Note: The previous name of AWCA Notes was “The AWCA Notebook”. The newsletter is re-printed here in its entirety. Many links to previous partners, services, old web pages, etc., are no longer active, so after links of this type, I have placed “inactive” following the link.
For most of the newsletters, I simply grabbed a hand-held tape recorder and started talking. I would then transcribe the newsletter almost word-for-word, which is actually a poor way to communicate. We speak differently than we should write, and you will see a lot of contractions that, when written, should be spelled out in their entirety.
So take all of this as a learning experience on my part. I hope I have improved my writing style over the past 9 years. At least a bit.
AWCA NOTEBOOK – SEPTEMBER 2001
Volume 2, Issue 9
Please maximize your screen for the best readability.
Welcome to the September 2001 issue of the AWCA Notebook. We are nearing the end of our second year in publication, and I want to personally thank all of you for your positive emails on our continued success.
FORMS
The forms in Wing Chun can be considered a “catalog” of Wing Chun concepts. They are much more than physical movements, however. They are the concepts discovered by our ancestors, the knowledge they wanted to share, and the learning they wanted us to experience.
There are three empty-hand forms (Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, Biu-Tze), the wooden dummy training (Muk-Yan-Chong), and two weapons forms (Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun, Bart-Cham-Dao). For many Wing Chun styles, there are also extensive curriculums in chi-sau, Lap-sau, Lat-sau, chi-gerk, and ground fighting/ takedowns. Not all, but many employ these additional training skills. But what really is the best way to approach your forms training?
From my 16 years in Wing Chun, I have seen that one of the most important aspects that is continuously neglected is timing. Timing in this sense means that there should be a distinct look from movement to movement. Each movement should be evident. For example, the Siu-Nim-Tau. From the double Lap-sau, a practitioner transitions to Jut-sau. But many times this transition is sloppy, almost indistiguishable. The result? They’ve lost the concept or don’t even see it.
In this example, the transition from Lap-sau to Jut-sau is extremely useful when the arm is grabbed. Many times we can employ Huen-sau to escape, but if the grab is higher, we also want to immediately counter-attack while escaping. And this is exactly the concept employed during this particular set of movements. And naturally, if the form here is sloppy and the movements are not distinguished from each other, the concept is lost and there is nothing left but technique-based application.
Within almost every movement of every form, there are readily two or three concepts that are being displayed. Look further and you will find even more! But it is not at all from the “application” they can be used for; rather, it is from a view of the concept itself. The forms relate the application but theyare also showing you the concept contained within.
Another aspect that many times a practitioner will overlook is too much concentration to the hand or foot movement, and taking attention away from the body’s positioning. The body must continually remain in the correct position for the concept in question. The back must be kept straight, head up, no leaning backward or forward, and the knees must always be linking together. Many times a practitioner will think they have grasped the concept, yet they get pushed off balance. Why? Generally it is because their body is not doing its job of being correctly positioned for the concept being applied.
Forms training should be done at least twice weekly in order to refine them. For your current level, you should train each form at least 5 times per training session in order to examine the body weight, the footwork, the hand and elbow placement, and the center of gravity. During training, allow yourself to periodically stop and examine where you are:
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Is your weight correct?
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Are the arms and elbows properly positioned?
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Is it cumbersome, or are you easily transitioning?
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Are you maintaining the linkage between the knees?
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Do your feet return to the correct position?
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Is your head neutral and looking forward, or are you looking down?
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Are your kicks parallel, or too high/low?
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When you kick, do you lose your balance?
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Where are your hands when you kick? Are they positioned properly?
A seminar I watched once was being conducted by a very knowledgable speaker. He was talking about how people manage their lives and how they envision where they will be or why they aren’t getting out of life what they think they should. He said, “If all you do is what you’ve always done, then all you’ll get is what you already got.”
And that is exactly what happens when a Wing Chun practitioner doesn’t take the time to seriously examine his or her positioning during forms training. You must be your very worst critic and truly examine every aspect of the form.
When you do, you will also find yourself discovering the concepts that actually create the form and that particular application.
