Wing Chun: There is No Block
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Author Archives: Sifu Wahnish
Wing Chun Wooden Man: Brief Introduction
Hello all here is a brief introduction on the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy…
Where do you put your vision in a fight?
Response to Question: Where do you put your vision in a fight?
Last week on the WCO Facebook page I asked a question, “Where do you put your vision in a fight?”
I greatly appreciate everyone’s response and feedback. There were a plethora of different responses to this one question. As long as you were not guessing, and understand your answer and have tested that it works for you, then you’re correct! My goal is not to insult anyones answer I am simply explaining from my point of view.
It always baffles me when I ask this question to a martial artist and they look at me like they never heard this before. In fighting, the placement of your vision is of the utmost importance. If you understand where to focus, or, more specifically, where to un-focus, you have a much better chance of defending yourself against an attacker.
For those that said you don’t need vision and work off of feel, that is great but contact has to be made first. It is also better that the contact is not someone’s fist in your face. But, yes once contact is made you can work off of feel.
There is another type of feel and that is the ability to get in tune with your opponent and their energy. By doing this you can interpret your attackers intention and actions, although your vision has to be somewhere for this to happen. I will talk more about getting in tune with your opponent’s energy at a later time.
When looking at:
Eyes… Most good fighters do not telegraph their movements with their eyes and they certainly don’t attack with them.
Shoulders… there is something to be said for watching the shoulder as it moves slower than the fist so it definitely works as an early warning indicator, although it does not give any directional information and leaves out the legs.
Centerline… sounds like a guess. Sorry guys ☹ I just don’t see how that would work against a kick.
Here is what I teach my students. Once again I am not saying this is the only answer, simply the one taught by many Wing Chun instructors and the one that best worked for me.
Wing Chun practitioners should look, but not stare. If you use your peripheral vision, you can detect movement more easily and will have a better chance of not getting “faked out” by your opponent. You can simply trust your peripheral vision better than staring at something.
A Wing Chun practitioner places his/her vision on the area around the elbows and knees of his/her opponent, depending on the range. If I am in my opponent’s kicking range I focus more on elbow and knees, as the range shortens my focus can go more towards the elbow.
The purpose of watching the elbows and knees is that they work as an early warning indicator and also relay directional information.
They work as an early warning indicator because the elbow moves more slowly than the fist. In the period of time that a punch is thrown, the elbow moves a shorter distance than the fist in the same time frame; therefore the fist moves at a greater velocity than the elbow. The same applies to the knees and the feet.
The elbows and knees also provide directional information. If you see the elbow lift, a hook punch is most likely to follow. If you see an elbow pull back then possibly the other hand in on it’s way.
Most individuals I show this two come back in awe saying I sparred guys that usually knock me around and had no problem defending myself with this simple little adjustment.
The key to martial arts is to understand the how and why it works then it can work for you!
Here is a simple way to test it for yourself…
Step 1: Get a partner and have them stand in front of you with their fastest hand up in the air. Tell them that you are going to tap them in the belly no harder than this… and give them a quick light tap. Your not trying to hurt them or hit them hard just a tap will do. Why not a punch? For now this is just a test and should be safe.
Step 2: Now have your partner look at your eyes and throw a quick tap. They are going to try to pak, block, swat your hand. What I am getting at is your partner needs no fight or wing chun skills. You can do this with anyone. It is almost better to test his with someone who has had no training as it will be the most honest test.
Don’t throw your strike full speed I want you to reserve a little. At half speed you should easily hit them every time without fail. Try it two or three times. In this image below my hand is already on the way back from the strike and his hand is just starting to move.
Step 3: Then repeat the same with your partners vision placement this time on your hand. The first time I tapped him in the gut the second time I showed him how simple it is to get faked out by watching my fist.
Step 4: Now have your partner look at your elbow. They should not stare at your elbow yet simply use their peripheral vision. Tell them as soon as they detect movement they should respond. As you can see below not only did he get it the first time, he got it every time. Do the first punch at the same speed as you did for the eyes and hand, then pick up the speed till you are at full speed. They should still be able to stop it!
Then have them try it for you. You can try putting your vision where ever you like and see what works the best for you!
Try it out and let leave a comment below to tell us what worked the best for you.
That’s not Wing Chun
Wing Chun Online was created with several intentions in mind. One of them, unite Wing Chun as a whole.
Thanks to the internet there is much exposure and you see numerous variations of the same system.
All too often, beginner students learn Wing Chun one way, and are quick, when observing other systems, to say “that is not wing chun.”
There are numerous variations of Wing Chun, although generally speaking there two main variations of the system that are widely discussed, a traditional and modified version. Even within each variation you will see differences.
