Day 3

Our final day was met with a variety of activities. From finishing up the finer points of Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu to working Chi-sau and Lap-sau, we also saw three members being promoted.

After testing, we embarked on Lat-sau, or Free-fight practice. Lat-sau is a bit unnerving at first because everything goes and there are very few rules. Naturally we try to keep things safe to a point, but we also try to keep it as realistic as possible so that we can see what is working well and what needs more attention.

Everyone walked away with a few things to work on and that is always the best thing. We all can improve our responses in one way or another, so it is a great learning experience.

As the session ended, it was time to pack up and head home. After all of our goodbyes, I was off to PIA and another round of “interesting” airline issues. Long story short, I did not get to go to Vegas with a connecting flight; instead, I was fortunate enough to get a direct flight back to Phoenix and home about 3 hours earlier than planned.

I want to thank everyone who attended this year’s camp. Despite the grueling activities, you pushed yourselves hard and made it through it. It was pleasure to see familiar faces and meet some new ones, and I know we are all looking forward to the next camp in Phoenix.

]]> http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1235/feed 0 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1231 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1231#comments Sun, 11 Sep 2011 01:29:44 +0000 awca http://awcaonline.com/blog/?p=1231

Day 2

Today’s session was met with some groans, sighs, and stiff bodies head to toe. Yesterday was not so bad when we left, but after an evening to let it all set in, we all showed up a bit less-than-chipper. Enthusiastic, most certainly, but definitely not fresh. However, that was not going to stop us from getting the most out of our time and today was no exception.

Picking up where we left off, sections 2 and 3 of Siu-Nim-Tau were finished up and now everyone in attendance is familiar with this essential form and its curriculum. After working these sections for about 90 minutes, I put them in specific drills and the Chum-Kiu level members embarked on the finer points of Chum-Kiu section 3.

Lots of kicking, balance maintenance, how to stay relaxed, how to stabilize the body, and also how to drive power through each kick was explored via Ching-sun-gerk and Che-chang-gerk. Lin-wan-gerk (Chain-kicking) was also explored, as well as working multiple kicks high and low with B.O.B. was put into practice.

After sufficiently exhausting everyone, we put in a lot of time learning how to defend against the most powerful of roundhouse kicks via Sheung-har Gaun-sau. Likewise, the Chum-Kiu members learned the key points for learning this same defense but with Wang-bo-dai Bong-sau. It was tough to get through these sessions but we kept pushing on.

The scheduled second grappling/take down/ground fighting session was altered a bit (ok, a lot) mainly because 1) it was not absolutely essential to the curriculum, and 2) I knew everyone was starting to feel the exhaustion and I felt it would be time better spent by working true curriculum-only actions. It was a good decision because I pushed everyone to the limit of being tired just by standing (myself included).

After working how to fall and how to condition your abs the Wing Chun way, we then embarked on responses of how to respond when an attacker feints up and then drives down for a double leg take down. By rolling with the opponent, almost everyone got to experience first-hand how valuable this skill is and what it can do for them should they ever encounter this scenario.

Continuing with Lead-arm Defense Drills and using Jeet-gerk, to working Tut-sau, more Lat-sau, and Chi-sau sections 2 & 3 (plus freeing things up to get softer, faster, and more responsive), I know that resuming a lot of this tomorrow will become a mainstay for everyone’s training in the months to come. By the time the April camp in Phoenix rolls around, I am expecting everyone to really bring even more to the table by way of faster, more responsive (and correct/effective) actions. I am very much looking forward to what they do with these actions in the months ahead.

As for me, I am quite exhausted and headed to bed. The sad thing is that it is only 9:30pm here (6:30pm in Phoenix). Tomorrow starts all over again, plus the long trip back home. I won’t get back until approx. 9:30pm Phoenix time so because of that, you will not see a Day 3 synopsis until sometime Monday. I am sure that when I get home and get to see my wife again, the training, trip, and being home will keep me from signing on and writing up a synopsis.

