Ving Tsun has everything

When people make the statement Ving Tsun does not have this or Ving Tsun does not have that, it is my opinion that they speak from a lack of understanding of the true nature of Ving Tsun. If you want to be a traditionalist then of course you can look at Ving Tsun and say it has a very limited set of physical techniques. However those who truly understand Ving Tsun know that techniques are really a secondary concern. Ving Tsun is a system, for more on that check out my previous blog post. As a system Ving Tsun is concerned with the answer to two questions;

1. What is most appropriate?
2. How do I train myself to naturally do what is most appropriate.

This line of thought can be applied to almost anything, for right now we are concerned with unarmed combat. There are a limited number of techniques and tactics one can apply within the context of unarmed combat but there are limitless stylistic approaches. These techniques and tactics can be broken down into three categories, they are as follows;

1. Striking with any part of the body
2. Pain Compliance - Joint Locking – Limb destruction
3. Takedowns and or Throws

The Ving Tsun approach would be to ask, when it is appropriate to apply any of these three methods. How do I train myself to recognize that? What are the most effective techniques within a particular category, how do I train to apply the correct technique in the correct situation, spontaneously. For example let’s look at the second category, what one might call “Chin Na”, seizing and controlling techniques.

Many people would say that Ving Tsun does not contain Chin-Na; I would argue that the three forms of the Ving Tsun system contain all the necessary information required to study and develop Chin-Na techniques in addition to throws and takedowns. Something I am more than happy to demonstrate.
In order to execute an effective Chin-Na technique you must do one of, or any combination of the following things;

1. Unbalance your opponent
2. Diminish his capacity to resist
3. Lead his mind

The Ving Tsun curriculum develops a skill set that can be used to easily accomplish any of these goals. Any of Ving Tsun’s striking techniques combined with the uncanny ability to control the “Window of Combat” facilitates the ability to diminish your opponent. The practice of Chi—Sao gives Ving Tsun practitioners the ability to sense and control balance. Intermediate to advanced level Chi-Sao players also develop the ability not only to sense intent based on energy but also to lead or distract using energy, this ability also lends itself well to Chin-Na.

Here is a study and experimentation outline to get you started for different types of Chin-Na techniques;

1. Fingers
2. Wrist
3. Elbow
4. Shoulder
5. Head & Neck
6. Combination

Any skill development in Ving Tsun depends on finding a good Sifu. Working on developing your understanding and building a strong foundation. And last but not least hours and hours of training, experimentation, and discussion with your Kung Fu brothers and sisters.

Well, what are you waiting for… get to work!