tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86319475559156887142024-03-19T01:03:16.153-07:00kyklosphaira wing tsun kung fu blog<center><b>κύκλοςσφαῖρα</b><br>
circles, cycles, and spheres<br>
<p>A blog devoted to my journey and thoughts in Wing Tsun Kung Fu</p>
(Wing Chun, Ving Tsun, etc.)
</center>kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-25928877687587218322020-03-09T00:35:00.004-07:002020-03-09T00:45:53.047-07:00Barbell Training and Wing Tsun Kung Fu<br />
If you recall back in 2014, I had a blog post about the journey to <a href="https://kyklosphaira.blogspot.com/2014/08/soft-pliable-effective-power-4-years.html" target="_blank">soft, pliable, effective power - Part 2.</a><br />
<br />
My strength, fitness, and conditioning exercises outside of Wing Tsun Kung Fu have always been centered around cycling, kettlebells, body-weight exercises and parallette bar training like <a href="https://gmb.io/" target="_blank">GMB</a>. At the end of 2019, I became interested about the barbell and started training in the condo gym. In 2020, I had the opportunity to build a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9V-aj6pnf8/?igshid=1mqmkkv5gfr96" target="_blank">Garage Gym</a>. I bought the Kindle edition of Mark Rippetoe's book Starting Strength, and was intrigued by the discussion about biomechanics and balance.<br />
<br />
The discussion about balancing the barbell on the midfoot, essentially using the body as a set of levers, reminded me of the training in <a href="https://iliqchuan.com/" target="_blank">Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan</a> and instructions by <a href="https://internal-arts-training.com/workshops/" target="_blank">Sifu Joshua Craig</a>. If you recall, Wing Tsun Kung Fu training via <a href="https://sifuralphhaenel.wixsite.com/wingtsuncoreconcepts" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel's Core Concepts</a> include: Distance, Timing, Coordination, Mobility, Positioning, Power, Fluidity, Centreline, Release Power, and Balance.<br />
<br />
All of these thoughts started percolating in my head, including the previous blog post, the initial one back in 2010 about the <a href="https://kyklosphaira.blogspot.com/2010/12/journey-to-soft-pliable-effective-power.html" target="_blank">Journey to Soft, Pliable, Effective Power</a>.<br />
<br />
Even though at 5'6" and 142lbs (probably lighter back in 2010), I was able to do this with a <u>cooperative</u> partner:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9DfM3AhZYUw" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Or affect another person's structure during a teaching demo, again with an essentially <u>cooperative</u> partner:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lc_vNzmbdyo" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
Here is a question. <b>What does functional strength in Wing Tsun Kung Fu have to do with strength in general? </b>This question actually reminds me of <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/ralph-haenel/practical-strength-training-guide-for-self-defense-martial-arts/paperback/product-22839970.html" target="_blank">a book by Si-Hing Brian Yam</a>, or a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTsqszpxChg" target="_blank">video of kettlebell training by Si-Hing Steve McMinn</a> of <a href="https://stevemcminn.com/" target="_blank">DoStrength</a>.<br />
<br />
My Si-Fu Ralph Haenel has told us previously about his encounters with other students or practitioners who could bench press a LOT, but the functional strength from their punches were a completely different story i.e. not as strong, or perhaps the correct terminology would be powerful. There are likely a lot of factors, including even a select number of core concepts above such as coordination, timing, release power, balance...<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, after reading Mark Rippetoe's words in the first few chapters of Starting Strength, that I interpret as essentially alignment and balance, I have decided that for the rest of 2020 (besides work and the other wonders of life), I will study the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e2vX3pUr3/?igshid=1w7u5422dxjfk" target="_blank">role of barbell strengthening</a> in improving my own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpMU7cn6lAQQfSWztXNANbw" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu</a>, and perhaps even Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan. I will seek out reading, videos, and coaching in order to improve the form. I am particularly curious about the compound exercises required, as the functional part of Wing Tsun necessitates <a href="https://kyklosphaira.blogspot.com/2012/04/wing-tsun-2012-review-seminar-part-1.html" target="_blank">whole body movement</a>. One premise is that general strength and fitness training should improve any sport or martial art. I will attempt to focus on barbell training, and forgo kettlebell training. It is difficult to stop any body-weight training entirely, as I have recently also gotten into olympic ring training. Disclaimer: this is not a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.<br />
<br />
The other challenge is to determine what the actual outcome measure is, to say that barbell training has improved my Wing Tsun Kung Fu. Because, I am not going to stop Wing Tsun either. Perhaps I can stop some of the weapons training, and see how barbell training may improve my long pole or butterfly knife workouts. I have not decided yet.<br />
<br />
More importantly, I hope to draw some thoughts and correlations between barbell training methodology, and some of the concepts from Wing Tsun Kung Fu and Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan.<br />
<br />
So, stay tuned!<br />
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<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-87736422868792085722020-02-12T18:30:00.004-08:002020-02-14T10:49:35.963-08:00Journey in Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan After another insightful <a href="https://iliqchuan.com/" target="_blank">Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan</a> seminar in Vancouver, BC by Sifu Joshua Craig this past weekend, it led to my thoughts about the journey thus far.<br />
<br />
The last blog post about a ZXD seminar was the October 2018 by <a href="https://iliqchuan.com/grand-master-sam-fs-chin/" target="_blank">GM Sam Chin</a>, my introduction to this art. Since then I have participated in various seminars to get a better overview of the system and philosophy, as well as have an opportunity to train with and learn from different ZXD students. It seems excessive after typing this all out, but some of them happened to be tied into trips around the area already. They have all helped with the journey in Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan thus far, in different ways.<br />
<br />
<b>- GM Sam Chin seminar in Oakland, California - December 2018: </b>convinced about the consistency of results from ZXD students<br />
<br />
<b>- <a href="https://www.fallingleaveskungfu.com/" target="_blank">Sifu Ashe Higgs</a> seminar in Vancouver, BC - March 2019: </b> further introduction to basic exercises and partner drills<br />
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<b>- GM Sam Chin seminar in Phoenix, Arizona - May 2019: </b> immersive environment with many senior students; tested and passed ZXD ILC Student Level 1<br />
<br />
<b>- Group class with Lipyeow Lim in Honolulu, Hawaii - May 2019: </b> side trip to group class while on vacation; detailed training about looking for the bone<br />
<br />
<b>- <a href="https://internal-arts-training.com/" target="_blank">Sifu Joshua Craig</a> seminar in Barrie, Ontario - June 2019: </b> amazed about the details in basic exercises; realized that there is much more to look for in Student Level 1 basic exercises 1-10; surprised I passed one month ago and realized my condense/expand was just choreography and not internal<br />
<br />
<b>- Sifu Joshua Craig seminar in Vancouver, BC - August 2019: </b> After Chris Chinfen (Vancouver group leader) also gained exposure to Joshua Craig's teaching, Joshua was invited to come to Vancouver; again I was floored by his teaching abilities<br />
<br />
<b>- GM Sam Chin seminar in Paris, France - September 2019: </b> side trip while in Europe; excellent training tips from various European students<br />
<br />
<b>- GM Sam Chin seminar in Vancouver, BC - October 2019: </b>1 year since my first exposure to ZXD; easier to recognize and realize what we should be looking for during training<br />
<br />
<b>- Sifu Joshua Craig seminar in Vancouver, BC - February 2020: </b>More details about level 1 basics; also had an excellent 2-hour private lesson on Basic Exercise 11 - concave/convex<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
In today's blog post though, I will take you through my experiences from the seminar in Oakland, California.<br />
<br />
<b>Oakland, California - December 2018</b><br />
After the introduction to Zhong Xin Dao in Vancouver, BC I wanted to find out more. As mentioned in the <a href="https://kyklosphaira.blogspot.com/2018/12/gm-sam-chin-zhong-xin-dao-i-liq-chuan.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a>, I was immediately intrigued by the philosophy. The feeling of the art felt similar to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhaLYiNzFU" target="_blank">Hänel-WT</a> in effect, but perhaps different in cause.<br />
<br />
Thus, in December 2018, I went to the seminar in Oakland, California organized by <a href="http://www.stillnessinmotion.com/" target="_blank">Guru Bernard Langan</a>. My goal was to have another exposure, and also to see what the longer-term students were like i.e. were they able to manifest similar abilities to GM Sam Chin. Deeper down the question was if this was a path I could see myself train in.<br />
<br />
I was not disappointed. I met many other students from the west coast, from Oregon to California. One of them, Mike, reminded me of a Wing Tsun Si-Hing Armando, as he was "light" yet responsive and structured. There were others like Sonjue, Artem, and <a href="http://www.iliqchuanberkeley.com/bio.html" target="_blank">Kaiwe</a> and who gave excellent tips from their backgrounds in anatomy.<br />
<br />
It was also here that I learned even though one can be "successful" in a push-hands type drill/exercise, I may have still relied on past experience. Although, I still believe that the <a href="https://sifuralphhaenel.wixsite.com/wingtsuncoreconcepts" target="_blank">Hänel-WingTsun Core Concepts</a> training approach, especially in the last 3-4 years, helped get my body structure and function to its current state. I could see a deeper level of refinement via Zhong Xin Dao.<br />
<br />
I also learned from GM Sam Chin that I was preferentially moving in a sagittal plane. That actually makes sense to me, especially as a result of more <a href="https://kyklosphaira.blogspot.com/2016/10/what-is-biu-tze-and-how-do-we-train-it.html" target="_blank">Biu-Tze</a> training.<br />
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After this Oakland seminar, I was even more convinced about not only I Liq Chuan, but the Zhong Xin Dao philosophy to its training.<br />
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This photo below is not a demonstration of the frontal* plane, basic exercise 10, or otherwise. It is a still from a Happy Holidays greeting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHMFuzVUu8DiiXl0aL1cROcaxJ5PF3gayjCtLzFU7Q3hEawmfO0d_qgV14HKzgvfimbny6WWb5MzVu0D2Qq1xKNMJnrNUJuplU6YJXnepS-98G4aELluRX8DSymI67MXOIxpMkvrQ6wA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-02-12+at+6.20.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHMFuzVUu8DiiXl0aL1cROcaxJ5PF3gayjCtLzFU7Q3hEawmfO0d_qgV14HKzgvfimbny6WWb5MzVu0D2Qq1xKNMJnrNUJuplU6YJXnepS-98G4aELluRX8DSymI67MXOIxpMkvrQ6wA/s400/Screen+Shot+2020-02-12+at+6.20.43+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Until the next post... happy training!<br />
<br />
*a former version of this article incorrectly stated "horizontal plane"; thanks Sifu Joshua Craig<br />
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<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-51107830927970981282019-10-23T21:28:00.001-07:002019-10-23T21:30:59.037-07:00January 2015 WingTsun notes - From blank to a dotI happen to be cleaning up my OneNote notebooks, having not used them in 3 years.<br />
<br />
I found this entry from January 11, 2015 at 11:54PM.<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div style="border-width: 100%; direction: ltr;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 5.209in;">
<div style="direction: ltr; margin-left: 0in; margin-top: 0in; width: 5.209in;">
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Idea
about video</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Graphic
artist needed</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Journey
in Wing Tsun</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Imagine a
WT student, learning SNT for the first time.</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Mechanics
in the head, blank essentially.</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
As one
learns more and more, schematics come out, different option.</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
More
experience, multitude of options and ideas in stick figures, come out.</div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div lang="en-CA" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; margin: 0in;">
Mastery,
involves simplicity again, and unified answer.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!--EndFragment-->-----<br />
<br />
It looks as though in 2015, I was writing about an idea representing the journey in Wing Tsun that could be displayed as a video.<br />
<br />
Question: What would I change about this note now?<br />
<br />
In the second stage, as one learns more and more, schematics do come out of the head, but the student is more so in the "collecting" phase. There are still issues with collecting techniques, but this may still be needed without a full understanding and appreciation.<br />
<br />
In the next stage with more experience, although there are multitude of options, they aren't due to collecting more techniques, but rather more so in the "amalgamation" and "synchronization" phase.<br />
<br />
In terms of the last stage, I still believe that Mastery = Simplicity = Unified. And in the video, the WT student's head is no longer completely blank, but imagine a white background with a dot, right in the centre.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Popular Middle of the Circle Optical Illusion | Genius Puzzles" height="161" src="https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-DEJ8K0h48Ms%2FU6Wd47H8sMI%2FAAAAAAAADYk%2Fvw_3_a05UcM%2Fs1600%2Fcenter-of-the-circle-shape-distortion-illusion-explanation.png&f=1&nofb=1" width="200" /><br />
<br />
<br />
But what is that dot, and where is the centre?<br />
<br />
Until next time...<br />
<br />
Happy Training!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-91688822488776514612018-12-05T08:08:00.001-08:002018-12-05T08:22:45.474-08:00GM Sam Chin Zhong Xin Dao I Liq Chuan Seminar in Vancouver<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On the weekend of October 6-7, 2018, I had an opportunity to
participate in a <a href="https://iliqchuan.com/" target="_blank">Zhong Xin Dao (</a></span><a href="https://iliqchuan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "noto sans" , "arial" , sans-serif;">中心道</span><span style="background-color: #f0f0f0; font-family: "noto sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> / </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I Liq Chu</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">an (</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">意力拳</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://iliqchuan.com/" target="_blank">)</a> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">seminar by GM Sam Chin </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Vancouver, BC. Thank you </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">to Sifu Chris Chinfen for
organizing this event, and for Sifu Steve McMinn for hosting it at <a href="https://stevemcminn.com/" target="_blank">DoStrength</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Martial Art of Awareness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi538PS-piE7kpG_c28OZix8Fk4vBoviUikoM1P4TMoag_upjC_xN07BkmDFFGtFg05pRdajFbYp0PloJPZmXYoaG4oIZ4QbQTHQNJFXbtqfgIGWodh708-yCTx5G66KCpg8aapbUUVM00/s1600/IMG_0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi538PS-piE7kpG_c28OZix8Fk4vBoviUikoM1P4TMoag_upjC_xN07BkmDFFGtFg05pRdajFbYp0PloJPZmXYoaG4oIZ4QbQTHQNJFXbtqfgIGWodh708-yCTx5G66KCpg8aapbUUVM00/s320/IMG_0453.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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I thought this would be a unique chance to learn about the Zhong Xin Dao philosophy behind the training of movement and awareness, to complement Wing Tsun training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, Zhong Xin Dao has been formally declared as another discipline through the <a href="https://wingtsunwelt.com/content/Zhong-Xin-Dao-3rd-discipline-EWTO-%E2%80%93-WingTsun-people-students-and-honorary-professor?language=en" target="_blank">EWTO organization</a>, by Si-Gung Keith Kernspecht.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the last several years, in <a href="https://about.me/ralph_haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel's</a> <a href="http://wingtsuncoreconcepts.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu</a>, we have
