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Gary Lam/Wong Sheung Leung Wing Chun
ARTICLES ABOUT WING CHUN KUNG FU
1. Gary Lam Wing Chun-An Introduction, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
2. Wooden Man Training-Fighting the Shadow Enemy, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
3. Wing Chun Kicking and Footwork Training, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
4. Wing Chun Qi Sao Training, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
5. Wing Chun's Chance Action Fighting, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
6. The Wing Chun Double Knife Training-Baat Jaam Do, By Sifu Gary Lam & Gregory E. LeBlanc
7. Wing Chun Power Training By Gregory E. LeBlanc
8. The Butterfly Hands of Wing Chun, by Gregory E. LeBlanc
1. Gary Lam Wing Chun-An Introduction, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Wing Chun Kung Fu is perhaps one of the best-known martial arts in the world, being originally from southern China it has spread with great enthusiasm to every corner of the world. Brought from China to Hong Kong by Grandmaster Yip Man, the art has enjoyed great attention based on its efficient fighting methods and its many famous exponents. One of Yip Mans most notable first generation students was the late Wong Shun Leung. Sigung Wong made a reputation for himself and for Wing Chun by fighting and winning over 60 skill comparison matches (beimo) early in his career, as Yip Man's head coach he was considered the principle Wing Chun instructor of Bruce Lee. Sigung Wong was also an accomplished Doctor of herbal medicine, as well as a highly sought after calligrapher.
In Monterey Park California, one of Sigung Wong's most senior successors has for the past several years been quietly teaching the Wing Chun system of his teacher. That successor is Sifu Gary Lam (Lam Man Hog). Sifu Lam trained with Wong Shun Leung for over 15 years and was his head coach for 6 years. Sifu Lam distinguished himself by winning the Hong Kong full contact elimination tournament in 1978, defeating all challengers in three elimination fights. This fighting victory resulted in being awarded the coveted champions gold coin medallion, and gained him the respect and admiration of his fellow practitioners from all styles. Sifu Lam has also been a competitive Hong Kong Thai boxer, and in the early nineties often served as a judge for Thai boxing matches in Hong Kong. Sifu Lam has been teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu and training Thai Boxers for over 20 years. He also had the honor and distinction of serving as the 1991 President of the Hong Kong Wing Chun Society.
Sifu Lam describes the Wong Shun Leung/Gary Lam Wing Chun system as having five main branches of study. These branches serve to categorize the bulk of the open hand techniques that are developed throughout the students training experience, giving an overall framework for the entire system. Additionally the wooden man (muk yan jong), Dragon Pole (luk dim boon guan) and Double Knife (baat jaam do) are also taught.
The branches are as follows, with detailed description of each one:
1. Crossing hand - Striking techniques
2. Closing - Standing grappling and escapes
3. Footwork - Kicking and leg destruction
4. Pushing - One and two handed projections
5. Pulling - Outside, inside and turning projections
The most well known techniques of Wing Chun fall into the category of crossing hand, these are the movements most often seen in the Qi Sao training (sticky hands). Crossing hand techniques usually focus on gaining contact with an opponent's extremity and then using that contact as a bridge to obtain the target area, this bridge can either provided by the opponent or created by the practitioner. The head and neck are the preferred targets of choice, with secondary targets being on the centerline of the upper and lower torso. The crossing hand technique used will vary depending upon the situation, typically executed in combination with a simultaneous control or defensive action.
The different types of Wing Chun techniques are described by Sifu Lam as a buffet of martial knowledge, each student is lead by the teacher through the variety of martial dishes. Choosing carefully and not hurrying the process, the various actions are slowly enjoyed and then thoroughly digested. When the student has matured, he/she then has a tool box of Wing Chun techniques at the ready, filled with the most appropriate actions needed in that moment. Perhaps the most important element in transforming the students tool box of techniques into a working system of fighting is Qi Sao (sticky hands), Qi Sao is Wing Chun's open secret to success in applying, combining and changing from one fighting action to another.
Called the soul of Wing Chun, Qi Sao in its advanced form is a free style sensitivity drill, ideally training the student not only how to hit the opponent but also how to feel and control there attacking actions. Qi Sao allows the students an opportunity to gain experience using Wing Chun techniques and still be able to go home with the same number of teeth that they came with. Qi Sao is not just about mastering physical movements; it is also about developing mental and emotional qualities essential to success in Wing Chun training. Qualities which must be understood and applied if high level concepts such as "Sam Yi Hap Yat (mind and body unified, thinking and action together)" are to be truly understood and made ones own.
Sifu Lam always says that everybody must go by the same road of development; each step in training must be mastered without exception. If a student wishes to go to the heights of Wing Chun excellence, he/she must master not only the physical aspects of the art, but his/her own mind and emotions as well.
The next branch of Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun is called closing. Closing includes all aspects of training that study how to enter in upon, occupy and control an opponent's position. Closing also includes techniques that secure and hold the enemy, similar to chin na (Chinese grappling). Closing ultimately gives the practitioner the ability to move past the opponent's three gates of defense (wrist, elbow and shoulder), stopping his action and holding his position. Closing techniques focus on disturbing balance and breaking the opponents ability to squarely face you, and neutralizing his bodies correct structural alignment for physical power (called the sitting/facing position by Sifu Lam). Closing movements are done on their own to hold an opponent or in conjunction with other techniques, such as a leg break, takedown or projection.
Closing, along with all other non-striking movements, are in Sifu Lam's Wing Chun style called secondary actions. Sifu Lam refers to secondary actions as techniques that usually do not initiate an attack, and are used only after a primary strike. Because secondary actions such as closing are not the main point of Wing Chun, which is to strike and incapacitate your opponent, they serve only to add a further dimension of control and versatility to our primary abilities. Secondary actions such as closing are used only when the opportunity is presented, automatically reacting to a chance occurrence in the volatile and close range environment of Qi Sao or a street fight.
Footwork is a vital element to understanding the full range of movements used in open hand combat. These techniques in Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun include stepping, trapping to push, takedowns, leg breaks and of course kicking. Footwork is developed through training leg strength, coordination and especially balance. The power in Wing Chun kicking is identical to that of the hands, in that it is derived from a structural alignment with the ground. Kicks are often delivered to the knees and ankles, as well as the stomach, hip joints and lower torso. Kicking usage is developed through tireless training drills and the practice of Qi Gerk. Qi Gerk is a sensitivity drill for footwork training; this practice develops coordination, timing and accuracy.
Leg attacks can be applied as unique and separate techniques executing independent actions, or as part of a strategy meant to disturb and unbalance the opponent. Wing Chun has a saying "Hands go, legs go. Legs go, hands go", in the end the arms and legs work together as the yin and yang of the same action. To see these types of leg attacks in action, demonstrated by a Wing Chun master, is to be at once humbled and horrified by the direct and cruel nature of the Wing Chun kicking and footwork techniques.
The next two concepts of Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun are pushing and pulling. These two styles are similar in that they are used to disrupt and weaken an opponent's balance, structure and foundation. Thus weakening his ability to issue power and fight effectively. Pushing and pulling also weaken an opponent's ability to defend himself, destroying his chance for a following action and leaving him vulnerable to attack. Pushing and pulling are used in combination with other types of techniques, such as tripping and takedowns, breaking your opponent's balance or creating a advantageous position for yourself. These techniques are vital when fighting a larger and stronger opponent, taking away structural power by keeping there mass in motion and off balance. Pushing and pulling also become important when fighting multiple attackers, using the techniques to create human obstacles, shields and weapons. These techniques are also used to make the environment your weapon, smashing your opponent into whatever is available in your immediate area. Pushing and pulling are different in that pushing is seen as a control action (a measure of deliberate skill), whereas pulling is seen as a chance action (decisively moving on an opportunity).
The wooden man (a.k.a. wooden dummy) is also taught, developing structural power and how to properly apply that power (yin action and yang power). The concept of Sam Yi Hap Yat is promoted here (mind, body and spirit unified in action), each technique applied with a calm and deliberate purpose. Sifu Lam often refers to the wooden man as your second coach, naturally helping to correct structure and develop the proper timing and angle for usage. The Wing Chun practitioner should ideally visualize an actual combat situation as he goes through the movements on the dummy; this is referred to as training with a shadow enemy.
