First Technician Grade!

Technician

It’s been more than 10 years since I started Wing Tsun (in Toronto with Si-Hing/Sifu Asad Mir).  I’ve had the opportunity to learn from Sifu German Ferrer of Calgary Wing Tsun and Sifu Ralph Haenel of Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver, and of course from all of the Si-Hings and Si-Dais.  Although Wing Tsun started as a hobby and done in a part-time manner, it has remained a passion of mine.  Since being back in Vancouver for nearly 2 years, I have been grateful to be training more consistently with Si-Fu Ralph Haenel. 

Earlier this year in April, I was awarded the 1TG aka First Technician Grade in Wing Tsun Kung Fu.

Techni-what?

What does it mean to be a technician in Wing Tsun Kung Fu?  I have heard some say it is like the first Black Belt.  Actually some also say that the landmark Student Level 9 in Wing Tsun is equivalent to a Black Belt.  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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm3ikyMzMlA

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.  Some may also say that as a First Technician, one should be a good “fighter” by now.  I don't feel like a good fighter, but then again I don't know how to define that.  Supposedly as a First Technician level, one has become more proficient and now improves the “techniques.”  Interestingly, I believe (as of today at least) that a true understanding of Wing Tsun Kung Fu means there are no techniques per se.  It is, as Si-Fu would say, adaptation to chaos.  Apparently that is why there are now HG (Higher Grade) levels instead in the EWTO. 

Why are there levels?  When standardizing a system or program taught around the world, it is useful to sub-divide, compartmentalize, and categorize.  But when learning something like Wing Tsun Kung Fu, one is really learning about how to move one’s body efficiently.  It is more like a continuum.  A journey.

If this is the case, so then why test and why advance?

Testing and Grading

Initially, I thought that it didn’t matter what level I was in Wing Tsun, but only that I was learning, progressing, and improving.  Due to the logistical structure of the Wing Tsun programs, to advance in learning meant to advance by testing and passing levels.  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.  And so I began to love “advancing.”

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.  Which led me again to think that it didn’t matter what level I was in Wing Tsun.  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.  And in Vancouver, that would be from Si-Fu Ralph Haenel.

In the end though, I think we all secretly yearn to advance levels in Wing Tsun.

When investing time, money, effort, sweat, we as humans all want to progress, advance, and improve.  We all wouldn’t mind receiving a pat on the back and being acknowledged.  This yearning is not only limited to training in martial arts, but in other endeavours as well.  People like status.  People like certifications and credibility.  But all of this requires… you guessed it… commitment!  And kung fu (hard work)!  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.

Are you trying or are you doing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ4yd2W50No

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. 

Framework of Wing Tsun Kung Fu

This beginning of a deeper understanding has been helped by visualizing the framework of the entire system.  Some reach this beginning sooner.  For me, however, it has taken some time to develop this awareness.  The roadmap has certainly been helpful in my journey.  Si-Fu Ralph Haenel has recently finished laying out the framework of the Wing Tsun Kung Fu system to the advanced team.  This includes:

·        Siu Nim Tao form

·        Cham Kiu form

·        Biu Dje form

·        Wooden Dummy form

·        Long Pole exercises and form

·        Bart Cham Dao form

·        Chi Sao Sections

·        Biu Dje Chi Sao Sections

·        Wooden Dummy Chi Sao Sections

There are also programs and training methods including Chi Sao Functional Strength Training, Lat Sao, Blitz-Defense, Folding and Sliding programs, Weapons Chambers, etc.  Then there are applications, which is an ongoing learning process.  And don’t forget about the CoreConcepts. 

The whole advanced team must be now Masters of Wing Tsun!  You laugh, but others who have “learned” the whole system actually might claim this.  Merely learning and “pocketing” the whole system does not make one a master. 

This framework has helped me think and “cross-reference”, as Si-Fu would say.  It has helped me analyze numerous ideas, movements, and applications.  How each motion fits into the interweb of Wing Tsun.

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.

It has taken some time for me to learn how to move.  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.  It is fairly amazing what the human body can do.

Thank you to Si-Fu Ralph Haenel!  My journey has only just begun.  Still learning…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezLt8xmwRaE

Empty your cup… but with every lesson

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?

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.

Humour me.  I am going to touch on a few soft spots.

When presented with X, students do Y

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.

The impulse from this blog post was after the review of the Wing Tsun Long Pole form by Si-Fu Ralph Haenel of Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver on March 1st. 

During the training, I found that everyone, including myself, had different issues.  But of course, that is expected.  Or, is it?

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.

What were some of the points for the long pole form?
- Keep the shoulders down
- Bend the elbow in this manner for this part of the form
- Keep the elbow straight for this portion of the form
- The pole should be horizontal here, parallel to the ground
- The footwork should be ______________

What did we see and what did we do?
- Shoulder hiked up
- Elbows were straight when they were to be bent, or vice versa.
- Poles pointing up, poles curving down, etc.
- Inaccurate foot placement or mixing up footwork

There are likely also numerous examples from other classes or seminars.  In fact, during the bonus open-air class 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!

DISCLAIMER:  I am criticizing all of us, including myself.

Yes I realize that we are all still learning as students.  But yet, why does this phenomenon happen? 