been working on uniting the body and movement with training exercises:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Folding, sliding<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Opening, closing<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Compressing, expanding<o:p></o:p></div>
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For my own training and awareness, I have been trying to
expand upon:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Connections and ability to generate pushing
and pulling forces simultaneously<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spheres and circles (hence the original name of this blog Kyklosphaira)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Power from the ground, and absorption into the ground<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Affecting the opponent’s structure on first contact<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first 10 minutes of GM Sam Chin's seminar caught my
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We did not do any physical
training at first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was strictly a verbal
introduction by GM Sam Chin, yet it captured my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Especially in regards to such things as having a reference point, the journey of the neutral path, realizing and recognizing, etc. </span>This was also helpful due to the concurrent timing of another
journey of mine in trying to understand world views and philosophy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When GM Sam Chin talked about the Zen and Tao philosophies behind the training methods of I Liq Chuan, numerous mind-body connections came through to me.</div>
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The ability to put a conceptual philosophical framework as a basis for the training of movement and awareness was very helpful to orient some of the movement
in Wing Tsun training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It does not replace my Wing Tsun training, but rather complements it and enhances it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time to bring out Si-Gung Keith Kernspecht's book, Inner WingTsun again.<br />
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Many thanks to GM Sam Chin, his wife, and son Hsin Chin for making the trip to Vancouver.</div>
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I will continue with Haenel-WingTsun, but will also seek out I Liq Chuan training as well. Next stop, Oakland, California...</div>
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Happy Training!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-81827091794948698932018-09-11T22:40:00.002-07:002018-09-11T22:40:39.960-07:00Compress and Expand<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following video clip was made from <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sifu Ralph Haenel's MovementKeys seminar held on December 9th, 2017. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zyk_gfdWvKI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zyk_gfdWvKI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); white-space: pre-wrap;">This exercise allows you to train the awareness of your movements in Wing Tsun Kung Fu.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(17, 17, 17); white-space: pre-wrap;">The tips summarized below:</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Train slow and listen</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find your spinal movements</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Play with gravity</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slide and ride the wave</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compress and expand</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiggle and find the point</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be present</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Experiment</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be the wave</span></li>
<li style="color: #454545; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Flow from under or over</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69);">Happy Training!</span></span></div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-55795973948182979572017-10-13T00:21:00.001-07:002017-10-13T21:28:28.250-07:00Wing Chun Illustrated<a href="https://www.wingchunillustrated.com/" target="_blank">Wing Chun Illustrated</a> "gives a voice to all lineages."<br />
<br />
I was fortunate to be able to interview my Si-Fu, Ralph Hänel, for the 38th issue of this magazine. Check out my Si-Fu's website <a href="http://www.wingtsuncoreconcepts.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Thanks to Sifu Eric Lilleør for the opportunity!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="724" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05YvuDkS0WiBbBqMyy_4joJQa0K6rHAj61ntkCBpLdNlbG-oBwtaCI53fGOEQKF-FOwVDJHlbCjFXdnO8f2GeO8f74wbUdU89g86VGe8udFniuby_viUk9fCesQJax7j2v0I3KLsMb6M/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-10-12+at+11.35.35+PM.png" width="246" /></div>
<br />
Read it <a href="https://www.magzter.com/DK/Mui_Fa_Publishing_Ltd/Wing_Chun_Illustrated/Health/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Order your print-on-demand copy of Issue #38 <a href="http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/1359113" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Happy training!<br />
<br />
<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-87836903584080900752017-08-20T12:41:00.000-07:002017-08-20T12:42:07.669-07:00Awareness of balance in Wing Tsun<br />
If you study and train Wing Tsun Kung Fu, you may have been told about the Centerline theory (centREline for us Canadians). Or, you may have heard about following the opponent's center. Alternatively, you may have had experience with an opponent's elusive center, yet yours is quite apparent to them.<br />
<br />
This video is based upon the seminar held on August 19th, 2017 in Vancouver, BC, Canada, by <a href="http://www.wingtsuncoreconcepts.com/" target="_blank">Master Ralph Hänel</a>, of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgIFmRIOEssTEgV0Z3E_myaAkEnQdugT_RObF3SpnJHM2PBiJnt45lwaOx6zHL_S0MjZO5Co5kiRqf2lZyUrnvBSdpDQj92ZgAChExgMcQlM3QkePHn2v6_aeeB9oCtYKOeRQ49K9UfM/s1600/fullsizeoutput_3050.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver" border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgIFmRIOEssTEgV0Z3E_myaAkEnQdugT_RObF3SpnJHM2PBiJnt45lwaOx6zHL_S0MjZO5Co5kiRqf2lZyUrnvBSdpDQj92ZgAChExgMcQlM3QkePHn2v6_aeeB9oCtYKOeRQ49K9UfM/s400/fullsizeoutput_3050.jpeg" title="Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
During this seminar, through all of the exercises (be it opening, hollowing, pushing, etc.), we trained our spherical shield or ballistic armour. <br />
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My own personal training points were:<br />
<br />
1. Feeling the partner's center<br />
2. Affecting the partner on first contact, at any contact point<br />
3. Constant awareness of maintaining one's own balance and affecting the partner's balance<br />
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Happy Training!<br />
<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-53532977800339303452017-07-24T23:26:00.000-07:002017-07-24T23:30:41.300-07:00Rene Latosa Escrima Seminar<div style="color: #454545; font-family: HelveticaNeue; font-size: 12px;">
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On June 16th, 2017, I had the opportunity to attend a <a href="http://escrima-concepts.com/" target="_blank">Latosa Escrima</a> seminar by none other than the master himself, <a href="http://escrima-concepts.com/" target="_blank">GM Rene Latosa</a>! This was organized by Behzad Karim of <a href="http://backtobasicsselfdefense.com/index.html" target="_blank">Back to Basics Self Defense</a>, and held at the <a href="https://www.academieduello.com/" target="_blank">Academie Duello</a> (this was a great environment with medieval sparring occuring in the background). Apparently, as per Sebastian Molnar of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/salsakapowclass/" target="_blank">Salsa Kapow</a>, they also hold salsa classes at this venue.</div>
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Several others from the <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> class also came. <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> told us that Rene Latosa is very friendly. He was absolutely correct! </div>
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<b>Introduction</b></div>
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Prior to this seminar, my first and only exposure to Latosa Escrima was in Toronto, while I was also learning Wing Tsun from <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.com/" target="_blank">Si-Hing Asad Mir</a>. He had held some Latosa-Escrima classes at one point. I recently found my content sheet with the Level 1 program. I had not even finished level 1 yet. This was 12 years ago! I hardly remembered the form.</div>
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The one thing that impressed me about the seminar was that GM Rene Latosa initially asked us to just move as we would naturally during a strike, while he observed our motions. I was very glad that he did not teach any specific techniques. Had he done so, I am confident that my body would have been restricted, and I would not have learned as much as I did.</div>
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I also liked the learning point that in a self-defence situation, we were not expected to be accurate with our first strike. In fact, we should almost be expected to miss, and be ready for more strikes. In the heat of the moment, when trying to defend oneself or others from harm, there will be increased stress and limited time to react, so I can certainly see this occurring.</div>
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I’m not going to go through all the drills that we did. Rather, like most of my previous Wing Tsun seminar reviews, I will outline 3 main ideas that I gained from the seminar.</div>
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<b>Whole-body movements</b></div>
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The practice of <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2012/04/wing-tsun-2012-review-seminar-part-1.html" target="_blank">whole-body movements</a> in Wing Tsun have already activated many connections in my body. The drills that we were shown did not feel foreign to me. While the movement patterns were not identical, the concepts of prerequisites for good powerful striking was, including such things as a sinking stance, relaxed posture, activation of our spine, weight-shifting, the use of large and small circles, etc.</div>
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Keep moving and learning about your own body's movements!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #454545;">Improving empty hand striking</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;">In the Wing Tsun system as taught by Si-Fu Ralph Haenel, training with the <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/05/wing-tsun-kung-fu-vancouver-long-pole.html" target="_blank">Luk Dim Boon Kwun (long pole)</a> and <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/08/wing-tsun-kung-fu-vancouver-bart-cham.html" target="_blank">Bart Cham Dao (knives)</a> improves our empty hand skills. In Latosa Escrima, I found that this was a common theme as well. Yes, we train with weapons, but it does not only translate to being better with the Escrima sticks, or the staff. It accelerates our empty-hand skills.</span></div>
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The crucial point, however, was to be able to self-analyze and critically think about the drills you are doing. Can you honestly say, that when you go through a drill, that you don’t get stuck in a repeated predictable rehearsal with your partner? Do you fall into the trap of a monotonous dance? Or, are you in the moment, feeling your body movements, accessing all the options? Is there intent at every second?</div>
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What is the drill's impact on your function?</div>
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<b>Radius of striking zone</b></div>
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This is where you picture a half-circle of striking zone in front of you. I can see the link between this idea, and the practice of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezLt8xmwRaE" target="_blank">Weapons Chambers</a> as taught by Si-Fu Ralph Haenel. Although we have the direct lines of attack in Wing Tsun, we also have a variety of options, and should also have the ability to generate power in many directions. We must not be stuck on a <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/10/the-wing-chuntsun-straight-punch.html" target="_blank">classical A -> B chain punch</a>. There are many different punches in Wing Tsun, and many different ways of using a strike from our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezLt8xmwRaE" target="_blank">Weapons Chambers</a>.</div>
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To extend this even further, perhaps we should picture an entire circle of striking zone, with a circumferential sphere of powerful options. </div>
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<b>Summary</b></div>
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In the weeks leading up to the seminar, I was asking myself various questions, thinking about all the differences between Latosa-Escrima and Wing Tsun. </div>
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“What was the Latosa-Escrima form again?”</div>
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“What were the 7 strikes? Were there 7?"</div>
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“Would I be able to remember the 2-track stance?”</div>
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“Was not the weight more so on the front leg, not the back leg when initially training Wing Tsun?”</div>
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In the end, it did not matter. Why? Because, as I said before, we did not learn specific techniques. We went through numerous drills and creative ideas that allowed us to activate our bodies, in order to improve our skills. </div>
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This was just a snippet of what can be gained from attending a Latosa-Escrima seminar by Rene Latosa. I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet and listen to such a modest legend.</div>
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Happy Training!</div>
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kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-65430590442223266412017-07-22T09:59:00.001-07:002017-10-12T23:50:07.366-07:00Si-Fu, Sifu, what's in a name?<br />
I just had the pleasure of reading Sifu (<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "nimbus sans l" , "arial" , "liberation sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">師傅) </span>Alex Richter's article in Wing Chun Illustrated. It can be found <a href="https://www.magzter.com/article/Health/Wing-Chun-Illustrated/The-Not-Yet-Sifu-Title-Title" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I also call my barber Sifu (師傅), so I wholeheartedly agree with the article.<br />
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From what I understand, my WingTsun Sifu is Si-Fu (師父) Ralph Haenel, who is also Sifu (師傅) to others. Si-Fu (師父) is a family term with the word father (父) in it. I'm just not sure of the history of putting the hyphen and capital to differentiate, for the English translation.<br />
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If we stick with family terms, I guess Dai Si-Fu (大師父) could mean your first Si-Fu. Just as we have first older brother (大哥), second older brother (二哥), etc. We could have more than one Si-Fu. However there shouldn't technically be a Dai Sifu (大師傅), I believe, as this is now not a family term.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Your Si-Dai, or Si-Hing, maybe even Si-Sok<br />
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See <a href="https://youtu.be/A1HaZ4WLo50" target="_blank">this</a> video for even more confusion, about Family Trees.<br />
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Addendum:<br />
Sifu Alex Richter on Twitter, states that "Dai Sifu can't be compared to Dai Si-Hing as Chinese Tradition doesn't allow more than one si-fu. 大師傅 exclusively means 'great master'" See tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/citywingtsun/status/888815161347321859" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-31781506443893062122016-10-21T20:52:00.001-07:002016-10-21T20:52:42.863-07:00Wing Tsun Gran Canaria<br />
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While on vacation to the Canary Islands, I had the pleasure and privilege of visiting Sifu Peter Grustad of <a href="http://wtacademycanarias.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Academy Canarias</a> on October 16th.</div>
