YouTube is a horrible Sifu!

One of the best things and at the same time one of the worst things to happen to Ving Tsun and even to martial arts in general is YouTube. On the up side, it's great to see what other martial artist are up to, also some people have been generous enough to post rare footage of old masters and obscure rarely seen styles of martial arts. This has both a motivational and educational value. On the downside the level of discourse on YouTube is often juvenile at best. There exist a multitude of people who are willing to share their uneducated opinion on just about any topic. In addition, somehow the fact that you are typing on a key board and not speaking face to face has made civility and good manners completely irrelevant.

Another trend that I find somewhat disturbing is the idea that you can completely forgo any form of traditional martial arts instruction and learn completely from YouTube. I'll admit there are some things that can be learned from watching videos. To that admission I would add the caveat that the more hands on face to face instruction and experience you have had the more educational value you can derive from a video. But, with no previous training and no experienced expert instruction from someone who has learned in a traditional manner it will be difficult if not impossible for you to reach a high level of skill and understanding in any given martial art.

This is especially true for Ving Tsun as a large portion of the learning comes from having first hand experience of "touching hands" with someone who is better than you. That person may be your Sifu or a senior classmate. Of course you could easily imitate Ving Tsun forms up to and including the Bot Jahm Do, but more than likely your knowledge and skill will be superficial at best. An intelligent and talented person may even be able to use a good amount of Ving Tsun techniques that they learned simply from watching videos. However this person would immediately realize they were lacking something upon meeting a true expert trained in a traditional manner.

I have sympathy for those who might want to learn Ving Tsun but have do not live within a reasonable distance of a competent Sifu. Had my Sifu not traveled 2 to 2.5 hours (one way) on a regular basis to learn Ving Tsun there would probably be no Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu in my area. So what does one do, if you have no choice but books, and videos? It depends on what your goals are. If you are not that serious and it's only a casual hobby for you then by all means try your best to see what you can learn from just books and videos. If on the other hand you are serious and want to learn authentic Ving Tsun Kung Fu you should get a group of guys together and see if you can sponsor a Sifu to come to your area and assist you in organizing a study group. I hear this guy is pretty good www.vtkfsystem.com ;o)

The value of Kung Fu training.

So, one may ask, why bother to study Kung Fu. I could just buy a gun if I wanted to protect myself, why go through all the trouble, time, and expense. To a degree, this is a logical way of thinking and really it depends on where you are in your life and what you want out of your life. If all you are interested in is protecting your self or learning how to fight then there are easier ways to go about it than learning Kung Fu. Ving Tsun in particular can be somewhat difficult to learn, you could learn it on a superficial level and have a certain degree of success, but to really understand it and become skillful will require time and effort. Is it worth it?

Of course my answer to this question is going to be yes since I am a lifelong martial artist and Ving Tsun instructor. Let me explain my answer and hopefully it will be helpful to those who might be considering starting out on this path.

First, if all you are really interested in is fighting then it would  be a waste of time for you to read any more of this, find a good Boxing, MMA, or Krav Maga school and enjoy. However if you are interested in martial arts and Ving Tsun in particular as a practical form of metaphysical study then you are in the right place. By studying Ving Tsun and applying it's principles in your everyday day life you can reap a great deal of benefit, and this is a benefit that increases over time. I have three criteria for evaluating any form of metaphysical study. Through the study and application of any particular method you should be able to observe and measure growth in the following categories.

1. Health and Vitality

Through the practice of Ving Tsun it is possible to improve your health, develop more muscle, lose weight, gain better body awareness. If these are things that you want, they can be acquired through the study of Ving Tsun, but you must apply yourself and train specifically for the things you want out of your training. If your goal is Olympic level performance, it will require Olympic level effort. On the other hand, training purely for enjoyment at least twice a week at the school, and on your own when you have time will produce significant results. Again it all depends on what you want and the level you are willing to train at.

2. Quality Relationships

Through your training you will develop a better understanding of your self. We gain insight into ourselves through our interactions with others. As we learn and grow through these relationships within our Kung Fu family there is a parallel and simultaneous effect on our relationships outside of the Kung Fu family. The people you deal with in your everyday life should notice a difference. You should be noticably more centered, calm, and caring.

3. Personal effectiveness

Ving Tsun is about efficiency in everything we do, not only that, we become more efficient at being efficient. The principles and concepts we experience in our physical practice begin to extend in to how we live our lives. We begin to become more mindful, and with mindful awareness we strive to take the appropriate action in all circumstances. We are able to efficiently accomplish what it is we set out to do!

