Video: WingChun Chi Sao (Adhering Arms) Applications

During a recent Primary Workshop at the United States Headquarters of the International Academy of WingChun (IAW) in Berkeley, California, I had participants drill three application excerpts within the IAW partner sequences. These are known (and demonstrated in the video) as Lat Sao (Casting Arms), Chi Sao (Adhering Arms) and Guo Sao (Passing Arms), respectively. The goal is synergizing technique, power and speed.

Below is a brief technical analysis of the three combination options against a right punch preparation: Continue reading

The Momentum of WingChun

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mo·men·tum

noun | mō-ˈmen-təm
1. the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.

You study WingChun, not physics, so why care about momentum? One goal in WingChun is maximizing the projection of our physical power. That increases your destructive effect, which is valuable for you to rapidly end a self-defense encounter. As the study of matter, energy and their interaction, physics is relevant to this objective. Remember, physics is not abstract but emerges from the observation of reality. Momentum is the aspect of physics that describes the quantity of motion an object has.

Of course, you have to repeat WingChun movements many thousands of times towards proficiency. But knowledge of momentum will help you do so with better results sooner. It is theory that will benefit your practice by understanding what variables to adjust, whereas WingChun shows you how. You might even say WingChun is physics in action. Continue reading

Collision, the Only Solution

In this article, Sifu Klaus Brand addresses several common misconceptions about the martial arts and others styles similar in name to IAW WingChun. Read it below to learn the following:

  • Why collision is unavoidable in Self-Defense
  • The source of true combative ability
  • WingChun sparring is impossible
  • Chi Sao for body power and toughening
  • The definition of a real fight
  • Confusion between sensitive contact and hard impact
  • Structured graduation is not an option

Continue reading