I've been learning Wing Chun (WingTsun) for almost a year... in California. However, on a recent trip to NY, I decided to drop by and see how another WT/WC school would compare. City Wing Tsun was highly recommended by my current Sifu (teacher) and he was completely spot on. While the founder (Sifu Alex Richter) teaches a smaller, more advanced group, I was able to drop in for a class led by Sifu Craig. He was very knowledgeable in the application of wing tsun techniques. The class was large but separated into beginner, intermediate and advanced groups so that you're able to go at the right pace and speed. The class lasted roughly 1.5hours and incorporated sets (forms), skills learning/training and cardio/conditioning. I came hungry to learn and left drenched in sweat and very satisfied. The students here are all very dedicated and committed to WT. If I could afford to live in NYC, I would definitely go to this school. They also have a conditioning class which I saw but did not participate in, during this trip. I believe the school is open 5 days a week but not sure what time they have classes. You'll just have to call and find out! All in all, everyone, from the instructors to the classmates were very welcoming and friendly and I can't wait for my next NYC visit to stop by again! read more

Sifu Craig is a very good teacher even to neophytes like myself. Even though it was a trial class I attended, Craig ensured I had the best experience and helped with form and technique. I am intending to follow up once my shoulder gets better with privates with with Sifu Craig or Sifu Alex. read more

Completely agree with Steven Ts review. Spin it how you will - this is a business first - and a club second. Ive been practicing martial arts for 10 years and ive learned that if it quacks like a duck, dont bother. They have some really good passionate instructors such as Craig but be prepared to get heavily sold. read more

A mediocre place to study kungfu. They did a good job in advertising, but not in teaching. pros: 1. convenient location 2. sifu craig was responsible and professional cons: 1. Super crowded space & poor safety. I was bumped into multiple times by people practicing around me. Also the staff does nothing to the sharp edges of the shelfs on the court side so be prepared for an emergency call, as you will very likely to need to fall over or so during practice. 2. Poor quality control on their coach (sifus). Some of them are experienced and good, but there're also people only learned little time,. It's funny that 5 sifus teach 5 different actions/styles 3. They play dirty tricks on the contract, do review carefully when you sign these. The last feelings I have about this place is similar to what I saw in other reviews: they only care about money read more

Staff is very supportive and understanding. Classes are fun and the vibe is relaxed but focused and discipline. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide a lot of individual attention to make sure students are advancing. read more

If you want learn WingTsun, you need not look elsewhere! The location is convenient (close to both the 34th or 42nd street subways) and although at first you may find yourself huffing and puffing after climbing the 4 flights of stairs, I think one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing WT is that after a few months, you don't even notice the stairs anymore. As a martial art, WT is really ideal for anyone who wants to learn direct and effective ways to protect him/herself. I had no previous martial arts experience and doing WT, even after just a few months, gave me an incredible amount of confidence in myself (as a small Asian girl in NYC, sometimes you get worried when going home late at night in a quiet residential area). Since I started learning I had ran into a few unpleasant situations, but I think learning this art really helped me cope with the stress of the situation and not lose sight of what to do in the face of danger because I was so scared. I guess learning any sort of martial art may give you that same feeling, but WT basics don't very long to understand because they ARE COMMON SENSE! Really, you'd think that should be a rule when it comes to everything in life (unfortunately not true). If you are looking to quickly improve yourself physique, self-confidence, or just want to learn to protect yourself from harm should it come your way, I highly recommend City WingTsun. read more

I love being part of this school. Sifu Alex is a fantastic teacher. All of the instructors here take great care in getting to know the students and are serious enough about your training that you learn new things every day but casual and funny enough that its fun. I have been training here for about 7 months and I feel like I have come such a long way. If I ever had to, I know I could defend myself or get out of a tough situation. Fist comes from the heart. read more

City Wing Tsun is like my home away from home and my second family. I've done a variety of martial arts for over a decade, mostly in New York City, and Wing Tsun, as taught here by Sifu Alex, is the most effective, straight forward, and quick to learn system I've had the pleasure to learn. On top of that, the atmosphere of the school is incredibly friendly, everyone seeking to help everyone else get better at the art. If you are serious about learning an effective and real martial art at a school where egos are checked at the door, you should really come by and check out the school. read more

