WCI Review - Todd Taganashi - Wing Chun Ring Training Techniques and Strategies

Sifu Todd Taganashi presents the video and, as the name suggests, it deals with ring training. Ring training is a more recent addition to the Wing Chun system and is only practised by a few branches of Wing Chun.

At roughly one hour long, Sifu Taganashi demonstrates the five key moves practised with the ring. He starts with a brief introduction to himself and his background in martial arts. He trained in several different arts before training in Wing Chun, coming from an Ip Ching lineage. Sadly, no explanations are given during this introduction about the purpose of ring training, although there are brief explanations at a later stage.

The first movement to be demonstrated is what Sifu Taganashi calls Jum/Gaun Sao, otherwise known as high and low Gaun Sao—the well-known movement that appears in the Bil Jee form.

Sifu Taganashi demonstrates the movement while using the ring at normal speed, and then repeated it in slow motion. This is followed by an empty-hand demo where he shows the movement, but this time without using the ring. Recommended reps are then given to practitioners of different levels, followed by the chapter "Further Details"—essentially applications of the high and low Gaun Sao.

The same format, or roughly the same format, is followed throughout the video. This means that each move is demonstrated at full speed, then slow motion, advice on recommended reps are given, and a brief demo of applications of the moves.

The second movement to be demonstrated is Kwan Sao. The usual format is followed, but this time there is an additional chapter called "Simultaneous Defence and Attack". After that, he moves on to Gaun Da, followed by Tan Da. The fifth and final move is Tan Sao and low palm strike.

After demonstrating all the moves, Sifu Taganashi describes his training routine in Wing Chun and the number of times he practises each form, etc. The video finishes with the chapter titled "Conclusion", where Sifu Taganashi briefly talks about the importance of the basics.

The video is well-presented and follows a logical structure. If you're interested in ring training, this is a good watch. I would have liked to see more explanation of the usefulness and role of ring training, as well as some historical context.

Todd Taganashi - Wing Chun Ring Training Techniques and Strategies
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 66 min.
Availability: This title is no longer available for sale