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Just prior to the trip to the Canary Islands, a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_spJfDoUwU" target="_blank">YouTube video from Wing Tsun Gran Canaria</a> showed up on my feed. Was this <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">fate or just plain data collection by Google? </span></div>
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So, what else to do but to search for "Wing Tsun Gran Canaria" and finding the website <a href="http://wtacademycanarias.com/">http://wtacademycanarias.com</a>? Asking <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">WT Vancouver</a> about Sifu Grustad reveals the fact that they had trained together at previous European seminars. I had a friendly e-mail correspondence with one of Sifu Grustad's students, Tobi, to arrange a visit in between all the sightseeing. </div>
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Following a short morning hike in Tejeda, it was about a 1 hour and 20 minute drive with narrow roads and hairpin loops down the mountain.</div>
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Google maps led the car to an area just east of the Maspolamas sand dunes, on the south side of the island. An unusual cloudy day for the island. While driving into <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Camping Pasito Blanco, </span>I saw a yellow banner with a familiar logo bearing the letters, WT. </div>
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Now, on foot, I was drawn by another nearby WT sign, pointing to the left. I had seen pictures of the WT studio on the website, so I had a little idea (hey look at that, my first WT pun) about what it looked like. </div>
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Sifu Peter Grustad introduced himself, along with his equally friendly dog, some type of a cross with a Daschund. My immediate impressions of Sifu Grustad: a strong and confident build with a friendly presence. Thinking about it now, this was the second time I had met someone after I first saw them on a YouTube video (see <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/11/wt-is-wc-is-wt.html" target="_blank">this posting</a> for the first). A seemingly familiar encounter, yet still a completely new experience. </div>
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Firstly, I was amazed by the training facility. After a short bow, I was led into a large outdoor shaded training area. A small punching bag, half-tires, equipment for some agility and strength building. <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sometimes distinct smells are part of one's experience, but all my nose sensed was the fresh air of the island. After all, this entire martial arts studio overlook the ocean. </span></div>
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Walking indoors revealed a vast area for training. The WT wooden dummy was recognized across from the entrance. A large training mat sat below swords and weapons hung on the wall, with a photo of Yip Man above. Kettlebells and other weights also lay on the ground. My eyes were also drawn to a large painting of Yip Man with a long pole, where a heavy punching bag also hung. Walking to the left several steps, I couldn't help but notice a German copy of GM Kernspecht's "On Single Combat" on the coffee table. </div>
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A brief look at a wall of photos revealed the close influence on Sifu Grustad's WT from Sifu Emin Boztepe and Sifu Heinrich Pfaff, and of course GM Kernspecht. Behind there was a weight-training gym. </div>
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After some further chatting, it was time for a private lesson. The generator was started up... and cue some training music - This Aint The End Of Me (White Comic). </div>
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Sifu Peter Grustad asked me what I wanted to work on, and I asked him whatever student's usually lack. We could've gone through some Chi Sao sections, but he said that there are always different variations, something Si-Fu Ralph Haenel frequently reminds us about. </div>
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Then, as we started with Chi Sao training, he diagnosed the gaps in my structure and provided advice on improving the WT deformations. </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">WT Vancouver students will be familiar with the first several seconds of a PT with Si-Fu Haenel, where an "engine check" of all of our deformations reveals inadequacies. I felt the same here! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do you remember how we are told that the first Chi Sao section is important, if not the most important? I can only say we tried to start with that! Then it was time to tune up the structure. </span></div>
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<b>What are you training?</b></div>
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I felt that I knew little WT once again. It wasn't the few pounds I had gained from eating all the Sepia and Pulpo a la plancha, and Patatas con mojo. I don't think I was nervous either, even though I remember feeling flabbergasted that it is pretty fortunate not only meeting but also learning from someone of the same WT generation as Si-Fu Haenel! </div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I remember thinking in my mind, a first technician grade should have more structure than this. What's going on with my body mechanics today, and where was my forward springy pressure? Have I been trying to practice too much of the minimizing pressure and signalling, and now I have shifted into a weak withdrawing phase again? Was I not just the other day in Vancouver the opposite, stiffly holding my positions too much and being uprooted?</span></div>
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The lesson made me realize a couple of points in my own training. We are taught that throughout our WT journey there is a bandwidth of performance, how we may fluctuate being in the strong/rooted phase vs. the soft/mobile phase, in order to find that right fluid elastic powerful balance. </div>
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But, in reality, we end up actually being in a stiff/holding vs. weaker/collapsing phase. I think recently I have been in the latter phase, as evidenced by the diagnoses<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> of my deficiencies by Sifu Peter Grustad. On first contact and working ever so slowly and slightly, he felt where my imbalances were situated. Do you remember the feeling of imbalance when Si-Fu Haenel just lays one or two hands on your arms? It was the same experience.</span></div>
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The most important part of visiting another WT/WC school? Listening. Boy was it worth it. </div>
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I received very valuable ideas and concepts to help my training, again much more important over just learning any techniques.</div>
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<b>Millimetres</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another impression was the familiarity of teaching styles. I felt the angles and structure from <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.com/" target="_blank">Si-Hing Asad Mir of WT Toronto</a>, fluidity and fine control from <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">WT Kung Fu Vancouver</a>, and the useful mechanical metaphors from <a href="http://calgarywingtsun.shawwebspace.ca/" target="_blank">Sifu German Ferrer of Calgary Wing Tsun</a>. I'm a thinker when it comes to learning, and the tips that were given to me really helped me activate my muscle chains.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sifu Grustad was patient and taught slowly with ideas on how to improve my structure. </span>For example, literally millimetres of adjustments to my bong sao allowed less pain in the shoulder, and in return a better connection for absorption/redirection, but still allowing mobility in the shoulder girdle.</div>
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Throughout the lesson, using such weapons as spears, fencing epee, and Escrima sticks, analogies were made whereby emerging connections occurred in my brain. </div>
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<b>Analysis of training drills</b></div>
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Another important point is taking any training drill and asking "why?" and "what is the point of this drill?" Si-Fu Haenel always tells us to make sure we analyze ourselves and our training. When asked by Sifu Grustad about certain drills, I do not recall giving a clear concise answer. I remember even giving him a very long-winded complicated answer once. </div>
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One example is the Pak-Sao drill from Chi Sao Section 1 that I realized I haven't done since my IWTA days. Do you also remember how Si-Fu Haenel reminds us often about (not exactly his words) "how the arms move in front of the body but also the body moving behind the arms"? Sometimes it takes a different drill to make that neural connection, and Sifu Peter Grustad's explanation of this drill helped me with this concept.</div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have been trying to formulate a model to explain the redirection and counters in WT, with a stick attached to a sphere, and some of what Sifu Grustad mentioned helped me with another step in this direction. Thank you!</span></div>
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It was quite a privilege to train with a Sifu of the same generation as Si-Fu Haenel. Actually, many things about Sifu Grustad remind me of Si-Fu Haenel: strong, but fluid, and timely controlled power. And a great sense of humour. </div>
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What did I learn? Back to the basics again. Analyzing and asking why, cataloguing the drills to build certain skills. </div>
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Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit for longer, nor attend the group class held the next evening. As I left the studio though, I ran into two WT students Tobi and Martin. Just a few words of exchange, and I could feel the friendly but serious training environment at the school. </div>
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I also didn't ask for good WT stories from the largely attended European seminars back in the 1990s. Perhaps another day, when I take a 16-hour journey to Spain again. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14aNJTr1V7SfUwXCLwq_qDmg-FXnHD7BavtmlqKqMAaqJj3WnCUxKGBzgvjqiWn20cswDjCVxVdkr5rfjH0bua4FRsbrwaABWaeGe-8LMtlTwQ1APxSwMPve1Xc5tA4XTZw7Hu09QeLU/s1600/IMG_3987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh14aNJTr1V7SfUwXCLwq_qDmg-FXnHD7BavtmlqKqMAaqJj3WnCUxKGBzgvjqiWn20cswDjCVxVdkr5rfjH0bua4FRsbrwaABWaeGe-8LMtlTwQ1APxSwMPve1Xc5tA4XTZw7Hu09QeLU/s320/IMG_3987.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you are going to the Canary Islands (which is highly recommended), then you must contact Wing Tsun Gran Canaria and find Sifu Peter Grustad. You won't be disappointed. </div>
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Happy Training!</div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-11944822496421955992016-10-03T00:30:00.002-07:002016-10-03T00:30:39.690-07:00What is Biu-Tze and how do we train it?<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Biu-Tze</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Early on in my Wing Tsun
(WT) training, I used to focus learning the techniques.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think this was an issue though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we first start out learning a skill, the
mindset isn’t necessarily there for concepts and ideas yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it came to Biu-Tze, I had thought that it
was, as it was described by some, a secret “closed-curtain” technique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, again the emphasis was on Biu-Tze being
a “technique”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so, it was
supposedly an emergency-response technique that could counter all.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Later on, with Wing Tsun
being a passion, I had looked at books, posters, and later found videos about Biu-Tze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, after officially learning the Biu-Tze
form and subsequently Chi Sau sections from <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> (and still continuously learning in fact), I thought briefly wow,
now I am at the next level…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now had this
secret “finger-darting” technique!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
formidable! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">By then, however, I
realized that Biu-Tze was an entirely different movement pattern, requiring
certain body mechanics I was missing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had much work to do, even the basics of stretching and gaining even more
mobility in my spine and shoulder girdle, for example. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The wonderful aspect of learning
Wing Tsun from Si-Fu Ralph is that at one point, the whole WT spectrum from
start to finish is shown, taught, and explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be able to connect the dots, from the
Wing Tsun Student Programs all the way to Bart Cham Dao.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the connections that allow our Wing
Tsun mind to grow internally, and thus our Wing Tsun externally.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">How do you get better in Biu-Tze?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Luckily, there are many different
training partners in Vancouver, and we go through the spectrum of Wing Tsun not
only in seminars, but also in group classes and private lessons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If training Biu-Tze is supposed to change the
way we move and improve our Wing Tsun, how are we supposed to train Biu-Tze?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we first started
out training Wing Tsun with Siu-Nim-Tau (SNT), we would do at least 500-1000
chain punches at a time during solo training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have been told to do the Biu-Tze form in a certain elastic fluid way,
to exhaust ourselves with the various Biu-Tze strikes when doing solo training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also train the Biu-Tze Chi Sau sections
with partners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, there is still a step that I haven’t been able to see quite as
easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are training Biu-Tze, is
this a completely different movement pattern that negates all previous
movements?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is it a logical transition
from SNT and Cham-Kiu (CK)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When we are
training SNT, I can see the relaxed yet solid flexible structure that we are to
build.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can also see other aspects such
as forward intent, wedges, decompression, etc.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">When
transitioning from SNT to CK, I can see the addition of not only the horizontal
plane to dissipate forces with the solid flexible structure, but also other
skills for disrupting the opponent’s rooting.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">However, when
transitioning to Biu-Tze training, this step seems more challenging, as perhaps
it should be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The connection was not as
easily seen in my mind, compared to the evolution from SNT to CK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems more than simply adding the vertical
dimension and all degrees of freedom in our movements and entries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That would still be merely a change in
technique.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I believe that one of
the keys to improve Biu-Tze is to gain even further confidence in our SNT and CK
abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seems like a typical straightforward
and logical answer about training anything i.e. the basics first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I don’t think it’s as simple as this
training sequence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to be better
at Biu-Tze, we have to keep returning to CK, and in turn, back to SNT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, that if Biu-Tze fails, we have the built-in
deformations from our previous training. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Remember the idea of Biu-Tze being the emergency-response
techniques?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In actual fact, I think that
the structure and deformations built from training Siu-Nim-Tau and Cham-Kiu are
our actual emergency responses.</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">To confuse things
further, there is a Biu-Tze engine in our movements that should permeate the SNT
and CK “techniques” as well, in application. Biu-Tze contains an advanced internal
engine for movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still need the SNT
