Chronicle Newspaper Article

By Genevra Fletcher (03.2001)

When people ask Lucas Castrounis what he does for a living he picks his words carefully. Rather than call himself a martial arts instructor, which he fears gives most people the impression that he promotes street fighting and thuggery, he prefers to say that he teaches Chinese discipline.

Lucas, who set up the Reading Academy of Wing Chun and Kali seven years ago, said: "People automatically think of fighting. That's right, but it's only one aspect of studying Wing Chun. There's so much more to it.

"You develop a balance between mental and physical fitness, address your self potential, understand the mechanics of your own body. It takes time, but you don't have to be really fit or gymnastic. It also teaches you how not to be stupid if you do happen to find yourself in a conflict situation. Most of us, when we get angry, automatically start behaving stupidly. Wing Chun helps you to deal with that, male or female, big or small. There's too much of a tendency in our society to say that if you're being bullied, go learn some techniques so you can bully back. I don't like that idea. Some times it takes more courage to walk away from a fight."

Wing Chun is a 400-year-old discipline that originates from China. The general principle is that if you understand the mechanics of your body you can be more efficient in your movements and avoid damaging your body.

Lucas, who is 44 but looks more like 30, says regular practice of the discipline can make you a calmer, happier person who can take fear and stress in their stride.