senior students taking part in them. However, being a beginner, it seemed a long way away.  

A few months later, a close friend suggested I try out UTWC. I have never looked back since.

The first year at Unified Theory Wing-Chun 

My first impressions of Sifu Raymond’s teaching style were his emphasis on discipline and attention to detail. He is extremely knowledgeable on both the practical and philosophical aspects of Wing Chun (due in part to his education from Grand master Simon Lau  and   Tony Leung but also through his own self education and personal development) and has a captivating methods of breaking down complicated theories and concepts.  

The first year was very challenging as I was faced with a few obstacles:

•       Becoming aware of and managing the self-limiting inner voice of the ego.

•       Getting to grips with the key Wing-Chun concepts and their applications.

•       Understanding the UTWC philosophy.

•       Using Wing-Chun concepts and applications against senior students during sparring sessions.

•       Dealing with failure… repeatedly.

Relating the UTWC to life

At the end of training sessions over the years, we have spent many hours discussing how key concepts studied during sessions related to aspects of life such as health, wealth and relationships. We often shared how we had applied such concepts during the previous week and the often successful results achieved. I can honestly say that much of the success I enjoy today can be attributed to Raymond and his teachings.

The journey to Nevada  

As I embark on my journey to Nevada, my Wing-Chun practice forms a central part of my weekly routine and I often draw upon some of the key lessons that I have learnt over the years at UTWC.

Annaline Flood - London

Raymond combines seamlessly the classical style and concepts of wing chun such as centre line theory with the universal understanding of body mechanics, timing and spatial awareness to create an increased efficient and innovative approach to this martial art. Other aspects such as knife work which may not be considered traditional wing chun are also incorporated. This gives wing chun in my opinion a freshness and relevance to modern threats.

As a woman, what drew me initially to wing chun as a fighting system was the idea that its foundation is not one based on power but accuracy and creativity in technique. What keeps me returning to this class after 18 years is the realisation that what I have learnt and continue to learn goes beyond the boundaries of wing chun and permeates through every facet of life. I have come to realise more acutely my strengths and weaknesses as a martial arts practitioner and an individual. In addition, I have gained a personal philosophy of living.

The application and practicing of techniques whilst very useful and important to this class does not mark it as special from any other wing chun class. What makes it distinctive from any other I have experienced is the understanding of the importance of discussion. It is not impossible to find that we as a group have spent at least 20 minutes through out the class and an hour after class discussing wing chun theory, techniques, approaches, extending further to general martial art theory and framework. I believe Raymond as a teacher is aware that this is an essential component to understanding his students’ individual character and perception of martial arts. This is at the core of what I value about this class. We are of various sizes physically and of various experiences. Consequently, our cognitive and emotional processes and our perceptions of self differ. Raymond appears to acknowledge this. We are not all clones of the teacher applying techniques in the exact manner and Raymond does not require us to duplicate precisely or have the same approach. In this class, there is the space to develop your own unique approach to martial arts with wing chun as a foundation.

Raymond as a teacher attempts to create an environment in class which is welcoming to all genders and where everyone’s opinion can be heard and is valued. He balances extremely well the needs of the individual and the needs of the class as a group. The class continues to evolve meaning that wing chun concepts in this arena do not remain stagnant.

Femi - London 

Before stepping into Raymond's Wing Chun class, my world was defined by the structured and disciplined realm of kickboxing. I anticipated a similar experience in Wing Chun, especially after a memorable encounter with one of Raymond's students, who incidentally introduced me to the class. But Raymond's approach was a breath of fresh air. His classes were challenging, but in a way that stimulated growth and introspection, not just mechanical following of steps.

Each session during my first year was an exploration into the unknown. Unknown not just in terms of my novice understanding of Wing Chun, but also in my journey of self-discovery. Coming from a background in kickboxing and gym training, physical strength and technique were familiar territories. Yet, Raymond's guidance revealed a deeper layer to martial arts – a blend of mental resilience and spiritual awakening.

Raymond's teachings extended beyond the physicality of kicks and punches I was accustomed to. They encompassed balance, strategy, respect, and mindfulness, urging us to understand and express our inner selves through our techniques. This holistic approach was revelatory, helping me forge a deeper, more spiritual connection with myself.

The lessons from Raymond's class transcended the art. The strategies, patience, and focus I honed there began to positively influence my personal and professional life, enabling me to handle challenges with newfound grace and confidence.

Moreover, the classes nurtured a sense of community and mutual growth. We were more than just individuals training – we were a collective, learning from each other and bolstering our individual journeys. This sense of camaraderie and shared experience has been priceless. Truly invaluable.

Reflecting on my time in the class so far, I realize that this journey has been about much more than just learning Wing Chun. It has been a pathway to personal discovery and growth, a means to unlock inner peace, strength and a positive sense of self. I am profoundly thankful for the insights and transformative experiences this journey has offered and long may it continue.

Darren - London

I am excited and honoured to share my personal testimony about the profound impact that Wing Chun has had on my life. Competitively Sifu Raymond's application of Wing Chun enabled me to win one Jujitsu competition and reach the semifinals of another. 