and CK engines in place though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they
are working well, then we will have a lot more confidence in allowing Biu-Tze to
express itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One could say it is all
just one engine, just improved sequentially, including beyond Biu-Tze with the
Wooden Dummy and weapons forms.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If we train the Siu-Nim-Tau or Cham-Kiu forms with the Biu-Tze movement
pattern, is this wrong?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">For the most part yes,
it would be wrong to train the SNT form with Biu-Tze-like movements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is probably an intrinsic
change in our movements developed from Biu-Tze that we cannot willingly change,
at least easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I mean, is that if
we purposely use the flexion/extension movements of the spine during the SNT
form, then that would be, for the most part, wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least wrong for the purpose of training
the first form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the Biu-Tze
training should hard-wire a new fluid movement pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it will make all of the other aspects
of our Wing Tsun better in application, it shouldn’t really change the
fundamental core aspects of each of the forms when training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, they are each training different ideas
and concepts.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">If we apply our Siu-Nim-Tau or Cham-Kiu techniques with the Biu-Tze
movement pattern, is this wrong?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I don’t think it is
wrong to “use” Biu-Tze in a SNT “technique”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fallacy in this question is again the speaking of techniques though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In application, theoretically the training of
Biu-Tze already fundamentally changes our Wing Tsun (for the better).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The training of Biu-Tze should improve a SNT
or CK “technique”, just because of better movement patterns, angles, apparent
pressure, position, directness, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you not noticed, that after training Biu-Tze, our punches
improved?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Is it possible to turn “on” and “off” different movement patterns?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">It may be possible to
turn “on” and “off” Biu-Tze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, this
is likely easier only if we are in the consciously competent phase of
knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be more challenging
to do, if we are in the unconsciously competent phase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a teacher, it would be important to be
able to demonstrate different movements to a student, when showing the
differences between SNT, CK, or Biu-Tze.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the same could be said of the Wooden Dummy and the weapons
forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The caveat is that the internal
structure and movements that are already developed cannot be able to be changed
at all, and what is demonstrated is externally different visually. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Well, that’s a glimpse
into my thoughts so far about Biu-Tze.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Next up, when comparing Siu-Nim-Tau,
Cham-Kiu, and Biu-Tze, what is the difference in contact time, absorption,
redirection, access, and countering?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Happy training!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">After reading the above, <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> had some comments. Thank you!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m16k571iLlK0yuulyTiXxuLpk6y6t-NFDq4-TdlTVAYI2wRlSzt9gKpKgHxLkzMBdkpIgyV-csycvXlKCg_DGiRos2jttrfFjoivEU4k_qKo0tQXODLK6TEAkyE9S8kmTV1d0UAnH_E/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8m16k571iLlK0yuulyTiXxuLpk6y6t-NFDq4-TdlTVAYI2wRlSzt9gKpKgHxLkzMBdkpIgyV-csycvXlKCg_DGiRos2jttrfFjoivEU4k_qKo0tQXODLK6TEAkyE9S8kmTV1d0UAnH_E/s320/IMG_4943.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Drumroll for... </span>Si-Fu Ralph’s Guest
Post (check out his blog <a href="http://realisticselfdefense.net/blog/" target="_blank">here</a>)</b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">All six forms of the Wing Tsun Kung Fu
system FORM us, our skills, but also change,
influence our perFORMance. Right now we are only looking at a
few brief ideas of the first three forms, the Siu-Nim-Tau (SNT), the Cham-Kiu
(CK) and the Biu-Tze (BT).</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The following examples are divided
into four categories and for the purpose of a quick overview, each category is
kept short and simplified, cannot be complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I have chosen Tan-Sau as a single technical
tool, to show the evolutionary process through the forms.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I often explain the forms as different gyms
to gain and form different layers of functional strength. The techniques, the
movements are your "weights", to train the different
muscle-groups and their ability to generate force.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">For the regular student these different
layers will form his skills as a martial artist.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">In my opinion, a good instructor should be
capable to show a layered performance, defending and controlling and attacking,
based on the different forms, one at a time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Each form also transports a different set
of concepts, strategies and tactics. Often hidden in the technical drills of
the various student and instructor levels.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">First form, SNT</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1. structure</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- a upright, yet deeply rooted flexible
structure</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">2. technical tools</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- one defense, one control, one attack at a
time; learning the building blocks</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">3. functional strength</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- the short-range power, yet also what I
call the impact-capability (leading to point 4.)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">4. focus on Tan-Sau</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- learning to use it as part of the crumble
zone, working like a shock-absorber, leading a greater incoming force
into our rooted stance</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Second form, CK</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1. structure</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- the structure becomes mobile on a
horizontal level</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">2. technical tools</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- simultaneous action of defense, shifting
/ turning the body and counter-attack</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">3. functional strength</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- the use of the hips, use of
horizontal body rotations to generate force, power transfer from one arm
into the other</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">4. focus on Tan-Sau</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- learning distance and timing, while
getting the body out of harm’s way</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Third form, BT</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">1. structure</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- the structure adds mobility on a vertical
level, also diagonal and spiral</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">2. technical tools</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- continuous whole-body motions for more
consequential attacks, destroying the attackers structure</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">3. functional strength</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- a fluid, whiplash-like
strength from toes to fingertips, involving all muscle-groups</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">4. focus on Tan-Sau</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">- turns into an attack (spade-hand), while
still maintaining defensive and controlling properties</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The student or aspiring instructor
learns one layer at a time, yet should early on be introduced to the ideas
of the programs ahead, to better understand the whole system of Wing Tsun.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">We will also be guided by our own
preferences, as well as our personalities. This, plus your own martial artistic
ambitions, as well as the intensity of your training will determine,
which Wing Tsun "layers" will be dominant.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Look for a moment at dancing. Is the dancer
still counting steps and every now and then steps on the
poor partners toes? Is the dance routine rather mechanical, somewhat uninspiring?
Or is the dancer "hot-</span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">blooded", has "rhythm in the
blood", shows an exciting performance.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">You can now hold your breath until you turn
read in the face. Sorry, won't make you "hot-blooded".</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">So, ... In the words of the Bee Gees:
Keep on dancing! Yeah!</span></div>
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------</div>
</div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-10551766281243620842015-07-01T23:29:00.000-07:002015-07-01T23:37:24.662-07:00First Technician Grade!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Technician<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been more than 10 years since I started Wing Tsun (in Toronto
with <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.com/AboutUs.html" target="_blank">Si-Hing/Sifu Asad Mir</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had
the opportunity to learn from <a href="http://calgarywingtsun.shawwebspace.ca/profile/" target="_blank">Sifu German Ferrer</a> of <a href="http://calgarywingtsun.shawwebspace.ca/" target="_blank">Calgary Wing Tsun</a> and <a href="https://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a>, and of course from all of the
Si-Hings and Si-Dais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although Wing Tsun
started as a hobby and done in a part-time manner, it has remained a passion of
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since being back in Vancouver for
nearly 2 years, I have been grateful to be training more consistently with Si-Fu
Ralph Haenel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Earlier this year in April, I was awarded the 1TG aka First Technician
Grade in Wing Tsun Kung Fu.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCx5Idah8DKqfikhy1u0FunJ_bBoYjwY3qFkLkmDZGKzf0YXpoIR0FxYFBTTlNwNCsX_3vj8RcUvCdDHE7yp1Co22QE50-aCMuW-LfE8DacpXMLCiiqSgyYHFdAMnkITMthA7rwnA-zM/s1600/WT+1TG+from+Si-Fu+Ralph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCx5Idah8DKqfikhy1u0FunJ_bBoYjwY3qFkLkmDZGKzf0YXpoIR0FxYFBTTlNwNCsX_3vj8RcUvCdDHE7yp1Co22QE50-aCMuW-LfE8DacpXMLCiiqSgyYHFdAMnkITMthA7rwnA-zM/s320/WT+1TG+from+Si-Fu+Ralph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Techni-what?<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What does it mean to be a technician in Wing Tsun Kung Fu?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard some say it is like the first Black
Belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually some also say that the
landmark Student Level 9 in Wing Tsun is equivalent to a Black Belt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I’m actually not clear about what the different
standards of a Black Belt are in other martial arts systems, so I can’t say
much about that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm3ikyMzMlA"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm3ikyMzMlA</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cm3ikyMzMlA" width="420"></iframe><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I can tell you is that in the original Leung Ting Wing
Tsun system, there are 12 Student Levels before the Instructor Levels, which
include 4 Technician Levels, 4 Practitioner Levels, 4 Philosophical Levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Some may also say that as a First Technician, one should be a good “fighter” by now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I don't feel like a good fighter, but then again I don't know how to define that. </span></span>Supposedly as a First Technician level, one
has become more proficient and now improves the “techniques.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interestingly,
I believe (as of today at least) that a true understanding of Wing Tsun Kung Fu
means there are no techniques <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">per se</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, as Si-Fu would say, adaptation to
chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently that is why there are
now HG (Higher Grade) levels instead in the EWTO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why are there levels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When standardizing a system or program taught around the world, it is useful
to sub-divide, compartmentalize, and categorize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when learning something like Wing Tsun
Kung Fu, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one is really learning about how
to move one’s body efficiently</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is more like a continuum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A journey. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If this is the case, so then why test and why advance?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Testing and Grading<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Initially, I thought that it didn’t matter what level I was
in Wing Tsun, but only that I was learning, progressing, and improving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the logistical structure of the Wing
Tsun programs, to advance in learning meant to advance by testing and passing
levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way that the Wing Tsun hierarchy
was structured, that elusive black shirt from Student Grade 9 and the red
stripe from 1TG were both landmark goals to aspire to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so I began to love “advancing.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But then, from my past experience as a Student Level 9-10
training with some that were supposedly 1TG (not in Vancouver!), I didn’t feel
that level of skill difference that ought to have been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which led me again to think that it didn’t
matter what level I was in Wing Tsun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
mattered that I was learning, progressing, and improving, but now more importantly achieved
a certain standard coming from the eyes of an experienced and skilled instructor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in Vancouver, that would be from Si-Fu
Ralph Haenel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the end though, I think we all secretly yearn to advance levels
in Wing Tsun.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When investing time, money, effort, sweat, we as humans all
want to progress, advance, and improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We all wouldn’t mind receiving a pat on the back and being
acknowledged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This yearning is not only limited
to training in martial arts, but in other endeavours as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People like status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People like certifications and credibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all of this requires… you guessed it… commitment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And kung fu (hard work)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for someone who wants to commit even more to Wing
Tsun and teach, I think having certification from someone like Si-Fu Ralph is
important.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you trying or are you doing?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ4yd2W50No"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ4yd2W50No</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BQ4yd2W50No" width="420"></iframe><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Regardless of achieving the 1TG level though, after so many years
of training in Wing Tsun (despite the part-time status), I feel as though a
deeper understanding has only just begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Framework of Wing