Not to get to deep into the history (and this is just one lineage line), at one point the system was modified for a student by master Leung Jan. This student name was Chan Wah-shun and he was Ip Man’s first Wing Chun instructor. Then Ip Man meet Leung Bik, who is Leung Jan’s son and the rest is Wing Chun history. Thus two variations and like my Sifu, Ip Man at one point studied both.
I teach my students to respect all practitioners and arts and encourage all instructors to do the same. I don’t want anyone wasting time over my Sifu is better than your Sifu or modified is better than traditional. Everyone loves their Sifu and thinks their style is the best and that’s great. With over two decades served as a dedicated practitioner of the art of Wing Chun, I assure you, “if it comes from my fists then it’s Wing Chun.” My Kung fu and instruction speaks for itself I would never want a student to waste time defending me.
If you see two people yelling at either from across the street, you don’t know who is right or wrong, they both just look like idiots. That’s not the Wing Chun way.
Spend the time focusing on common ground and learn, grow and evolve. By having an open mind I have learn from traditional and modified masters, as well as other stylists. I was asked to talk and highlight some aspects of the art at a martial arts event at the University of Florida. After the event I approached a escrima grandmaster who also spoke. I was so impressed, and he felt the same about what I shared. We ended up training together numerous times after the event and each of us in our own way got something from training together to enhance our own art.
I feel we all as practitioners of this art should respect each other which shines a brighter light on the art as a whole.
So dont’ be so quick to say that’s not Wing Chun if it looks different than the style you do. Instead maybe ask why do you do it like that I do it or have seen it done differently? You might learn something.
Wing Chun Online Program Questions and Answers
Hello Everyone,
I wanted to talk about the program in a little more detail and answer some questions.
How does the program work?
It’s simple! Once you join, you will have access to a “Members Only” training hall. Every week, there will be a new lesson plan available to you. Basically, you get Private Lessons every week in the privacy of your home.
What makes this different from ordering DVDs?
I’ll try to keep this answer short. Most people that do not have schools in their area look for training aids online.
Then they pick and choose; “I will take the Chi Sao DVD, the Wooden Dummy DVD and Advanced Battle Sets Number 7.” If you do not understand and master the initial core concepts, then you’ve deprived yourself of the basics and will have “second hand kung fu” (suitable for self-defense against a 5 year old).
This online training program is going to detail Wing Chun Kung Fu from the very beginning.
From a total beginner to an advanced practitioner… you will learn the art of Wing Chun!
You can’t ask a DVD a question. If you have a question about something, you can ask right there on the lesson plan or contact me directly… and that’s a Biggie!!!
Do I need a partner?
First off… I want you to have a partner! However, the first seven weeks are designed to cover core foundational elements such as the Sil Lum Tao form, punching, kicking, stances, footwork etc. so no partner will be needed for that period.
After week seven, we will cover the Art of Deflection; basically how not to get hit and deflect attacks. At that point, it will be extremely beneficial to have a training partner. If you cannot find someone to learn with you, I’m sure you will have no problem finding someone to help you when you need it.
Isn’t training at a school better than online training?
If you do not have a school near you or cannot meet the schedule of your local school, this is an amazing opportunity. This will be a huge asset for current practitioners as well.
Can you learn online?
Imagine getting a private lesson from a Master… then have that lesson in HD to watch over and over! You get what I am saying? How can you not!
There are many aspects of the art that work off of “feel and flow”. I am a hands on instructor and want work with each student in my class so they can really “feel” how it should be done. Yes, it is a huge advantage to have hands on training with a master, although many students actually get very little time in a class environment to get hands on training with the head instructor. I will express the Art to you in a way you will understand what you need to do and feel.
Lastly, I am not only a Wing Chun instructor. I have a few other talents, one being a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. With the support of my family, I have given up everything to do this. I have invested everything I have in to this program with my heart and soul. I am confident you can learn Kung Fu online or I definitely would not be doing this. I have immense knowledge to share, and I want to share it with more than the people that live within an hour drive to my school. See you online!!!
Check out my Wooden Dummy
Hello fellow martial artists and Wing Chun practitioners.
After posting how to make a wooden dummy on our Facebook page, many practitioners mentioned they made their own wooden dummy.
I know making a wooden dummy is challenging and everyone is proud of their work. Every handmade dummy is not just a Wing Chun or martial arts training tool but a piece of Kung Fu art. Fitting considering the litteral translation of Kung fu is not fighting or martial arts, the litteral translation reflects “Skill achieved through hard work.”
So I thought it would be cool to have a page where everyone can share photos and stories of their dummy and experience making their Mook Jong.
I know some people have made some let’s say less than traditional dummies. I don’t care it will be fun to see everyones Wing Chun Mook Jong or JKD Dummy whether it was perfect or a project, let’s see what you got.
