The Ving Tsun Long Pole

From a layperson’s standpoint one of the most impractical weapons you could learn how to use is the Ving Tsun Long Pole. How many scenarios can you imagine where it would be necessary to defend yourself with a 9 foot pole. If anyone can think of a realistic scenario when this would be the case please email me at sifubryant@vtkfsystem.com. All joking aside, there is a great deal of practical benefit in becoming proficient with the Luk Dim Poon Kwan (6 and ½ point pole). 

The first benefit is physical conditioning, you must have coordinated full body strength as well as stamina to use the pole. As a matter of matter of fact it is recommend that you do at least three months of moving low stance work (Jin Choi) before you even touch the pole. Many do not even complete this process simply because of lack of will power.

That reminds me of another benefit of Ving Tsun pole training, developing mental toughness. Having the will power to force your body to its limits and endure a training process that many will find very challenging and unpleasant. Of course the attributes of discipline and mental toughness have value in everyday living. There are many things worth doing that we may find challenging and unpleasant.

The last benefit I will discuss is punching power. As I mentioned previously it takes full body coordinated strength to wield the Luk Dim Poon Kwan. The process of developing this kind of strength and power and the ability to express it at the end of a nine foot pole also develops significant punching power. In unarmed combat we want our punches not only to be physically damaging but also psychologically demoralizing. When you hit someone you don’t want them to simply get angry, you want them to reflect deeply on their life and the choices that led them to such severe punishment. You want to extinguish both their ability and desire to fight.