Technique Training vs System Training
by Wing Chun Masters on Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 2:39pm
In the past two years learning Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun under GM Garrett Gee, I am seeing the differences between technique and system training. The ability to recognize time distortion and incorrect structure is also part of this process.We've had many visitors to our school from other Wing Chun lineages anxious to compare knowledge and skill. I am impressed with the display of proper kung fu culture and respect to GM Gee and our members by these martial artists. They often ask what the differences are between their Wing Chun and Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun. They have the center line, Tan, Bong, Fuk, Chi-Sao, wooden dummy all of the same techniques. What makes Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun unique?
Just two weeks ago another wing chun practitioner from Australia visited our school. A wing chun practitioner for more than four years, he had completed the chum kiu level of training. When demonstrating the first muk jong form, his initial biu jong sau had time distortion and lacked proper structure. When attempting to engage with my sihing Ricky Chu, the visiting practitioner continually retreated with a 'pin sun' side body. In HFY this is considered running away and another example of time distortion with improper structure. Sihing Chu dominated with the most basic HFY biu jong sau, center line occupation of space.
All lineages of Wing Chun claim the center line, but it becomes an illusion unless a realistic boundary measurable in time exists. A strait line from a practitioner to their opponent is the common definition, but that allows a distortion in time. Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun defines that boundary with the Hung Fa Yi box theory. I have personally been at the mercy of my sihings many times by violating that very principle.
Another reinforcement to this concept comes from my sihings Allen Chow, Ricky Chu, J.R. Santos, Mike G. Milton W. Their after school activities often involve underground gong sao matches or public tournaments. There they encounter fighters from other lineages eager to test their skills. Most of these competitions were won by basic Hung Fa Yi 'Sup Ming Dim Siu Lin Tau' skills. They have often commented about the lack of what Hung Fa Yi considers proper structure by these opponents. Also they were surprised at how quickly these opponents were willing to give up the center.
For every new technique I learn, I have also learned that it is only as good as the principle that supports it. From the Hung Fa Yi concept of time and space with HFY sup ming dim guide for proper structure with the application of one or more of the Hung Fa Yi five energies. Ying, lau, chung, saat and fa play an equally important role to implement a technique with maximum effect.
GM Gee is teaching the Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun System, enabling the practitioner to recognize these differences in real time.
Bruce Stanberry
Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun
27 September 2010
HFY108.com
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