I was a student under CWT's association for roughly three years (http://i.imgur.com/o1isF8u.jpg). During this time, I saw absolutely no evidence at all that they teach "real world self-defense," which is what they claim on their website. (As opposed to what, exactly? Learning how to defend yourself in a video game?) I saw no statistically meaningful evidence that what they taught would work against skilled, non-compliant fighters from established martial arts; i.e., judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, etc. When I asked the president, Alex Richter, about it on Facebook, he responded by deleting my comment and blocking me (http://i.imgur.com/jVdjDI4.png). If the man were running a legitimate business, why would he do that? Why wouldn't he just answer my question? Wouldn't it be good for business to prove guys like me wrong? Don't take my word for it, you can ask CWT for yourself. Have you ever seen experienced fighters use chain punches or chi sau or biu tze elbows in a fight? If you haven't and you're thinking about doing WT, you need to consider why you haven't seen such techniques. Is it because they only occur on the dark rooftops of Hong Kong where they don't allow recordings or because it doesn't work? What's the most reasonable explanation for the lack of evidence? Another important issue is Alex's credibility. The guy talks about "professionalism" and "business ethics" below, but he must have very strange definitions of what they mean. You can find his "professionalism" at work here: http://imgur.com/a/lWFdH. These people have legitimate questions or made mistakes and he responded in a demeaning, snide, and slippery way. He also trains under Timmy Lee (http://imgur.com/rDjFSKH), a guy who can't break a wooden board (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5WrC3NFpLU). Why did I pay around $1,000 for a trip to NYC and seminar fees to learn how to defend myself from a guy who can't break a wooden board? I spent three years doing this martial art. We're talking about years of my life, thousands of dollars, expensive flights and trips, friendships I've had to sever, politics, and sacrifices. If you want to learn an unorthodox martial art that only works against unskilled fighters, go here. If you want to learn how to defend yourself, go to a Muay Thai school or a kickboxing gym or a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy. read more

So, I bought a Groupon (?) deal (without reading any Yelp reviews/etc since I am an avid buyer of workout deals and wanted to try something new NOR did I know this was the kungfu style of Ip Man) for a few classes. I think my first impression (before attending) was "why is the schedule not online?" It would have sucked if I bought the deal and the time conflicts with my schedule. But good thing there were classes available. I took the women classes. I really like that the class is small (4-5 people), so you can really get the attention to perfect the form. Learning to ground fight was VERY DIFFERENT and interesting. It's actually pretty practical (as opposed to like kickboxing where you just hit a bag and practice form). We learned how to get out of tricky situations and how to hit properly (and hard) as if the person we are hitting is some crazy crack dude. We practiced on a guy, and the moves we learned weren't actually the best at lifting him off the floor... so you will need a lot of practice for the techniques to actually work (as with any type of skill). I might have bought more classes for the deal had I known it would be like this, but too late. Not quite sure how much a membership is, but that is not for me ($$$ wise). The changing area is quite tiny. Think of a retail store's changing room except the stalls are just big enough for yourself. There are cubbies for your stuff (people wary of thieves should rethink lol). The mats are incredibly dirty--my feet turn all black after an hour. But I love that there is AC!! The first martial arts/non-chain gym that I've been to with one!! read more

This is a fantastic school! I have always been interested in learning Kung Fu, but for whatever reason didn't start until I was 37 and fairly out of shape. You might think that this would make learning Kung Fu difficult and you'd be right. However, this school is full of friendly, patient teachers that have helped me focus on my weak points and make them stronger. I have only been training for a little over two months and the change has been remarkable. I am still struggling with some of the core concepts, but I am in much better shape and certainly know a lot more Kung Fu than when I first walked in the door. The rewards for working hard and putting time here are priceless. This school is more than worth your time and money. I can not recommend it enough. read more

I studied here for six months and overall I enjoyed the experience. The instructors are great and I always felt like I'd gotten a good workout. Plus the location is super-convenient. My only quibble is that after six months to advance you need to join a special program, which is more expensive. Financially that didn't work out for me. read more

I'm about to take my introductory class tomorrow. My friend goes here and had his lesson like few weeks ago and I can see how much he has improved. So I don't know if the negative comments here are true. I guess I would have to check it myself. I checked the filtered reviews, and I think it was filtered not because they wanted to hide a negative comment but they violated the terms and conditions of yelp. I have to give it 4 stars since I haven't really taken any class. :D I'm looking forward to meeting the instructors there. :) read more

This is an absolutely amazing school. I want to start by saying that I have tried many different methods to lose weight and get in shape. I've tried joining multiple gyms, jogging, even those at-home exercise programs, and I was not able to stick with any of it for more than a couple of weeks. I started looking into schools for Wing Chun (My interest for it being sparked by the Ip Man movies) figuring that if I was learning something while I was working out that I would stick with it. I found a few schools in the area and this was probably the third or fourth school that I had contacted. They give you two free trial classes but I was sold after the first one. I have now been with the school for about a year but started noticing improvements with my health immediately. Everyone there is extremely friendly and helpful. Classes are taught in a very informative and sometimes comical fashion making it very easy to understand and process the instructions. The workouts are intense but you can work your way up as your stamina improves. Sifu Alex is great at getting the message across and is patient when it comes to correcting (something that is very important when it comes to being an instructor). It is really important that the administrators and teachers of a school are positive and encouraging but you know it is genuine when it becomes contagious and even the students at the same level propel you forward. The atmosphere in the school is fantastic. Schools talk about a family atmosphere but few can live up to it. This one does. Don't believe it? Try it for yourself. You won't be disappointed. read more

