WCI Review - Stephen Joffe - Wing Chun vs Grapplers
A popular pastime of most fighting arts enthusiasts is the pre-, during and post-training roundtable ritual of one style/system versus another. An especially present topic of conversation amongst traditional martial arts circles in addressing modern-day relevance and practicality in a world where the growth in popularity of MMA over the last two-plus decades has further heightened such passionate debates, as well as matches between the former and latter schools of practice. Sifu Stephen Joffe takes that discussion to the screen in exploration and exchange of how his Wing Chun approach engages grappling over a 51-minute, non-stop runtime.
With the introduction, personal and training history shared, we get into the first section of the video, addressing any potential fighting encounter with Initial Engagement. Sifu Joffe cuts through any prolonged explanations, and in form with one who has fighting experience, immediately introduces a series of shoot/takedown engagements launched by the demonstration partner, immediately reading, reacting and counteracting with well-played angles and strikes accompanied by simultaneous blocks to manage the opponent. "Understand range very well. So when he crosses the distance (you're) already ahead in timing." Credit is due in acknowledging that one can, and will, be subject to being compromised by a seasoned practitioner of their discipline despite one's own confidence.
Live-action and reaction demonstration is the presenter's platform in this video, with elbow and forearm strikes now taking centre stage. The assisting student shares that he has a history as a collegiate wrestler, in Jiu-Jitsu and other complementary arts, as is evident in the energy and conviction of his attacks so as not to be just another compliant demonstration partner. "We want to control the top of his spine… and shut (his brain) down", continues Sifu Joffe, addressing of keeping one's hand moving, engaging and attacking an exposed head presented by someone in a descending or crouching position.
Knees and elbows find their way into the mix, as well as several other core Wing Chun limb weapons, and the spectrum of fighting concepts such as "Closing the Gap" and "Bridging" that are learned fundamentally and expanded on dynamically. Also of note is that none of the attacks are dictated or in a predetermined flow, with feet always moving, managing and engaging the position of the attack and attacker. It's an example of the intensity of practice that virtualises the experience of the domestic situation where immediate reaction and response must have no margin of error.
The video flows fast and fiery for the duration of its run, and through the chapters, so the audience can find itself, without the detailed breakdowns or having chapters, scrolling to review and analyse repeatedly, as well as finding the intensity of Sifu Joffe infectious, inspiring you to want to get up on your feet and stay there. There may never be a definitive answer to the "versus" debate, but good training of hands and footwork will always speak volumes in getting a leg-up on your opponent.
Stephen Joffe - Wing Chun vs Grapplers
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 51 min.
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