Additionally, Sifu Lam's Wing Chun training program includes teaching the 6½ point pole (Luk Dim Boon Gwan), also known as the dragon pole. The dragon pole is taught as a weapon and as a training tool for developing internal power. Measuring nine feet long for training purposes and made from the heaviest woods possible, the dragon pole is seen as a model for using any pole like object as a weapon. Dragon pole usage is dependent on unchallenged control of the weapon, and in application closely resembles Wing Chun's open hand techniques. The dragon pole utilizes straightforward movements based on correct body structure; focusing on controlling the opponent's centerline and not chasing their weapon.
Finally, Sifu Lam teaches the eight cut knives (Baat Jaam Do) as a training device and weapon. This phase of a students learning is reserved for the most advanced stages of his/her development; this is because the hand techniques must be at an expert level to use the knives correctly. Double knife techniques rely almost entirely on the working ability of open hand Wing Chun movements. The training and usage of the double knives depends not on the practitioners structural power as with the dragon pole, but rather on the use of evasion and position, capitalizing on the knives razor sharp edge for power.
Sifu Lams teaching philosophy is one of openness and equal opportunity; instruction will come with hard work (Kung Fu) and committing yourself to learning. Sifu Lam is dedicated to preserving Wing Chun for future generations and raising Wing Chun to even higher levels of development and sophistication. Sifu Lam presently has three assistant instructors Siheng Mitch Grimm, Daniel O'Neill and Gregory LeBlanc. The school maintains a modest but strong group of students from all backgrounds and walks of life.
BACK TO THE TOP
2. Wooden Man Training-Fighting the Shadow Enemy, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Almost synonymous with Wing Chun Kung Fu is the Muk Yan Jong or wooden man (a.k.a. the wooden dummy). Well known but often misunderstood, the Muk Yan Jong is considered Wing Chun's most powerful tool for developing true mastery of the art. Sifu Gary Lam, an expert in the Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun linage, describes the Wooden Man as essential for the refinement of a Wing Chun practitioners advanced skills. The goal of wooden man training is the goal of Wing Chun itself, that is to integrate and harmonize all of one's training into a coordinated and unfixed expression of the concepts and skills that define the form of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Sigung Wong would often say that it is a mistake to be controlled by Wing Chun, that Wing Chun was only a name and not some kind of dogma. This point is paramount to the true mastery of Wing Chun, to not see it as a static and rigid approach to martial arts, but rather as a form for allowing us to develop and explore the concepts and skills that are common to all of the highest expressions of martial arts. The wooden man training is one of the essential steps to understanding and achieving this lofty goal, of going beyond the outward appearance and form of Wing Chun and instead freely working with its fundamental nature in a spontaneous and undetermined way.
The Muk Yan Jong's construction presents three positions for the arms, one position for the legs and of course the center trunk representing the opponents body. It is traditionally mounted on a wall or implanted in the ground. This provides a stable three-dimensional training surface, allowing for the practice of movements against the inside and outside angles of an opponents body. The traditional form has 108 separate movements; this has been expanded upon, and now boasts 120 techniques. Changes like this take place because Wing Chun is not a static martial art, it is always seeking to improve and develop itself, and innovations have occurred. Innovations such as these come from a teachers experience in application. For example Sifu Lam's teacher Wong Shun Leung made certain changes to Wing Chun, with Grandmaster Yip Mans approval, that where based on years of winning challenge matches (beimo).
Sifu Lam denotes four essential qualities needed for the mastery of Wing Chun techniques and application. Sifu Lam sees these four key ideas as the common denominator in any type of mastery, not only in the practice of martial arts. Those four qualities are paramount to having a level of ability not often seen but never forgotten. Siheng Mitch Grimm, a 220 pound body builder and Sifu Lams senior student, when asked by a peer what kind of Wing Chun he was learning, he responded "scary Wing Chun." Wing Chun at this level is a product of these four qualities of mastery working in unison, as one seamless action. These four qualities are:
1. Jun - Precision
2. Wan - Stability
3. Fai - Speed
4. Geng - Power
To reach the highest levels of ability and someday become a graduate of the Gary Lam Wing Chun Kung Fu program, the student must make these qualities his very own. The Muk Yan Jong provides a controlled, deliberate opportunity to enhance and bring together these four qualities of mastery. A hidden fifth quality is sometimes spoken about and that is cruelty. This fifth quality is not a physical attribute per say but instead is an attitude necessary for combat, a commitment required for survival.
The basic wooden man training introduces a series of movements that teach the fundamental techniques, delivering a rudimentary understanding of how to move on the dummy correctly. Ideas essential to practicing in accordance with Wing Chun concepts and skills are also introduced; ideas such as facing the dummy squarely and standing correctly, also always chasing the dummy's centerline and never chasing the dummy's arms. Then the form itself is taught, consisting of 120 movements and broken into three distinct sections of training, students learn step by step each series of techniques. The first section is devoted to the basic techniques and structural alignment of Wing Chun. By this point in a students training many of these movements have already been seen in the solo form training (i.e. Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu jee), what has changed is the students opportunity now to train position, timing and his body's structural alignment. Sifu Lam often says that a Wing Chun fighter wins with his structure and angle and not with brute force; otherwise there would be no point to developing martial ability. The second section of the dummy form focuses on chance actions. These techniques involve different types of pushing and pulling actions, used to destabilize and disrupt an opponent's balance and structure. These movements are usually done only when the opportunity presents itself, used instinctively as the opponent is in motion. Sifu Lam calls these types of techniques helping actions, used typically as a second movement to a primary hand. In this case primary hands are direct strikes to an opponent's vital targets and the helping actions assist in this effort, or are used to injure the opponent by projecting him into obstacles in the environment. The third section is devoted exclusively to training the footwork. Here the techniques of stepping, kicking, trapping, and leg brakes are honed. The techniques involve a combined use of the hands working in concert with the footwork applications, this develops powerfully dominating actions that pull, trap and seize while at the same time attacking the stomach, knee and ankle joints.
Sifu Lam calls the wooden dummy your second coach (or second Sifu). This is due to the fact that as you train on the dummy it will correct your actions, your position, help you develop power and when applied properly train your timing. Practicing at his full potential the student should be thinking about what the dummy is doing, visualizing himself in an actual confrontation. He should unite his actions with his intent and endeavor to harness his emotional power (Sam Yi Hap Yat). The student trains hard and soft actions (yin and yang hands), this often depending on when and why his limbs loose connection with the dummy. He develops an ability to apply soft and tight striking power (yin within yang power and yang within yin power) and how not to let that power pass over and therefore miss his target. Crucial to proper training is creating a springing movement in the dummy, by matching the footwork with that movement the student uses the dummy's recoil to train timing and position. The Muk Yan Jong, as with many things in Wing Chun, appears simple, but in application can take years to master.
Additionally the wooden man is essential to developing tight focused power (the bodies power points) and to closing the gates to your own vulnerabilities, while at the same time seeking the opponents gaps no matter how protected they are. This means that as in two person training the Muk Jong practitioner must always be putting pressure forward towards the trunk of the body and not against the dummy's limbs. Wong Shun Leung often said, never chase your enemy's hands always chase their centerline. The exception to this rule is if they are armed. Once in Sigung Wong's school a student during training had broken an arm from a Muk Yan Jong, thinking Wong would be pleased he presented the broken arm ready to be praised. Instead of being praise he was severely chastised. Sigung Wong scolded him in no uncertain terms, not only had he broken a perfectly good dummy arm but he was also chasing hand and not the centerline. This goes to show that Muk Yan Jong training is very specific and capitalizes on the sound principles of Wing Chun open hand concepts for training. The wooden dummy trains students on how to fight smarter, not harder.