I am sure you understand.

Until Monday…

]]> http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1231/feed 0 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1224 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1224#comments Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:25:27 +0000 awca http://awcaonline.com/blog/?p=1224

Day 1

Yesterday was “travel day” to Monaca, Pennsylvania and our AWCA-Pennsylvania branch, approximately 30 minutes from the Pittsburgh Int’l Airport. I had two trips scheduled: Phoenix to Baltimore, then Baltimore to Pittsburgh. With my first flight being delayed initially by 1 hr and 15 minutes, it was later dropped to 40 minutes. Not “too” bad but I knew that would set the tone for the rest of the trip.

And I was right.

While the pilot did make up the time, the flight from Phoenix to Baltimore was met with a horrible thunderstorm the likes of which I have never been in. I have flown quite a bit in my time but have never flown through something like this. On our landing approach of 25 minutes, the pilot told us to brace for a bumpy ride.

Obviously his and my idea of “bumpy” seem to disagree.

In short, I was literally thrown into my seat belt at least four times (that I can remember). A part of me wanted to yell to the attendant, “I would like EVERY bit of alcohol you have on this plane, please!” It was so bad that once the wheels hit the tarmac, the entire plane cheered. Seriously. The entire plane broke out in cheering and clapping, it was that scarey.

And that, my friends, was the Reader’s Digest version. I shortened it solely because it is after 11:00pm on day 1 and I need to catch some sleep before we pick up again tomorrow. However, I had to get that off my chest.

Needless to say, I was delighted that the Baltimore to Pittsburgh flight was uneventful.

And in case you are wondering, no, I did not think of the fact that this weekend was the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. So come Sunday, that will be an event that I, personally, am not looking forward to.

Training Day 1

Today started with a basic refresher of Siu-Nim-Tau. Some of our members have not learned the entire form yet so we spent a couple of hours going through the form, terminology and a few of the basic movements (tomorrow for them will cover the remainder). I then put them in some basic exercises for working section 2, followed with the Chum-Kiu level members going through the full Chum-Kiu form multiple times. The scope here was primarily to get them ready for tomorrow, since tomorrow will really hammer home what Chum-Kiu is all about.

Throughout the day, a lot of fighting drills were stressed that begins to pull together the scope of the art itself. From Pak-dar to Tan-dar and Fook-dar, the basic elements of pure fighting with the most essential tools was put into practice both stationary, stepping, turning, and with soft/hard attacks.

Likewise, kicking drills were introduced via Jeet-gerk (Jamming-kick/Stop-kick) and Ching-sung-gerk (Front Thrusting-kick). After wearing everyone out to a point, they were ready for the first of two scheduled grappling, takedown and ground fighting sessions.

Beginning with the reason behind grappling and takedowns, the first of 11 core takedowns was introduced (4-5 of which will be worked this weekend). The mats were pulled out and everyone jumped in with a lot of enthusiasm. Those versed in Siu-Nim-Tau naturally had a bit tougher time than those at the Chum-Kiu level, but they sure pushed themselves. I was very impressed by what I saw, so much that I pushed harder and introduced the second takedown.

People forget that Wing Chun most assuredly does have grappling, anti-grappling, and takedown actions. Those working the wooden dummy probably do not even see it, even though it is the second action they are working (and almost every lineage of Wing Chun/Ving Tsun/Wing Tsun I have ever seen does, in fact, perform this movement). Once this was demonstrated, the “ah-ha!” element came into being, the lights went on, and everyone fell into working it pretty well.

The Chum-Kiu level members then began working special strength training drills via extended Ching-sun-gerk actions. Timed drills are excellent for learning balance, flexibility, and developing leg strength in order to hold the leg parallel. It was pretty grueling but they did a great job (and much more is to come tomorrow. Remember, there are THREE kicks in Chum-Kiu).

