Blackheath, Rowley Regis and Oldbury, on the Sandwell side of the border, are all within easy reach of our training centre in Halesowen. If you live in one of those areas and you’ve been looking for martial arts classes nearby, this guide covers the practical side: where we are, when classes run, what to bring and what to expect when you arrive.
Where we are
Our full-time training centre is at Unit 1C, Eagle Trading Estate, Stourbridge Road, Halesowen B63 3UA. Being off the high street is part of why we have room for a proper training area and our own parking. Our driving directions page explains how to find the entrance and the unit, so have a look before your first visit.
If you’re using a sat nav, the postcode B63 3UA will get you to Stourbridge Road. Allow a few extra minutes the first time while you find the unit.
When classes run
Classes run every weekday evening, Monday to Friday:
- Children (5 to 11): 6:00 pm to 6:55 pm
- Adults: 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm (7:05 pm to 8:05 pm on Fridays)
Having classes on all five weekdays is especially useful if you’re travelling in. You can choose the evenings when traffic and work allow, and if one evening falls through there’s always another.
What you’re travelling for
If you’re going to make a regular journey, it’s fair to ask what’s at the other end. In short: a full-time centre with permanent equipment rather than a hall that’s packed away each night, classes on all five weekday evenings, and a syllabus that comes through the Ip Man lineage via Grandmaster Ip Chun and Sifu Shaun Rawcliffe of the Midlands Wing Chun Kuen. You can take a look around in inside our training centre.
Timing the trip
Coming from the Sandwell side, the main thing to plan for is the early-evening traffic. A few practical pointers:
- For the 7:15 pm adult class, set off with enough slack that a slow junction doesn’t make you late and flustered.
- For the 6:00 pm children’s class, a quick snack in the car can help a hungry child get through a full hour of training.
- Try your route once at the time you’d actually travel, rather than judging it by a quiet weekend drive.
Your first visit
- Book ahead. It helps us expect you and pair you with the right people.
- Arrive about ten minutes early. That gives you time to park, find the unit and say hello.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt are ideal. No equipment is needed for your first class.
- Bring water. You’ll want it.
- Tell us about any injuries. We’ll adapt what you do.
What happens in class
Adult sessions include a warm-up, stance and footwork, an introduction to the first form, Siu Nim Tao, and partner work. As you progress, you’ll learn applications, which means applying techniques with a partner in a controlled way. Children’s classes are active and structured, with games, basics, partner drills, age-appropriate supervised sparring and work towards their next sash.
Membership and costs
Details of membership options are on our training costs page. If you’re travelling in and planning to come on particular evenings, have a chat with us about what suits you best.
Questions from students on the Sandwell side
Is it worth travelling for a one-hour class?
An hour of focused, well-structured training with qualified instructors covers a lot of ground. The best way to judge is to try a class and see how the round trip feels in practice.
I work in Oldbury but live elsewhere. Does that matter?
Not at all. Some people find it easiest to train straight from work, others from home. Choose whichever makes the journey simplest on your training nights.
Is the centre easy to find in the dark?
Business units can all look alike after dark, so the first winter visit is the trickiest. Check the driving directions in daylight beforehand, and call me if you get lost on the night.
Come and see us
If you’re in Blackheath, Rowley Regis, Oldbury or nearby and you’ve been looking for a martial arts school, we’d be glad to welcome you. Book your free trial class, or read more about our classes on the Wing Chun classes in Halesowen page. If you have a question about getting here, call or text me on 07821 126 685.
Sifu Alan Bagley, Wing Chun Halesowen