Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about EBMAS, trial training and membership.
Do I need prior experience to start?
No. Most beginners start without any martial-arts experience. Wing Tzun was specifically developed so that physically smaller people can hold their own against larger attackers.
How does a trial training work?
You can request a session directly from the school detail page. The school director will get in touch and arrange a date. Comfortable sportswear is enough - no martial-arts equipment required.
What does membership cost?
Fees are set by the individual school and vary by location. Ask your chosen school directly for current conditions.
What is the difference between student, technician and practitioner grade?
There are 12 student grades (SG) for beginners and advanced students, then 4 technician grades (TG), and finally 8 practitioner grades (PG). Starting at 1st TG, sections are examined and documented individually.
How long does it take to reach the next grade?
Between two student grades there is at least 3 months waiting time, typically 4–8 months. From technician grade onward 12–18 months is normal. The final decision is made by the school director - for higher grades, by Dai Sifu Emin Boztepe in person.
What is the membership stamp?
The membership stamp is your annually valid proof of membership. It is issued at seminars with Dai Sifu Emin Boztepe and is a prerequisite for graduations and seminar registrations.
Which disciplines are taught?
Wing Tzun (Chinese martial art focused on sensitivity and close range) and Latosa Escrima (Filipino weapon and empty-hand system). Both are offered in parallel.
Can I attend seminars if I am not an EBMAS member?
For many open seminars, yes. On the seminar detail page you can see whether a seminar is public or members-only.
What is the minimum age for participants?
The minimum age is set by each school individually. Many schools have separate children, youth and adult groups.
I am a school director and would like to become an EBMAS member - how does that work?
Get in touch via the contact form. Requests for new schools are personally reviewed by Dai Sifu Emin Boztepe.
Is Wing Tzun the same as Wing Chun or Wing Tsun?
Yes - they all refer to the same Chinese martial art from the Yip Man lineage. The different spellings (Wing Tzun, Wing Chun, Wing Tsun) come from different romanisations of the Cantonese name 詠春 used by different organisations. EBMAS uses "Wing Tzun" following the spelling adopted in the Leung Ting lineage from which Dai Sifu Emin Boztepe originates.
Is Escrima the same as Kali or Arnis?
They are closely related Filipino martial arts and the terms are often used interchangeably. Latosa Escrima as taught at EBMAS is the system of Grandmaster René Latosa - focused on principles that apply to stick, knife, double-stick and empty hand alike, rather than memorising fixed sequences.