All these were made in the early 90’s
Attempt one let’s call it the protype. This one was very functional but not much of a looker. The goal on this one was to try to get the arms and the leg measurements right, test getting through the log and making sure the angles were accurate. As we have few wooden dummies in our school, I don’t have a mounted picture. Currently it works as our schools Mook jong, that a student can borrow when in need.
This one below was the second attempt, and the one I still use, and many of my students use daily! Check out the leg. The knee looks like a real knee cap…. I saw this in the woods next to the Kung Fu school in Florida. I knew it would not be easy to get although I had to have it as the limb was a perfect mook jong leg. Since the leg takes a lot of stops over the years I inserted a steel pipe in the leg, few inches above and below where you see the leg sticking out of the front of the dummy. I love this Mook Jong it is more than a piece of training equipment it is part of our schools family.
Below is a great portable dummy my Kung fu brother and I made way back when, since they have been duplicated by many and rightfully so they are great for small spaces. I always will credit my Kung Fu brother Marc for this design as he really was the first to put it together like this.
Send in your photos and story to mydummy@wingchunonline.com (please don’t send images larger than 800 pixels wide)
Stay tuned for more… CHECK OUT MY WOODEN DUMMY!
Why are Wooden Dummies so Expensive?
They’re just made out of wood right? Why are these thing so expensive?
If you are not already aware, a well built Mook Jong (AKA Wooden Dummy or Wooden Man) with high quality wood can run from $900.00 up to $2000.00. So yes, it is a very costly piece of equipment. A Wooden dummy is a training tool used by Wing Chun Kung Fu practitioners. You have probably already seen it martial arts movies with Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen or Bruce Lee’s Dragon story. You can learn more about wooden dummies here, in this great article by Grandmaster Holder.
I have made them in the past and had a little company with one of my Kung Fu brothers in the early 90’s, so I have some knowledge in the area. We made them old school and then one of our other Kung Fu brothers had a furniture factory and made them more professionally like a piece of furniture. The difference was ours were a solid log and his were three piece laminant. They were both incredible dummies.
So why are dummies so expensive…
Cost
High quality wood nowadays is not cheap and the body of the dummy is a big piece of wood. This wood is a main factor in the price. Clearly, a Teak one is going to cost more than one made out of Southern Pine.
Volume
When is the last time you heard someone outside of your kung fu class say, “hey I am going to buy a wooden dummy today.” On Black Friday you do not see people running out of the stores with these things. So they are not a high volume item.
Time
If you have ever made a wooden man then you know there is a lot of time that goes into making one of these. You have to find the right piece of wood, let it dry out to cure, it is a process. Then getting the right measurements, angles, etc. on the body is a bit of science. Then… there are the arms and the leg each unique in their own way. Expert craftsmen spend numerous hours in making a quality product.
Overhead
If it is a small company making them then they have all the costs of any small business. The cost of a giant lathe to spin a piece of wood that size can’t be cheap. If you are doing it old school you still need a little lathe if you want the arms right. If not, everything is very square and has a box like feeling.
So, with a low volume sales item, cost of quality wood, machinery and time the end result is an expensive piece of training equipment. I am not writing this to push any company, although I am thankful there are companies that make them.
If you want to try making your own Wing Chun Dummy then check out these FREE dummy plans.
Wing Chun the Thinking Persons Martial Art
Let’s take a look at the mindset of a Wing Chun Practitioner. Wing Chun is truly a thinking persons martial art. I am talking about the study for now more so than the application. If you are of the analytical mind set then Wing Chun kung fu is a wonderful art to study. If Spock from Star Trek were to study martial arts he would most likely choose Wing Chun as it is the most logical choice.
There is a lot of mystery around Chinese Kung fu, medicine and theory. This can make the study very difficult for those analytical thinkers. As a Doctor of Chinese medicine and a master of Kung Fu, I can assure you I am speaking from experience. In medical school Chinese Theory can be hard to grab as a westerner.
In western medicine you have a headache and the doctor may tell you, take an aspirin. In Chinese medicine the doctor wants to know why. Every patient gets treated as an individual and if ten patients come in with headaches they may each receive a different treatment.
As a kid growing up I was fascinated with Kung Fu. That is all I wanted to do, but I keep running into a whole lot of mystery without explanation. Therefore none of it seemed right or felt like it would work for me. So, I looked into to numerous arts trying to find the solution and when I had my first Wing Chun lesson, I knew right then and there, this is what I had been looking for the whole time.
Wing Chun is different than most arts as it is a true science. Everything is logical and makes perfect sense. There is no mystery or confusion; there is just a clear-cut road map that works.
When a student first comes to watch a class one thing I express is that here I do not want you to have second hand Kung Fu. You are not going to follow me, I am going to show you what, why and how so you fully understand what you are doing and why it works. Otherwise you have second hand training. It may look cool, but probably won’t work when you need it.
The study of Wing Chun is fascinating and enlightening. It is a science in motion and a wonderful art to study for those looking to cut to the chase and truly get what they need.
Stay tuned as later I will discuss the mind set of a practitioner during actual combat.
Wing Chun for Women
You may have heard a woman created Wing Chun or Wing Chun is for women. Wing Chun Kung fu is an excellent art for anyone young, old, tall, short, skinny, overweight, male or female.
Five masters created this incredible kung fu style and one of them was a woman. She was a nun and her name was Ngi Mu.
Over 300 years ago five masters had to come together to develop a system of Kung Fu to survive. This martial arts style had to defeat all existing styles of kung fu and martial arts, it had to be learned in a short period of time and it had to not rely on size and strength.
They were basically turned into peasant farmers, they were not well feed, nor were they allowed to train or practice martial arts. So the five masters, in the secrecy of their temple, created this art to teach everyone for survival and to be able to overcome evil and take back control of their lives.
These same concepts hold true today, you cannot defeat a larger, stronger well-trained opponent if you rely on force and have no training. I always assume my attacker is not only trained in combat but also bigger, strong, possibly armed and most likely not be alone. Thus that is what I train and teach to defeat.
Wing Chun works so well for woman because it is an art that has no blocks, does not rely on brute strength, rather works off realistic principles of deflection and redirection. It works with proper body mechanics and technique not physical strength.
With nearly two decades of teaching experience I have trained numerous men and women. Female students do tend to pick up two aspects a little quicker than most male students at the beginning and that is deflection and footwork.
Guys usually have more fighting or martial arts experience so the concept of deflection takes a little longer as they are so used to trying to block and use force. Where women come in with the understanding they cannot beat up big attackers and are looking for something that can do to defend themselves. So once they see the deflection in action it is like a light bulb goes off right away, “sweet that works!”
The footwork in this system is very simple and extremely important. Everyone gets it although some female students grasp the footwork at the begging a little faster, maybe from more dancing and less over thinking. When I show the footwork to a new male student they tend to over think at the beginning, because it is “Kung Fu Footwork” it is harder and there has to be something more to it that I am missing. When I show a new female student the footwork she usually looks at like a dance step and says “that’s easy.”
That is why when a couple comes and wants to join the school to learn kung fu, I look at the guy and say “don’t worry if she gets it quicker than you.” ☺
I had a guy once trying to push my buttons by telling me wing chun is only for women. I got the biggest smile and said, “YUP, if a 90 pound female can kick your ass with it, then image what I can do!”
So is Wing Chun for women, sure, it’s for everyone.
Wing Chun Fighters don’t kick???
I have been training Wing Chun and teaching for numerous years and I often hear this… “I heard Wing Chun guys don’t kick”. I always get a smile when I hear that. I have also heard after sparring other martial artist from different styles, “I thought Wing Chun guys don’t kick, you kicked the crap out of me”. Basically practitioners got the reputation of not being kickers simple because we do not use fancy kicks. We use effective kicks. Now don’t get me wrong any good kick upside the head can do major damage.
Here is what it comes down to footwork. In every fighting style footwork is the most important aspect. My students have heard me say time and time again and you will too, without good footwork you can not get away from your attack or to your attacker. Footwork is the key to everything else working. So the higher your leg comes off the ground the more balance and mobility you will lose. I have a much better chance of landing a quick kick to my attackers knee that a spinning round kick to their head.
Another concept of a wing chun fighter is targeting. One of these targeting aspects is mobility. If they can’t walk they can’t fight or chase after you. So targeting low can be extremely effective and gets your foot back on the ground where you need it. The only reason I said can be effective is you can always miss.
When we do full contact sparring there is a rule in my school no kicking below the waste. Huh? I thought you said…?
It comes down to safety. Everyone has to go to work or school or do something the next day that involves walking. To name a few reasons we train full contact sparring is to judge range, distancing, speed, and to feel what it is like to hit and get hit not to get permanently injured. It also gives you a place to practice throwing higher level kicks in a safe environment to experiment with what you are capable of doing. If you can throw a solid front kick to the chest then delivering one to the leg will not be an issue.
I have students practicing attacking the legs enough in a safe training environment to avoid unnecessary injury. It is just way to easy to blow out someones knee because you miss judged or they stepped in and that is why Wing Chun loves low kicks because if they are performed right they are dangerous.
Let me leave you with one last note. The best kick is the kick they did not see coming. It is all about timing.