Tsun Kung Fu<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This beginning of a deeper understanding has been helped by
visualizing the framework of the entire system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some reach this beginning sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For me, however, it has taken some time to develop this awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The roadmap has certainly been helpful in my
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Si-Fu Ralph Haenel has recently
finished laying out the framework of the Wing Tsun Kung Fu system to the advanced
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This includes:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Siu Nim Tao form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cham Kiu form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Biu Dje form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wooden Dummy form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Long Pole exercises and form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bart Cham Dao form</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chi Sao Sections</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Biu Dje Chi Sao Sections</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wooden Dummy Chi Sao Sections<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are also programs and training methods including Chi
Sao Functional Strength Training, Lat Sao, Blitz-Defense, Folding and Sliding
programs, Weapons Chambers, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
there are applications, which is an ongoing learning process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t forget about the CoreConcepts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole advanced team must be now Masters of Wing Tsun!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You laugh, but others who have “learned” the
whole system actually might claim this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merely
learning and “pocketing” the whole system does not make one a master.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This framework has helped me think and “cross-reference”, as
Si-Fu would say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has helped me
analyze numerous ideas, movements, and applications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How each motion fits into the interweb of
Wing Tsun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t think it is absolutely only due to seeing the
framework that has helped me start understanding Wing Tsun better, as much as
it has been being more immersed into Si-Fu Ralph’s teaching methods and amazing
skill level.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has taken some time for me to learn how to move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I am still trying to learn how to
move, and generate power from the toes to the fingertips, and absorb/redirect
from the fingertips to the toes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
fairly amazing what the human body can do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to Si-Fu Ralph Haenel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My journey has only just begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still learning…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezLt8xmwRaE"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezLt8xmwRaE</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezLt8xmwRaE" width="420"></iframe></span><br /></div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-10788949326213559652015-03-08T00:45:00.001-08:002015-03-08T01:14:56.508-08:00Empty your cup… but with every lesson<br />
I’m sure you have heard about the phrase “empty your cup” before. How does one learn something new if there are already preconceived notions or pre-programmed rigid beliefs?<br />
<br />
What about doing this with every lesson? The benefits are being able to fully submerse yourself into the material you are learning at that moment, being attentive, and studying it much more intensely. The downside is not building upon the knowledge you already have.<br />
<br />
Humour me. I am going to touch on a few soft spots.<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When presented with X, students do Y</span></strong><br />
<br />
I have always found it fascinating how each student, when presented with the same information, seems to interpret information differently and then practice differently. Each student, myself included. <br />
<br />
The impulse from this blog post was after the review of the <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/05/wing-tsun-kung-fu-vancouver-long-pole.html" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Long Pole form</a> by <a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> on March 1st. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcIUtVF9umyPtr7Q7dD2U3wCEiVd2GapqysxLPZHOAQuJ5nqu9W0uAlGMBHvf0pOHXlCstolpvKub2maw64LYlCys5rxliX0uh708ZSNd9vae6aXS7to-r-j7jihCF0lYguM7VOvRxic/s1600/11044645_10153096740236063_991505504067208106_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcIUtVF9umyPtr7Q7dD2U3wCEiVd2GapqysxLPZHOAQuJ5nqu9W0uAlGMBHvf0pOHXlCstolpvKub2maw64LYlCys5rxliX0uh708ZSNd9vae6aXS7to-r-j7jihCF0lYguM7VOvRxic/s1600/11044645_10153096740236063_991505504067208106_o.jpg" height="159" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
During the training, I found that everyone, including myself, had different issues. But of course, that is expected. Or, is it?<br />
<br />
I think doing certain important fundamentals incorrectly shouldn’t be expected, at least not as often as before. Especially if these fundamentals span across our other WT training. And especially if Si-Fu Ralph reiterates these points countless times.<br />
<br />
What were some of the points for the long pole form?<br />
- Keep the shoulders down<br />
- Bend the elbow in this manner for this part of the form<br />
- Keep the elbow straight for this portion of the form<br />
- The pole should be horizontal here, parallel to the ground<br />
- The footwork should be ______________<br />
<br />
What did we see and what did we do?<br />
- Shoulder hiked up<br />
- Elbows were straight when they were to be bent, or vice versa.<br />
- Poles pointing up, poles curving down, etc. <br />
- Inaccurate foot placement or mixing up footwork<br />
<br />
There are likely also numerous examples from other classes or seminars. In fact, during the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kungfucoach/media_set?set=a.10153105186291063.1073741839.626441062&type=1" target="_blank">bonus open-air class</a> held on March 7th, Si-Fu Ralph specifically mentioned this phenomenon of how students train differently than what was shown to them only seconds ago. What a coincidence, and good timing for this blog post!<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqlnSz6IcR_GfPk7LmTCj-lhus4weB4e1-kumNdQ3tuUTql7X3e4gsWJ39SWUJIh4Zi5o7g26_WIfC7DYsyGMOgmcGY6jS4a85iJYBUJgUzm6soyweVGcPHllTBUMEMO4MulHISTndJU/s1600/11034914_10153105187326063_3582849019541522860_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOqlnSz6IcR_GfPk7LmTCj-lhus4weB4e1-kumNdQ3tuUTql7X3e4gsWJ39SWUJIh4Zi5o7g26_WIfC7DYsyGMOgmcGY6jS4a85iJYBUJgUzm6soyweVGcPHllTBUMEMO4MulHISTndJU/s1600/11034914_10153105187326063_3582849019541522860_n.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>DISCLAIMER: I am criticizing all of us, including myself.</strong><br />
<br />
Yes I realize that we are all still learning as students. But yet, why does this phenomenon happen? <br />
<br />
Do basketball players, when presented with a basic layup drill, start doing fancy dunks or pump-fakes before the layup? <br />
<br />
Do hockey players, when presented with a stick-handling drill around cones, start stick-handling around the rink and even start shooting at the empty net? <br />
<br />
Do boxers and their partners, when asked to do some pad-work, start sparring and fighting instead?<br />
<br />
I don't think so. <br />
<br />
Do Wing Tsun students, when presented with a fak-sao drill with a cooperative partner, start putting in punches, and arm/body controls, or does the partner start resisting and creating other new scenarios different than the intended drill?<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
What is the main reason why, despite the tutelage of Sifu Ralph and our own training, that we still do things incorrectly immediately after being shown what is expected of us?<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>I think this is what is happening with me. Is it happening to you?</strong><br />
1. I am not emptying my cup, with EVERY class or session. <br />
2. I am not truly listening and watching intently... every detail.<br />
3. I don't check myself often enough with the mirror, or with video.<br />
4. I don't practice enough, and perhaps not correctly.<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EMPTY YOUR CUP</span></strong><br />
<br />
Many of us have been doing Wing Tsun or martial arts for many years or even decades. We have grown accustomed to certain patterns of movement. This can be for the better, or for the worse. <br />
<br />
Do you ever catch yourself saying or thinking “Oh, the pak-sao drill again, I’ve done this before.” Instead of doing the drill as taught that particular moment that day in class, you start doing the drill with the same body movements as before, with the same (un)-enthusiasm as before, because you have “mastered” it now.<br />
<br />
<strong>Here is a challenge.</strong> Next class, when presented with a drill, transform yourself into a person who has not done any Wing Tsun before. Now, do the drill as described, as if you have never done it before. <br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LISTEN AND WATCH INTENTLY (some may need to feel the demo too)</span></strong><br />
<br />
I saw this article recently: <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/feb/06/selfie-sticks-banned-new-york-museums-moma" target="_blank">http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/feb/06/selfie-sticks-banned-new-york-museums-moma</a><br />
<br />
“The camera has become a prosthesis for looking. We don’t need to concentrate on works of art and remember them: a smartphone can do that for us.”<br />
<br />
When was the last time you saw amazing scenery, and right away pulled out your camera and took a snapshot, then walked away? Did you stare at it, study it, just try and remember it?<br />
<br />
I am as guilty as everyone else, wanting to film all the details. Now, I have often resorted to putting a camera aside to record on its own, so that I can focus on the situation. <br />
<br />
When I use the camera to tape something, be it Wing Tsun or not, I find myself not truly concentrating on what is happening, but making sure that it is captured. While taping it has its merits, of reviewing the footage afterwards, ask yourself this: Have you reviewed every video that you have taken? Are you reviewing snippets and fast-forwarding to the “techniques”, or do you watch it from start to finish and try and listen to the theme of the class/session? <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Here is the next challenge:</strong> If you have taped a class/seminar, watch it once on your own from start to end. Watch it (or just listen to the audio) a second time while writing notes. Watch it a third time with someone, and do the drills together. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Here is a different challenge:</strong> Don’t tape the class/seminar/private lesson, and now concentrate. Immediately or after the session, take copious notes including pictures.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>The third challenge:</strong> Tape yourself (which leads to the next section)<br />
<br />
[As an aside, for all you younger readers who have never seen a cassette or VHS tape, when I say tape yourself I mean record or video yourself]<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FEEDBACK</span></strong><br />
<br />
Hey, if athletes do this, why shouldn’t we?<br />
<br />
Yeah, yeah, sure, sure. I know we should keep the shoulders down. I know that I do. But wait, why is it that when I see the video footage, that my right shoulder is hiked? I can see compensatory movements. Am I doing this right away? Or am I doing this after I fatigue? Why didn’t I notice that before?<br />
<br />
I remember watching some video feedback of myself, and in my mind I was moving my whole body during one of these drills, when in actual fact the video said otherwise – my upper body was moving mostly, while my lower body was like a rock. <br />
<br />
Trust me, this visual feedback will be helpful. <br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HOW TO PRACTICE</span></strong><br />
<br />
Finally, the fourth point about practicing correctly. At least what I am working on.<br />
<br />
Example: Long Pole training (since this was the original blog post intention, but the main principles still apply)<br />
1. Practice only one movement from the form, like, forever<br />
2. Try using a lighter pole to get the movements down first<br />
3. Train movement before adding speed and strength<br />
4. Don’t be afraid to take breaks!<br />
<br />
The form, like all the other empty-hand forms and chi-sau forms, is like a dictionary. Sure, it is good to know the details of the sequence. Sure, it is good to practice the whole form from beginning to end for flow, etc. But we need to be able to do each of the movements well to begin with! Just like we do with our SNT (every day!), pick one section and just do that one. Don’t get distracted and try to do the others. If you must, pick 3 movements like you are doing 3 different exercises.<br />
<br />
Many of us purchased the black plastic bart cham daos, which I think are very useful to train with. What actually makes it good is that they are light but still balanced, and it allows us to train the exercises and form slowly without straining ourselves.<br />
<br />
The same method can be applied to the long pole training. Try and train slowly with a lighter pole or empty-handed. Get the body motions down, the stance, correct, the movement patterns in place, then try it with the heavier long pole. Then do it at a normal pace, later add speed and strength.<br />
<br />
Don’t forget to take breaks. Once our bodies are tired, it starts to do crazy things and then we get into trouble with our movements, or worse get injured.<br />
<br />
Actually, to close... Si-Fu Ralph reminded me about another issue related to partner training is not supporting your partner. I am extending his idea to firmly say that another reason why drills start going in different directions is probably related to ego. Try and be a good training partner and let your partner grow! Remember this blog post: <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/08/four-principles-of-ego.html" target="_blank">http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/08/four-principles-of-ego.html</a> <br />
<br />
Drills are meant to be well, drills. Sparring and fighting are important to train, but not during drills.<br />
Happy training!<br />
<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-67831759331643759012015-01-23T22:18:00.000-08:002015-01-25T20:09:50.980-08:00How sticky is your Wing Tsun Wooden Dummy?<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> of </span><a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> blew us
away in 2014 with multiple seminars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition to reviewing Chi Sau sections, we had various firsts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/05/wing-tsun-kung-fu-vancouver-long-pole.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Long Pole</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/08/wing-tsun-kung-fu-vancouver-bart-cham.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bart Cham Dao</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If that was not enough, in 2015 Sifu Ralph started teaching
us Wooden Dummy Chi Sau sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Certainly, we have had classes before about applications from various
parts of the Wooden Dummy form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,
one could also argue that sections are just created and not needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But everything we do is fabricated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There must be a reason? The more obvious reason is that the sections
again allow a catalogue/reference point, just as the other forms and Chi-Sau
sections do. It is also how amazing that all the training programs link together very well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">More importantly, as with everything we do in training or learning, there must
be some translation to applications or improvements to our Wing Tsun (or
whatever you are training for).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, over the last month I have been trying to formulate how
the Wooden Dummy Chi Sau sections help us improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this will take some time though, to
digest and analyze (probably a lifetime).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the key ideas I’ve had is:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cross-referencing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Emphasis of certain