UPDATED on 7/16/10 if can give a half star i would this is not in any way a personal attack its a review and i have a right to express what i saw and experienced at your business and for your information what difference does it make if i used my real name or not the whole time i been there we were never introduced and your instructors pointed you out to me, we never shook hands i been there for 4 months and your instructors never even remembered my name and all of the other reviews for this school all sound like sales pitches and how come vishal's review was filtered? was that an attack as well? ALL READERS TAKE HEED TO WHAT I AM SAYING REAL NAME OR NOT ITS ABOUT ASF ....NOT KUNG-FU **************************** i agree with Vishal if your into bowing to pictures and bowing to a office door this place is not for you . the instructors are not consistent and yes you will be repeating the same thing every time you attend class.. unless you pay extra. The time i spent there i have not learned anything useful and as for other wing chun masters they all laugh at leung tings watered down and exaggerated version of wing chun as per brian c. he said it was the real deal you must have been joking or haven't checked the lineage. i been to other wing chun schools in Asia and the U.S and their sifu's are more involved with all of their students and they make sure their teachings are consistent.. as per one wing chun master i had a pleasure to meet with and talk to who is blood related to grand master Ip Man he told me... city wing tsun is like mc donalds... rushed! and if i teach you wing chun you have to erase everything you know ... which was not much cause i haven't learned.. nothing useful from city wing tsun . and one more jewel i can leave you with is IN A REAL CONFRONTATION YOU WILL NOT HAVE ON THOSE SLIPPERS THEY GOT YOU TRAINING IN AND SLIDING AROUND THE PLACE SO YOUR FOOT WORK WILL BE TRASH. if you love the art of Wing Chun as i do ... seek it elsewhere. read more

I am basing this off my first visit and I've learned that first impressions are what stand out the most. So with that being said, below is my review. I've been in love with Wing Tsun for a very long time like anyone having watched Bruce Lee and such. So at my older age I wanted to finally do something to learn about it. Enter City Wing Tsun. They listed an intro program that consisted of 1 private class plus 2 group classes just for 30 bucks (actually 29.99) and you get a free T-shirt. (you can see this on their site at the time of this review) I went, it was easy to get to, they had lockers and a changing area (but I had already changed into my sweats and a tshirt before I got there.) I met with my instructor Dre, really cool guy, listened to me and took me on a tour of the place. The story on how the Master who trained Sifu Alex was a direct student of Grandmaster Yip Man. Which made the connection even more special and made me even more interested because the closer of a connection to the actual teachings of Grandmaster Yip Man, the more in-touch to Wing Tsun I feel I would be in. The private session was great. Within that hour and change I got more of a workout than doing a hr of kickboxing. I was very excited. So now it came to taking about tuition. If I signed up right then and there, it would be at a specific price but if you do not sign up right away, the price goes up dramatically. I felt my dream just got shot down. I felt lost. It has become about making money, and no longer about passing on the teachings. I get paying for classes and tuition, but there's a fine line to helping your students, versus helping your pockets. The meaning of Wing Tsun is "beautiful springtime". I can see the institution enjoying making money off the "beautiful springtime" while making the student feeling "knee deep in the inferno". There is no way a mid to low income person able to go about being in a relaxed manner, be focused in their center-line, when in the back of your mind you are wondering how to pay for this. After my first private session in March 18 2019, I still have 2 group classes left that I can schedule to take anytime. I want nothing more to take them but just thinking about it gives me an upset stomach knowing that something I wish to do so badly I can not do because this institution is focusing more on filling their pockets with money than helping their fellow brother/sister and passing on the teachings of Grandmaster Yip Man. I haven't met Sifu Alex Richter, only interacted with him via Twitter briefly. I wonder if he is aware of how people that wish to be a part of this family of Wing Tsun really feel about how they are unable to do so. I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt where he isnt aware of this. My rating may change if something changes. In short, if you are married and have 2 children living in the NY area who is making in the mid to upper 70K area and above, then i recommend it. Otherwise, seek the "beautiful springtime" elsewhere. read more

