There Are No ‘Singular’ Techniques in Wing Chun

 

There’s more to a Pak than the Pak

 

Some time ago I wrote a blog, on the three dimensions used in Wing Chun.

Explaining how Dan Chi Sau, could be thought of as thinking forwards and backwards, how Lap Sau exercise could focus on the highs and lows, and how Pak Sau drills could be seen as a side-to-side mentality.

 

It is important to know that this was just one way of thinking, and I do believe that when I said, ‘there is no simple answer’, there may have been a few crossed wires with this thinking.

 

In short, when it comes to questions, I can give answers and all is well, however, what I am trying to offer here is a deeper understanding of what Wing Chun can offer you, not only in training but in life, therefore, there is no simple answer.

 

I have tried to teach in a way that is not spoon-feeding but instead, laying all the pieces down for you to assemble in your own time, this way, learning Wing Chun rather than just being taught it.

 

When I say, ‘there is no simple answer’, there is also no technique, no singular technique that is.

For instance, a Pak Sau is not just a Pak Sau, just like the star of a movie, yes that actor does have a role to play, but it would be nothing without a supporting cast, crew, lighting, sound, music costume, scenery, extras and so on.

 

To explain further (please do!), a Pak on its own may not work for one person but would for another, and this is because of the less obvious elements.

Those who just Pak, telegraph their intentions and are unsuccessful.

Whereas for those who use the ‘extras’, it seems effortless.

 

By this I mean:

1 – I do not Pak until there is something to Pak, so I may give forward pressure, causing you to push back, committing you to a forward direction, now I Pak.

2 – When I offer this pressure, it comes from the forearm, if I use my wrist and I may be one the end of a Lap.

3 – How much do I push?  I must be cautious because you may Pak me!  Therefore, making sure I have reserve available, either to jam or slip your potential attack.

 

This is just a few points, and I’ve not even got to the Pak yet!

 

4 – Then there’s the posture.

5 – The arch of the Pak and where it is setting off from.

6 – Making sure mu Biu Mar is not telegraphed by shifting weight.

7 – Keeping my shoulders square so I can use both arms.

8 – Not overcommitting with the Pak itself.

And finally, for now, driving the punch from the forearm and not addressing power in the fist before contact.

 

These are just a few points on how ‘a Pak’ is used, so, putting this into context, there is not singular technique, so imagine how open a drill can be!

 

So, when we hear something new, something of interest, or even something that contradicts our previous thinking, this is not set in stone but simply a different viewpoint, possibly something that you may be lacking at present.

 

I remember my first time in Hong Kong, in 1991, training Siu Lim Tau with my Sifu (Ip Chun), and he told me how energy should be used forwards but not backwards, a few weeks later this was reversed, then changed again, and yet again.

At the time I thought he was forgetting things, until one day when he told me to switch the energy on/off, on/off, on/off, it was then that I realised, he was teach ME what I needed, during MY progression, teaching me that Siu Lim Tau, and Wing Chun in general, was not a ‘one size fits all’ style.

 

So, take the tips, take the advice, if it works for you, great, if not, entertain it anyway, because it may help others.

 

Thanks for reading