Sifu Colin Ward

at #9691

Well said Lester,

Thank you.

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9686

For anyone else curious of this thought, you must ask yourself one question…

Why are you learning Wing Chun?

If you are learning to fight, then you may have already lost.
I say this because firstly, you will miss out on all that Wing Chun has to offer, and secondly because, training with anger or fighting in your eyes, will only make you tense, slow you down, make you telegraph, overcommit, and ultimately, lose.
Then you will blame Wing Chun for your loss, and all for a fight that may never happen anyway.

You are probably afraid of a tiger, why?
Because you know how to recognise a tiger, you learn to see them coming.
People that learn to fight because they want to fight, will only know it is a tiger when the tigers teeth sink in to them.

But, if you learn to recognise the tiger, you may try to avoid it, to calm it, to react accordingly and to try to be as prepared as possible, and hopefully, do your best to not get yourself in the same cage as one.

Learning Wing Chun for wellness (something you need every day), will keep you healthy, fit, lively and, through relaxation (and our interactive training), will develop the skills you need to recognise the tigers in the world.

If you learn Wing Chun this way, you will also learn self defence, this is NOT always true when applied the other ay around.

Sifu

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9685

Hi Saba,

I did confirm your Facebook request, then noticed you had cancelled your membership to the site, stating it was too expensive, therefore, as you have left, I guess you will not read this anyway.

As a side note:
I do find it strange that people want sirloin steak for the price of corned beef.

Anyway, while I’m on this:
I gave myself a goal to offer the cheapest fees for the longest time, 15 years in fact, well soon these fees will return to market value, although current members will see no increase in their fees, loyalty is rewarded.

🙂 🙂 🙂

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9684

Hi Saba,

I did confirm your Facebook request, then noticed you had cancelled your membership to the site, stating it was too expensive, therefore, as you have left, I guess you will not read this anyway.

As a side note:
I do find it strange that people want sirloin steak for the price of corned beef.

Anyway, while I’m on this:
I gave myself a goal to offer the cheapest fees for the longest time, 15 years in fact, well soon these fees will return to market value, although current members will see no increase in their fees, loyalty is rewarded.

🙂 🙂 🙂

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9622

You’re very kind.

Thank you.

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9618

Oh dear,

Midday GMT is 6.00am CST, are you ok for that once each month??

I’m up at that time but not sure who else is? Still it is summertime so that’s something at least.

Maybe for May we could make it an hour later, let’s see how it goes.

Fingers crossed we can train to gather next week.

Sifu

(Oh and thank you for the info regarding class times)

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9614

Hi Charles,

Thank you for your patience.

It shouldn’t say Thursdays anywhere (at least not any more?) but if you remember where you saw that, I will certainly redress it.

Classes are on a Saturday but not always on the first, last week was the Easter break in the UK so a national holiday, same in the US, so this month’s livestream class will be held next Saturday, 18th April, at midday GMT.

Hope to see you there and catch up!

Many thanks,

Sifu

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9585

Hi Gang,

Sorry for the delay, I wanted to keep away from the forum for a little while to see what developed.

I just had a little read through this blog to remind me of what was said, and I do think there may be a few crossed wires.

This answer went on far too long so I decided to form it into a blog instead.

Pop over and take a look:

There Are ‘No’ Singular Techniques in Wing Chun

Thank you.

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9578

Hi James,
Is this Jimmy???

Anyway, sorry for the delay, I wanted to keep away from the forum for a little while to see what developed.

It is true there are some videos in the wrong place atm as we’re sorting a few things out, however, sometimes videos are repeated on purpose, this being due to their importance, either on their own merit and the need to be repeated, or because of its connection with whatever the module level is discussing.
In order of offering more clarity that is.

Hope this helps, and btw, it will be addressed more clearly in the future.

Many thanks,

Sifu

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9521

Hi Benjamin and thank you for your kind answer.

It is indeed a good thing to wish to learn more, after all, the better you understand how a move works, the better you will make it work for you.

At the same time however, Wing Chun is design to work in harmony with your body’s natural reactions, and for this reason, on occasion, we do need to just let it be. Purely in order to understand and flow with it of course.

What you are doing atm, is what most people do, adding unnecessary additional check-points, rather than just enjoying it as a new sensation and self discovery.
When there is a mine set of FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT, we tense and become stiff, but if we think of this in a more, laid-back way, we can have fun, and learn through play, hence the idea of Chi Sau
But if we go into this ‘playing’ of Chi Sau thinking competitive and/or combative, we lose so much of the sensitivity we could be enjoying.

I have little doubt you know about energy etc., I just want you to explore this with a different viewpoint.

You kindly say that the turning bong has not worked for you (rather than, this doesn’t work), perhaps you just need a little more practice with this, and a touch of faith.

