Wing Chun

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art and self-defense system that is made up of core concepts and principles based on structure, balance, sensitivity, relaxation, and positioning.  Learn more on the style and history from wikipedia.

Project Wing Chun
I began training with my Sifu at Indy Wing Chun Kuen in July 2011.  The Wing Chun system I'm learning is derived from this lineage: Yip Man -> Siu Yuk Men -> Chad Williams -> My Sifu -> Me.  Siu Yuk Men was an early student of the legendary Grand Master Yip Man and subsequent chairman of the Ving Tsun Athletic Association for many years.  Si Gong Williams was a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and a private disciple of Grand Master Siu Yuk Men.  Learn more about the Wing Chun heritage from my Sifu's website. 

Training & Progress
I average 4 hours per week of formal instruction combined with daily practice and independent study.  To date I have learned the 3 open-hand forms - Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee, the 8 sets of the Muk Yan Jong (wooden dummy), and the Luk Dim Boon Gwan (six-and-a-half-point long pole).

Each training session is designed to enhance:

• technique and proprioception
• tactile sensitivity, energy distribution
• concepts, principles, and theory
• speed, power, and timing
• supplemental self-defense combatives and awareness

Training Tools
Wall Bag - purchased this one from EWC that has leather on one side and canvas on the other.  Filled with rice.

Muk YanJong - purchased the PVC bucket dummy from Master Thornton. I built a low stand to set it on that allows a little more freedom in footwork.  I've since wrapped rope around center for some padding.

80lb Heavy Bag - per my Sifu's recommendation, I've since lowered the bag from what's pictured so the bottom is at knee kicking height.  Made much more dynamic for Wing Chun drills.

Interval Timer - Great for various drills - I use Gymboss; easy to work, durable.

I also use a 10ft piece of pine dowel I picked up from Home Depot for about $8 to practice the long pole form until I make the investment.  I've been waiting to see if this one comes back in stock: Quan Dim 9' Long Pole.

Once I move on to the Baat Jaam Do form, I'll pick up one of these butterfly swords.  I haven't done the research yet to determine which but will update this once I make the selection.

My Wing Chun Library
               

All are good but if I had to pick just one it would be The Wing Chun Compendium volumes since they are most comprehensive, covering the spectrum on the art.  Bruce Lee's Tao of Jeet Kune Do notes are a good philosophical perspective though not Wing Chun specific (though Bruce Lee did originally train Wing Chun with Yip Man).

Wing Chun Videos
Sifu David Peterson's Siu Nim Tao Seminar & Cham Kiu Seminar

Below is Wong Shun Leung's Wing Chun - The Science of In-fighting video embedded in parts from Youtube

Part 1 (10:00) Part 2 (09:10) Part 3 (09:38) Part 4 (07:15) Part 5 (05:04)

I also enjoy the videos put out by Windy City Wing Chun, checkout their Youtube Channel

A cool part of keeping this blog is meeting interesting people from all around the world.  Not long after putting up this page I got contacted by Japanese filmmaker Chibi Moku asking if I'd take a look at a video they shot.  They were really cool and shared some details in how they shot it and the tools they used.  This 20min film on Wing Chun with Golden Harvest in the Philippines is fantastic: Watch Video (19:47)

Fitness Training
I follow former endurance athlete Mark Sisson's The Primal Blueprint for diet and exercise.  The basic exercise regiment is to maintain 2-5 hours of moderate cardio plus 1-3 time per week of lifting something heavy with 1 sprint workout every 7-10 days (see the cheat sheet).  I warm-up for every workout with Wing Chun forms and basic drills.  I also include Wing Chun interval drills as part of moderate cardio and occasionally as part of the sprint workout routines.  I'm in the best shape of my life and also reinforces my Wing Chun development.