Little did I know that Sifu Raymond would not only enhance my self-defence skills but also transform me from the inside out.

 I quickly discovered that it goes beyond just physical movements. Wing Chun became a holistic practice that nourished my mind, body, and spirit. 

Sifu Raymond has taught how to focus on efficiency and speed. Through consistent training, I learned how to redirect and control an opponent's force without relying on brute strength. This principle taught me the importance of adaptability and problem-solving, not just in combat but also in everyday challenges. Wing Chun instilled in me the belief that obstacles can be overcome with the right mindset and technique.

Through a combination of sparring, and chi Sau (sticky hands) practice, my body became stronger, more flexible, and finely tuned. Not only did this transformation take place in class but also within my daily life, whether in the workplace or during recreational activities.

However, it is the mental and emotional transformations I experienced that truly set Wing Chun apart. Practicing Wing Chun provided me with a profound sense of self-discipline and mental focus. Our instructor Raymond has fostered a deep connection between my mind and body. I have learned to stay calm, composed, and centred, even in the face of adversity. This newfound mental resilience transcended the training mat and positively influenced various areas of my life, including personal relationships, work, and decision-making.

In conclusion, my journey with Wing Chun has been nothing short of transformative. This ancient martial art has not only equipped me with effective self-defence skills but has also transformed my life.

Antony M. -  North London

I've studied several martial arts, under several teachers but with Raymond's approach to teaching I feel I've learned the most from him. He goes beyond the techniques and helps you visualise what it should feel like when you get an application right. This is a unique characteristic in my experience. 

His approach is also very practical. Having sparred with others who use different styles and who had been training for many more years than me, I found I came out on top, thanks to Raymond's teachings. Don't expect to learn rigid stances and traditional techniques. Do expect to understand the reasons behind those stances and techniques and learn how to adapt and apply them in appropriate situations. Having seen him spar with many others, I can also testify that he doesn't just talk the talk, he can walk the walk.

If you attend his class, know that your life will change, yes you will learn how to fight and defend yourself, but most of all, who you are will change for the better, not because he tells you what to think or do, but because he will teach you the tools to understand yourself, the discipline to endure and the self honest to take responsibility for the outcomes in your life, and as a natural result, you life and perspectives will change for the better based on what you learn from using the tools. 

Rubin Campbell - South London

From my experience, this class does not revolve around sports, competition or looking flashy, although at times looking flashy is unavoidable. It is purely about survival, efficiency, and knowledge. The knowledge acquired is both exterior and self knowledge which is why not only the martial arts aspect but the mental aspect can be applied in everyday life, as Raymond teaches Wing Chun as part of  The frame work he refers to as "The Unified Theory".

As a teacher Raymond is focused on the class as a whole as well as the individual, and is able to tell the areas where one may be lacking both mentally and technique wise. The class is quite small with no more than 15 students at most, each individual determined to improve and develop.

I first came to the class on recommendation by my older brother, who had been attending for many years. At first it seemed overwhelming, as compared to other martial arts classes I had seen, this one was predominantly Adults and I was only 16 at the time, however this did not separate me from the class. Each individual is seen as an equal, it doesn’t matter if you’re big, small, man or woman, the only thing separating us of course is experience, understanding and technique.

After recently returning from approximately 7 months of leave, I feel the class has grown on me even more, especially after an experience being robbed within those 7 months. It is as if, everyone has there own reason for attending the class, and I am beginning to complete my own. This is another thing that separates us, and is what will vary our technique, how we learn and our experiences. Also I have discovered that moving forward is a necessity, as after returning to the class, I feel as if the derailed train I was on is back on track. This Wing Chun class stretches beyond the martial art itself and has improved my lifestyle for the better, and continues to do so.

The first month or so may seem to be one of the hardest mental wise, as within this month you may realise you’re not as strong as you thought you were. You will have to accept who you are, and that you are here to learn, you may even have conflict with yourself between who you are and who you thought you were. If you survive that inner struggle,  you will forge your own reason for coming, start to discover the inner you and see what the class is really about.

Luke Roberts - London

I have studied on and off at this class for about 8 years. I like the Wing Chung system for its simplicity and practical application. I have always enjoyed martial arts and like to experience how different martial arts apply techniques and concepts. I have practiced Eskrima, Taekwondo, Shaolin Kung Fu, Capoeria, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do and Tai Chi at various points in my life.  These styles have taught me how to spot if a teacher has relevant knowledge and expertise to help the individual pupil.  I have seen the amazing, the crap and the passionate all talk about martial arts. What is important is how a teacher helps you to progress based on your body and your mind set.  Raymond is a teacher who has helped all those in the class learn suited to their individual style.

The Unified Theory Wing Chung Class is excellent at developing thought processes of both beginners and seasoned practitioners.  It looks at practical application together with the concepts you use to express a fighting system.  As Mixed Martial Arts has helped developed the athleticism of martial artists, the mental/conceptual understanding has been lagging behind.  What I mean by this is martial arts moves in fads in the West, from Karate, Kung fu, Jujitsu to MMA.  Current trends are focusing on speed, aggression, stand-up and groundwork.  The fighting concepts that link all these together are often missed or implicit in the information presented by schools, teachers and practitioners.

