There’s almost nothing I enjoy more than sharing the benefits of WingChun. Although my preferred mode is through physical contact, much of this communication is via words, especially online.
As of today, there are 231 total comments on our YouTube videos.
Admittedly, I felt it was a waste of my time responding to anonymous commenters. Plus, the crass ones turned me off. So much so that I deleted several comments. But I realized herein was actually an educational opportunity.
Some commenters had genuine confusion. Others were just curious, despite strong contrary opinions. I wanted to acknowledge where they were coming from. And answer with a new perspective based on my experience.
Moreover, I could create a sort of FAQ archive on a public forum. Even non-participating visitors could gain valuable perspectives by reading the ongoing conversation.
Thus, fresh after teaching a couple Private Lessons last Wednesday afternoon, I sat down to respond. My goal was to be as clear, precise and succinct as possible about the unique IAW paradigm. I even through in a little humor here and there. Well, I did my best.
Students occasionally ask me for book recommendations about WingChun. Unfortunately, I haven’t found any I really like besides general recommendations to study human biodynamics, perceptual learning and flow pyschology.
But now I suggest digesting the following ongoing threads:
- WingChun Flow (41)
- WingChun Action I (21)
- WingChun Action II (56)
- WingChun Function I (30)
- WingChun Function II (10)
- WingChun System (73)
I invite you to join the dialogue.
Sifu Paul Wang 
Interesting post, Sihing Paul. I just read through these youTube comments the other day. I think it is a nice educational opportunity for both IAW and non-IAW students alike. It is also very helpful for IAW students who do not have a community with which to practice.
I appreciate you reading through this article and the linked video commentary. Every bit of clarification helps.
It’s a vast world out there with a diversity of opinions, more or less informed by real experience. I can only speak for myself as an IAW WingChun practitioner with a certain breadth of exposure to the field of martial arts and self-defense.
Nonetheless, I’m grateful for any and all interaction, despite differences.
Yes, you open yourself up when posting to youtube. Everyone has their opinion. If all they have to say is that we use too much power then that’s good. At least they don’t call us chumps. A FAQ is a good idea.
Thanks for your perspective, Ayron.
For the time being, I’m enjoying interacting with the YouTube community. Rather than hide the truth of what we are, I choose to speak up, accepting that there are always naysayers. This is an inevitable, and even good, consequence of communicating strongly about anything. It makes me think of Master Lao:
“When a foolish man hears of the Tao,
he laughs out loud.
If he didn’t laugh,
it wouldn’t be the Tao.”
— Tao Te Ching
Chapter 41, Lines 5-8
Translated by Stephen Mitchell
I have watched all the videos you have posted, and they are all mighty impressive. I think how explosive the applications are, and how short the video is and I realise how dangerous wingchun can be when put into practise. You could have made a video that talked about wingchun and the history, but as you rightly mentioned actions speak louder than words. May your Wingchun journey continue!
Many thanks
Adam.
Adam, I duly note your accurate feedback. Thank you. Believe me, as my students can attest, I could expound upon WingChun history and philosophy. However, veering too far from the direct context of embodied movement leaves intelligence confined to the skull. I like short, sweet, strong action!
Thank you Sihing Paul, It is inspiring to see you tackle each one of those comments with such grace and patience. I have an online business and I find it very hard to suppress my personal feelings when it comes to antagonistic commentators.
This was a great off-the-mat teaching and I am inspired to bring this attitude to work with me tomorrow 🙂
-Adon, WingChun Santa Cruz
You’re welcome, Adon. That’s kind of you to qualify my comments as graceful and patient. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with online communication. You’re right, it’s not easy to channel intense feelings into right action. But that is part of our WingChun training. I’d like to add one more asset I’ve found useful in my interactions. A powerful, spontaneous sense of humor! It’s a skill well worth cultivating.