Finally students train Muk Yan Jong by practicing away from the dummy, done by going through the movements in the air. This training perfects control in the form and helps to point out where any obvious mistakes or lapses are. Wooden dummy training ultimately becomes a challenge match with a shadow or thinking enemy. The training routine is imagined as a real encounter, the practitioner sees each move as a response to an enemy's attack; this deeply impresses perfect control of the actions and their automatic application in combat. The Muk Yan Jong is not a piece of wood to toughen the students arms and legs on, rather when used properly is a sophisticated tool for developing and mastering the most advanced skills in Wing Chun. It has a unique and profound place in martial arts training, being an essential study in the training of the best Wing Chun fighters for hundreds of years.
Today teachers like Sifu Gary Lam carry on this important martial arts tradition, developing the next generation of practitioners and teachers. Wing Chun's roots are as a martial technology of revolution and military political solutions, today it continues to flourish and grow for the benefit of society and the development of individual character.
Sifu Lam teaches at his training institute in Monterey Park California, carrying on the Wing Chun Kung Fu tradition. He is one of a hand full of Sifus authorized to teach the complete Wong Shun Leung system.
3. Wing Chun Kicking and Footwork Training, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Wing Chun kicking and footwork techniques are a vital compliment to the devastating striking techniques of the crossing hands skills. This article will discuss the Wing Chun footwork training and especially the development of kicking techniques as taught in Sifu Gary Lam's Wing Chun system.
Among the 21st century's most highly rated and esteemed Wing Chun teachers is Sifu Gary Lam (Lam Man Hog). Sifu Lam offers a rare opportunity to study the various aspects of Wing Chun footwork training including strikes, leg breaking and trips. From his wealth of experience and in an effort to make Wing Chun more accessible to the modern student, Sifu Lam has formulated his entire open hand Wing Chun system into 5 separate styles of training; the five styles are as follows:
1. Crossing hand - Striking
2. Closing - Standing grappling
3. Footwork- The subject of this article
4. Pushing - One and two handed projections
5. Pulling - Inside, outside and turning projections
Footwork techniques develop all aspects of using the lower limbs in armed and unarmed combat. Initially the training teaches the new student a variety of specific stepping maneuvers; these are essential for fluid, quick attacking and retreating. Stepping involves not only moving forward and back, or side-to-side; but also why we initiate a particular movement and the proper way of generating the power to do so. Using an almost fencer like step, footwork training teaches us how to move with grace and stability, and above all how to be in the correct position at the right time. Later, at a more advanced stage, the student is taught the main bulk of footwork techniques; this chiefly involves the kicking and leg destruction training as well as a variety other high-level footwork fighting strategies. Footwork is also devoted to mastering techniques that push, trip and throw the opponent. Footwork training provides the foundation for all other aspects of development, it is the key to generating power and of having the ability to move into and occupy the opponents position.
Footwork is perhaps traditionally most evident in the wooden man training, with an entire section of the form being devoted to developing footwork. In combat the results of footwork techniques are felt by the enemy but rarely seen, the goal being to attack with the hands and feet simultaneously. According to Sifu Lam footwork is considered the root of physical power, and is in part why actions like the one-inch punch are possible. Traditionally footwork is considered the key to unlocking the secrets of Wing Chun, and without detailed instruction in it the student would never learn the mysterious source of his/her teacher's strength. In Wing Chun the hands go first and the body moves second, without proper footwork there is no power from the ground to implement striking techniques with.
Wing Chun footwork training chiefly involves developing techniques to kick our opponent; kicks are used to cause impact injuries, disturb the opponent's attention in conjunction with hand techniques, or break the joints and bones of our enemy's legs. Traditionally the leg usage in Wing Chun only accounts for 30% of the actions, with the hand techniques accounting for the other 70%. To Wing Chun practitioners, kicking attacks are used only when the situation warrants it. This is due to the fact that the severity of damage they cause is so high; breaking someone's leg is an all or nothing proposition. To begin to use kicking techniques her/she must embrace a cruel, merciless attitude if they are to be brought effectively into a fight.
In Wing Chun there is a saying " Hands go, legs go, legs go, hands go". This points to the fact that in any confrontation the hands as well as the feet are always used together. Whether it is a step, an attack, or an action only meant to disturb, the hands and feet work together as four enemies for the opponent to defend against.
Wing Chun kicking techniques are often referred too as under the skirt kicking, or gentleman kicking. The traditional clothing worn by gentleman in China was a kind of gown. The reference is to a practitioner of old kicking from under the gentlemen's traditional gown, thus this style of kicking is low and secretive. These types of kicks are in the words of Sifu Lam cruel by nature. They are chiefly focused on striking to the opponent's ankles and knees, with the objective being to break the joints and bones. Wing Chun kicking techniques rarely attack above the waist, and the practitioners feet and legs are usually used to defend against an opponents kick, thus leaving the hands free to attack. Kicking is almost always done in concert with hand techniques; in this case hand techniques are used for balance, control and to set up or to mop up the damage done by the legs. To see this kind of attack is to be at once humbled and horrified, it is the most disturbing aspect of Wing Chun to witness or experience, to see first hand the ease at which a trained fighter can utilize this devastating aspect of Wing Chun hand-to-hand combat. It is part of the tooth and nail of Wing Chun, when it's back is up against a wall.
Kicking is traditionally developed through four main methods
1. Solo practice in the air
2. Two person training (qi gerk)
3. Wooden dummy (Muk Yan Jong)
4. Tri-angle post dummy (Gerk Jong)
The tri-angle post dummy is especially important in developing the correct power and accuracy of the eight styles of kicking, the eight styles are:
1. Toe strike (shin bone) 5. Stepping strike to instep
2. Heel sweep (shin bone) 6. Side kick strike (knee/ankle)
3. Heel strike low (ankle, knee, shin) 7. Side step scrape/strike (knee/ankle)
4. Heel strike high (knee, waist) 8. Double kick to front leg and rear leg
Note: A side-to-side foot deflection is practiced in between each of the above kicks.
These various methods of training provide an opportunity to build correct structural power, proper form and timing, as well as conditioning the feet and legs. Perhaps the most important quality developed though is balance. Without good balance the kicks are very risky to use, being that the greatest danger to the practitioner when using kicks is that he/she is momentarily fighting on one leg, and thus of course dangerously less stable than when fighting on two legs.
Footwork is usually taught after the crossing hand and closing styles are mastered; this is done to re-enforce the student's efforts in learning the complete Wing Chun system. If footwork were taught before the crossing hand and closing were sufficiently learned, the student might be tempted to not properly devote him/her self to learning, developing and utilizing these styles in their training. Some students might forgo altogether truly developing the closing style, understanding that it rarely need be used when footwork techniques will usually serve better. Of course ultimately the five styles (i.e. crossing hand, closing, footwork, pushing, pulling) are combined and applied in an unconditioned, natural way. The strengths of the five styles are blended, providing an experienced based background to all of the practitioner's actions. Thus the five styles become twenty-five styles, used separately or in a combined fashion as the situation dictates.
Sifu Lam teaches that all physical power in Wing Chun is linked to two key footwork concepts. The first is what he calls sitting, this is akin to the same power generated in a boxing uppercut from a step forward, essentially pushing the punch up from the ground. Only in Wing Chun, the power generated from the ground is usually used for a straight action forward. The second key concept is distance power. This includes any and all power developed from movement. The highest expression of issuing force in Wing Chun is the combination of three separate actions (hand, body and leg) generating a focused, controlled release of power in a single movement. This combination of three actions for power involves using the sitting power, the moving power (i.e. distance power) and placing the root of that power in the part of the body where it is needed (called the power point), all done simultaneously. This three-action movement is developed in a special kind of qi sao (sticky hands), called pun sao.
