What It’s About:
Sifu Tony Massengill presents Wing Chun training drills to develop conditioned reflexes for combat.
Comments:
Before you can apply close range technique in a fighting situation one must drill properly in order to make it work. Sifu Massengill presents superbly, the basics in performing the drills associated with close range fighting in the Wing Chun system.
What It’s About:
Master Tony Massengill presents instruction on the two Chinese weapons which are primarily associated with the Wing Chun system; these weapons are known as the Butterfly Knives and the Long Pole.
Comments:
The principle weapons associated with Wing Chun were not only a means for defense in ancient China used by the Shaolin monks, but are utilized today to provide further development in one’s skill in the techniques of the Wing Chun Kung fu system. Instruction in this DVD begins with the Long Pole or what is known as the 6.5 point pole or staff, which refers to seven movements in the application of the pole. The seven movements are linked with six attack and defense techniques and one movement associated with attack only. Master Massengill provides the learner with the reasoning behind the correct position of the hands in holding the pole and the basic sequence used for development, but also warns the practitioner in its improper use or training which could lead to severe injury of the joints.
What It’s About:
Master Tony Massengill, presents the mechanics of Chin Na, or the art of seizing, locking and breaking of the joints for control of an adversary at the point of contact or bridge.
Comments:
Normally the art of Chin Na, is not associated with Wing Chun or for that matter it’s not considered to have any relationship with Tai Chi Chuan either, particularly with the Chen system. Some may even think that Chi Sao cannot be used in push hands or Tau Sao, because it’s not Tai Chi! That is false! Although, its energy is somewhat different, that doesn’t mean it can’t be adapted. Martial art systems can be blended or changed, according to need or just through pure innovation, but I’m sure some may think this idea is close to heresy. However, what is important is to learn how to employ the method according to the principles that make them work. Its application includes three basic elements, Chi, the angle of force and movement.
Biu Jee is Sifu Gary Lam’s entry for the third and final open-hand form of Wing Chun. This form is also known as the “Emergency Form.” Once again the late Wong Shun Leung’s experience with challenge fights (Beimo) can be seen within the form. As an example Sifu Lam explains that Biu Sau within “Biu Jee” is underhand, but it is not used with a shift of the body, which is misunderstood by some. Biu Sau in Biu jee is a breaking action, NOT an attack. The form itself is demonstrated multiple times and from various angles. Not only does Sifu Lam demonstrate the form, but he also has adds Fung Hao and closing, which can include take downs, the 12 hands of Pak Sau, and covers the Cantonese names with subtitle of the techniques, something not done in the previous DVDs. As to the presentation of the DVD Sifu Lam seems more at ease, the camera angles wider to encompass the techniques, and the sound is crisp. It should be mention that the camera moves around quite a bit in the DVD.
Of all of Sifu Lam’s Wing Chun DVDs this DVD “Seminar: Fighting Strategy” is arguably Sifu Lam’s most advanced DVD to date. The DVD is not one that focuses on the actual techniques of Wing Chun, although many ideas do just that, but rather the ideas behind the late Wong Shun Leung’s Wing Chun and fighting. Sifu Wong believes that Wing Chun was concept based rather than technique based. Wong also believed that the better Wing Chun martial artist uses Wing Chun without letting Wing Chun control him/her. To gain the most from the DVD a student should have a solid background in Wing Chun, but some of the concepts presented on the DVD could be used by any martial artist. Sifu Lam covers many concepts and ideas behind fighting and some of those do not necessarily originate with Wing Chun, but most of the ideas presented do. Due to the coverage of a extensive set of ideals, the DVD is lengthy at 1:49:15. Additionally, Sifu Lam himself was both a fighter and trainer and ideas from his experience are also covered. This DVD is recommended for the advanced student, but could also be seen as an investment for the beginning student or fighter.
It is a sad fact that as a fighting art is passed from teacher to student there is always a bit that is lost in the process; the result of this is a distorted representation of the original art. Sifu Sam Chan has seen this happen and he has taken great steps to preserve the traditional teachings of Wing Chun as he was taught them by Grandmasters Ip Chun and Ip Ching, the sons of the late Great Grandmaster Ip Man. In this video Sifu Chan has done an exceptional job in presenting the traditional teaching methods of Wing Chun in a plain and simple format.
Sifu Chan’s IWCMAA Chum Kiu Level Instructors Course focuses primarily on kicking drills and two handed Chi Sau techniques, although there are plenty of drills for improving your Wing Chun hands techniques as well. Like the Sil Lim Tao Level Instructor Series DVD, the Chum Kiu DVD is filmed on location at Sifu Chan’s Kung Fu School. Geared towards the aspiring instructor, this DVD is packed with drills that can be followed in sequence or mixed together to provide a variety of classroom instruction platforms. Like any other aspect of physical training, having an experienced coach to push you is an important prerequisite to achieving your personal best. Although nothing can replace in-person training, this DVD is a great opportunity for those students training in the distance learning course to see what training is like at Chan’s Kung Fu.