At present your bong has power, so if you do not turn, you are still ok 🙂
When you turn, you do not need the power (as much), so try to allow this idea into your moves.
Because if these combine, there will be issues, for example a relaxed thinking turn, with a powerful bong, will no doubt see the bong defeated due to your turn, in a way knocking yourself over.

So in short, if you do not turn, you need the power, but more turn – less power.

Thank you. 🙂

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9510

And……. relax. 🙂

I thank you for your passionate response Colin, and for such kind words, but it’s ok my friend, I’ve got this one.

You have been very kind (and direct) here Colin, however, it can sometimes, take some students longer to create open-mindedness than others, this is all I think we are seeing, so let’s all try to be patient.

I’ve said many times that there is a difference between constantly asking questions, and constantly questioning, and I must admit to wondering, if it is the latter, then, why are you still here?

We must also acknowledge that, ‘If you truly wish to know the answer, the you should be prepared to accept it once it is given to you’, unfortunately, this is often not the case.

I think it would be best suited if we just put this one to bed now. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Thank you (and goodnight).

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9505

Hey Ben, here we are again.

When I teach a class, it is not there to have give the answers, everything is open to interpretation is it not.

Regarding three dimensions, the blocks, or shapes, or drills given, where simply to give an idea to get you started, and to be honest, that whole first major paragraph got me lost.
You must learn to take information and use what you fins useful, not to question everything that is said, and there is a big difference between asking questions, and questioning.
For instance, a Tan Sau can be used passive or aggressive, it is a block that can be used static, turning or stepping, BUT it stops being a block at all when I stick my fingers in your eye sockets! See my point>. 🙂
These are tools to be used however you wish, the idea here is to simplify, to make it work for you, there is little need to overcomplicate things, so do try to relax a bit more when studying, my job is to help you discover, to lay breadcrumbs, but again, not to spoon-feed information.

I’ve just read the second paragraph… I’m even more lost.
Are you asking a question or are you teaching?
If you are teaching, PLEASE DON’T, you are not a teacher, especially when using quotes such as, ‘One cannot fixate on a technique vs. technique mindset, this would equate to death’, sounds like you’ve had a bad day buddy!

You’ve redeemed yourself with this last paragraph. 🙂
I like the gimble idea, and you are quite right, as long as you have CHOSEN to be rooted, this would be fine, as long as your hands are not, and if you had CHOSEN to keep your arms strong, this too is fine, again provided you have mobility in the stance (if and when needed), so going back to the class session principles, all I was trying to do was to mention the 3 dimensions, and the exercises that could help to better explain them.

Now my friend, stop overanalysing, enjoy your training, and please, stop teaching.

Thank you. 🙂

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9482

Like in Dan Chi Sau, we need to realise that this is a drill, so when you are lapped, you Bong, great, job done.

Now for more details…

For your PARTNER (not opponent), once the contact from the punch is met with a Bong, the exercise is finished, we have completed the micro-focussed element we were looking at, so now we can repeat this on the other side etc. (this is the nature of a drill).

In the case of this drill, as the attacker, I must think of ‘trying’ to aim forward with the punch, for the defender, I must think of firing my Bong up to receive the contact, where the two go after this initial connection would be explored in greater detail through Chi Sau.

We are only trying to get to our destination and in the most direct manner, once there, STOP.

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9481

Hi Ben,

Please allow me to address your points.

‘I’m struggling to move backwards with this half step as majority of weight is on a single leg.’

Well, this is exactly what I mean when I say, if you lift this back foot then you fall, utilising the fall is the acceleration to gain for the speedy retreat, and I might add, the lack of telegraphing.

Next;
‘how you demonstrated the transitioning of bong sau between hands. A slowed pace gave some success. But giving life to the drill, and failure was gained.’

It is worth remembering that a drill is a drill, and therefore should not be thought necessarily thought of as ‘transitioning of bong sau between hands’ but rather that each move is the first and the only move, so speed is gaged by how fast we get into it from the static position.
Try not to think of this as leaving one blocking shape to go to another.
The idea of giving life to it, if this refers to it being realistic then I am sure you know that everything changes when this is the case.
What I mean by this is that a drill is to gain perfection of the shape and the action, but through the drill, restrictions have been subconsciously put in place in oder to achieve this, a real fight would never look as pretty as in class, it will look scruffy and realistically, likely only work at 70%, BUT!, if we always trained scruffily and only at 70%, then the realistic outcome will be zero (as is the case for all styles).
Added to this thinking, if you ‘were’ to use this (for real as it were), where would the defence be coming from??? Not from the starting point used in the drill. So again, the drill teaches us how to get there, not necessarily where it has come from.
I do hope that makes sense?