Footwork is also essential for executing the correct timing in applying techniques. An example of this is the fundamental nature of footwork in the Wing Chun double knife fighting (baat jaam do). Usually in the Wing Chun open hand fighting the hands lead the movement of the body, but in the eight cut knife fighting (baat jaam do) the body movement is maintained ahead of the hands, thus the body stays safely behind the knife actions. This is accomplished through a special type of footwork only used in the Wing Chun knife training called gote ma. If the footwork were not correct, the practitioner's timing would be late and he/she could potentially get cut or stabbed by the enemy. Footwork in general brings the practitioner into the proper position for applying the myriad of techniques; in Cantonese this idea is called ju dong. The opposite of this is of course bringing the opponent into a good position for the practitioner's action, called bei dong. Both ju dong and bei dong are the two fundamental concepts of position and timing, used to make the enemies position weak and a fighter's position strong. It has been said that Wing Chun is a challenge of speed and timing, without correct footwork for position and movement neither of these concepts are possible.
Footwork training also includes a variety of trips, sweeps and throwing techniques. These techniques are typically used as secondary actions (a.k.a. helping actions) after primary crossing hand strikes are delivered. The styles of pushing and pulling are most often combined with these aspects of footwork. Pushing and pulling are typically used to throw an opponent into walls, columns and other surfaces that they can injure themselves on. The pushing and pulling also function to suddenly bring an opponent off balance, changing their good position to a bad one, ruining their correct posture and balance. This leaves an opponent especially open for a footwork action such as a trip, sweep or throw. These techniques focus on controlling the enemy's center of balance, thus keeping them from initiating any new attacks. The emphasis here is creating and maintaining vulnerability. We make our enemy weaker by exploiting an existing weakness, if no weaknesses exist then we create one; this is were secondary or helping actions really show their full worth.
Footwork training is considered the key to making the unseen, hidden aspects of Wing Chun work, and was the most common aspect of training traditionally held back from outer circle students. In today's climate of martial arts training, people are no longer dependent on what they learn to survive in combat; we live in the age of technology and especially the gun. Thus privileged instruction in Wing Chun, as well as many formerly secret arts, is largely a thing of the past. Sifu Lam is concerned that if Wing Chun is not openly taught, that it might not continue to develop and grow. His goal is to produce students and succeeding generations that surpass his own skill level and the skill level of past practitioners. This he believes is the only way Wing Chun will survive and thrive in the coming century and beyond. Change is the stabilizing principle in all things living, if Wing Chun is to live on it must adapt and move with the times. Sifu Lam's teacher Wong Shun Leung said that Wing Chun should not control you, that Wing Chun itself is only a name. Thus Wing Chun is not in the end a system of fighting but rather a way to fight. Wing Chun principles themselves have unlimited applications, understanding how, why and when they are applied is at the heart of the system and not imitating its mere form. Sigung Wong and Sifu Lam have over the course of their careers made various changes to the traditional system taught by Yip Man. These changes occurred because the needs of there experience in modern fighting demanded it. Just as a gun from the 18th century is still a gun, it is nothing compared to modern guns, yet they both remain guns. Wing Chun is like this, it may change, expand and be modified, yet it is still fundamentally the hard won Wing Chun of its forefathers.
4. Qi Sao, The Soul of Wing Chun, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Several hundred years ago a martial art was born in southern China, its founders pooled their collective knowledge into a uniform method of training allowing its practitioners to benefit from generations of martial arts development. The training was designed to transmit only the best of their combined experience, leaving out anything that was not directly applicable to combat. This system deliberately began with the most fundamental, streamlined and central concepts of martial knowledge, eventually bringing its students to the most advanced methods and abilities. The core purpose in training was always the same, to stop the enemy with the most direct, economical and simple means possible.
Tradition holds that this martial art was developed to fight off the invading Qing dynasty. The training being specifically designed to counter the techniques of Qing soldiers, and applied primarily for urban guerrilla warfare and political assassination. Also another oral tradition links it's founding to martial arts masters from the southern Shaolin Chan Buddhist temple, and then later being disseminated by their disciples through the traveling Red Junk Opera. Whatever the styles original and true history is, Wing Chun Kung Fu has become one of the worlds best known and most widely practiced martial arts of the 21st century. Perhaps its chief distinguishing feature is the training practice known as Qi Sao (sticky hands), often called the soul of Wing Chun.
Qi sao is the bridge in Wing Chun training from learning concepts and techniques, to putting them into practice and then ultimately being able to fight with them. It provides a platform from which the practitioner can safely develop his/her abilities and test the abilities of others. In its early stages Qi Sao training is done in a prescribed manner, usually practiced without the benefit of footwork techniques. Each practitioner begins by positioning his/her arms into a forward locked position (called fok, tan and bon); the legs are placed in a parallel, triangular training position. From this training stance each practitioner performs a variety of techniques; such as Cover hand, Pak Sao, Lap Sao and Tan Da to name only a few. Also the more dynamic free style Qi Sao practice is developed from this position, providing the basis for all of the random two person training including the brutal Qi Gerk training (sticky leg) and eventually free sparring (San Sao).
At its most advanced levels Qi Sao becomes an exercise in the training of skills such as control and feeling, the yin and yang hands (soft/tight) and developing the ability to fight naturally. Of paramount importance in a Wing Chun student's advancement in Qi Sao training is the development of the Yin and Yang hands (yin within yang and yang within yin), the two hands being used in opposite ways for the same action. An example of this would be making one hand tight and the other soft, such as when using the hands in combination for a simultaneous attack and defense action. Other examples of yin/yang hands are using a disturb and attack combination, switching the power point emphasis, changing the opponent's correct facing combined with an attack, becoming soft/tight when facing tight/soft and being able to switch between both hands as needed.
The highest levels of Qi Sao practice rarely involves striking, and always focuses on the natural fighting style developed when a practitioner has mastered the form of his/her art and now acts and re-acts in a flowing, spontaneous manner. Grandmaster Yip Man was said to never have used crossing hand techniques (i.e. striking) in Qi Sao, rather he would only control the action and movement of his opponent. Qi Sao practice is considered a kind of playing; it is definitely not a form of street fighting. Nor is Qi Sao a type of challenge fighting (beimo), Qi Sao is a friendly training match between fellow practitioners. It is said that being a good fighter does not also mean being good at Qi Sao, but if you can become proficient in both then you have a special ability indeed. Ultimately contact training in Wing Chun can be broken down into 4 separate categories, of which Qi Sao is only one part:
1. Two person technique training
2. Qi Sao (sticky hands)
3. Beimo (challenge fighting)
4. Fighting for ones life (self-defense)
These 4 levels categorize the main differences in how a Wing Chun practitioner views his/her contact training experience. This ranges from pre-arranged practice to a life or death situation, of course fighting for your life is not technically a training experience. But it is important to mention because the mind set is very different at each of these levels.
In the first level of contact training the basic movements and concepts of Wing Chun are practiced with a partner. There is no feeling of competition or of anything to win or lose. This stage involves learning and developing the various sets of techniques and drills, such as the well-known Pak Sao counter drills (partially shown by Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon). Here we develop the basic habits of Wing Chun; such as sitting from the ground with our movements, keeping the elbows down, controlling the centerline and facing our opponent squarely, to name a few. This is the foundation for building the skills that define Wing Chun, if this level of learning is skimmed over, you may appear to be doing Wing Chun, but the later actions of Qi Sao will lack the qualities and habits that are at the heart of properly practiced Wing Chun.
The second level of Wing Chun contact training brings in the elements of wanting to make the hit (a.k.a. crossing hand) and to not be hit; here the classic Qi Sao training takes place. Ego rears it's ugly head and the full force of Wing Chun character development begins to work it's magic. My teacher Sifu Gary Lam (Lam Man Hoc) always says that everyone must go by the same road, and Qi Sao for most of us is when the road starts getting bumpy. The most common mistake made here is viewing this stage of training as fighting. Qi Sao should be a little playful, trained with a generous spirit. Sifu Lam says that you need to have a big heart to do Qi Sao effectively. At this level the problem is not being able to hit someone, but rather can you control and feel his or her actions instead. Sifu Lam says this control of our opponent is the key to progressing to higher levels of ability in Wing Chun; the techniques used advances from striking our opponent only, to more sophisticated ways of fighting. Additionally doing Qi sao in this fashion involves controlling the distance and power applied in practice, if we trained with uncontrolled strikes, Qi Sao would not last very long and dental bills would be very high. Thus we not only strive to control our opponent's actions, but equally important we endeavor to develop an ability to control our own actions as well. The skilled practitioner on first contact with his/her training partners arms can sense their strengths and weaknesses, being able to feel their physical structure and level of development immediately. A master of Qi Sao can predict an opponents every move, using a highly developed ability that almost seems to mimic a sixth sense. Qi Sao is as much a contest of cunning and a test of intelligence, as it is a physical challenge of skill. Sifu Lam continually emphasizes throughout the Qi Sao training experience that without being able to control our own mind, emotions and actions, as well as control our opponent's actions, the higher levels of Wing Chun usage will be beyond our grasp.
