Natural Wing Chun

https://youtu.be/XxiSbYj4lLk

5 Essential Physical Principles of Wing Chun at Natural Wing Chun There are 13 total core principles of Wing Chun. In this video the 5 Physical Principles are revealed. www.naturalwingchun.com

Wise words from a very highly skilled practitioner and instructor

In recent years it has become common to see WC practitioners practicing forms, punches, and chi sau drills with overly relaxed floppy wrists. I'm not sure where the overly loose hand phenomenon in WC came from. I don't remember seeing it 20+ years ago, but we didn't have YouTube back then (and sometimes that is a good thing ;) ) Seems to me it's more of a recent occurrence. I can only hypothesize that a teacher or teachers had students who were overly tight and/or ridged in their movements, so they told the students to relax, hopefully with the intent of creating the correct amount of tension/firmness over time, rather than remaining too relaxed or too stiff. The result though seems to be an over-exaggeration of relaxation in the wrists and hands that has stuck and been passed on.

It's human nature to take things to extremes instead of searching for yinyang balance. Too tight is too extreme and too relaxed is also too extreme. Balance is the key. It is important to be relaxed, but somewhere along the line the words “totally” and “completely” were added as a prefix. We like to use the term “alert energy” as an idea of how the entire body should feel (including the wrists and hands). It is an abstract term, but when you are alert, you are ready for something... to move, to react, to listen, etc. and you need a certain amount of tension/firmness to be alert, but not too much... and not too little.

If you are totally or completely relaxed you are not in a “ready” state. A coiled rattlesnake that is ready to strike is an example of efficient alert energy and correct tension. A snake that is prepared to strike is not totally relaxed nor is it tight and ridged (By the way, Sifu Jim took the cool foto above). Sifu Fong uses the term “balloon function” which simply means if the tension/firmness in your body structures is correct, the structures of your body function like a properly inflated balloon (or car tire is another good example). Not to loose (too relaxed) which would be under-inflated, and not too tight, which would be over-inflated. Both extremes are inefficient and cause incorrect body mechanics.

When practicing the WC punch in the air there will be some natural vibration when stopping suddenly when you express power but the fist and wrist should be firm... Not too tight and not too loose. Balance is the key. Think of your fist like an arrowhead connected to the shaft of an arrow. When an arrow strikes a target, if the arrowhead is loosely connected to the shaft of the arrow it will break on impact. The same goes for your wrist if it is too loose and not firmly connecting the fist to the forearm. Too tight is no good but too loose is no good either.
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This alert and ready state is not static. It is the “energy” or tension you have in your body at all times during training that is created by correct positioning, proper alignment of the bones and joints, elasticity of the tendons and ligaments, stretching and rotation of your body structures, and mental intent. As they say, the devil is in the details. All of these important details in body control develop the ability for your muscles to remain relaxed, flexible, and ready, but not limp.

“Alert energy” should never come and go, it should be developed to be consistent and adjustable... during forms, solo drills, and all partner drills. This is precisely what the WC forms and all other drills and exercises teach you how to do. Development of the perfect balance between too tight and too relaxed is just one of the many goals of WC training.

~ Carina Cirrincione - Southern Arizona Wing Chun Gung Fu © 11-24-17

Free trial class tomorrow in Ockbrook, Derby.
Last few places available.
Contact for details.

New Foundation Classes Starting Soon...

5 Essential Physical Principles of Wing Chun at Natural Wing Chun There are 13 total core principles of Wing Chun. In this video the 5 Physical Principles are revealed. www.naturalwingchun.com

New foundation level class starting soon on Tuesday evenings in Ockbrook, Derby
Book your free trial class by contacting SiFu Bennett via Facebook or at [email protected]

The first Saturday class to go online went well. A few technical issues at the beginning and a few that couldn't make the first session, but overall a great success.

To enable people to continue their training or even learn Wing Chun for the first time, I shall be offering regular live online classes.

Plans are still fairly fluid, but the proposed days and times are:

Weekday Evenings - Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.10pm

Weekends - Saturdays 10.30am to 11.10am

For an initial trial period the fee shall be just £10 per month.

Additionally, for those students who have been training for some time there shall be Chum Kiu Level classes at no extra cost. These are invitation only and shall be at the below times.

Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.15pm to 7.45pm
Saturday: 11.10am to 11.50am

Private instruction is also still available.

Those of you that have existing class credits, please hold on to these and they shall be extended for the period from now until we resume normal practice.

Register your interest by emailing me at [email protected] or messaging me on here and I shall provide the joining instructions.

Further information can be found below but please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

Kind regards,

David Bennett

natural wing chun
07958 125 101
www.naturalwingchun.com

What is to be covered? As these sessions are held remotely, the focus is to be entirely solo practice. While partner work is an essential component of Wing Chun development, it is solo development which underpins your abilities to reach higher levels of skill and ultimately to defend yourself.

Are all classes suitable for all abilities? The classes are initially to be split into two levels; Siu Lim Tau and Chum Kiu. These levels are based on the progression of the first two hand forms of the system, with all students invited to the Siu Lim Tau level sessions and Chum Kiu level sessions by invitation only.

What will be involved in an average class? Each class shall start with form practice and then progress onto areas including striking techniques (8 punches, 8 elbows, 8 palms etc), development of blocking motions (20 blocking motions, 8 double hand techniques etc), footwork (basic stances, combination stances), balance development and kicking techniques plus more advanced hand and leg coordination exercises.

Wing Chun Nottingham and Derby - natural wing chun Wing Chun Nottingham. Wing Chun Derby. Regular group classes, courses & private instruction. All levels welcome throughout the year. 07958 125101