The focus of the unified theory class has been to articulate various fighting concepts in a way most schools feel rather than explain.  I will identify two concepts that have made a difference to me personally: (1) Time and (2) Imposing one’s will.

For me, I originally thought to be a good martial artist was to be fast.  But what is the point of being fast if you don’t know where you’re going! The concept of time is a unifying concept to all styles, but how well do you understand this in a fight? The affect time has on your ability to make decisions and how you can influence the opponent has been made explicit through time-line and time-frame concepts in Raymond's class.  The understanding of time I have developed in class through practice and feedback has helped me become more deceptive as a martial artist.

The second concept of imposing one’s will on the opponent comes from either overloading your opponent with too much information to process, or not giving them any information to make a decision.  This concept leads to an understanding of how to impose your will on the opponent. Not necessarily knocking them out which seems to be the goal of so many. But if someone mentally shuts down, they can no longer function. They become predictable, lack confidence and doubt themselves. To impose one’s will is to determine the rules of the game and change them to keep suiting you.  The skill is in being able to constantly change, which tests your mental capacity.  But is also determined by whether your opponent can keep up with the amount of change in order to impose their will on you.

The personal development I have gained through attending The Unified Theory Wing Chun class has helped me from being concerned about street situations and practical techniques to understanding how I think and feel about myself under pressure.  Ultimately all journeys are journeys of self-discovery, you might not like all the sites you see but they also become moments of enlightenment and self growth.

Garvey Campbell - London

For over 20 years, I've been a student at Unified Theory, where I've had the pleasure of learning Wing Chun from one of the best instructors I could have asked for. Raymond's in-depth explanations, the positive and supportive atmosphere he cultivates in his classes, and his balanced approach to teaching, which incorporates practice drills, combative Wing Chun, and traditional Wing Chun, are all factors that contribute to my enjoyment of the training.

This balanced approach has been instrumental in my steady improvement in both the mental and physical aspects of applying Wing Chun techniques. It has also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how and when to apply these techniques effectively. As a fighting system that places equal emphasis on its conceptual framework and its technical application, Wing Chun requires a balanced approach to learning. Unified Theory's approach has proven to be an excellent fit for my learning style and has enabled me to make significant progress in my Wing Chun journey.

In my Personal Life Wing Chun has been of immense benefit in my work and social life.

The challenge of being tested each week in my assumptions and my approach to Problem Solving, Conflict, and emotional discipline within the class has allowed me to build a personal insight that can only come from a challenge that pushes you physically, mentally and emotionally in a friendly space.

Taking the thought process that works in class and applying it to my daily life has enabled me to acknowledge my limitations, improve my awareness, make decisions and be willing to adapt and overcome in areas of my life I would previously not have thought were possible.

Jacqueline B - London

When I started my wing Chung train about 7 years ago, my life was all over the place. I came from a family where women were brought up to be strong and good fighters, ready to defend themselves at any time, in particular as a black Brazilian indigenous woman.

I was in an abusive relationship at the time with a young child plus 2 step children from my partner at the time. I was stressed out by the overwhelming responsibility and stress of being in an abusive relationship, when I discovered Wing Chung it became everything to me, I was able to compose myself by finding a good life balance, physically, emotionally and psychologically and I was able to manage my daily life such as my  Relationship, my job, and was able to build my self confidence.

My favourite day was Sunday and Monday, Sunday is the day Raymond , our instructor holds his class, and Monday is was the day after when I started to apply the emotional and mental discipline I started to learn from the Wing Chun class.

From the very first class I attended, Raymond, our Instructor created a routine in my life, he taught me a routine that that grounded me in a way that I was not before, from that routine, everything change in my life for the better, that fist class was the day my life changed and the beginning of my new life, which turned into happy journey.

As the my training was taken followed the life principals Raymond taught, I found the courage to get my abusive ex-husband out of the house, the girls became my responsibility which wasn't an easy life as a single mother to cope with the new positive life principals through learning Wing Chun with our instructor Raymond, my new found self honesty, Discipline, dedication and determination drove me to me to maintain the balance of my family, work, new relationship, and control my own fear, all whilst walking my journey Practicing and persevering in my Wing Chun training.

Wing Chun is now a part of me and my life, Its help me to improved my ability to show my honesty and fear at the right times. As a woman, I'm lot more aware of my surroundings and more aware of violence towards me now, be it psychologically or physically, I don’t feel the paralysis I used to feel when I was afraid. What I also like about attending Raymond’s Unified theory Wing Chun Classis the environment Raymond has created in his class and the students that attend, is a beautiful and supportive environment everyone pushes and supports each other to be the best they can be and every one is made to feel welcome. and are People that I consider as a second family, those that I choose to walk on the same pathway forever through what I feel for all of them - just ONE love!

Although I first attended The Unified Theory Wing Chun Class to learn to fight and defend myself, I have gained and achieved so much more than I ever expected, and my life is so much more the better for it.

Thank Raymond Rodriguez and everyone within the Wing Chung training team, I send you a big bunch of Thanks for your tolerance, encouragement and support in many ways.