I was interested a couple years ago in learning a martial art as a form of exercise and self-defense, but I was turned off by the super aggro-nature of a lot of the places I checked out. Luckily, I found Brooklyn Wing Tsun. In addition to great self-defense skills and exercise, I also found an incredible, supportive, and welcoming community. Sifu Ethan is smart, passionate, caring, and funny and going to class is a highlight of my week (even though these days we're doing stuff virtually) (I truly cannot wait to get back there in person). The community is very diverse, with a lot of people from across the gender spectrum, which is not something I saw at a lot of the other martial arts schools I looked at. There's also SO many artists- actors, musicians, dancers- who take classes here, which gives classes a very relaxed and creative atmosphere. Folks are very down to inspire and encourage each other, but there is never a sense of someone being a Cobra Kai-style competitive jerk. I can't imagine anyone at the school acting like that and if they did, it wouldn't fly with Sifu Ethan and the older students. Wing Tsun itself as a martial art, for those who are unfamiliar, is incredibly practical. It is perfect for scrawny folks like me to be able to navigate a physical situation. There are really simple, but endlessly useful principles as well- move forward, if there's something in the way stick to it, if the force is greater, give way, etc. Sifu Ethan explains everything very clearly on both an intellectual level and on a physical level and the older students are patient and encouraging in helping their younger kung fu brothers and sisters. It's the martial art that Ip Man taught in Hong Kong, with Bruce Lee being one of his students. One other benefit of Brooklyn Wing Tsun- it's partnered with City Wing Tsun, where our Si-Gung (our Sifu's Sifu) Alex Richter teaches. Google "Alex Richter Wing Tsun" to find a ton of content online where he explains and talks about Wing Tsun. We get to take a certain number of classes per month there and during the pandemic, we have access to all of their online content as well. I'd highly recommend trying out classes! Even during lockdown, they've found cool ways to make everything work. By the way- if it looks weird that there are so many reviews from the same day, it's because we realized there weren't a lot of recent Yelp Reviews for BKWT and we wanted to show some love and help spread the word about our amazing school. (That's an example of how tight the community is). It's not because we're bots or anything like that....or are we....?....we're not....though we are all obviously living in the Matrix............."I know kung fu." read more

Sifu Ethan is the best. Funny, sweetly irreverent, good taste in music, and, of course, a blisteringly competent Wing Tsun practitioner and teacher, combining absolutely practical self-defense technique with a nuanced philosophical understanding of WT. His students are equally special -- I don't think I've ever been to a martial arts school (and I've been to many) that attracted so many teachers, artists, scientists, health care professionals... It's not just super-practical street martial arts accessible to anyone, it's an opportunity to join a community that respects the physical disciplines as much as the mental. It's diverse, too. In terms of age, gender, ethnicity, national origin; the beautiful mix that is Brooklyn is represented. I suspect there are as many languages spoken as students in any given class. Real, practical, fun, intense, and not (overly) intimidating to the newcomer. 100% do it. read more

I'm so so grateful to have found Sifu Ethan and Brooklyn Wing Tsun! I came into the school with absolutely no background experience in martial arts but the BKWT community was so incredibly welcoming and supportive I've not only been able to gain confidence in self defense training and kung fu, but I've gained a family here as well. I've been a student here going on four years now and it's been my rock throughout all the craziness these last few years have thrown our way. I would recommend the school to anyone who has any interest in martial arts or would like to challenge their mind and body within a supportive community. Sifu Ethan has done a wonderful job of keeping the balance between maintaining a challenging environment in his classes while also making them a real fun time. Could not recommend Brooklyn Wing Tsun enough! Come on through! read more

Brooklyn Wing Tsun saved my life! Covid isolation was getting me down, so I decided to learn something new. I have always wanted to learn a martial art and I was standing in long line at the park slope food co-op and I looked up and saw the BKWT sign. I called and did the zoom free class. I loved it, even on zoom, so I signed up and have not looked back. I gave birth about a year and a half ago and my weight loss was plateauing even with working out (probably because I was bored). I have almost gotten back to my pre-baby body and look forward to going to Wing Tsun with Si-Fu Ethan. It's a badass workout without it being a "workout." Also, I feel more self-confident alone on the street at night. read more

AWESOME!! GREAT VIBES!! GREAT PEOPLE!! I don't know where to begin honestly. BKWT and it's overall energy is EXACTLY what my soul has been calling for. For a long time I wanted to practice martial arts, it's always been my dream, but I just didn't know which style. When I came across BKWT there was no question in my mind that it was a perfect fit for me. Wing Tsun is legit af, badass and having self defense skills is always important (imo). At Brooklyn Wing Tsun you're not just training with a master and other people along side you, it's soo much more than that. BKWT is a Kung Fu family and we build each other up, we get strong together (physically & mentally), and we have a great time!! read more