The third level of contact training in Wing Chun is were things acquire a significantly different nature, we leave the protected world of true training and venture into less than charted lands. This level represents an actual fight, but this fight is arranged ahead of time and is between trained participants (Beimo or skill comparison). Here there is a real danger of injury, people can loose teeth and get bones broken. This is the activity that after 60 victories in beimo made the late Wong Shun Leung (Sigung) so famous, having been given the nickname "king of the challenge fight". It was also the real brutality of beimo that convinced Sigung Wong to eventually stop fighting, having accidentally blinded his final opponents left eye. Under generally controlled conditions and among opponents who respect one another, beimo can be the ultimate experience in testing a practitioner's skill. This is not street fighting, but the control that was exercised in Qi Sao training is put aside. We want to win against, but not seriously injure our honored opponent. Some of Sigung Wong's life long friends were former beimo opponents, having gained mutual respect and admiration for one another through the experience.
The last level of contact training is not really training at all, unless of course you happen to be a professional soldier. This level is mentioned only because in each of the three above categories the attitude was different; here the experience gained from hard training is summoned in a cruel totality. In the first level we had an open, receptive approach; our goal was to master the basics of technique. In the second level we ideally wanted to have a generous spirit focused on training and development of skill; the only person you should have been competing with was yourself. The third level can be called a kind of free fighting tournament experience (beimo); rules or rounds do not govern this stage of training. Beimo is an actual fight, but the big difference is that the participants fight for the experience of it, not to deliberately injure or maim the opponent. Accidents can happen in this fighting environment of full power strikes'; this is as dangerous as so-called "training" can get. The last category of the four types of contact training is mentioned here for the purpose of discussion only. The mind set here is appropriate only when defending your life, for whatever reason. The practitioner adopts a cruel, vengeful attitude. This is using Wing Chun in its most direct and powerful way, here you will see emergency techniques from the formerly secret Bil Jee form, designed for one thing only, to neutralize our enemy! This is life or death, kill or be killed. Here words like butcher and destroy come to mind, this is the tooth and nail of human nature, honed to a fine edge through years of training. This kind of application is probably most like the original intentions for Wing Chun usage, that being for revolution, revenge and assassination. As members of a good and civil society, and dedicating to fostering the same, these kinds of techniques are not emphasized in normal training and are taught only to advanced students.
Qi Sao as it is practiced in Sifu Lam's school provides an opportunity to develop, enhance and as he calls it "upgrade" our abilities. One of the most profound examples of this, and possibly the highest ideal trained for in an entire career of practice, is the essence of the Wing Chun song " loi lou hoi sung, lat sao chay chun". Roughly translated this refers to the ultimate accomplishment in the Wing Chun fighting style; to embrace/hold what comes, escort/send off what leaves and when contact is lost attack to the center/weak point immediately. This lofty skill can only be developed under pressure, in the crucible of Qi Sao. Being able to apply it at will, going with and guiding your opponent, fighting in the natural style of an expert who has transcended the form of his art, this is the highest accomplishment realized in action. Here at this level there is no Wing Chun, you are Wing Chun. You fight without thought for correct or incorrect technique; your response is automatic and instinctive. Exhibiting an icy calm and a seamless combination of key attributes (called jun/accuracy, wan/stability, fai/speed and geng/power) that comes from years of experience, skills are demonstrated that are the stuff of legends. This was the legacy left by the founders of Wing Chun Kung Fu, nothing less than true martial arts mastery. The road to finding that legacy begins with Qi Sao, the soul of Wing Chun.
5. Wing Chun's Chance Action Fighting, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Wing Chun Kung Fu is best known for its powerful, relentless linear attacks. Seeking the path of least resistance, and then repeatedly striking to specific targets on the opponent's centerline. Wing Chun strives to end a conflict as decisively as possible, taking the most direct route available. Surprising to many is the fact that Wing Chun consists of several systems of training, of which the striking techniques are but only one part. Two of the arts other styles of training are the pushing and pulling systems of Wing Chun usage. These techniques of control are used to manipulate, weaken, destabilize and project the opponent; usually used to assist the primary attacking techniques. These techniques are part of a class of fighting movements called chance actions, so called because they are only used when an opportunity or chance presents itself. Pushing and pulling are developed to work with striking (crossing hand), closing (standing grappling) and footwork (kicking, traps, pushing, throwing and leg breaks) techniques, which when combined present the unified Wing Chun open hand system as was taught to Sifu Gary Lam (Lam Man Hog) by the late Sigung Wong Shun Leung.
Sifu Lam presents the entirety of his Wing Chun system in four general levels; these different levels categorize the ability of each student and outline the curriculum of Sifu Lam's system in four stages of development. Each student starts with a course of basic training, learning the fundamental concepts, principles and rudimentary applications of Wing Chun. Then the crossing hand system is taught; this covers all skills and techniques for going into an opponent's position and landing a combination of blows to the head and neck. In Sifu Lams school this covers all training up to a particular technique called changing hand, this completes the material covered for level one. After level one has been properly digested the student enters into the second level training, focusing now on the chance action techniques as well as the closing and footwork training.
The second level training emphasizes a different approach to skill development and especially a different way of doing Chi Sao (sticky hands). When learning in the first level training, practicing Chi Sao is about hitting the opponent and trying to not get hit. In second level training the student starts to develop abilities to control the opponents fighting structure and also begins to develop how to fight with what is referred to as feeling, called by Sifu Lam "Natural reaction fighting". What this implies is that if you can control the opponent and react based on instinct, then you can do what you want, when you want and how you want. Training to control the opponent is significantly different than trying to hit only, it means disciplining yourself to not always hit and not being afraid of being hit. It means beginning to train chance techniques such as pushing and pulling, and of trying to feel what the opponent is doing and how they are doing it.
Chi Sao training of this nature is often referred to as playing, learning to control instead of always trying to beat the opponent, it is definitely not free fighting. All out fighting would not allow for the opportunity needed to develop these skills. This is an important distinction that must be made, because here you must trust and be trusted by your training partner. If you cannot train control because you are obsessed with hitting and not being hit by the opponent, then you will not have a training opportunity for advancement to the higher levels of Wing Chun. This is easy to understand but very difficult to do. In practice this means being able to have the discipline, self-control and character to not always strike to win every match of Chi Sao, as Sifu Lam says, "You must train with a open and big heart". The student must in the end learn to turn off his muscle power; striving rather to develop subtle technique, keen sensitivity, and how to harness the body's innate structural power. It has been said of Grandmaster Yip Man that when he practiced Chi Sao he would only use control techniques, demonstrating in word and in deed his mastery of Wing Chun's highest levels.
Chi Sao offers a training environment to develop these higher-level chance action skills such as pushing and pulling, which could not reasonably be developed under real life combat conditions. Ultimately, if the student cannot overcome himself, then he has no chance of overcoming his opponent and truly learning the control side of Wing Chun kung fu. All of this of course implies that the correct structure, sitting, facing, footwork and other core Wing Chun fighting concepts are maintained in Chi Sao, this is also usually very difficult. Difficult not only to physically maintain, but also emotionally difficult to be self-restrained. The student wishing to progress must often slow down his techniques so that correct footwork and body structure are not lost to speed and an uncontrolled desire for making the hit. Sifu Lam can often be heard saying, "If you want to go faster, slow down, if you want to be stronger, train softer".
