I’ve been meaning to blog about Wing Chun for some time now, in the next few days I hope to find the time. I study Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun as taught by Rolf Clausintzer, see here and here. Rolf is an extraordinary teacher and it was an absolute privilege to have trained under him. Sifu David Peterson answers the question: Who is Rolf Clausintzer:
In answer to your questions, let me give you a brief outline of Rolf’s background in Wing Chun. As you have noted, he did indeed write the very first English language book on Wing Chun Kuen. It is still one of the very best books ever written on the subject. Rolf trainined with my Sifu in 1964 and was his very first non-Chinese student. As he trained so long ago, many of the well known Sifu of the later generation are not familiar with Rolf. In those days, Sifu conducted lessons in a roof-top setting, having at that time not yet established a regular school (this did not take place until 1969), hence people such as Sifus Gary Lam, Barry Lee, Wan Kam Leung, Yuen Yim Keung, Chan Kim Man and all who came after them were not yet in training and did not meet Rolf during the brief time that he trained. Rolf did not complete his training under Wong Sifu because he had to return to the UK, but he continued to pursue the art at every opportunity and did quite a lot of training with Sifu Greco Wong, with whom he co-authored the book. I was lucky enough to meet Rolf back in the early 80s and we became firm friends. I travelled to his home town of Perth many times to offer further instruction in the WSL Method and on one occasion, accompanied Sifu there as well, marking the first time that they had met after some 26 years! Rolf also travelled to Melbourne where he trained with my senior students and was able to, as he says in his own words, “…finally able to complete my training in the WSL Method.” The reason why you won’t find Rolf listed in the genealogy book is simple – Sifu had every intention of having Rolf listed and he and I had discussed sending the necessary forms to Rolf prior to the first edition of that book. Unfortunately, the forms were not received in time for publication and, with Sifu’s passing some time later, the paperwork never got passed on for inclusion in the latest (second) edition – this is indeed a great shame as Rolf fully deserves to be included, just as Sifu had wanted. Perhaps this can be rectified if there is to be a third edition in the future? In any case, Rolf is one of the most knowledgable people in the WC World, with years of experience and a passion for the art. He also just happens to be one of the real gentlmen of the world and a great ambassador for the martial arts in general. In short, Rolf Clausnitzer IS a bona fide member of the WSLVT Family and should be treated as such.