ideas from other sections</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Time and time again we work on forward pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found that this section helped once again
emphasize the importance of forward pressure that deflects yet redirects at the
right moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That right moment was more
prolonged in the other sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
the Wooden Dummy Chi-Sau that time period for deflecting/redirecting seems much
shorter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the goal of being more
direct and effective.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are we able to translate this concept and improve other WT
skills?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Extension of further
concepts from other sections or programs</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of the movements in the Wooden Dummy Chi-Sau sections are
already shown in various other training, including the 3 forms, different programs
(e.g. BlitzDefense), various exercises (e.g. Student level 3 Pak-Sau), or Chi-Sau
sections (e.g.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Section 1 Fook Sau
cycle).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, just as how training Biu-Dje
Chi-Sau should change the way we move or function, shouldn’t training Wooden
Dummy Chi-Sau also do the same?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it will change the way we move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much that, in a sense, it isn’t
necessarily a visible change but one that the opposing partner/opponent
feels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least when we get through the
visible growing pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, in the end, it
won’t necessarily be a “Wooden Dummy technique” that is used, but so-called
“Basic” ones that are done with that structure, form, and added shocking-power
all gained from training on the Wooden Dummy, the Chi-Sau sections, and
applications. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Work on footwork and
stance</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The theory I’ve heard before is that the Bart Cham Dao and
Wooden Dummy has “advanced footwork.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet, in the early student programs, we work on:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forward step, turning stance, 90/180 degree
turns, zig-zag step, crossing step, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are all there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why should we
be excited to learn Wooden Dummy Chi-Sau then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because it is awesome and higher-level and we are now all close to being
masters, isn’t it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if we can’t
drive an old VW Beetle, we can’t necessarily drive a Ferrari well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I guess the lesson is don’t forget the
basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, that pair of Bart Cham Dao is sitting on the couch
and very accessible to pick up and practice the form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what about those footwork drills, or those
“basic” exercises from the 21-Steps Seminar? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Disconnecting and reconnecting, turning in tighter quarters,
all need an even better stance than before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stay tuned for future posts about how I’ve been working on stance and
balance, outside of regular WT training…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Different kind of
bridging, sort of…</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In Chum Kiu training we learn to seek the bridge or building
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully only a 1-way bridge, for
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Wooden Dummy training it appears
that there can be often a (physical) disconnection, followed by a re-connection
via another bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully again a
1-way bridge, for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it would be useful to go back to the foundations of
Chum Kiu and understand what makes a good bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then revisit the Wooden Dummy applications again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Finally, the fear and
the risk of learning new Chi-Sau sections</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Practicing the dance but not the applications.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you remember first feeling awkward with Chi-Sau?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it becomes easier, and then you start
learning the sections?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can still remember testing for student level ?6/7 with the
first WT Chi-Sau section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did it so smoothly,
just like a well-oiled machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I tested with one of the same
training partners I trained with day-in and day-out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Practicing choreography is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I know how to apply all the parts?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps partly, but of course, years later on
looking back, not as effective as I could have been.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">An obvious tip that can help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Train with different partners, of different
sizes and strengths/weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’ll
open up new “mistakes” and prevent us from practicing choreography. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy training!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.2827291 -123.1207375000000249.1169131 -123.44346100000001 49.4485451 -122.79801400000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-26074900164406949042014-11-11T22:26:00.001-08:002014-11-11T22:31:49.556-08:00If you build it...<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Chi Sau Sections</strong><br />
<div>
<br />
I recently had a question about some parts of the Wing Tsun Chi Sau Section 1. I realized that how I learned the sequence of this section in IWTA was different from the "original" EWTO version. The reason I was wondering about this, was because there were certain parts of the IWTA version that I had not practiced in a while. Such as the low palm entry and gan dar response, or another pak dar entry with jum sau then gwat dar, or the gwat vs. bong sau cycle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is not about whether or not the IWTA or EWTO version is correct or not. They both are! I have learned that each of the Chi Sau sections are a skeleton. I interpret that as meaning a framework that can be used to dissect out different variations and scenarios. So, the sections (like the forms) can be considered as a catalogue of techniques to teach us motions and sequences that we might not have trained otherwise. Additionally, I think the so-called different variations within Section 1 could be considered as sub-sections, or mini-drills that practice certain motions that we might not have thought about as possibilities.</div>
<div>
<br />
If we don't know that we don't know, how do we practice potentially useful skills we don't know? Just like the initial phases of learning, moving from unconsciously incompetent to consciously incompetent (and then aiming for consciously competent, and finally the ultimate goal of being unconsciously competent, unless you are a teacher).<br />
<br />
When we train WT, we can try to be creative with each Chi Sau section, to find out certain trajectories leading to different scenarios and responses from the core skeleton/framework. But sometimes, being creative may not be enough for learners, and some further guidance may be needed. And thus, I think that practicing all the different "variations" of the sections may be useful, treating it all as part of a catalogue. The different scenarios do not necessarily have to be put into each of the sections as the core skeleton/framework, unless that scenario is perhaps particularly challenging to do for many, or commonly encountered, or fairly useful, or not easily realized by learners, for example.<br />
<br />
What may help this creativity of practicing each section is having built the right body structure. The basics!<br />
</div>
<div>
<strong>Build what?</strong><br />
<br />
"The purpose of firmness is to keep one from getting too lax, while the purpose of gentleness is to keep one from getting too hard. Nothing can survive long by going to extremes." <br />
-Bruce Lee in The Tao of Gung Fu, edited by John Little<br />
<br />
If we are too firm or too gentle, we will have a difficult time reproducing any Chi Sau Section frame-by-frame with ease and flow.<br />
<br />
In a world without any defined Chi Sau Sections, I believe that if we train our structure such that it is the right balance of firmness and gentleness, and in combination with all other key principles of timing, coordination, etc., that all the motions from Chi Sau Sections would just happen. The attacks/responses would just happen. Because everything including forward pressure, footwork, stance, weight-shifting, angles, etc., would all be just enough.<br />
<br />
Perhaps someone with more knowledge about the history of Wing Tsun would be able to tell me that this is how the sections developed? And then categorized, re-shuffled slightly, adapted to new scenarios if needed, all for the goal of recording a skeleton/framework for future learners?</div>
<div>
<br />
<strong>Practicing the Chi Sau Sections is not enough</strong><br />
Just as the fact that only doing all the WT forms everyday does not make us a kung fu genius... doing all the WT Chi Sau sections in sequence does not make us a kung fu master. The hardest part is dissecting out each part, branching out into variations through creativity, and actually applying them outside of chi sau, from guo sau and lat sau to defense against single random attacks.<br />
<br />
We tend to try and "learn" techniques, and may think we know something but not actually how to apply it. Similarily, we tend to think that because we can do a Chi Sau Section we can apply those responses in an actual self-defense/fighting scenario.<br />
<br />
Knowledge does not mean Wisdom. Motion does not mean Movement.<br />
</div>
<div>
<div>
<strong>In conclusion</strong><br />
Being able to do the sequences of a Chi Sau section with a partner does not matter. But really learning and training what is contained in each section may be helpful. If we don't have the correct body structure and forward pressure to begin with, then everything else doesn't matter either.<br />
<br />
If you build it...<br />
<br />
Happy training!</div>
</div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-77646594087506560892014-10-28T00:00:00.001-07:002014-10-28T00:37:26.239-07:00Commitment in Wing Tsun<br />
3 blog posts in one month? Finally...<br />
<br />
I started a post like this in 2011 with the same title, but never finished it. Again in September 2014, also another one, but never finished it. The irony... I am finally committing to finishing this post. A recent exercise with a student reminded me about it.<br />
<br />
The theme is committing to Wing Tsun but not committing in Wing Tsun.<br />
<br />
Huh?!<br />
<br />
When anyone talks about WC/WT, they talk about how there aren't any techniques, and that the opponent creates the techniques. About how one answer does not fit all. About no defense B for attack A. About how with the same single punch, there can be a multitude of responses depending on the opponent's (or your) build, speed, pressure, etc. But, this is hard to achieve in absolutely every situation encountered! <br />
<br />
The one constant in a WT defense is the attacking defense. "When the path is clear..." The variable that changes is what happens after your attacking defense is blocked or deflected. I think we are not too shabby at changing once. But when a second change is needed, we fall apart. Our attack/defense can't just change once - it must be variable until the path is certainly clear and we are ready to release power. This is the problem that I hope to convey to you, and welcome any ideas on how to train this even further.<br />
<br />
One of <a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a>'s CoreConcepts is "Release Power". One aspect of it, is being able to know when to release it. If by defending, we release our power too soon, i.e. commit to a defensive/attacking action, then we have the potential to already lose. Since that power has not yet reached it's end target, it can still be deflected. It is in this moment that our body might become tense with that release of power, and then we are thrown off course by a stronger opponent. Because we weren't ready to change a second or third time... because we have committed already. There are many other factors including reaching with the arms, or balance being off, etc., but I'm trying to keep this blog post simple.<br />
<br />
Not committing is so difficult!<br />
<br />
The other day, a fellow student and I were trying to fake each other out, when being the initial attacker: <br />
1) Going for a punch<br />
2) Recognizing the WT guy about to respond<br />
3) Watching when the WT guy commits slightly to the visual feedback, or chasing hands<br />
4) Switching the punching angle, or punching with other hand, finding the hole<br />
<br />
Of course, at slower speeds this is easier. Our mind unfortunately is not fast enough to perform this at higher speeds consciously.<br />
<br />
In this feinting exercise, the attacker is actually behaving like a WT guy as well, by not committing to the first attack and changing when to release power. Of course, the defender can also act in the same manner, ad nauseum... but that would be a competing exercise vs. cooperative one. One partner has to choose when to commit and let the WT guy find the timing and gap to release power.<br />
<br />
I think this is one of the hardest WT ideas I've tried to put into writing. <br />
<br />
The idea of ever-changing requires all the CoreConcepts including fluidity and mobility, as well as elasticity. But also relies on not committing and realizing when it is time and safe enough to release power.<br />
<br />
How else do you think we should train this idea of "Release Power"?<br />
<br />
Happy training!<br />
<br />kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-27201499739261641612014-10-19T23:00:00.000-07:002014-10-20T09:27:05.201-07:00Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver 20th Anniversary Seminar 1 of 3<br />
This year, <a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Si-Fu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> celebrates 20 years of teaching in Vancouver, BC!<br />
<br />
And thus the 1st seminar of 3 (yes 3 in this special series!) was held at Si-Hing Philip of <a href="http://goldenmonkeymartialarts.com/?home" target="_blank">Golden Monkey Martial Arts Club</a>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-023N48Z33H7G2uDLxIaZNTmJ2L3JRUKu-vmTRjgLvTyTkAyEsS3oX6BtvW20ffhrUOLUaHhF2c0DxXnqh1wC_ik6zNoOcziekCr9Ry75cAIf0hK_s_Tc1aRn2ds89ErE18vgHJhBbw/s1600/WT+group+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX-023N48Z33H7G2uDLxIaZNTmJ2L3JRUKu-vmTRjgLvTyTkAyEsS3oX6BtvW20ffhrUOLUaHhF2c0DxXnqh1wC_ik6zNoOcziekCr9Ry75cAIf0hK_s_Tc1aRn2ds89ErE18vgHJhBbw/s1600/WT+group+photo.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, what did we learn in this amazing seminar? The first of three special seminar series? For the 20th Anniversary year?<br />
<br />
1. Chi Sau warm-up to start<br />
2. Pak sau<br />
3. Tan sau <br />
4. Bong sau<br />
5. Kau sau<br />
6. Jum sau<br />
7. Dan chi sau<br />
8. Chi sau to finish<br />
<br />
What?!<br />
<br />
The devil is in the details. It's not necessarily what we trained, but how we trained.<br />
<br />
And what are the details? Whole Body Movements. This concept is also nothing new. You have heard it before already in an old blog post about <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2012/04/wing-tsun-2012-review-seminar-part-1.html" target="_blank">Sticky Body</a>. But knowing a concept of training is different than actually practicing and training. We were taught how to practice and train these movements.<br />
<br />
<strong>A tan sau can look and feel like a tan sau, but not function correctly...</strong><br />
<br />
When I first trained WT, I had to emulate a tan sau. Eventually though, I thought my tan sau looked and felt like how it should. To a cooperative partner, it also looked and felt like a tan sau. My tan dar (tan sau + punch) was "working". It felt great.<br />
<br />
Then I met Sifu Ralph. To the uncooperative partner or an aggressive attacker not familiar with WT, the tan sau as I knew it did not work.<br />
<br />
Why? My biomechanics of producing the tan sau/dar were not correct or not optimal. <br />
The problem? It came only from my forearm, you could say. To put it simply, all the movements should originate from the whole body via different connections. One important connection is via the shoulder girdle, and all the upper back muscles.<br />
<br />
