Trauma-Aware Martial Arts at Rhi Wing Chun Kung Fu

Rhi Wing Chun Kung Fu offers martial arts instruction through a trauma-aware teaching and training approach. This means recognising that past experiences may influence how people respond to physical contact, proximity, movement and interpersonal interactions.

Classes and private lessons are not therapy sessions or spaces for processing trauma. Students do not need to disclose their trauma history or identify as having experienced trauma to participate.

Our approach to training

Our teaching is guided by:

• Safety: supporting physical and emotional safety where possible through clear expectations, appropriate training activities and respectful conduct.
• Trust and transparency: communicating clearly about training, boundaries and expectations.
• Mutual respect: respecting each person’s boundaries, identity and learning process.
• Choice and consent: providing opportunities to ask questions, decline contact, pause or step away from an activity.
• Empowerment: supporting students to develop skills, confidence and agency in their training.

Looking after yourself during training

Martial arts training can sometimes bring up strong emotions or trauma responses, even when activities are approached with care and consent. Experiencing a response is normal and not something to be ashamed of.

Students are encouraged to identify and use their own tools to support themselves if they become activated. These might include grounding, taking a break, declining an activity or leaving training for the day. Students can communicate a need for a pause or adjustment without explaining their personal history.

The instructor can pause an activity, clarify expectations and discuss practical training adjustments. They cannot provide individual therapy or trauma processing during class. Students who need further assistance are encouraged to access this outside support through their own support networks or a suitable professional.

A shared responsibility

Maintaining a trauma-aware training environment is the responsibility of everyone who participates.

Students are expected to:

• Seek and respect consent before physical contact, and recognise that consent can change.
• Accept another person’s decision to pause, decline or modify an activity without pressure or judgement.
• Follow the instructor’s guidance, agreed contact levels and school policies.
• Avoid unsolicited coaching, personal advice or questions about another student’s trauma history.
• Respect privacy and avoid sharing graphic accounts of violence or trauma during training.
• Communicate concerns respectfully and take responsibility for their own conduct.

The instructor is responsible for setting clear boundaries, guiding training and responding to conduct that undermines safety. Shared responsibility does not mean students are expected to manage another participant’s distress or provide counselling.

Consent and accountability

Wing Chun training involves agreed partner exercises and, where appropriate, controlled sparring. Participation requires ongoing consent, clear boundaries and adherence to training rules. Bullying, intimidation, coercion and discriminatory behaviour are not accepted.

Responsibility for violence rests with the person who uses it. No one is to blame for violence committed against them, regardless of their self-defence skills or how they respond.

Who the school is for

Rhi Wing Chun Kung Fu was established for LGBTIQA+ people. The school offers a respectful environment in which students can learn Wing Chun, develop confidence and train alongside others with a shared commitment to consent and accountability.

Community workshops and education

Sifu Rhi also delivers tailored trauma-aware martial arts workshops and training across the community sector, drawing on their experience in mental health social work and Wing Chun.

Topics may include embodiment, self-defence, personal agency, grounding, collective care and self-compassion. These programs provide education and practical skill development. They do not provide group therapy or individual trauma treatment.