As for myself, I teach a unified system with the same basics and concepts taught to everyone. It's only later that an individual's martial maturity blossoms but this can only blossom effectively if set on good basic groundwork. because each student is physically and mentally different, then even though I teach them the same thing, their build/attitude will affect the way they practice. Certain Wing Chun techniques better suit certain situations so, for example, tall students may prefer to stay at mid-range in order to use their legs more. They may also use the natural length of their arms to prevent shorter opponents from closing distance.

On the mental side, some students are more enthusiastic and perhaps enjoy closing distance and rushing in. Others may have a more cautious nature, preferring a 'wait and see' strategy. Both strategies have merits and pitfalls but in the end it is the individual's ability that will decide the outcome.

My security work has taught me many things which I apply to my Wing Chun practice. Above all, it has taught me common sense. For example, it has taught me never to underestimate your opponent - treat them all with respect because you just never know who you may be facing. Some of my colleagues learned the truth of this the hard way and have suffered stabbings and even the odd shooting! If I see a hand slip into a pocket I react and 9 out of 10 times I've been right to do so. Why let someone arm themselves? So act before it is to late to react!

Security work has also taught me how to deal with fear. We all face fear and we must learn how to control it, and turn it in to our advantage - because make no mistake about it, fear can be good! It teaches respect, caution and prudence and properly channelled, it can focus our minds so we develop physical power, speed and energy.

I find my Wing Chun ideal for security work. There is often little time or space to manoeuvre in, so its emphasis on direct close-quarters attack is indispensable. It's very fast to operate, allowing you to switch to other possible sources of danger. This is important because you are dealing with a group of troublemakers, it's no good spending a lot of time on one guy. Wing Chun allows you to use one opponent as a temporary shield because dealing with multiple opponents requires totally different tactics to a one-on-one. Wing Chun caters brilliantly for this as well. Wing Chun is also useful when a low key response is called for because it contains pins, traps and immobilisation techniques, all of which can be useful. Thanks to my security work, I now appreciate more clearly certain fundamental Wing Chun concepts. For example, I can see the practical use of the Wing Chun concept of interception. Why wait to counter-attack, because if you do, it may be too late! Intercept not only the technique, but the intention. Don't wait for the actual attack but take control before things get out of hand. Get in first.

I also learned how important it is to size-up and evaluate your opponent. I am only 5ft 8" tall but I've had to deal with a crazed guy of about 6ft 6". I quickly realised that in any case, my centreline punches would simply not work because I'd need a step-ladder to reach his jaw. So I had to bring him down to my level first!