A Punch Is Just A Punch; A Kick Is Just A Kick - Part Two

IN THE FIRST PART of this essay, the first line of the title was examined in detail regarding the Wing Chun method of punching. Through that discussion, we saw how the process of firstly learning, understanding, training and finally reaching the point where we have developed a high level of skill in using that technique, that Bruce Lees statement regarding the punch rings true.

- David Peterson

However, it takes both time and effort to be able to reach such a level of expertise, let alone an understanding of how to deliver an efficient and effective punch. But is his statement regarding kicking also applicable to the Wing Chun approach?

In the majority of other fighting systems, kicking is done as either a snapping, thrusting or swinging action of the legs. The Wing Chun method is to treat the arms and legs as virtually identical tools. Thus, the kicking methods of this system reflect the same science and mechanics as the hand actions. Wing Chun kicks do not snap, thrust or swing, but follow on from the very same principles of how the punch functions. The obvious difference between the two limbs is that the arms may move whenever they want to, without the inhibition of movement, whereas the legs have the vital job of providing us with balance, power, and movement. Therefore, the kicks are somewhat more limited. It’d be easy to move and kick if we had three or four legs because we’d still have the benefit of balance and mobility from the other limbs, but as we only have two legs, kicks must be used sparingly and appropriately.

As we cannot move when we kick, with all of our weight and balance relying upon the supporting leg, it is paramount that we choose our kicks wisely and ensure that we are not in danger of counter-attack while delivering our kick. It is also important, for the very same reasons, that we deliver our kicks with the same attention to anatomy, geometry, and physics as with how we do the punch. Overall, discounting for a moment the shape of the foot as compared with the hand, the anatomy of the leg and the arm are more-or-less identical. The shoulder and the hip are alike in how they function; the elbow and the knee are alike in how they function—albeit that they bend in opposite directions.