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.
The film starts with an excellent four camera edit of the Siu Nim Tao form and it is simply the best edit I have ever seen. It zooms in for correct viewing of the hand shapes and zooms out when you need to see a side or front profile making the following of the sequence very easy. My only gripe in this section is the music—it is just not needed especially when you are trying to concentrate.
A simple narrative would have served much better.
We are then taken on a detailed journey through the form with the emphasis set on correct actions as oppose to the application with Darrell using his students to demonstrate each section of the form. Each chapter is split into weekly lessons
with each week focusing on a specific drill or concept. In weeks 1 and 2, we get to learn chain punching, Paak Sao, kicking and elbow strikes. Weeks 3 and 4 cover various subjects such as Paak, Taan, knee strikes, shifting and heavy bag training. The rest of this 9 week programme covers many drills such as Laap Da, Doi Yang Jui Yang and Kwan Sao to name but a few.
The video and sound quality is spot on and Darrell Jordan’s delivery is clear and spoken with authority. His attention to detail is excellent making the learning experience a joy. This set is not designed to be watched in one sitting rather to watch each week’s lesson and go out and practise only returning to watch the next only when you understand the last.
I guess the only thing missing here is how the student will link this to applications of actual fighting skill but this is only Level 1 so maybe there is more to come.
So in conclusion, this course has quality smeared all over it and if you are unable to get to a good Wing Chun class this could be the next best thing.
Darrell Jordan’s Home Study Course: Level 1 Set
Download now from Everything Wing Chun Instant Access or buy the DVD.
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 240 min.
Format: NTSC
Region: 0
Number of Discs: 1
Availability: DVD or EWC Instant Access Download
Review by: James Woodcock
