Every year, somewhere between the clocks going back and Christmas, the sniffles arrive. One child brings a cold home from school, it works its way round the family, and before long half the people I know are clearing their throats. I’ve been training since 1989 and have run Wing Chun Halesowen since 2013, and the same question comes up every winter from adults and parents alike: “Should I come to class with this, or stay at home?”
There’s no prize for training through every bug, and there’s no need to lose weeks of progress over a runny nose either. Here’s the sensible middle ground we encourage at the club.
A simple way to decide: above or below the neck
A rule of thumb many coaches use is to look at where your symptoms are. If they’re mostly above the neck, such as a runny or blocked nose, a slight sore throat or the odd sneeze, you may feel fine to do some gentle training. If they’re below the neck, such as a chesty cough, aching muscles, an upset stomach or a temperature, your body needs rest, not drills.
It’s only a guide, not medical advice. If you feel properly unwell, if symptoms are getting worse, or if you have a health condition that colds tend to affect, rest first and check the NHS guidance or speak to your GP or pharmacist. And if you’re not sure, that usually means the answer is to sit this one out.
Think about your training partners too
Wing Chun is a close-range art. Much of what we do, from partner drills to chi sau and, for adults, applications (practising Wing Chun techniques with a partner), puts you within arm’s length of someone else for most of the hour. Children in the kids’ class also do controlled, supervised sparring suited to their age. That’s brilliant for learning, but it also means a cold passes round a training hall very easily.
So even if you feel up to it, ask yourself whether you’d want to partner someone with your symptoms. If you’re sneezing and coughing, staying at home for a couple of days is a kindness to everyone else on the mat, and to their families. If you do come in while you’re clearing up the tail end of a cold, tell your instructor. We can adjust what you do, and nobody will think less of you for it.
Parents: a quick checklist for kids
Children are full of energy and often want to come to class even when they’re under the weather. A few simple questions help:
- Would they be well enough to go to school today?
- Have they got a temperature, a chesty cough, or a tummy bug? If so, keep them at home.
- Are they tired and grumpy rather than their usual selves? A night’s rest may do more good than an hour of training.
If your child misses a few sessions, please don’t worry. Our classes are mixed ability, and our instructors will help them pick up where they left off. If you’d like more ideas on helping your child through the ups and downs of training, our parent’s guide to supporting your child in martial arts is worth a read.
Keeping your Wing Chun ticking over while you rest
Resting doesn’t have to mean switching off completely. When you’re on the mend and feel up to it, there’s plenty you can do quietly at home that keeps your skills fresh without pushing your body:
- Run through Siu Nim Tao slowly. The first form is done standing in one place and rewards a calm, relaxed pace. Even a slow walk-through in your mind helps.
- Check your stance. A couple of minutes in your stance in front of a mirror, focusing on posture rather than effort, keeps the habit alive.
- Reflect and make notes. Think back over what you’ve covered recently and note anything you want to ask about when you’re back.
We’ve written more about this in can you learn Wing Chun at home?, which covers what home practice is good for and where it has its limits.
Easing back in after a cold
The biggest mistake I see is people coming back after a week off and trying to make up for lost time in one session. Give yourself a gentle first class back. Work at a comfortable pace, take a drink when you need one, and let your instructor know you’ve been unwell so they can pair you sensibly.
A missed week won’t undo months of training. What makes the difference is getting back into your routine once you’re well. If you’re wondering how many sessions a week make a real difference over time, our guide on how often to train Wing Chun sets out a realistic approach, and our post on keeping your training going through winter has more tips for the darker months.
Looking after yourself is part of training
Martial arts isn’t just about turning up and working hard. It’s also about knowing your body, making sensible choices and coming back stronger. Learning when to rest is as much a part of that as learning when to push.
Thinking of starting this winter?
If you’re near Halesowen and fancy trying Wing Chun, there’s no need to wait for the new year. Our full-time training centre is at Eagle Trading Estate, Stourbridge Road. Children’s classes run Monday to Friday, 6:00pm to 6:55pm, and adults’ classes run Monday to Thursday, 7:15pm to 8:15pm, and Friday, 7:05pm to 8:05pm. Your first class is free, and you only need comfortable clothes.
Find out more about our Wing Chun classes in Halesowen, or book your free trial class once you’re feeling well. You can also phone, text or WhatsApp Sifu Alan on 07821 126 685.
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