City Wing Tsun Kung Fu is the worst of all, simply avoid.. I have been a student of Martial Arts for 5 years, and haven't seen a more money hungry institute then this one. They want to enroll you into a Year's Contract and they don't have scheduled styles or classes that they teach you. You will landup doing the same thing over an over again.. and they say that practice makes you better, but in fact they don't care they just want you to join... their schedule is such because their classes are designed to let you come whenever you want and when you landup you have to do join the class that is going on at that time. you come on a Wednesday or a Friday or any day or time you will be learning the same thing. And its crap, I tried it., it was a waste.. Don't fall in the Traps, of their Videos or marketing efforts or Reviews that you see below here or in Yelp, they themselves add positive reviews.. ,all efforts are just to lure you into a Year Contract. I have been a student there I can tell you as is. ITS A TRAP. THERE ARE BETTER OUT THERE.. STAY AWAY. OH AND did i mention the Manager Asian Lady, Is really rude... I mean couldn't be worse man.. besides the place is a MATCH BOX SIZE Studio...Just look away. I wasted my money. Don't waste yours.. They won't even tell you their fees over phone, but its $125 per month. + $279 initial fees. (Which is a Year Contract) read more

I've been training at CWT for more than seven years. It's great for self-defense, but if you are looking for a deeper journey and want to examine not only yourself more honestly, but also form tight friendships and experience a very efficient martial art by way of a clear learning program, then I'd recommend it. Sifu Alex Richter lays out the system in detail. His very special and intercontinental approach to WT synthesizes knowledge he's acquired from the most sophisticated global practitioners. The school is strong in theory, practice and application. I give it 5 stars. read more

What can I say? City Wing Tsun has done me no wrong since I started taking classes there about a year and a half ago. The great thing about the school is that there aren't any pretentious instructors and there's a certain sense of family that's felt throughout the school. Sifu Alex Richter is a calm and patient Sifu who has always taken the time to fully explain what the class will be working on, which leads to classes that leave you feeling like you're walking away with something valuable. I took Tae Kwon Do for years and never felt the kind of bond I feel with my school. Another great thing about this kung fu style is that it's extremely practical and it makes sense. The new school in the East Village also has the potential to become what the Midtown school is. It's a great space with enough room to really move around, and Si-Hing Mike Yahn is doing a great job of turning the school into the next great martial arts school in Greenwich Village. Check out either of the schools for a free month. Oh, and they're gearing up for kids classes soon, so get your kids involved. I can speak from experience when I say that it definitely boosts confidence in children as well as motivates them to do better in school. read more

I've been going to here for about 4 months now and I think I'm learning quite a bit and the class is really fun. My Sihing is really patient and pretty forgiving despite my total lack of coordination. The higher ranked students that are in my class are really helpful, despite my accidental groin and throat punches, and sihing encourages everyone to help each other before and after class despite what the other reviews say. Also I've yet to be hit up for extra cash to learn something new, unless they meant specific seminars where Sifus and Sigongs fly in from Hong Kong to do demonstrations outside of the curriculum. Everyone has different experiences so I'd recommend you sign up for the 2 trial classes before signing up for a 1 year contract thats managed a outsourced billing company. If you ever joined a gym and wanted get out of this contract you know what a hassle it is. Also pay with Amex just to CYA if you ever encounter billing issues with gyms in general. read more

This place is my 2nd home. I've been able to develop tremendously as a martial artist in the year that I have been a student at CWT. The Martial Art itself is direct and straight to the point. A plethora of practical movements this style contains is one of the many reasons I've joined. When I first started I was overweight, now I can happily say that I'm in the best shape in my life. The Staff is very professional and makes sure that you understand the concepts that are taught. I would recommend this place to everyone who is interested in joining a martial arts school. read more

City WT is great. They provide practical, structured martial arts training. This is not a style where style reigns over substance. Wing Tsun is all about effective self defense. Highly recommended. read more

Great place to be if you are WT fanatic or soccer mom. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

So ill be real... I read the negative comments about CWT, and my conclusion, either they are students of competitors, or they didnt cut it... PERIOD! I learned plenty from this school and every time i get the shaft with my work schedule i tend to miss class for anywhere from 2 weeks to months and when i return, the younger students have improved greatly. What nonsense could someone post about no one paying attention to them? def. wasnt from this location. I love this school because these guys give a sh!t. And if people are actually B*tching about the seminars and prices, then honestly u havent attended one. I attended a weekend seminar.. INCREDIBLE. P.S how could you not meet Sifu Alex? Hes always thereeeeee.. what the hell? If ur not learning anything, then ur either not paying attention or trying.. Quit crying people.. maybe kung fu isnt for you.. -vinny vitale read more

City Wing Tsun is an amazing place where you learn real practical martial arts. The instructors are patient, friendly and always willing to help. It has the feel of being a part of the family, and everyone helps each other there in such manner as well. Wing Tsun is not only a martial art but also a methodology of moving, and living in todays world that makes life simple but not simpler. People come into the school being regular people but they leave being Honey Badgers.. read more