Pulling training begins with learning the basic drills, these cover using an outside and inside arm pull, as well as an outside arm bar pull. These techniques are trained as both initial and following actions on the opponents leading or secondary attacking strikes, and serve to throw the attacker into environmental obstructions, to the ground or into another opponent. Pulling also serves to disturb, destabilize and disrupt and opponents correct body structure, balance, direction and main attack. Pulling and pushing are often combined to work together, changing direction and throwing off the opponent's natural reaction to recover his balance. Chance actions are typically followed by footwork techniques such as a leg break or a throw, and crossing hand strikes such as Lap Sao and Pak Sao.
Pushing training is separated into two categories, those being one handed or two-handed pushing techniques. One handed pushing (toi sao) uses the lead hand to push on the opponent's centerline, usually applying pressure just below the shoulder at the humeral joint. The other hand is used to misdirect the opponent's position and to bring them slightly off balance, Sifu Lam calls this making the opponent wrong. The idea of two or more movements for every one fighting action, such as initially making the opponent wrong just prior to performing the push, is a subtle but prevalent idea in Wing Chun. It is the kind of information that is hard to see and usually must be pointed out by one's teacher. The concept of leading in Aikido or off balance (kazushi) in Judo is very similar to Wing Chun's concept of making the opponent wrong.
Two handed pushing (Po Pai or butter fly hands) is a more complex technique and is trained from eight different lead in hands, examples of which would be Bon Sao, Gan Sao, Hun Sao and so on. Also different about the Po Pai is that instead of ejecting the opponent away from you with the arms held straight as in Toi Sao (one handed pushing), Po Pai pushing follows the opponent at a close range for the entire push. This is done to maximize the power (taking the opponents position) of the push and to also protect the Wing Chun practitioner from being hit by a counter strike in the medium range. Po Pai not only serves to push, but also to strike. Using internal power, a yin style iron palm strike is delivered to the opponent's internal organs along with the push. Po pai is an action that must be executed with impeccable timing to be effective and relies heavily on the practitioner's development and use of structural power. Po Pai can be used to project the opponent outside the fighting distance, and like the Toi Sao can be used to strike the opponent against objects in the environment including other opponents.
Pulling and pushing as well as all other chance or secondary actions must be used with caution and never thought of as primary attacks. The chief reason for this is what's called chasing hands, the prohibitions against which was one of Sigung Wong Shun Leung's most important edicts. His conviction was that your principle goal should always be to attack directly to the enemy's centerline and therefore the most important targets. Any divergence from this philosophy was nothing short of opening your own defensive gaps and becoming a target yourself instead of attacking one. To break with this commandment entails following the movements of the opponents actions rather than perusing the primary centerline targets that are the head and neck. This is an easy sin to make when trying to learn chance action fighting; it takes a correct combination of actions and events to execute a chance technique properly and safely. Making a chance action into a primary technique will spell disaster against a seasoned opponent. It will provide a waiting bridge for the enemy to cross, or will open a gap in one's defenses that may be impossible to close once violated. Sigung Wong Shun Leung would say that training anything else other than how to attack and stop the enemy is training to be a target. Thus in our tradition chance actions serve to provide a deeper experience and a more developed background to a persons training, broadening their options and honing the primary attacking techniques. Fighting is gambling; Wing Chun teaches that training must be about putting the odds in your favor as much as possible. Wing Chun accomplishes this goal in its training experience by being as direct in action, simple in solution and economical in movement as possible.
6. The Wing Chun Double Knife Training (Baat Jaam Do), By Sifu Gary Lam with Gregory E. LeBlanc
Wing Chun Kung Fu is a martial art best know for its tight, aggressive, straight line empty hand attacks. It was the martial art that gave the world Bruce Lee and was the martial art chosen and used by the famous Hong Kong challenge fighter Wong Shun Leung. Less known publicly, but equally famous in martial art circles, is the hallmark weapon of Wing Chun, the Baat Jaam Do (a.k.a. eight cut knives). Today there are few if any opportunities that warrant knowledge of weapons like the Baat Jaam Do, but training with this weapon also serves the dual purpose of refining empty hand abilities. In my school if and when a student is ready to learn the eight cut knives, it is not taught principally to develop a fighting ability with the weapon, but rather to heighten already seasoned open hand skills. Traditionally the Baat Jaam Do was reserved only for students close to completing their formal training; this is due to the fact that skill with the double knives is directly linked to an advanced ability in the empty hand techniques. It is said that if the open hand techniques are good then the knives will also be good. If a student trains before he/she is ready then the knives will not be properly learned, and consequentially advancement of open hand usage will be adversely influenced. What is true though is that if you train correctly, the Baat Cham Do will greatly improve the students closing style abilities (i.e. Wing Chun grappling) and the over all timing of open hand actions. The eight cut knife movements and usage is nearly identical to open hand moves, without a through background in the Wing Chun hand techniques there would be little purpose in learning this deceptively complicated weapon.
Traditionally Wing Chun teachers taught only qualified students, this is do to the fact that if they learned to soon and then later attempted to use the knives, it would almost certainly end in disaster. An analogy of this would be trying to teach an average automobile driver how to race cars, and then entering them in a professional race. This is a scenario for tragedy; the unqualified car racer would be lucky to stay alive in such a dangerous situation. The same can be said about learning the knives; the student must be ready to learn if the training is to have meaning. And in case your worried if the Baat Jaam Do has lost its fighting spirit in our modern day, several years ago my Sifu, the late Wong Shun Leung, sparred with a champion western fencer on television. Wong easy beat the fencer, and when the fencer complained Wong had an unfair advantage with two swords, Wong offered him a second blade and beat him again. Afterwards the fencer petitioned Wong for instruction, he happily agreed and proceeded to introduce him to Siu Nim Tao, the first stage of Wing Chun training. Thus Wong by example reiterated the truth of Baat Jaam Do understanding and usage, the practitioner must master Wing Chun first if the hands are to become knives. Much like wisdom, learning the Baat Jaam Do is difficult and rare; few are ready to tread its razor edge of excellence.
Baat Jaam Do training begins with learning the eight basic movements; these are further combined and trained as moving lines. Thus the eight individual techniques are combined into sixty-four separate combinations. At this stage correct structure and timing are emphasized. Free style lines of techniques are also practiced, further engendering natural execution of all the basic techniques.
These eight basic techniques are:
1. Qi-Stabbing
2. Jam-Chopping
3. Gan-Block and cut
4. Kwan-Double block
5. Bon-Deflection
6. Biu-Line deflection forward
7. Jaam-Stopping
8. Tan and Qi-Deflect out and stab
The eight basic actions serve to introduce the fundamental form, usage and fighting concepts of the Baat Jaam Do. Also practiced here are arm strengthening exercises done with heavy weight Baat Jaam Do, traditionally made out of copper. The training is conducted slowly, building a strong foundation over long months of practicing only the basic movements. When I trained with Sifu Wong he would have me practice these basic techniques by holding the backs of chairs, this built powerful control of the movements that later allowed me to master all aspects of the knife training.
Wong Shun Leung learned Baat Jaam Do from his Sifu, Grandmaster Yip Man. This was not presented in a particular order; training often involved learning random aspects of the double knife training. This kind of training forced the student to contemplate the weapon and discover for him/her self what its true meaning was. My Sifu was a kind of Wing Chun genius; he was able to understand the logical relationships of the separate actions. This allowed him to bring to life for himself the full knowledge of the eight cut knives. Later he formulated this into the revised Wong Shun Leung Baat Jaam Do training, re-ordering rather than changing what he was originally taught. This variation retained the original content of what Yip Man passed down to him, but it arranged it in such a way as to allow the new student to penetrate quickly and deeply into the knives most secret places. Baat Jaam do is about timing, speed and courage. It is meant to swiftly kill the enemy with a two handed simultaneous action. The target is the opponents weapon hand and there bodies vital regions. Hand to hand fighting is considered gambling; fighting with Baat Jaam Do is a kind of suicide, you must become like someone unafraid to die. To succeed you cannot fear for your life, this is a special attitude, a killing mind, a mind of war. In the past I only trained with the Baat Jaam Do when I had a tough fight coming up, it honed my fighting mind (jin yi) and instincts for the ensuing battle. Under normal conditions I do not emphasize knife training in my day-to-day marital arts practice, otherwise my overall attitude will become too intense and hostile. This hostility will unduly affect the day-to-day affairs of my life and make my open hand fighting cruel. This is not a comfortable way to be in the world, for my self or the people in my life.
