If your child has started Wing Chun with us, or you’re thinking about it, you’ve probably wondered what they need to wear. The good news is that it’s simple. For their first class, comfortable clothes are fine. Once they join, there’s one uniform T-shirt for class, and a fun design for everyday wear if they want it. This guide explains the difference and offers some practical tips on sizing and ordering.
The Kids Uniform T-shirt
What it’s for
The Wing Chun Halesowen Kids Uniform T-shirt is the official club shirt for our junior students. It’s what children wear in class once they’re members.
What it’s like
- Midweight cotton that stands up to lively drills, forms practice and partner work.
- Classic fit that allows natural, unrestricted movement through stances and techniques.
- Taped neck and shoulders for extra strength where active children need it most.
Why it helps young children
For a five- or six-year-old, putting on “the Wing Chun shirt” is a useful signal that it’s time to listen and focus. It can also end the weekly debate about which top to wear.
The Snake and Crane Tee
What it’s for
The Wing Chun Halesowen Snake and Crane Tee is a children’s design for everyday wear, or for training if you prefer. Many children like to wear it to school on non-uniform days or at weekends.
The design
The Snake and Crane design is inspired by two ideas from traditional kung fu training: softness and structure, precision and power. It represents balance, control and efficient movement, values at the heart of Wing Chun. It’s a fun way for children to show off their martial art, with a design that carries a meaningful message.
What it’s like
- Soft, breathable cotton.
- Comfortable for training or casual wear.
- Produced in a FAMA-certified factory.
Made to order
Much of our clothing, including the Snake and Crane tee, is usually made to order, with only a small amount of stock held. This may affect delivery or collection times. If your child needs a shirt for a particular date, such as a grading, order well in advance.
Sizing tips for growing children
- Measure a T-shirt that fits well now and compare it with the size information on the product page.
- Allow a little room to grow, but not so much that the shirt is baggy. Loose fabric can get in the way of close-range hand work.
- Think about the season. If your child will wear a base layer underneath in winter, a little extra room helps.
- Ask us. We’re happy to help you choose the right size.
What else should my child wear?
- Trousers: comfortable joggers or tracksuit bottoms.
- Sash: children wear their grading sash, starting with white.
- No jewellery: earrings, necklaces and watches should be removed.
- Hair tied back if it’s long.
- Water bottle: always.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need the uniform straight away?
No. Children can train in comfortable clothes for their trial and first few sessions while you decide. Once they’re a member, we’ll help you order the uniform shirt.
Can they wear the Snake and Crane tee in class?
Members wear the uniform T-shirt in class so everyone trains as one team. The Snake and Crane tee is perfect for everything else.
What about cold weather?
In winter, a thin layer under the uniform shirt helps. For arriving and going home, our kids’ pullover hoodie has no drawcords, which is a sensible safety feature for children. Remove any hoodie before partner work.
Practical tips from the changing area
- Write their name inside. Identical shirts are easily mixed up at the end of a busy class.
- Arrive ready. Sending your child in already dressed for class saves a rush between the car and the 6:00 pm start.
- Pack a spare top for the journey home on cold nights.
- Keep shirts and sash together in one bag, so nothing is forgotten on the way out of the door.
For washing, see our sizing and care guide.
About our children’s classes
Our children’s classes are for children aged 5 to 11 and run Monday to Friday, 6:00 pm to 6:55 pm. They’re active and structured, with warm-ups, basic techniques, partner work, age-appropriate supervised sparring and work towards the next coloured sash. Parents are welcome to watch from our viewing area. Find out more on our children’s Wing Chun classes page.
Getting started
There’s no need to buy anything before your child’s first session. Book a free trial class, bring them in comfortable clothes and let them see whether Wing Chun is for them. If they love it, we’ll help you sort out their uniform.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen