Humans of Wing Chun:
Philippe Arghandeh Jouneghani

I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing

I am a professional DJ and entrepreneur in the music industry, specialising in the ‘Drum & Bass’ genre. I am head of High Tea Music, an organisation that acts as an event agency, record label and booking agency. I also compose/produce music myself. This allows me to engage daily in my greatest passion. Making music and supporting others in it, that is what I love doing most. I put my heart and soul into it time and again.

While studying Civil Engineering at TU Delft, I was already more seriously involved with music, but now I travel the world for performances. Precisely because of that, I realise more and more that I have fulfilled my dream.

I have had many happy moments in my life, but one I will never forget: the realisation that I am truly free. Free to make my own choices and live the life I dream of. I have a house, a girlfriend, my own business and I am surrounded by a close group of friends and family. That's all I need, and I'm sure this way I can get satisfaction from both my way of life and my work for years to come.

If you don't hesitate, you stand still

Despite feeling free and achieving success in recent years, I doubt daily. I think my doubt is my biggest enemy, because it makes me constantly wonder if I am good enough to do the work I need to do. Whether I am good enough to make it in the music industry.

At the same time, I think doubts keep you on your toes. If you never doubt, you stand still. Precisely because you are afraid of screwing up, of not being good enough, you always keep trying your best to be better. To do better than the day before, over and over again. That's the essence I think, that's the only way you can grow.

In the past year, everything came to a head, so to speak. Where our music was once seen as more underground, it has now become more and more mainstream. Suddenly, people knew how to find us effortlessly. We got a wider reach, more fans, more listeners on Spotify and our songs were also increasingly used via social media. Before you know it, you then enter an algorithm and continue to grow towards new highs.

By now, I can hardly choose when I think of the highlights we have experienced. For instance, at one point we got to do a performance at the Great Wall of China. It was so surreal and special! As we arrived at this spectacular wonder of the world, I could already see my artist name projected in the middle of the Great Wall of China in the distance. What a bizarre experience that was. I will never forget that.

Of a completely different calibre, but also definitely a highlight, was our performance in the Sportpaleis in Antwerp. Here we were in front of 15,000 people. I think it was our biggest show so far. It was a totally different experience from the Great Wall of China, but also absolutely fantastic.

Training in efficiency

Besides music, sport is also a real passion of mine. I practised martial arts for 12 years. I started with Judo and then kept exploring new techniques. This led me to Jiujitsu, Karate, Taekwondo and Krav Maga until I finally discovered Wing Chun at WuDae.

For me, after all these other sports, Wing Chun is training in efficiency. It's all about defending efficiently and using your body in the best possible way, which I love to keep learning more about. I have been training at WuDae for over a year now and notice every class how little I actually know. It's a type of martial art that you can achieve a lot with if you really understand the essence and keep practising and improving. There is a thought behind everything and, as far as I'm concerned, every technique has a kind of physical dynamic. I find that interesting, also because I was trained as an engineer. It makes me try to understand the sport more and more. I notice the same thing from other people who train here. It is not so much about throwing the hardest punch, but about mastering the technique and understanding the thinking behind it.

The green shirt before my retirement

Because I am always travelling, I am not always able to attend the seminars that are held. That is a pity, because it makes it a little more difficult to obtain a new grade in Wing Chun and the accompanying green shirt. Still, it does not prevent me from continuing to train and develop myself, which fortunately is possible at WuDae. I sometimes joke that I would like to get my green shirt before I retire, while many people who started at the same time as me or even after me already have that shirt.

The most important thing, however, is that Wing Chun makes me feel safer. As a DJ in the international nightlife scene, I find myself in all kinds of situations. Fortunately, I have never needed my training there so far, but I am also convinced that if you can defend yourself and stand your ground, you are less likely to get into a fight. My goal is that, if it ever happens, I will be able to quickly de-escalate the situation. That I can open my hands and invite the other person to talk.

What I like about martial arts is that they help you stand your ground. If you are considering starting Wing Chun, I would say: go for it! Book that free trial lesson at WuDae and find out if it is something for you.

Personally, I find Wing Chun a great way to stay fit. At WuDae, I've found a place to train in a very pleasant atmosphere, with good coffee and people who challenge you to get the best out of yourself. That's exactly what I was looking for.

Text and photos by: Robine Hillen