Baat Jaam Do structure is significantly different from its Wing Chun paired weapon the Luk Dim Boon Gwun (a.k.a. the Dragon Pole). The Dragon Pole relies heavily on the development and use of internal power and therefore the bodies correct structural alignment, the eight cut knives are almost entirely dependent on the sharpened edge of the blade for power. What matters here is not the body's physical power but instead technique and position, the structure of the Baat Jaam Do is concerned with maintaining and attacking with the knife-edge and point. Footwork is also modified in knife training, using a special way of stepping called gote ma. In the regular Wing Chun hand-to-hand fighting the footwork is not concerned with the extended range of an attacking weapon, we face our enemy squarely, the hands leading the body's position. In Baat Jaam Do the opposite occurs, using the gote ma step the practitioner turns his/her body sideways to our enemy's position, thus bringing the body off our attackers forward line. This is of course done in conjunction with a standard simultaneous attack and defense knife action. This places the body safely behind our knife actions, providing maximum protection from being cut or stabbed by the enemy. Regardless, the emphasis of weapons footwork must be on never facing our opponent's weapon.
Training advances by teaching the student the Wong Shun Leung and Yip Man versions of the Baat Jaam Do Form. There are slight but significant differences between these two forms, changes are mainly concerned with the importance of certain movements over others and in what order they appear in the form. Single person contact training equipment (similar to the Dragon Pole training dummy), as well as two person training is also introduced at this level. Knife training with a partner begins by defending and initiating attacks against the Dragon Pole, this includes single and double-sided pole attacks. Each of the basic techniques are brought into play, the student must rely on correct footwork and knife holding structure to respond effectively against full power dragon pole attacks. This style of training also develops double to single knife fighting, always conscious of not being on the facing angle of the enemy's weapon. The double knife vs. double knife training is reserved for the advanced level training, here courage, timing and speed are all important. Techniques here are almost exclusively on the opponents outside line. When I did partner training under Sifu Wong, we would use rolled up magazines as mock Baat Jaam Do, this prevented serious injury but not serious bruising.
As with all martial arts the highest levels of skill are measured by the practitioner's natural, instinctive ability. On this lofty level of mastery what can appear to be a simple action, is in reality founded on decades of training and experience. With the Baat Jaam Do it is no different. The knife techniques are a specialized way of using the open hand actions, without that background there is no Baat Jaam Do. It is my sincere hope that succeeding generations will inherit the Baat Jaam Do, passing it on as was intended. Taught and practiced in the traditional manner, ensuring quality and authenticity of this fading art.
7. Wing Chun Power Training, By Gregory E. LeBlanc
In Wing Chun Kung Fu there is a saying "First courage, second power and then technique", this reflects a greater importance put on the willingness to fight and on an ability to make techniques profitable. Power development in Wing Chun Kung Fu is not primarily based on muscular strength but rather on knowledge of body mechanics, joint/tendon strength and using the opponent's own committed power against them. This joint/tendon-based power is termed structural power and is the key to understanding how to transmit power using Wing Chun footwork and in the old days was one of the inner circle secrets of Wing Chun. In Wing Chun power comes from a joint supported alignment with the ground, or is derived from the motion and speed of the body (momentum). Power in Wing Chun also depends on strong emotion (called Geng Ging) creating an explosive, vicious attack. The type of power used against the target also can be different, usually taking the form either of a penetrating or percussive force. Regardless of the type of power and its implementation, power must be trained and applied in a controlled, automatic and natural way. To this end Wing Chun has developed a variety of methods to promote and train striking power, chief among them is working with the Luk Dim Boon Gwan (The Six and a one half point pole or Dragon Pole). The advantage to using the Dragon Pole is that it naturally coordinates various qualities needed to maximize power; thus training the student to use the body, breath and mind all in one action.
Deriving striking power from an alignment with the ground or from the body alignment and mass in motion is generally referred to as structural Power. Structural power is an understanding of the concept of Power Points on the body and how they relate to using the angle of the joints in unison. Power Points are key areas on the body associated with the 12 major joints that when stabilized correctly provide maximum transmission of force through the body and into the target. The critical power points are the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and especially the wrists. The trick to using Power Points correctly is a major part of the fundamental concepts and skills that are the corner stone of Wing Chun's power theory and practice. Practiced in a natural and simultaneous way these concepts of structure and power points allow the practitioner an ability to access force for striking that is not totally dependent on muscular power. In the interest of developing structural power, correct breathing and the proper state of mind the Wing Chun practitioner trains with the 9' long Dragon Pole.
The modern Dragon Pole is typically constructed out of a single piece of hard wood such as Purple Heart, giving it great weight, strength and flexibility. It's history links it to the long poles used by boatmen in rural China, they would use their poles to guide and manipulate cargo boats in the shallow rivers of old China. Wing Chun Dragon Pole became an adaptation of ancient pole fighting training that was passed onto its masters through mutually beneficial relationships with teachers of older Shaolin derivative styles. The pole actions were grafted onto the existing Wing Chun system and some say practiced in secret by Wing Chun masters in hiding traveling on riverboats. Even today one of the training techniques for the Dragon Pole involves moving heavy wood floating on the surface of a pool. Dragon Pole applications tend to mimic the open hand usage of Wing Chun, they are direct, powerful no-nonsense actions designed with the quick and violent realities of combat in mind (typically used with a pole of fighting length around 6-7'). Modern Wing Chun practice develops the Dragon Pole less for its application as a weapon and more for its perfect compliment to the reinforcement and the promotion of structural power. The end benefit is that Dragon Pole training offers a simultaneous positive resistance to the bodies Power Points and at the same time develops control and application of force for Wing Chun open hand techniques.
Sifu Gary Lam of Monterey Park California describes the Dragon Pole as critical training for the development of what he calls Internal Power. Internal Power is a term used to describe the use of the structural framework of the body in motion, accompanied by a deliberate mental and emotional intent to one point of expression; in this case that one point becomes the last 12" or so of the working end of the Dragon Pole. He often demonstrates Internal Power by exhibiting a devastating marshaling of power in the many strikes and projection techniques of Wing Chun, a way of doing Wing Chun that a senior Wing Chun practitioner and student of Sifu Lam's dubbed "scary Wing Chun". Internal Power becomes the sum total of the bodies force, guided and authenticated by the traditional marks of success, that is: Jun (stability), Fai (speed), Wan (accuracy) and Geng (power). These four qualities of success are what Sifu Lam defines as the merits of mastery in any art, expressed in a seamless combination with all of Wing Chun's actions.
Dragon Pole training begins by learning the correct way to hold and heft the pole, if done incorrectly it becomes easy for the pole to be knocked from your hands and difficult to correctly express the bodies structural power through the pole. Then the student is given various lines of techniques to perform, these cover the basic techniques of Dragon Pole and introduce the footwork methods used throughout the training. At this stage the Arrow Punching exercise and single leg form training are introduced, these practices develop whole body power in motion and train leg strength and balance. After a sufficient amount of time has gone by, allowing the student to digest the introductory material, the form training is introduced. The Dragon Pole form is where it gets its name as the "Six and one half point pole"; this is because there are six main strikes in the form and a half strike. There are other actions in the form besides these, but these six and one half strikes are considered the main lesson of the Dragon Pole form. The form should be done with a relaxed firmness (Yin with Yang inside), harnessing the structural power of the body behind all pole actions. Sifu Lam considerers the Dragon Pole essential for learning empty hand structural power and also teaches that it is through the pole training that the student truly learns to be both yielding and explosive as you react to an opponents attack. Sifu Lam teaches that in training any single quality such as power; its opposite quality should first be promoted. Thus Dragon Pole training while initially training one to be powerful ultimately teaches us to be receptive, soft and yielding (called Yang with Yin inside). This is the key to the correct control and expression of power, if we fix our action or power then it will not have a way to naturally maximize its potential.
