WCI Review - Ian Protheroe - The Wing Chun Fighting System
Presented by Sifu Ian Protheroe, a student of the well-known Sifu William Cheung, this video is about the Wing Chun fighting system and does not deal with forms. Shot in 1992, the video was re-edited and re-released in 1999.
Because of the video's age, there are a few minor issues with sound quality. Nonetheless, the instruction is clear and precise, and Sifu Protheroe does a great job explaining his fighting system. Assisted by two of his instructors, he demonstrates the techniques with speed and agility.
Sifu Protheroe explains that there are three fighting ranges (according to his own understanding). These are: kicking range, punching range and trapping range. He starts by demonstrating the signature William Cheung entry technique of raising his knee as he bridges the gap towards the opponent and protects his groin. He shows how you can use Biu Sau outside or inside your opponent's arm as a bridge when entering.
The video then moves on to the first range of fighting: kicking range. The two main kicks used are the sidekick and the straight kick. A low sidekick to the knee is often used as a stop hit. Sifu Protheroe demonstrates how to respond to a roundhouse kick and a rear straight kick. Side stepping is often used in his system both for countering kicks and punches.
After reviewing the kicking range, we move on to the boxing range. Sifu Protheroe explains the importance of Lin Sil Die Dar (simultaneous defence and attack) in the Wing Chun system. After demonstrating several techniques, he moves on to the trapping range.
More time is dedicated to the trapping range than any other fighting range, as expected, given Wing Chun specialises in trapping. Sifu Protheroe demonstrates various traps and trapping combinations. Pak Sau and Lop Sau are the two main moves shown, and various combinations of these two moves. Beyond hand strikes, knees, elbows and low kicks are used in the trapping range. He explains the importance of Chi Sau training for developing good trapping skills.
Sifu Protheroe categorises traps as "simple traps" and "complex traps". A simple trap is when you only trap one limb of your opponent, for example, when you trap one arm with a Pak Sau. If you perform a Pak Sau that is blocked and you then counter with a Lop Sau, which traps both of your opponent's arms, that would be a complex trap. Having reviewed the trapping range, Sifu Protheroe demonstrates a few takedowns for the last 10 minutes of the video.
The video was easy to watch and logically structured. Overall, it is a good video that gives a general overview of the fighting system of Sifu Protheroe.
Ian Protheroe - The Wing Chun Fighting System
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 74 min.
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