WCI Review - Sifu Sergio - The Secret of Chinese Chain Punching

Presented by the well-known Sifu Sergio, this video is about Chain Punching, an essential element of the Wing Chun system and unique to our martial art.

The video, which lasts for about 53 minutes, begins with Sifu Sergio demonstrating Yin and Yang strikes. Yin strikes are delivered with a vertical fist, while Yang strikes use a horizontal fist. Sifu Sergio shows how Chain Punches are performed, and I was surprised to see an execution that differs from many lineages. At a later part of the video, Sifu Sergio explains that his Chain Punching avoids a straight line that might look good but leaves you exposed, according to his theory.

After the initial demonstration of Chain Punches and Yin and Yang strikes, Sifu Sergio and his partner move on to the chapter, "The Three Secrets of Punching". The three secrets appear to be just one, and that is to punch before you step. According to Sifu Sergio, punching before stepping has three advantages. The first advantage is safety. The second advantage is that you put your whole body behind your punch, and the third advantage is speed.

The next chapter is called "The Bridge". According to Sifu Sergio, there are 18 bridging concepts that are secret ones originating from the Shaolin Temple. Some terms used in this and other chapters are not commonly used Wing Chun terms. Sifu Sergio explains how he uses bridging, and he seems to frown upon the classical Pak Sau/Punch response to an attack. Many of his counterattacks come from an angle.

The following chapter is somewhat brief and deals with "The Three Gates", followed by "The Centreline Theory". Sifu Sergio disagrees with the common understanding of what a centreline is. According to him, there is a vertical midline where all the vital points are (nose, chin, throat, solar plexus, etc.), and the centreline is simply the bridge to attack the vertical midline.

Towards the end of the video, Sifu Sergio explains the importance of avoiding performing Chain Punches on a straight line, and explains how vertical and horizontal fists are used for Chain Punches. Both vertical and horizontal fists are used in his system, each with distinct advantages.

In the final part of the video, Sifu Sergio briefly discusses the use of the wall bag in Wing Chun and shows how he performs push-ups using vertical fists.

Sifu Sergio - The Secret of Chinese Chain Punching
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 53 min.
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