In the coming issues, you will see many areas of a variety of forms being described. Without the correct analysis, however, it will mean little. If you approach it with the correct mindset and proper view, you will see first-hand what our ancestors wished to pass along. When that happens, it will unlock more barriers than you can begin to imagine.
For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/forms.html
CONCEPTS
Naturally, all forms are important to a martial system. But why so in Wing Chun? If Wing Chun is a concept-based vs. technique-based method, why would there even be forms? The GuLao Wing Chun style doesn’t have forms, yet they are said to be quite accomplished practitioners. How, then, can Wing Chun still train with forms if the concept is more important?
As expressed in FORMS, the forms in Wing Chun can be considered a “catalog” of Wing Chun concepts. They are much more than physical movements, however; they are the concepts discovered by our ancestors and the learning they wanted to share for their future generations.
It is very important to remember that this concept-based vs. technique-based method demonstrates the entire premise around which Wing Chun was created. I could demonstrate a particular application for a particular attack, and you would understand what it was all about. But when it comes to demonstrating feeling or showing how a concept should be viewed, it becomes quite a different task. Is it possible? Most certainly. But it also takes a bit of thinking on your part to envision and grasp the concept being taught.
The forms in most martial arts are simply the basic physical movements required. In Wing Chun, though, the forms also impart the concept to one paying attention. For example, have you noticed that each empty-hand form includes Gaun-sau and Kwun-sau, as well as opening with straightline punches? This is because the concept of centerline and vertical midline is so important to a practitioner’s understanding. It is to reinforce over and over again the absolute necessity that we maintain the centerline and remain as efficient as possible.
Did you also notice that the concept of Kwun-sau is not really explored heavily until the Chum-Kiu? (I thought I noticed you noticing) This is because Kwun-sau, or Twisting-arm, is a very difficult concept to put into practice at first. It requires that both hands are feeling a very specific force at that very moment, and if employed prior to that, it will almost always cause you to get trapped. On the flip side, though, Kwun-sau is trained right from the beginning in order to teach the arms how to perform properly. Since it has been trained from the very beginning, it will be ready for use once the body has learned correct positioning and the footwork is sufficient to accept and redirect force. Without those two pre-requisites, Kwun-sau is very risky.
In the coming issues, a variety of concepts will be examined closely. Many will be heavily scrutinized and “put to the test”. That is how Wing Chun thought is expanded, by testing it. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t work, examine it to find out why. That is how Wing Chun is best approached.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
With summer in full swing, it is important to insure that you are drinking enough water. The body will dehydrate long before your thirst mechanism triggers, so don’t wait! Drink at least eight 12-ounce glasses of water every day (and more certainly won’t hurt).
The AWCA partners with two companies fully recognized as being leaders in their fields. Our topics include Wing Chun, but also health and fitness, as well as Christian martial arts. Having two organizations to affiliate with that are so respected in their fields is a great pleasure.
Global Health and Fitness
GHF is an online fitness training and performance nutrition organization that is truly remarkable in the field of health and fitness. For the cost of a 1-year $49.00 membership, this is less that just 1 HOUR with a Personal Fitness Trainer! In addition to their personal services created specifically for each member, you can also download their FREE fitness training software (a $32.95 value), ProTrack.
ProTrack allows you to create your own specialized exercise routines, as well as download an entire series of 12-week fitness programs tailored specifically for your fitness level. From beginners to hard-core bodybuilders, ProTrack tracks weights, reps, sets, and also cardiovascular exercises.
GHF offers a variety of free tools, both to members and non-members, that also assist you in improving your health and fitness. From free body analysis measurements to BMR (basal metabolic rate) counters, all will find something of use on the Global Health and Fitness website. I’ve used them for over 6 months and I have never regretted it for a minute!
BigFitness.net
When you’ve made the decision to improve your health and fitness levels, you need the correct equipment. Most folks go to the local sports or fitness stores for what they need, mainly out of convenience or in case they need to have something serviced or returned. But BigFitness.net capitalizes on those areas, as well.