Training continues with practicing two person drills and utilizing the standing or hanging Dragon Pole dummy. Two person training gives the practitioner an opportunity to get first hand experience with how the techniques will work in actual combat and also introduces the ideas of deflection, misdirection and evasion. As with empty hand training, the goal is being able to execute techniques in a random, un-rehearsed and natural way, this is trained through controlled free sparing with the poles. Dragon Pole dummy training focuses on developing the accurate use of power and further develops the student's use of structural force against a solid and moving target. Advanced levels of all form and drill training end by linking the various techniques into spontaneous, free flowing combinations of techniques.
Wing Chun power training is continued further by practicing the Pun Sao drill and eventually practicing the Baat Jaam Do (Double 8 cut knife). The Pun Sao drill is a variation of the basic Qi Sao training (Wing Chun free sparring training), and as in Qi Sao is begun with the arms interlocked and the legs positioned in a training stance. In Pun Sao the goal is to learn how to harness and apply structural power in Qi Sao, this is done by an emphases on the sitting (structural alignment with the ground) and moving (body mass in motion) power as pressure is applied to the opponents centerline. Adding a double hand pull upon retreating expands on this practice, followed by your opponent taking your position in response to the pull. Like all other drills this eventually becomes a animated and free flowing practice, training to naturally apply structural power and respond to changes in position and balance naturally. The Baat Jaam Do training develops tight, focused and powerful handwork, further engendering the correct flavor and application of structurally correct Wing Chun.
Wing Chun was designed to provide a direct and powerful answer to the fast paced and unpredictable realities of hand-to-hand combat. Its system was built on fundamental concepts that can be found at all levels of training, making the outward appearance of its techniques secondary to it's inner structural standards. Sifu Lam describes the journey of Wing Chun training as going from the simple to the complex and in the end back to the simple again; advanced Wing Chun develops not from it's outward form but rather from a deepening of the essential concepts, structure and skills.
Wing Chun not only reflects the qualities of a high standard traditional Chinese martial art, but also adapts as part of the changing modern world of fighting arts. Sigung Wong Shun Leung and Sifu Lam have both made alterations to the form of Wing Chun that was based on their evolving experience of the martial arts, but always preserving its core concepts, skills and fundamental structure. It is the tradition of structure, concepts and skills of Wing Chun that defines its heart and soul, and holds the integrity of its theory and power in place. To this end it is the hope and goal of Masters like Sifu Lam that the heart and soul of Wing Chun be passed down to the next generation, that heart and soul is Wing Chun's true power and legacy.
8. The Butterfly Hands of Wing Chun, by Gregory E. LeBlanc
Wing Chun Kung Fu is possibly the best known of the southern Chinese martial arts, having a history that dates back several hundred years. In recent times it has gained a surge in popularity largely due to it being the basis for Bruce Lee's early fighting system "Jun Fan Wing Chun" and also being the system of choice for the famous Hong Kong challenge fighter Sigung Wong Shun Leung. Wing Chun primarily specializes in being a direct and extremely practical method of Chinese boxing, but it also develops a variety of techniques not specifically related to striking, perhaps the least understood is the double handed push or Butterfly Hands. The Butterfly Hands also know as Po Pai, is a technique chiefly devoted to a sharp, decisive thrust of both hands against the bodies' physical centerline. The primary goal in actions of this nature is to take advantage of the surrounding environment and use it as a weapon, choosing the sharp angle of a wall or the surface of a window for example and then projecting the opponent into or through it. Secondary applications relate to fighting more than one opponent at a time, countering an attempted grappling move, up-rooting the opponents position, disturbing balance and also using the Po Pai action as a close distance palm attack causing internal damage much in the same way that an Iron Palm strike does.
The Po Pai technique falls into the category of chance actions, in contrast to primary actions that involve a simultaneous deflection and strike. Chance actions almost always follow after an initial strike, thus they are second or third actions in a combination and usually rely on the support of a primary striking action. Chance action techniques in Wing Chun also include one-handed pushing, standing grappling, pulling and usually leg strikes. Po Pai training involves the use of virtually all other hand styles in Wing Chun, providing flexibility in usage that is not found in other techniques. Po Pai is considered a second gate style technique, training at a distance that demands that the practitioner step in deeply, totally occupying the opponent's position. Second gate actions refer to techniques that are done at the plane of the elbow and usually involve pushing, pulling or a trap and strike. Second gate fighting differs from the typical crossing hand striking range in that the distance puts the practitioner at risk and a trap or lock must be used for safety's sake, with Po Pai pushing no traps are used so a total commitment of position is necessary at the onset of the technique. In advanced training the Po Pai becomes very important in developing what my Wing Chun teacher Sifu Gary Lam calls "winning from losing." This idea of "winning from losing" refers to moving within your opponents attacking action, then at the moment when they are vulnerable using a matching counter attack. Usually this style of training involves both trainees doing Po Pai, the one doing the training action suddenly applying their own Po Pai technique in the middle of their training partners initial Po Pai action.
Developing power, timing and correct distance for Po Pai application involves partner drill training, skill at using the Wooden Dummy, weapons training and developing both explosive and internal power. Partner training begins by introducing the basic hands associated with using Po Pai and also promotes correct angle, position and timing in usage. Later partner training expands into a more free style drill, giving an opportunity to understand Po Pai's relevance as a chance action and for developing the winning from losing training. Different methods of application are also explored, such as pushing with a full step, pushing without stepping and understanding Po Pai as also a strike and not just a push. All such actions are supported by the idea of making the opponent's position, balance, stance and angle incorrect, a concept that finds its way into nearly all Wing Chun actions. The Wooden Dummy (Muk Yan Jong) is where in the system proper the Po Pai is introduced to the Wing Chun student. The chance action section of the Wooden Dummy (the middle third) trains students in concepts devoted to timing, using the entire body for power, understanding joint power application and the correct angle of attack. Weapons' training plays a vital role in developing the correct power and footwork for Po Pai usage. The Wing Chun Dragon Pole (Luk Dim Boon Gwan) helps to coordinate the entire body for the raw mechanical power needed in the Po Pai and it also promotes the explosive emotional power needed for the suddenness of action that is usually required for the Po Pai to be effective. The Wing Chun Double Eight Slash Knife (Baat Jaam Do) helps promote Po Pai excellence by developing quick changes in angle and direction and of taking up the opponent's position, which is necessary for maintaining safety and again using the whole body for power. The last quality developed and perhaps the most elusive is Internal Power. Internal power involves an understanding of how to direct the natural core strength of your body, supported by the ground and transmitted by the joints, against the opponent's physical centerline. This is done in conjunction with making the opponent's direction and position wrong, robbing them of a stable fighting posture and taking away an ability to issue joint power. The training technique crucial for developing internal power in Wing Chun is Poon Sao. Poon Sao training is done with a partner and uses the normal Qi Sao (a freestyle practice, called the soul of Wing Chun), hand and feet configurations the difference is that instead of developing crossing hand skills (striking) the goal is to find and direct the coordinated force of your own body's facing power against your partner's centerline. Done correctly the technique has the effect of launching your training partner off the ground and back several feet. Later a more advanced version of Poon Sao includes the counter action from the training partner and this is ultimately done as a fluid drill exchanging roles back and forth.
Sifu Gary Lam refers to the Butterfly hands as a lost art, rarely trained and almost never seen in Qi Sao. He considers Po Pai training a unique and powerful ability in a self-defense situation, but it is equally important in promoting the proper structure and hand/body/leg coordination that all Wing Chun techniques are benefited by. In Sifu Lam's Wing Chun the Po Pai technique is an essential part of advanced Wing Chun training and offers an un-paralleled opportunity to up-grade the practitioner's level of expertise.
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