Get ready for a workout! Sifu Ethan Hampton will take you through the intricacies and practice of Wing Tsun in a friendly, focused environment. Learn self defense from an expert while breaking a serious sweat! Always an adventure, each class teaches practical fighting techniques and encourages physical fitness. But you won't notice how tired you are, because you'll be learning Kung Fu! Seriously, I have nothing but good thing to say about both Sifu Ethan and the school environment. The other students are kind and helpful, and the atmosphere is a lot less Kobra Kai and a lot more Mr Miyagi. Focus, practical use, form, and fitness, are preferred over MMA style flourishes. You'll love it. read more

with so many uncertainties in the world right now, it's important to hold onto the positive things that ground us, connect us, and give us hope; our friends, our family, our community, and our practice. Wing Tsun has not only changed my life, but it is currently saving my life, as it ticks all of those boxes. i've often mentioned to Sifu Ethan that i can no longer recall what life felt like before finding Brooklyn Wing Tsun. i cannot thank any of the students of this school enough for being such a large and important part of my community, and for being the practice that is keeping my mind, body, and spirit together. read more

I have been attending Kung Fu classes at Brooklyn Wing Tsun for about a year. It has been a great experience and I've made many new friends. Our instructor, Sifu Ethan is an excellent teacher and mentor. He is very knowledgeable and skillful in Wing Tsun. He takes his time teaching his students proper Wing Tsun techniques in a safe and supportive environment. The classes are fun, informative, and they are also a great workout! You should stop by a class if you are interested in Martial Arts or Self Defense. I'm sure you'll be back and you'll definitely make some new friends! read more

Fun and exciting environment for learning self defense and Wing Tsun. I learn so much every time I go to class. If you're looking for real world applications and also to get fit, then this is the place. You will learn how to defend yourself and also learn the art of Wing Tsun from Sifu Ethan. Everyone is an absolute joy to work with. I feel very welcomed by everyone and they're all willing to teach me with patience if needed. Again, if you've been looking for a place to learn self defense, martial arts, and to get fit come join the Brooklyn Wing Tsun family! read more

I started training at Brooklyn Wing Tsun about a year ago, and it's become such a rewarding part of my life. I've casually done boxing for fun prior to joining, but that was the extent of my experience in self defense/ martial arts. The curriculum is so well thought out and fascinating. I feel stronger and more aware of how to use my body to express power. Sifu and the community are caring and funny, and also do everything possible to keep us safe and active during the pandemic. 10/10 recommend. read more

If you've had even the slightest desire to learn martial arts, get to this place ASAP. Wing tsun is a practical, elegant self-defense system and an awesome workout. But the best thing about this school is the people! Sifu Ethan is a brilliant teacher and mentor, and he and Si-Mo Nina go out of their way to facilitate an inclusive and welcoming community at the school. I've been a student here for more than three years, and I can't imagine ever leaving. Come check it out...you won't regret it! read more

Wing Tsun is such an amazing form of martial arts, and this is the place to learn it. Sifu Ethan's enthusiasm and passion is palpable, and his skill level and understanding of the form is unmatched. Not only do you learn the beautiful choreography of Wing Tsun, but you also learn practical self defense techniques, and maybe even make some new friends along the way. Brooklyn Wing Tsun is a truly unique martial arts school and a really special community that I encourage everyone to check out. read more

Great instruction in Kung Fu. The school is from the best lineage for Wing Tsun in the U.S. It's great to be a part of the WT community in NYC, and based in Brooklyn! WT is a really strong martial art, especially once you start to grasp the practical uses for this style. Ethan Hampton is an exceptionally skilled and knowledgable Sifu that's easy to connect with. Very highly recommended read more

Super awesome place. Sifu Ethan Hampton is a deeply devoted teacher who gives plenty of personalized, hands-on training and instruction (which will kick your ass). The atmosphere is very woman-friendly and welcoming though there is little room for SLACK. The camaraderie and mutual encouragement is very strong and I feel increasingly confident in my skillset and fitness level. SO COOL. read more

Ethan is an excellent teacher (sifu). He is very patient and passionate in teaching. He takes times to go through the Wing Tsun techniques with me step by step. As a girl living in NYC, I think Brooklyn wing tsun is a legit place to start learning self defenses techniques and real Kung fu. :) read more

Great instruction from a skillful instructor and a powerful Wing Chun (Tsun) lineage. It's rare to find Kung fu taught at such a high level in New York, let alone in the heart of Brooklyn. I highly recommend that everyone looking to learn Wing Tsun try out Ethan Hampton's classes. read more

BKWT is a safe space for any gender or race. You don't need any background in any sports to start learning how to defend yourself. Besides being a great teacher Sifu Ethan is a great person who is determined to keep this place safe for everyone. read more

this is the most comprehensive Martial arts I've ever taken! sifu Ethan is the best and he makes everyone feel very comfortable. I've learned more about myself from taking this course and my confidence level has definitely risen. read more

I'm so grateful for the encouraging, welcoming and empowering environment at BK Wing Tsun. Sifu Ethan is an amazing teacher and mentor and I highly recommend the school to anyone with an interest in exploring martial arts! read more