WCI Review - Stephen Joffe - Wing Chun vs Knife Attack

Wing Chun often shines in the urban and suburban combat arenas known as the streets, where many unforeseen perils that have not only been consistent but also evolving, with greater dangers involving multiple attackers as well as the easily accessible and concealable weapons—knives. In this segmented but non-stop runtime video, Sifu Stephen Joffe addresses what would be a contentious conversation in some circles of practice, defending oneself against a blade and the ever-present threat of being swarmed by a group. The audio is inconsistent, which may leave the viewer playing with the volume settings if not using headphones.

"We're going to be having a look at… a critical situation," opens Sifu Joffe in addressing the volatility of the situation—the would-be assailant's state of mind and unpredictability. The first demonstration starts with a standard single thrust attack, for which Sifu Joffe has adopted and incorporated some Chin Na ("Joint Locking"), and alternative martial arts knife-fighting techniques to expand his capacity in managing the attacks.

"When we train to fight against a knife fighter, we train to fight against someone who has skill," he adds as a preface to the variety of chapters dealing with High Line, Reverse Grip, Thrusting and Free Flow knife attack/defence segments with a controlled series of engagements. He cites concepts and applications from empty hand to kicking, to the Baat Jaam Do of the Wing Chun system, with consistent results.

Moving on to multiple attackers. "The priority is to destroy the (closest) opponents," advocating setting the tone and taking control of the situation before being overwhelmed and/or pressured into a corner without the opportunity of escape. From the outset, and throughout the subsequent demos with the participating students, it is quite clear that Sifu Joffe intends to remove himself from the position of having his attention spread, by streamlining the attackers' positions, adhering to the fundamental Wing Chun concept of "Facing", not just squarely for application and within his line of sight to facilitate engagement, but also from positions where the attack has come quickly and suddenly, compromising his ability to achieve that primary goal.

Chi Sau is introduced in the last segment, to draw parallel lines of concept, technique and applications used throughout the volume's run, with the flow to support function. However, the standard demo and breakdown explanation found in most martial arts videos is absent. This is a clear sign that the subject is for more advanced and seasoned practitioners who understand both the system and the risks involved in the pursuit and application of such training methods.

It's important to note, which is addressed throughout the presentation, the situations of encountering and choosing to engage with an attacker wielding a knife, multiple attackers, a swarming mob, or a combination of both, is fraught with "high unpredictability", danger and irregularity of attack, as demonstrated throughout, peaks with a live series of non-choreographed sequences handling the room with striking points.

Stephen Joffe - Wing Chun vs Knife Attack
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 47 min.
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