Modern Or Traditional Wing Chun Training

RECENTLY, I WAS ASKED about the Wing Chun that I teach; do I stick to traditional Wing Chun methods or teach more modern combat methodologies? The answer is simple: both!

- Shaun Rawcliffe

I teach (I suspect, like many teachers) the traditional basics and core concepts of Wing Chun but cater the applications to suit modern society’s requirements and methodologies. The core concepts of “traditional” Wing Chun; the forms and core drills, are invaluable in laying down the foundations required to build a powerful and efficient defence system, build confidence, self-awareness, increase mental focus and learn when to relax muscle groups (Sung Lik) and when and which ones to engage when necessary (Gung Lik).

Although it is true that these traditional aspects have no direct practical fighting application, they were not actually developed or intended to be practical, simply to define the structures, energies and supporting concepts needed. Wing Chun forms are the educational side of the art; understanding, techniques, principles and the core concepts are all learned and practiced over a long period, being absorbed and accomplished through the repetitious training of the forms in a sterile unaccompanied environment in conjunction with the associated simple partner drills; the essence of Kung Fu.

Wing Chun forms are pre-set sequences of fundamental movements, which allow the individual practitioner to solo practice, refining and instilling a defined set of structures, body mechanics, principles and techniques. There are intentionally no direct applications of these movements since the forms do not teach how to apply those techniques, they define them.

Practicing the forms diligently and correctly trains the positions and moves to “perfection” since there is no one else involved to adapt to or to affect the shapes, transitions or movements. The closer to perfection the positions are when practicing solo, the sharper they will be when applied on an opponent.