It's not about how a tan sau looks or feels, but most importantly about how it <u>functions</u>. The same could be said about the bong sau, jum sau, gwat sau, kau sau, etc. <br />
<br />
Try an exercise. Stand up. Envision a punch coming towards your chest, let's say. Now, do a tan dar. (Already, this is supposedly wrong, because theoretically the tan dar should happen on its own rather than you creating it. But if you are good enough, again theoretically you can create the opportunity to do a tan dar).<br />
<br />
1. Did you do a strike or a man sau first?<br />
2. When you moved your arm forward, where did the movement start?<br />
3. Are your forearms tense or relaxed?<br />
4. When does the tan sau action start to happen?<br />
5. Why does it happen?<br />
6. Do you feel like you are pushing outwards?<br />
7. What are you absorbing a greater incoming force with?<br />
8. What is the wedge you are creating?<br />
9. Are you instead relying on your own brute strength to block/wedge/parry/get through?<br />
10. Is the balance of the opponent perturbed?<br />
11. How is your breathing?<br />
12. Are your shoulders up or down?<br />
13. What are all of your other joints doing?<br />
etc.<br />
<br />
Just some questions to think about.<br />
<br />
<strong>How to create El FluMo</strong><br />
Through Si-Fu Ralph's teachings, I have now been training something that doesn't necessarily really look like "traditional" Wing Tsun Kung Fu, with high amplitude movements in all axes and directions using the whole body. For outsiders looking in, these exercises do not fit with the WT principle of "economy of motion". But these are exercises only, drills only, not how we would apply them. The ultimate goal is to produce maximum effect with minimal movement, the best bang for the buck. It's a long journey, I think a lifelong one...<br />
<br />
It didn't take much, but a day after the seminar of "basic techniques" my rhomboids, lats, and abdominal obliques are feeling it. And it wasn't just due to all the laughing at Anton's Pasta.<br />
<br />
Happy training!<br />
<br />
P.S. Training basic skills reminds me of yet another previous blog post about <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/11/fear-of-failure.html" target="_blank">Fear of Failure</a>.kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-26903187392371729532014-10-09T23:31:00.000-07:002014-10-22T00:02:06.089-07:00The Wing Chun/Tsun Straight Punch<br />
In Wing Tsun Kung Fu, you could identify 3-4 (maybe 5-6) different punches to train. One of which is the Straight Punch, or Straight Blast. It's simple to start learning, but difficult to master. Kung Fu!<br />
<br />
<strong>Documentary: Wing Chun Reforged - The Wing Chun Straight Punch</strong><br />
While visiting Boston, I recently had the opportunity to meet <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWTJ1brUBWE3QrH4GuSzdg" target="_blank">Adrian Li</a>, a martial artist who teaches Wing Chun at Boston University. We chatted a bit, and also did some brief training together. He is an enthusiastic individual, who at a young age, is quite skilled and has a very open and positive attitude. I can see why his students would like his style of teaching.<br />
<br />
During our meeting, he mentioned that he was doing a documentary about the Wing Chun Straight Punch, and asked me to answer a question on video.<br />
<br />
Below you can see the full documentary. Be sure to check out the other 2 parts on his youtube channel.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vbTIjkHALy4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
If the embedded video doesn't work, try: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbTIjkHALy4" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbTIjkHALy4</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Expanding on the video...</strong><br />
As mentioned by Danny Horgan of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BostonWingChun" target="_blank">Wing Chun Blast</a>, the flurry and speed of chain punches, and the deep power in a well-laid punch are both important. In a self-defense situation, we are already behind and out-egoed by the aggressor. The air is thin, your arms/legs may be trembling, fine motor control is all lost. If it becomes physical, we may need to counteract the attacker by surprise, with efficient and unexpected power. Only then can we buy some time to gives us a chance to escape.<br />
<br />
I think we need to train everything to do with the punch, be it speed and timing, distance, mobility/fluidity, power, etc. All part of the Wing-Tsun CoreConcepts by <a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a>. And do so with good footwork, connection of upper/lower body, and whole body motion.<br />
<br />
<strong>Now, let's be philosophical... but practical</strong><br />
If we want to be philosophical about the Wing Chun punch though, then there are no absolute categories of different wing chun punches. We should be able to punch from any angle, at any body position, at any time, and make it count. I didn't say it was easy to do. In practicality though, in a self-defense scenario, this may be our only choice, and only chance. <br />
<br />
<strong>Let's be even more philosophical...</strong><br />
All of the major "techniques" in Wing Tsun are simply a temporarily inhibited punch (or chan/fak sau, etc.). Think about it. Do you do a bong sau, or does bong sau just happen? Did you then stop and admire your bong sau, or did your follow-up attack already happen?<br />
<br />
The "techniques" could be thought of transition zones before the next temporarily inhibited punch. And the next. Until it hits.<br />
<br />
Remember... "I do not hit, it hits by itself" -Bruce Lee<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hhvBTy28VJM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhvBTy28VJM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhvBTy28VJM</a><br />
<br />
Happy training!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.261226 -123.113926849.09541 -123.4366503 49.427042 -122.7912033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-83186301500848494782014-08-31T14:30:00.002-07:002014-08-31T14:30:54.153-07:00Soft pliable effective power, 4 years later<br />
<a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> recently asked me whether or not I had any new ideas about this previous blog entry: <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/12/journey-to-soft-pliable-effective-power.html" target="_blank">http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/12/journey-to-soft-pliable-effective-power.html</a><br />
<br />
What are my new thoughts about getting to this point?<br />
<br />
<b>When strong to start</b><br />
When we are strong, during Wing Tsun training, we are still confident, because we are successful in gaining entry through brute strength. As most of our partners are weaker than us, we can be falsely successful. If neither of us is aware that the "success" was obtained through direct force rather than economy of motion, then our Wing Tsun training becomes stagnant. <br />
<br />
The problems occur when our training partner happens to be stronger than us. Problems can also occur, if the partner is simply better in Wing Tsun, and diffuses our strength by letting us pass, or using our stiff strength against us.<br />
<br />
When we finally realize this, we then train to become softer, and then we are surprised when we can enter the partner's space effortlessly. And now we apply our usual strength, which again works against most partners. But, as before, our Wing Tsun training is at risk of becoming stagnant, if we don't realize that this usual strength doesn't work on everyone. We might be relying upon strength that is not as powerful as we originally convinced ourselves to believe.<br />
<br />
This combination of (somewhat) softness and strength works until we encounter someone who: a) is more powerful who can take the punch, or b) evades the entry because they are effectively softer in a Wing Tsun way.<br />
<br />
Our next goal then becomes: soft, pliable, effective power<br />
<br />
<b>When weak to start</b><br />
When we are weak, during Wing Tsun training, we can fail and lose confidence earlier. We can't gain entry by brute strength. We try to be soft, and we collapse and lose balance altogether. But, through more training, if we apply some of the Wing Tsun strength and force principles, we are surprised when we can enter effortlessly. Now, when we do finally gain access past the partner's arms, we have no power behind the strike, and are merely playing tag, brushing some lint.<br />
<br />
The problems are there from the beginning, as most partners happen to be stronger than us. As we slowly improve through, we can enter their space. However, the problems worsen, because we can't affect the opponent's balance nor move them, as we have not trained the appropriate strength/power. Consequently, we train our strength by basic weight-lifting. Upon returning to Wing Tsun, we gain entry, we can hit, it feels stronger than before, but yet... it is not powerful.<br />
<br />
Our next goal then becomes: soft, pliable, effective power<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b><br />
I now think that there is no ideal starting point, in terms of being strong or weak to start. But, if we don't have a good attitude and strive to improve upon our faults, it doesn't matter where we begin. I believe that we need to train softness and power at the same time.<br />
<br />
"Your attitude determines your altitude." - Zig Ziglar<br />
<br />
We are all good in some ways, and have deficits in other areas. What we should do is to maintain or improve upon our strong points, and simultaneously push ourselves to work further on our weaker areas.<br />
<br />
There will always be someone who is better than us. Our limits are set by ourselves.<br />
<br />
"having no limitation as limitation" - Bruce Lee<br />
<br />
Happy training!<br />
<br />
P.S. 4 years later, I have not yet achieved the soft pliable effective power. The journey continues...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-26555132835498887882014-08-16T22:00:00.000-07:002014-08-18T08:56:05.601-07:00Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver Bart Cham Dao Seminar<br />
What a year. First the WT long pole exercises and form, and then...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://about.me/Ralph_Haenel" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> held the first Canadian seminar on the WT Bart Cham Dao (八斬刀, or Baat Jam Do I suppose), and boy oh boy, what can I say... well, nuthin'. Still scratching my head, but that was expected. Can't become a Master overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGskYnzzixk2Nmewuep0U39upWn37zlRlsCw_6xHAvt1IJ2qpzopfKGsPpRvyRkcI9vRw9KKNy2W2wGLMA8IOgSOj9eN2Sy3PsHaYkp6xEOcv4SSYH507CSIjaDrkMFUm2LzBWuT4UpI/s1600/WT+Vancouver+-+BCD+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGskYnzzixk2Nmewuep0U39upWn37zlRlsCw_6xHAvt1IJ2qpzopfKGsPpRvyRkcI9vRw9KKNy2W2wGLMA8IOgSOj9eN2Sy3PsHaYkp6xEOcv4SSYH507CSIjaDrkMFUm2LzBWuT4UpI/s1600/WT+Vancouver+-+BCD+group.jpg" height="163" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Some believe that weapons training changes one's empty-hand methods, whereas others believe that it is a weapon form only and nothing else. I think it does change how we move our body and limbs, both physically and mentally. You have no choice in the matter. If you believe in choice, then believe that with any new skill/knowledge you obtain (in WT or anything else in life), try to compare and contrast it to things you already know.<br />
<br />
<strong>Knives in one's hands</strong><br />
<br />
Not everyone knows how to punch or chop with the fist or hand, parry or wedge with the forearms, etc. When given a knife though, most people basically know what to do with it. From fileting a fish to chopping a watermelon, I think you get the idea. Granted, some do it more smoothly than others, of course.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Olye1M0AwV4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />
Remember how even a fish can be a weapon with <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/05/soft-sardine-strikes.html" target="_blank">soft, sardine strikes</a>?<br />
<br />
Get to the "point" you say?<br />
<br />
<strong>WT partner exercises with small knives/dowels</strong><br />
<br />
Enter the Bart Cham Dao (八斬刀). Well, at least one idea I have about it, from training briefly with it.<br />
<br />
We've all done other training with some type of hand-held weapon, with it or against it.<br />
1) If you can't quite get the movement of a strike e.g. fak-sau, try doing the same motion with a small plastic knife or wooden dowel in YOUR hand. Suddenly, the body and limb movements start to make sense; <br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
2) If you find your legs stiffening up and not moving enough, give your PARTNER a small plastic knife. Suddenly, you are moving much more (perhaps too much), trying to evade any strike. Important Note: this is different training against an actual knife, which is actually very dangerous against anyone who truly knows how to use a small knife with short cuts/slashes. It's not that simple, and they don't attack like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_vvI26NnwE" target="_blank">this</a>.<br />
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Sorry, am I keeping you on the "edge" of your seat? Well, it's not really that exciting.<br />
<br /><strong>From swords to empty hands</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Going back to Bart Cham Dao, we now have one sword in each hand. Ready to face other weapons. There is an intensity that is different while holding that sword. You feel more powerful. You are going forward more. You are holding your hands out further, rather than collapsing them putting you at risk of cutting yourself. You are moving your 7 WT joints. Links are made. Neurons are firing. Muscle memory develops.<br />
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Virtually all the movements from SNT, CK, and BT are all in the form.<br />
<br />
Here's a thought: try doing the Bart Cham Dao form with the swords, and then with empty-hands. Do it as often as you do your long-pole exercises/form (cough, every day...)<cough>.</cough><br />
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Now, do your SNT, CK, and BT forms. Also, go back to your regular training. Are you now feeling more powerful, going forward more, with more intensity? Do your fists/hands/forearms actually feel as though they were the swords themselves?<br />
<br />
Did it improve your overall performance?<br />
Whatever you are learning in life, are you improving yourself?<br />
<br />
Are you going to be a "cut" above the rest?<br />
<br />
Happy training!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-83174920188211096282014-05-06T23:00:00.000-07:002014-05-07T00:13:14.713-07:00Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver Long Pole Seminar Part 2 - Review<br />
Unbelievable.<br />
<br />
I never thought I'd have the opportunity to learn about the long pole Luk-Dim-Boon Kwun (Six-and-a-Half-Point Long Pole), 六點半棍.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYzVRbvslH8FNrV6UBeDmoDnVOfFIWksOm2x0142HpIdyr7xuftv6s8DlBaSLeBFuXeiEUyTni0kwWYgmVSSzzmXedRc8Rr3bNm70pElFvy1z6TcPb6jsFK3tIG7RAkN9xxjYXJD9ShM/s1600/10257339_10152368694746063_6494050835518322771_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYzVRbvslH8FNrV6UBeDmoDnVOfFIWksOm2x0142HpIdyr7xuftv6s8DlBaSLeBFuXeiEUyTni0kwWYgmVSSzzmXedRc8Rr3bNm70pElFvy1z6TcPb6jsFK3tIG7RAkN9xxjYXJD9ShM/s1600/10257339_10152368694746063_6494050835518322771_o.jpg" height="117" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the second of the 2-part 2014 series of this seminar by <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.net/RalphHaenelBio.html" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a>, we went over:<br />
1) Long pole form... basically a sequence of moves incorporating all of the exercises from the last seminar (previous reviews <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/03/wt-vancouver-long-pole-seminar-review.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/04/long-pole-seminar-part-1-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
2) Partner exercises<br />
<br />
<b>How Sifu Ralph Haenel teaches</b><br />
There is never just one answer in Wing Tsun. And that's how Sifu Ralph teaches. It is apparent from his teaching that he has studied Wing Tsun in great detail. There may be differences in the exact micrometer of fingernail placement between lineages of WC/WT/VT, and more often than not there are arguments of which one is the most "traditional". Sifu Ralph passes on his understanding of various methods/movement patterns, but keeps the core principles the same. He may teach/show seemingly contradictory movements, but shows that in the right scenario or purpose, both can be correct.<br />
<br />
<b>One revelation of long pole training</b><br />
One of the problems that I have with building the right structure and function of Wing Tsun is connecting the legs, core/trunk, and arms together. Another issue is keeping the forearm at the right balance of relaxation vs. tension, and not only reacting with the arms, but with the entire body (see <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2012/04/wing-tsun-2012-review-seminar-part-1.html" target="_blank">sticky body</a>).<br />
<br />