You truly cannot find a better fitness equipment supplier anywhere. From benches and weights to steppers and treadmills, BigFitness.net has every piece of equipment you could possibly need to begin your your fitness program.
For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/bigfitness.htm (inactive)
http://www.awcaonline.com/ghf.htm (inactive)
AWCAONLINE UPDATES
AWCAOnline has been in full swing this past month with a variety of updates!
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Posting of CWCA webring (http://www.awcaonline.com/cwca_main.htm) (inactive)
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Posting of the AWCA Mailing List (http://www.awcaonline.com/mailist_awca.htm) (inactive)
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Posting of the CWCA Mailing List (http://www.awcaonline.com/mailist_cwca.htm) (inactive)
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September online newsletter (http://www.awcaonline.com/gallery_newsletter.htm) (inactive)
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September Bible Challenge (http://www.awcaonline.com/biblechallenge_main.htm) (inactive)
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Update of photos throughout the site.
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Update of Reviews with new books and movies
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Complete redesign of AWCAOnline via templates to better organize the site
For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/whatsnew.html
CHRISTIAN WING CHUN ASSOCIATION
The AWCA sponsors and maintains the Christian Wing Chun Association, a collective of Christian Wing Chun websites from around the world. If you have or know of a Christian Wing Chun site and would like to see it listed, please access the below URL for inclusion. We will soon be listing a variety of resources for the Christian Wing Chun practitioner, as well as including outreach and ministry materials for those interested.
For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/cwca_main.htm (inactive)
SPECIAL EVENTS/ NEWS
AWCAOnline Reviews
The Arizona Wing Chun Association provides reviews for a variety of books, videos, CD’s, and DVD’s, all available on AWCAOnline.
Annual AWCA Training Camp
Our annual training camp will be taking place October 26, 27, and 28 at Rocky Point, Mexico. All AWCA and TVTA members are invited to attend and as usual, there is no fee (other than the house/ hotel, food, gas, entertainment, etc). Register with Sifu Phil Bradley no later than Monday, September 24.
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For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/gallery_reviews.htm (inactive; other websites were developed to handle this, so it was removed from AWCAOnline) -
http://www.awcaonline.com/seminarschedule.htm (inactive; see the inactive)
EDITORIAL
With so many inquiries from around the world, I wanted to let you know a bit more about what I have in store for the AWCA that was not included or expanded on in much detail from our August issue of the newsletter.
Publications
It’s been a long time coming, but a few of the AWCA-produced publications are in their final stages of formatting. Still left are the variety of photos required, which has a projected timeline of 1 month. This means that in the first week of September we start shooting, and from that point on we will have 1 month to have all photos completed, formatted, and in place for the publication. Since all of this will be accomplished by myself and my students, it will be tight to keep to the timeline, but we’re up for the challenge!
The first publication to be made available will be “Strategic Wing Chun”, a project that I’ve been working on for over 5 years. Straight-forward and to-the-point, SWC will encompass real-world examples and Wing Chun concept in action. Naturally, members of the AWCA Mailing List will receive a discount during its first 2 months of being available, but you will also be receiving special announcements prior to its release.
Videos
The AWCA is also beginning preparation for filming its first of five scheduled videos on the Wing Chun system. Encompassing forms, wooden dummy, weapons, training, and street combative principles, the AWCA video series is built around professional quality but with a low budget. Again, all aspects will completed by the AWCA, so you will be guaranteed of top quality but at a very affordable price.
Partners
As you’ve seen, the AWCA is partnering with a variety of leading businesses in the areas of online learning, health and fitness, and home-based business planning. We’re excited, to say the least, that we can provide these businesses and our research to you, and we hope you take advantage of the many areas we’ve already done the leg work on! Our goal is to provide ample paths to explore and let YOU make the decision what to do with it. I have received numerous e-mails from visitors thanking me for leading them to information they were searching for, and it’s a pleasure to give back to a community that has given ME so much. It makes the effort very worthwhile.
Regards,
Sifu Phil Bradley
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