Do basketball players, when presented with a basic layup drill, start doing fancy dunks or pump-fakes before the layup? 

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? 

Do boxers and their partners, when asked to do some pad-work, start sparring and fighting instead?

I don't think so. 

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?

Yes.

Why?

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?

I think this is what is happening with me.  Is it happening to you?
1.      I am not emptying my cup, with EVERY class or session.
2.      I am not truly listening and watching intently... every detail.
3.      I don't check myself often enough with the mirror, or with video.
4.      I don't practice enough, and perhaps not correctly.

EMPTY YOUR CUP

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. 

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.

Here is a challenge.  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.

LISTEN AND WATCH INTENTLY (some may need to feel the demo too)

I saw this article recently:  http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/feb/06/selfie-sticks-banned-new-york-museums-moma

“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.”

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?

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. 

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? 

Here is the next challenge:  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.

Here is a different challenge:  Don’t tape the class/seminar/private lesson, and now concentrate.  Immediately or after the session, take copious notes including pictures.

The third challenge:  Tape yourself (which leads to the next section)

[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]

FEEDBACK

Hey, if athletes do this, why shouldn’t we?

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?

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.

Trust me, this visual feedback will be helpful.

HOW TO PRACTICE

Finally, the fourth point about practicing correctly.  At least what I am working on.

Example:  Long Pole training (since this was the original blog post intention, but the main principles still apply)
1.      Practice only one movement from the form, like, forever
2.      Try using a lighter pole to get the movements down first
3.      Train movement before adding speed and strength
4.      Don’t be afraid to take breaks!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:  http://kyklosphaira.blogspot.ca/2010/08/four-principles-of-ego.html 

Drills are meant to be well, drills.  Sparring and fighting are important to train, but not during drills.
Happy training!

How sticky is your Wing Tsun Wooden Dummy?

Si-Fu Ralph Haenel of Wing Tsun Kung Fu Vancouver blew us away in 2014 with multiple seminars.  In addition to reviewing Chi Sau sections, we had various firsts:  Long Pole and Bart Cham Dao.

If that was not enough, in 2015 Sifu Ralph started teaching us Wooden Dummy Chi Sau sections.  Certainly, we have had classes before about applications from various parts of the Wooden Dummy form.  Also, one could also argue that sections are just created and not needed.  But everything we do is fabricated.  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.

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).

So, over the last month I have been trying to formulate how the Wooden Dummy Chi Sau sections help us improve.  I think this will take some time though, to digest and analyze (probably a lifetime).

One of the key ideas I’ve had is:  Cross-referencing.

Emphasis of certain ideas from other sections

Time and time again we work on forward pressure.  I found that this section helped once again emphasize the importance of forward pressure that deflects yet redirects at the right moment.  That right moment was more prolonged in the other sections.  With the Wooden Dummy Chi-Sau that time period for deflecting/redirecting seems much shorter.  With the goal of being more direct and effective.

Are we able to translate this concept and improve other WT skills?

Extension of further concepts from other sections or programs

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.  Section 1 Fook Sau cycle).  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?

I think it will change the way we move.  So much that, in a sense, it isn’t necessarily a visible change but one that the opposing partner/opponent feels.  At least when we get through the visible growing pains.  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.

Work on footwork and stance

The theory I’ve heard before is that the Bart Cham Dao and Wooden Dummy has “advanced footwork.”  Yet, in the early student programs, we work on:  forward step, turning stance, 90/180 degree turns, zig-zag step, crossing step, etc.  They are all there.  Why should we be excited to learn Wooden Dummy Chi-Sau then?  Because it is awesome and higher-level and we are now all close to being masters, isn’t it?  Well, if we can’t drive an old VW Beetle, we can’t necessarily drive a Ferrari well.  So, I guess the lesson is don’t forget the basics. 

Yes, that pair of Bart Cham Dao is sitting on the couch and very accessible to pick up and practice the form.  But what about those footwork drills, or those “basic” exercises from the 21-Steps Seminar?

Disconnecting and reconnecting, turning in tighter quarters, all need an even better stance than before.  Stay tuned for future posts about how I’ve been working on stance and balance, outside of regular WT training…

Different kind of bridging, sort of…

In Chum Kiu training we learn to seek the bridge or building one.  Hopefully only a 1-way bridge, for us.  In Wooden Dummy training it appears that there can be often a (physical) disconnection, followed by a re-connection via another bridge.  Hopefully again a 1-way bridge, for us.

I think it would be useful to go back to the foundations of Chum Kiu and understand what makes a good bridge.  Then revisit the Wooden Dummy applications again.

Finally, the fear and the risk of learning new Chi-Sau sections

Practicing the dance but not the applications.

Do you remember first feeling awkward with Chi-Sau?  Then it becomes easier, and then you start learning the sections?

I can still remember testing for student level ?6/7 with the first WT Chi-Sau section.  Did it so smoothly, just like a well-oiled machine.  Of course!  Because I tested with one of the same training partners I trained with day-in and day-out.  Practicing choreography is no different.  Did I know how to apply all the parts?  Perhaps partly, but of course, years later on looking back, not as effective as I could have been.

An obvious tip that can help?  Train with different partners, of different sizes and strengths/weaknesses.  It’ll open up new “mistakes” and prevent us from practicing choreography.

 

Happy training!