The visualization that I try think about is pretending as if I had no arms at all, amputated at the elbow, forcing use of the upper arms, shoulders, and back. But this visualization does not always work, and I find myself tensing up too much in the forearms at the contact point, falling victim to the partner's attacks. Or I move too much at the arm with nothing else from the shoulder and back/waist, legs.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, one revelation I had about the long pole partner training, was that I had no choice but to "read" the force with the inanimate long pole. The long pole does not have any sensory nerves, and it cannot be tensed up like my forearm muscles.<br />
<br />
In the partner exercises with the long pole...<br />
1) If I used only my arms, then I would fail.<br />
2) If I hiked up my shoulders, then I would fail.<br />
3) If I did not move at my waist, then I would fail.<br />
4) If I didn't have good grounding, then I would fail.<br />
etc.<br />
<br />
With the long pole exercises... I had to have a good stance. I had to use my core. I had to drop my shoulders. I had to move my body.<br />
<br />
This is just one of many benefits of long pole training for Wing Tsun.<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
Happy training!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0Vancouver, BC, Canada49.261226 -123.113926849.09541 -123.4366503 49.427042 -122.7912033tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-78605606101767723602014-04-19T00:37:00.000-07:002014-04-19T00:40:46.543-07:00Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver Long Pole Seminar Part 1 - Review<div>
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<div>
Imagine going to a day-long workshop about weight-lifting, an orientation to a new gym. You learn how to properly use each and every machine in the gym. For the next 6 hours, you do multiple sets of 14 different exercises until you are exhausted.</div>
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</div>
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The question is, are you now a grandmaster genius of all things related to weight-lifting and strength-training? Are you now suddenly bulked up and strong, ready to do a circuit or two of exercises?</div>
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On March 29th, I attended the Inaugural Wing Tsun Long Pole Seminar by <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.net/RalphHaenelBio.html" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a>. My first review <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2014/03/wt-vancouver-long-pole-seminar-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>. We were taught about the long pole and how to do all the exercises. In fact, I can say I have "a full day" of training with it under my belt. I think I'm going to put the <span style="line-height: 16.5pt;">long pole skill in my pocket and call it a day. Done and done. Finito. The next time anyone asks me, "Do you know the Wing Tsun Long Pole?", I can scoff and say "Yes, indeed!"</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWDJJFUs-611flaMZFwRsAY-MA4MARHdfVG5SxBonjgnYuBnxsVpywJ-PfRB9fOKhO1qEF7J5uY8nEGExWUEaGrDKYq3iKfA43BjmUIN5GhEJq4WdODX51Z9kfsge3XZ96Fb5pxkIrms/s1600/10170819_10152349729791063_7086128297251585336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWDJJFUs-611flaMZFwRsAY-MA4MARHdfVG5SxBonjgnYuBnxsVpywJ-PfRB9fOKhO1qEF7J5uY8nEGExWUEaGrDKYq3iKfA43BjmUIN5GhEJq4WdODX51Z9kfsge3XZ96Fb5pxkIrms/s1600/10170819_10152349729791063_7086128297251585336_n.jpg" height="290" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"></span> </div>
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<span style="line-height: 16.5pt;"></span> </div>
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Gasp! Wait a sec! I know OF the long pole now... I know how to hold it, and also some exercises. But that's about it for now! We must be careful in Wing Tsun training (or any training in life or work for that matter), that we don't succumb to the notion that after being taught a new skill we have mastered it. Sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often we think this way, especially in the world of martial arts. We can be taught something but not actually know it thoroughly and completely. Am I all done with Chi Sau Section 1? Um, yes. Then why do I still get facepalmed by Sifu?</div>
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</div>
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Anyways, the answer to the question "Do you know the Wing Tsun Long Pole?" is really, "Yes I know what exercises I can do with it, but the practice/training is ongoing, and I'm still trying to figure out how to maximize my skill with it and translate its training effects into my Wing Tsun."</div>
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<div>
Long pole training can benefit your Wing Tsun in many ways, for example:</div>
<div>
- Power training: wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, back, waist, etc.</div>
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- Flexibility training: I found it helpful especially for the shoulder blade</div>
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<div>
- Balance training: including not only the stance but the whole body as a unit</div>
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- Shock power training</div>
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- Mobility training</div>
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(wait a minute... many of these sound like part of Sifu Ralph's WingTsun-CoreConcepts, fancy that)</div>
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- And of course, Feel cool-like-a-kung-fu-warrior training</div>
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<br />
Have I been diligent with my daily long pole exercises for the planned 4 weeks after the first seminar? I must admit, no! It took me a week to finally get to Home Depot for something to start practicing with. And then I found out the most difficult barrier that happens with any exercise: It can be hard to keep up with 30 minutes of long pole training on my own! The good thing is that the pole is starting to feel lighter with repeated training and (hopefully) better technique.</div>
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</div>
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Have YOU been diligent with the exercises? Because we are in for a treat, for the second seminar with the Long Pole Form on April 26th! If we can't even lift or use the pole properly, how are we going to even do the form?</div>
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</div>
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Finally, a PG-13 long pole joke, but also a reality:</div>
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Do you know why Sifu Ralph is such a good teacher? Because he teaches us how to fish. And this time he taught us how to fish with a long pole...</div>
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Happy training!</div>
kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-21334152264568730622014-03-30T08:52:00.001-07:002014-04-19T00:38:23.208-07:00WT Vancouver Long Pole Seminar Review<br />
ldfs of ng perw... I mean here is my short review of the long pole seminar by <a href="http://wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a> of <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.net/Welcome.html" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQkaKsMYkX9unOgQlW8vKEOmZisyk7XKel6fFCEWxugSL9yQspe2sfmnNZBXmCWYApl4sfionOmzW7Wv9tpo2HpYjwINFjpGhRXxns153RkWfjgYSnu5vhS-cKKblzcGzPYymdOOEvuo/s1600/2014-03-29+WT+Vancouver+Long+Pole+Group+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQkaKsMYkX9unOgQlW8vKEOmZisyk7XKel6fFCEWxugSL9yQspe2sfmnNZBXmCWYApl4sfionOmzW7Wv9tpo2HpYjwINFjpGhRXxns153RkWfjgYSnu5vhS-cKKblzcGzPYymdOOEvuo/s1600/2014-03-29+WT+Vancouver+Long+Pole+Group+Photo.jpg" height="178" title="2014 WT Kung Fu Vancouver Long Pole Seminar" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
I can't type, because my hands, wrists, and shoulders are so tired.<br />
<br />
I can't use speech recognition software, because I am also speechless.<br />
<br />
Until next time... see the following for inspiration:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/u7aaYtBHwco" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7aaYtBHwco" target="_blank">How to be a Ninja Warrior</a><br />
<br />
Happy Training!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-72749612332367854902013-12-08T09:57:00.001-08:002013-12-08T22:27:34.445-08:00Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver 2013 Year-End SeminarAt the 2013 year-end seminar, I was gently reminded by <a href="http://www.realisticselfdefense.net/RalphHaenelBio.html" target="_blank">Sifu Ralph Haenel</a>, that my last blog post was in <a href="http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2012/04/wing-tsun-2012-review-seminar-part-1.html" target="_blank">April 2012 about "sticky body"</a>! (I have several drafts waiting from 2012-13, but I haven't gotten <a href="http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/round_tuit" target="_blank">around to it</a>).<br />
<br />
The absence from the blog actually mirrors my absence in WT for the last year. Only intermittent training, but not enough.<br />
<br />
So, here it is... the first published blog post for this year. Thanks for reading!<br />
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<b>2013 <a href="http://www.wingtsunkungfu.com/" target="_blank">Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver</a> Year-End Seminar</b><br />
During seminars, classes, and private lessons, as always there are multiple images and concepts that come up during the instruction and training. I will just choose one for this post, and of course keeping all the other secrets to myself.<br />
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Sifu Ralph mentioned something about training the motion before adding strength or speed. This reminded me about a figure from the textbook Clinical Sports Medicine, about rehabilitation from injuries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciNYSSfyB4RAiot1zi1H5yCzv165ktpeoOeY5_N_kiJcru82oIGN-zXY6FkHRRapQthXhb7XKmW_PXbCPldquSV0iyTgdARqiyOcsdQq1YNsxBL4dwxRsN2XQIPLIYlKh0KWVsKeL5Es/s1600/WP_20131208_007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhciNYSSfyB4RAiot1zi1H5yCzv165ktpeoOeY5_N_kiJcru82oIGN-zXY6FkHRRapQthXhb7XKmW_PXbCPldquSV0iyTgdARqiyOcsdQq1YNsxBL4dwxRsN2XQIPLIYlKh0KWVsKeL5Es/s320/WP_20131208_007.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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<b>Motor re-education and muscle activation</b><br />
During a rehabilitation program, once pain is controlled appropriately, we start essentially with this pyramid. If you notice, the bottom pillar is motor re-education and muscle activation. Hence we work on forms, partner-supported isometric chi-sau
exercises (copyright Sifu Ralph Haenel). And we activate muscles
including the core and ones we don't normally use (lats, upper back
muscles, abdominals). All of structure makes everything above better, and actually work.<br />
<br />
<b>Proprioception, Strength, Flexibility</b><br />
In rehabilitation, after the muscles are re-educated and activated, we work on proprioception (definition: ability to sense the position and location and orientation and movement of the body and its parts), as well as strength/flexibility. One could argue that neuromotor control can fit together with proprioception and comes before strength and flexibility. This may be true, but they are all inter-related and probably need to be worked on in a cycle.<br />
<br />
In training, we try and learn new motions and make them fluid, and later
add strength, speed, plus working on each of the 10 core concepts
(also copyright Sifu Ralph Haenel). The force and fighting principles too.<br />
<br />
<b>Skill acquisition</b><br />
If you also notice, skill acquisition is higher up. This is similar to acquiring new techniques in martial arts.
Interestingly enough, we tend to focus on acquiring new techniques to
put in our pockets. Being a collector of techniques is completely
different than actually performing them with the right neuromotor
control, proprioception, balance, strength, speed, flexibility, etc.
But learning new techniques is enjoyable, and it gives us a framework to
work on those qualities we want to achieve. <br />
<br />
So, here we are. Learning lat sau programs. Learning chi
sau programs. Sure, perhaps I can go through and demonstrate all of the chi
sau programs (with some cueing!), but I'm not to the point of truly knowing and applying them. I can maybe even make it look cool and smooth with a partner, but to do it with substance is an entirely different level.<br />
<br />
For better or worse, many of us are in the "I want it now" mentality. No patience for horse stances, conditioning, wax on / wax off, building structure... before acquiring the skills.<br />
<br />
But, it's confusing right? We might need
to learn the techniques in order to practice the motion / neuromotor control and
then add in strength/speed. Then go back to the techniques again and work on applying them. Cycling through the pyramid.<br />
<br />
<b>Return to sport</b><br />
The very top. The golden arch. The holy grail. Let's say return to sport is like applying WT, anything from sparring to actual self-defense. Well, returning to sport after injury also includes returning to drills, then non-contact scrimmaging, then contact practice games, and only then returning to regular season games plus/minus playoffs/tournaments. Truly applying WT in a real-life self-defense scenario maybe more akin to a crucial scoring chance in triple OT during a Game 7 NHL stanley cup final, when your adrenaline is rushing and it really counts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Progressive Wing Tsun Kung Fu Training Program</b><br />
And so, here is a proposed pyramid for WT training:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJWEhvbo-5EYG2JnyNUJaxBmBPwLzzIF4tQHxwV6pdXaI1rc2Z5FMGXr2uo7vlumGOzO-KW-UjoLXoV0E_ZDy15rN5qjCKlTvhROBH6oxp2go6MikYplHOlfwYwOPrjpWH2E6fojpEqM/s1600/WT+program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJWEhvbo-5EYG2JnyNUJaxBmBPwLzzIF4tQHxwV6pdXaI1rc2Z5FMGXr2uo7vlumGOzO-KW-UjoLXoV0E_ZDy15rN5qjCKlTvhROBH6oxp2go6MikYplHOlfwYwOPrjpWH2E6fojpEqM/s320/WT+program.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, we do work through all of these levels in all aspects of our training. But think of it like any pyramid concept, wherein the bottom foundations support the top.<br />
<br />
To finish off, I'll list important aspects of rehabilitation listed in that same textbook:<br />
- muscle conditioning<br />
- flexibility<br />
- neuromuscular control (balance, proprioception)<br />
- functional exercises<br />
- sports skills<br />
- correction of abnormal biomechanics<br />
- maintenance of cardiovascular fitness<br />
- psychology<br />
I'll just leave them here, for your own thoughts about about how these aspects may also relate to your WT training. <br />
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Happy training!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8631947555915688714.post-37363906650145091132013-07-27T08:02:00.000-07:002013-12-08T10:24:02.525-08:00City Wing Tsun!New post, back dated to event date of 2013 July 27th!<br />
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Bustling crowds on 7th... 1028, 1026, aha. Found it. I extend my neck and gaze upwards, searching for the large banner draped across a background of bricks. Yes this was the right place. The cool NBA-esque logo.<br />
<br />
A full-fledged WT gym in North America is hard to come by.
How about one with 2 floors? Yes, that's right... <a href="http://www.citywingtsun.com/" target="_blank">City Wing Tsun</a> in New York, run by <a href="http://www.sifualexrichter.com/" target="_blank">Sifu Alex Richter</a>. <br />
<br />
Since I happened to be in NYC for a mini-vacation, I wanted to visit this famous school.<br />
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Greeted by Sifu Nicole on the 1st floor, I was then led up to the 2nd floor with the Big A$$ fan (literally!) to say hi to Sifu Alex.<br />
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I could picture 30, 40 plus bodies just sweating it out, training hard... and trying to keep cool.<br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIUeFUv8M7EUvLdNR2nyvx5jMsr11zuIyHQYaHLtyC0UJrk1ouwqDVzPxR15kC9lM_Qm2_tGi1XIWnV9rKUttPmX9eea-ljxOnB6PQKqyuV-967-J6AGC-zgFQV8E0nazXPgzSDClL6k/s320/IMG_4376.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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We took this photo. I promised I wouldn't use this photo to claim that I had received 100 hours of private instruction from Sifu Alex Richter. Rather, it was truly really taken after he taught me the super-secret concepts and techniques of the 4th WT form... all within that 10 minute visit. J/k, it was a good chat, and I got some tips about good eats in NYC too!<br />
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The next time I'm in NYC, I hope to actually train and visit group classes, and have some non-imaginary private instruction.<br />
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If you ever have a chance to visit <a href="http://www.citywingtsun.com/" target="_blank">City Wing Tsun</a> and do some training, I'd be jealous!kyklosphairahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00625668320070039879noreply@blogger.com0