Wing Chun Halesowen’s chief instructor Sifu Alan Bagley, has been passionately involved in martial arts since 1989.
As the author of the book Taking the Martial: Kickstart your confidence, Sifu Bagley deeply understands the importance of the martial arts journey and its transformative power.
Sifu Bagley’s martial arts journey began with Kickboxing and Lau Gar Kung Fu. The rigorous conditioning and physical demands of participating in tournaments, travelling across the country, and testing his skills against thousands of other dedicated practitioners were significant attractions in the early days. This rich and diverse experience has shaped Sifu Bagley’s approach to teaching, instilling in his students a profound appreciation for the discipline, resilience, and lifelong benefits that martial arts can offer.
Sifu Alan Bagley’s dedication to martial arts extends beyond his own practice; he has been actively involved in the community, helping with exhibitions and charity kickboxing demonstrations. For Sifu Alan, martial arts became a way of life.
Sifu Alan Bagley has great respect for anyone learning martial arts, regardless of the style. The ethos of his club emphasises a positive attitude towards all martial arts, recognising the time and dedication required to master any discipline. No disparaging remarks about other styles are tolerated.
Why Wing Chun?
Sifu Alan’s interest in Wing Chun began with a chance sparring session with a fellow Wing Chun student. Though he was familiar with Bruce Lee, he had not heard of Wing Chun. This experience marked a turning point, profoundly altering his understanding of martial arts. The lesson highlighted the differences between a sport and a fighting art, showcasing the effectiveness of Wing Chun’s speed and direct approach.
Curious and eager to learn, Sifu Alan delved deeper into the Wing Chun system. Today, he proudly offers a forward-thinking, open, and progressive Wing Chun programme that fosters a family-like atmosphere and personal touch. He feels privileged to teach Wing Chun and is supported by a dedicated group of students.
Alongside his classes in Halesowen, Sifu Alan teaches online through the Halesowen Wing Chun Digital Academy, a stage-by-stage video syllabus that members use for home practice between classes, and that students further afield can follow too. You can try it free for 7 days. He has also written a series of Wing Chun and mindset eBooks, which you can find in The Wing Chun Vault.
Sifu Alan holds a Level 2 Coaches Certificate through the BCCMA and is enhanced DBS checked and registered.
He extends his gratitude to SiFu Shaun Rawcliffe, Kwok Wan, and Umar Choudhury for their invaluable instruction and advice over the years. Special thanks also go to Anthony “Sparky” Atkinson, Neil ‘Flex’ Kelly, ‘Solid’ Colin Treasure, and Winston Gordon for their foundational contributions to his martial arts journey.
Taking the Martial: Kickstart your confidence by Alan Bagley
Sifu Alan’s book, Taking the Martial: Kickstart your confidence (Rethink Press, 2022), is about unlocking the power of martial arts to transform your life. Life can be tough and everyone has their own challenges: do you face up to them, or run and hide? The book shows how learning a martial art, and understanding how practising it can bring lasting positive change, can help – whatever your age, fitness level, gender or race.
It looks at how martial arts can help you to overcome a limiting mindset, deal with setbacks, handle stress and learn coping mechanisms, see the benefits in every aspect of your life, and invest in yourself for long-lasting results.
Wing Chun Sifu Paul Couldrey describes it on Amazon as “An inspirational, informative read that makes the reader reflect on their own experiences, outlook on life and training in the martial arts.”
Taking the Martial: Kickstart your confidence by Sifu Alan Bagley
How martial arts can help you overcome a limiting mindset, deal with setbacks and handle stress – on and off the mat.