Here you will find a variety of reviews on Wing Chun DVDs, books, and equipment. This includes a mix of customer’s in-depth reviews, professional reviews from magazines and websites, and sometimes our own reviews. Please keep in mind that the reviews are the opinions of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everything Wing Chun. We believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion and do not believe in censorship. If you write in-depth reviews and want it posted on the site, please contact us!
In some Wing Chun circles, the Biu Gee form is revered as the most advanced form in the system. Others believe it contains secret techniques, only to be taught to closed-door students. In the introduction to this DVD, Sam Chan confirms this myth telling us that Grandmaster Ip Man himself said: “Biu Gee doesn’t go out the door,” which was funny, seeing as I was watching a DVD based entirely on this form.
One thing I have learnt in my time of writing for WCI is to be open-minded. Yes, there is some very poor Wing Chun out there, but there is also some outstanding stuff too, and sometimes this instruction can come from outside of my own lineage.
Hopefully, you already know Sifu Sergio from his excellent articles in previous WCI issues and you probably realise that he is an expert on the history of Wing Chun. However, does that mean that he can make a good instructional DVD? The simple answer is: yes.
There is nothing more exciting than receiving an unexpected present through the post. But when that present is the new Gary Lam DVD, you know it is going to be a good day.
From the outset, this DVD gives an excellent introduction to the Siu Nim Tau form by Gary Lam himself, where he whets our appetite by telling us that he will be covering the form in detail and that it will not be complicated or hard to learn.
Here we have yet another DVD focusing on the infamous “Concrete Arena,” where we all know that “no rules apply.” But does this release offer any more information than has already been covered in depth on other DVDs?
Trained in medicine, with a specialty in surgery, Steve Barninger has taught clinical anatomy at two medical schools and served for five years as a county coroner, which has given him a detailed understanding of the realities of human combat.
It is hard to do justice to this excellent, nearly four-hour lecture in a 300-word review, but if you are a fan of WCI’s Dr. Matthew Mill’s column then you will love this. However, if you are the type of learner who finds it hard to concentrate in the lecture hall, then this may not be for you.
In Chuck’s own words this DVD aims to build on the Chi Sau 1: Foundations DVD and advance your training. During the DVD you will be introduced to eight traditional Chi Sau techniques. These techniques will give you options to counter various types of attack movements and help to create attacks or counter attacks.
Chuck’s style and delivery is great, he talks slowly and repeats each drill many times with focus on common errors and how to correct them. Each drill is shown from different angles and is also shown both sides—this is something other DVDs fail to do. Other instructional DVDs could learn a lot from watching this title. There is even a written notes section at the end of each drill!
This set is the first of a complete home study course. The course is designed for those who live in an area that offers noWing Chun classes and who would like to learn in the privacy of their own home. The course is delivered in the same order just like if you were being taught in a class. Now, it’s not down to me to argue whether this kind of training can be beneficial but to review the content and how it is delivered.