Use this offer from Groupon to start your training!

http://touch.groupon.com/deals/moy-yat-ving-tsun-kung-fu 

The Importance of Siu Nim Tau

I think it is impossible to overstate the importance of Siu Nim Tau in the study of Ving Tsun Kung Fu. The meaning of Siu Nim Tau can be translated as "small thoughts" or "small intention". It is the first of three empty hand forms in the Ving Tsun Kung Fu system. The average student takes about two to four weeks to learn it. The form is divided into three sections and is taught one section at a time based on how quickly the student can digest it. To the uninitiated it seems like an odd set of movements with no obvious application to fighting. In a way, this is true, Siu Nim Tau in and of itself has nothing to do with fighting. What Siu Nim Tau does is introduce the most important elements of the system in a way that is physical and tangible so that over time these elements become innate to the student.

In section one we learn the characteristic stance associated with Ving Tsun, Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma (character two adduction stance, "goat clamping"). This stance is essential for developing strength in the legs, the ability to redirect force into the ground, and the ability to push off the ground and generate force through the body into the hands for striking. In section one we are also introduced to center line which I have spoken about in a previous post. In addition to center line we find nim lik (strength of intent) combined with forward energy. These concepts are trained with slow deliberate movement back and forth on centerline.

Section two contains simultaneous movements of both arms in a relaxed and coordinated manner; we define our boundaries in all six directions of three dimensional space, forward, backward, up, down, left, and right. We also examine how both arms can share centerline.

Section Three looks at more complex expression of the basic movements combined with the understanding of mental force and our boundaries in 3d space developed in sections one and two. The movements look simple but are more difficult than they appear. Siu Nim Tau also lays the groundwork for the student to be introduced to the set of skill development exercises leading up to Chi - Sao. Without a strong foundation in Siu Nim Tau it is difficult if not impossible to gain a high level of skill in the Ving Tsun Kung Fu system.

Essentials of Personal Protection

The Three Phases of Personal Protection

 

1.      Green Phase – Deterrence

It is of utmost importance not to appear as an easy target. Criminals are professional profilers and masters of target acquisition. Wherever you happen to be, carry yourself with a sense of confidence. Behave as if wherever you are, that is where you belong. Be sure not to put yourself into situations that make you a likely target, e.g. jogging alone at night in a secluded area, traveling through a rough neighborhood during odd hours, etc. Do not leave valuable items in plain sight in your car. Make sure your car doors are locked. If you have keyless entry make sure your interior lights are set to turn on when the door is unlocked. Make sure all family members know what to do in the event of a home intrusion. Your home should be well lit and all points of entry should be secure. An electronic security system monitored by your local police department would be optimal.

 

2.      Yellow Phase – Detection

Awareness is the key to avoiding being a victim of violent crime. Notice when you are being noticed, pay attention to any suspicious activity. Each of us intuitively knows when something is not quite right, listen to your intuition. Avoid being in a constant state of distraction e.g. fumbling with a wallet, digging in a purse, playing with your smart phone, etc. It is important to be 100% present to where you are, what you are doing, and what is happening around you.

 

3.      Red Phase –Defense

You should familiarize yourself with a handful of strategies, tactics, and techniques in the event that it becomes necessary to physically defend yourself or your family. There are a variety of self defense options ranging from lethal to non-lethal. Educate yourself concerning the legal parameters of self-defense and be mindful of them when pursuing the self defense options available to you.

Basic Strategies, Tactics, and Techiques – Red Phase

Self Defense VS Mutual Combat

In the event that physical confrontation is inevitable it is to your advantage for your adversary to have the impression that you are not going to fight back thus giving you the element of surprise and an opportunity for a pre-emptive strike. You want to avoid allowing the situation to evolve into some form of unspoken agreement that you are going to engage in mutual combat. Meaning both parties adopt a combative stance and begin fighting.

Critical Distance

Critical distance is the minimum distance between you and your adversary such that he must take one step, reach for a weapon, or both in order to do any physical harm to you. You can practice having the ability to recognize critical distance by pairing up with a partner and having him stand in front of you reaching towards you with his arms outstretched and parallel to each other. Adopt the same posture facing your partner with enough distance between you so that your fingers are barely touching.  Once this is done you can drop your hands to your sides, you have now established critical distance. Critical distance can vary for any two particular individuals. In practicing various self defense drills with multiple partners who vary in size and build we can develop the ability to recognize critical distance at a glance.

The Interview Stance

The interview stance is a posture that you adopt in order to optimize your defensive position without necessarily escalating the level of tension making physical conflict more likely.

