Years ago after every class my Sifu and all the instructors would go to Chinatown and have a late dinner which lasted from about 10p.m until closing at 12 midnight. Every Monday and Wednesday evening for 9 years for me, but longer for my older Kung Fu brothers we would eat and talk about martial arts and every other subject. Often we would talk for 30 minutes or more after closing. Some of us would work early the next morning or go to college, but this was our routine.
I remember often the subject would be about Wing Chun, but not completely . For example my Sifu, who was a draftsman and was facing challenges at work would always relate to his struggle as facing the matter head on.. He would always use the example of intercepting an attack and defeating the opponent with 100 percent centerline .
There was a time when Mike Tyson was at his peak and we were discussing one of his fights. My Sifu would say that Tyson would be a great Wing Chun fighter, great centerline , economical attacks and constant pressure. As I reflect back on these times, this type of thinking has influenced many aspects of my life. I often relate things to Wing Chun`s concepts , making an idea or technique more like Wing Chun or Wing Chunish. For example, in talking to someone, why sugar coat something, by flowering up your words, be direct an assertive. Instead of drawing back or chambering a kick or punch for more power, why not move from whatever point you are at, and using your hip or a step for added power.
Now when I look at my personal training, I look for things that often have Wing Chun Characteristics. As far as fitness, the trend of going back to more functional training has more appeal , because of its specificity. If you want to achieve results do something that has a similar action or something that creates attributes that will positively affect a skill. Bodybuilding should be a byproduct of your training not the primary focus if you are a serious martial artist. In recent years I have stopped going to the gym and have been training with Indian Clubs , Sledge Hammers and various bodyweight exercises. Its amazing how much core strength and stability can be achieved by working out with club swinging. The attributes developed can most definitely be felt when doing Chi Sao and working on footwork.
In closing, by keeping the concepts of simplicity and efficiency in mind and keeping your training more Wing Chunish, results will more directly translate into your Wing Chun training.
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