Next, a very important point;
‘Unfortunately, the strike rides my arm and I’m struck as well as uprooted. It is as if all rooting disappears when pressured is applied.’

This will be because you are turning on your toes.
When you turn on your toes, yes, you must lift-turn-then settle, whereas turning on your heels means you never left the ground.
We need to have mobility AND stability, when one train of thought over-rides the other, we are not balanced.

Finally;
‘The use of 50/50 has been what achieves equal stability as well as mobility without sacrifice. I have tested this with others of different lineage. Ive had successful use of engagement with my bong sau. I do shift with it when the proper pressure is applied.’

This is a strange statement.
50/50 is great for a starting point, and it ‘is’ possible to turn and stay 50/50, of course it is, but in doing so means that 100% of attention needs to be on the Bong stopping or deflecting the punch, NO ROOM FOR ERROR, if you are strong and can do this, great, I am happy for you, but having this strength may also mean that you do not need Wing Chun in the first place?
Wing Chun is for the smaller person against the bigger stronger opponent, so, as well as you moving the strike out of the way, why would you not choose to also move out of the way of the strike??
Or even attempt this??
You DO know this thinking, because as you say, ‘I do shift with it when the proper pressure is applied.’
But when someone bigger than you, launches a vicious strike, how would you gage the pressure, why not just… move?
It is also true that with engagement comes adrenalin, and through aggression, this can make us feel stronger, but we must not allow anger to cloud our judgement or common sense, “If in doubt, get out”.

And when you say;
‘I have tested this with others of different lineage’
Why would you do this?
What are you trying to prove?
This comment concerns me.
In my school I teach by invitation only, and if a student wanted to ‘test this with others of different lineage’, I would ask them to leave my class.
I would consider this a rude or arrogant thing to do, to compare or challenge other styles would be an act of disrespect in my eyes, and I am hopeful this is not your intention.

You clearly want to learn, and I respect that, and yet it seems to be that, all too often you seem to question rather than ask questions.

You chose to train with me at wingchun.online, and therefore learn Ip Chun Wing Chun, something I am grateful for and respect your decision, but rather than bringing an empty cup, you always refer to other styles or previous teachers, rather than being openminded to what is being shown there and then, right now.
In class, when training forms, you still play your old Shaolin versions, when running drills you do your own thing and not what was asked for, when developing reaction training, you tend to focus more toward boxing?
There is method to my madness when it comes to teaching, and I want to teach you, but when we only have a short time together in class, it is crucial that you please do what is asked at that time.
Just like when a question is asked and you raise a hand, by all means add to ‘the question’, add your concerns too, but do not try to give an answer, I am the teacher and you are all there as students.

So, if you wish to continue your studies with me, and I do hope you will, please keep an open mind and try to execute the exercises as asked in that class, our time is very short as these sessions will not be continuing in the same manner in the new year.

If this style or approach to training Wing Chun does not suit your needs, then I would hate for you to waste your money, and much more importantly, your time.

Thank you for reading this Ben,

Sifu

Sifu Colin Ward

at #9478

Hi Ben,

Let me address these in order.

‘The increase of weight on the back foot is demanding an increase of effort to move’

If this is referring to Biu Mar then how are you stepping?
To go forward all we need to do is push off from the back leg, if this is to go backwards, then there is a strong chance you are shifting the weight forwards in order to push off from the front foot, this, would be your mistake.
Do not shift the weight forwards to go back. If you are in Biu Mar 70/30 and wish to go back, just lift the back foot, what happens? You begin to fall backwards (with zero telegraphing or shifting of weight), as you are ‘falling’ push off from the front foot, this is fast and safe, jus like in fencing.

Next
‘So long as the drill’s rhythm is slowed’
Be careful not to think of drills as rhythms, a drill is the practice of training ONE move, many times, but ONE move at a time, therefore, no rhythm.

Next
‘When engaging with the bong sau, I’ve not had any success with shifting in this 70/30.’
If you are using a Bong, we do not shift IN 70/30, we are shifting TO 70/30, from a neutral stance.
The use of a Bong, or in fact any technique, is a first defence, and therefore would always be being used as and from, a neutral stance.

Finally;
‘Furthermore, the only time I have any success, is with a compliant partner providing no pressure and a slowed pace’
The issue here is nothing to do with your partner, but in the way you are addressing the idea in general.
If this is to be used as a turn, it goes from neutral to turn, not turn to turn.
If this is to be used as Biu Mar stepping, trust in gravity to assist you and stop shifting the weight.

The reason you feel the need to ‘shift’ in the first place, is because of the continuing use of the boxing guard you adopt rather than what I ask for in the livestream classes.
I will be happy to go through these simple steps with you when I see you next.

Thank you,

Sifu