For example

1.      Hands clasped on center line

2.      One arm/hand folded the other on your chin

3.      Hands up , palms forward

The Body As A Weapon & Anatomical Weak Points

Fist: fold the fingers down into the palm with the thumb clasped over the knuckles. The fist should be very tight and dense while the arm remains loose and relaxed. The fist should be held vertically and the strike launched along the centerline of the body, the bottom three knuckles being the point of contact. Suggested targets for the fist are the nose, tip of the chin, and the solar plexus (center of the chest at the base of the sternum)

Fingers: when using the fingers as a weapon they should be held together tightly and slightly curved so as to absorb the force of impact. The fingers can only be used against soft targets such as the eyes and throat.

Edge of the Hand: the outer edge of the hand can be used as a weapon; with the striking surface being the meaty portion between the base of the pinky and wrist. Suggested targets are the nose, throat, side of the neck, and kidneys.

Palm: the meaty portion of the palm closest to the wrist can be used as a weapon. When striking low the fingers should point down, when striking to body the fingers should be held to the side, when striking high the fingers should point up. Suggested targets are groin, kidneys, solar plexus, chin, and nose.

Elbow: the elbow is a good close quarters weapon used to strike in a circular path on the horizontal plane or downward against someone attempting to lift you off the ground. Also an upward blow to the chin utilizing the elbow can be very effective.

Shoulders & Back: Ramming the shoulder into the chest can knock the wind out of your assailant. Violently slamming your back into your opponent as he attempts to grab you from behind provide can provide an opportunity for follow up attacks or a quick escape.

Knees & Feet: the knees can be used to strike upward into the groin. A clinching knee strike is also effective; this is done by interlocking your fingers behind your opponent’s neck and bringing his head down as your knee travels upward. The heel of the foot, the side of the foot, and the front of the foot can be used as weapons. The choice of striking surface depends greatly on what type of footwear you are wearing at the time. Good targets for kicking are the shin, knees, and groin. With high kicks you risk the possibility of either losing your balance and or getting your leg grabbed. So aim low!

Improvised Weaponry

Anything can be used as a weapon; examples are keys, bags, pens, umbrellas, etc. Weapons can be broken down into three categories; clubbing/bludgeoning, stabbing/slashing, throwing/projectile. A good mental exercise is to look around the room and ask your-self, of the objects in this room which of them can be used as weapons. What categories do they fall into?

Escaping From Holds

The most important concept is “what weapons do I have free”. When you are grabbed there is always a part of your body that is free. You must quickly determine what body weapon is available and what target is available and use that information to create an opportunity to escape from the hold.

How to learn Ving Tsun

We already talked about what Ving Tsun is and how it works. Now let's talk about how to learn Ving Tsun. When the average person imagines a martial arts class, they imagine a bunch of people standing in white pajamas parroting the motions of the teacher standing in front of the class. Ving Tsun classes are not like that at all at least in most schools. In most Martial Arts disciplines you learn techniques and applications for a very long time before for you learn the underlying principles that make those techniques and applications work. In Ving Tsun, from the very beginning you're trying to understand why it is we do what we do. You will learn techniques but you will also learn the underlying principle. What I tell my students is that Ving Tsun is learned face-to-face, mind to mind, and heart-to-heart, I'll explain the meaning of this phrase.

Face to face

When I say face-to-face what I mean is you have to be physically present and you have to put a good deal of time in to practicing with your Kung Fu brothers and sisters as often as possible. Ving Tsun develops a certain skill set based on energy and sensitivity and you won't be able to access that skill set unless you have had first-hand experience of it.

Mind to mind

To understand the finer points of Ving Tsun, in addition to experiencing the skill of those who have more skill than you, you must also have discussions with them and ask questions. Also you need to have an opportunity to help those who have less experience than you. Each time you help someone who has less experience than you, you deepen your own understanding of what is being taught.

Heart to heart

A Ving Tsun school is like a family, the Sifu of course is the father of the family, you also have younger brothers and sisters as well as older brothers and sisters. Just like any other family each member of the family tries their best to support the entire family. It is Sifu’s responsibility to create an environment whereby the student through their own initiative has full and complete access to the entire Ving Tsun system. The more the students support the Sifu and each other in this endeavor the easier it is for the Sifu to fulfill his obligation, which in turn benefits everyone. Essentially you have to care, everyone has to care. The more you care the easier it will be for you to get the Kung Fu which is the meaning of heart-to-heart. Of course the highest level is simply to open your heart and give, with no expectation of anything in return. The world needs more of this…