Since I could see that our newest members were ready for it, worked a bit of Chi-dan-sau but also introduced Chi-sheung-sau focusing solely on Poon-sau (Rolling-arms via mechanics only and no forward pressure). While they worked that, the other members were fine-tuning Chi-sau sections 1 and 2. During this time, I illustrated how Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu actions integrate with Chi-sau, Lap-sau and Lat-sau actions.

It is always eye-opening when folks see something that was right in front of them the whole time and then get to put the pieces together. This was one of those times and it always makes these camps so fun!

A variety of drills were presented for all members throughout the day, and the session ended with combination stepping/punching/kicking drills up and back across the floor in order to really drain the legs and force the action of relying on mechanics vs. physical strength. By 5 o’clock, they were ready to be done.

Tomorrow bright and early, we begin day 2. Day 2 will work extensively in more Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, Chi-sau, Lap-sau, Lat-sau, and grappling, takedowns, and ground fighting. If everyone thought today was rough, it is nothing like what is coming tomorrow.

You’re welcome.

]]> http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1224/feed 0 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1041 http://awcaonline.com/blog/archives/1041#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:42:10 +0000 awca http://awcaonline.com/blog/?p=1041

3 Days of Fun

Today we concluded the 2011 West Coast Training Camp, and it was an eye-opener for all. Thanks to everyone for making the trip from out-of-state all the way to Phoenix, and I know you have a lot to take home with you. It only gets better, I guarantee.

Day 1

Day 1 started with a refresher in Siu-Nim-Tau for a couple of hours (the curriculum for which, by the way, can be found in Volume 1: Siu-Nim-Tau of the AWCA’s eBook Training Series). No matter what level you are, it is always good to re-visit Siu-Nim-Tau fundamentals because it is there that the foundation of Wing Chun lies. If you ever have a problem with something? Chances are that you will find the answer in Siu-Nim-Tau.

I did a few Twitter updates, by the way, but it was apparent that Twitter during a camp? It’s just not gonna happen. If I could do more than 140 characters at a time I might have a shot at explaining things better, but being limited, I realized that it is not really worth the trouble. So for future camps, I will either have a short write-up about it here on the weblog after each day is completed, or wait until the camp itself is over (like now) and describe the jist of it.

After Siu-Nim-Tau, we jumped right into Chum-Kiu section 1 (see Volume 2: Chum-Kiu for more information). Taking everything movement-by-movement and going over the concepts along the way one-at-a-time, we broke off into pairs for each drill and always changed partners with the next drill to ensure that everyone got a chance to work with each other. It also allowed the smaller folks to work with the larger folks since both sides of the coin have their advantages and disadvantages. You always approach someone’s structure a bit differently depending on what that structure is, so it gave everyone a chance to experience that.

After breaking for lunch, we headed straight into section 2 and kicking.

Wing Chun kicking is very different than most other arts because the knee thrust’s the foot rather than a snapping of the leg via the quadriceps. There are no snap kicks in Wing Chun (if done properly) so we spent a great deal of time working the concept of kicking and putting it into practice with Wang-chang-gerk, or Side Thrusting-kick.

The interesting thing is that many Wing Chun practitioners “think” they are side kicking, but watch their centerline. What many are actually doing is turning their body and kicking to the side, which is really nothing more than a front kick. Instead, we actually work a true side kick, and we explored the mechanics of ensuring that the hip socket is actually being worked vs. merely turning and doing a front kick.

After completing section 1, we broke off into Chi-dan-sau training (for more information, see Volume 3: Chi-sau). Working one arm at-a-time allows a practitioner to really examine where things are and how it works. Then it became Chi-sheung-sau (Double-arm Sticking-hands), Poon-sau (Rolling-arms with no pressure in order to work the mechanics), and Luk-sau (Rolling-arms with forward pressure).

Rather than going into the sections at this point, I had everyone just roll. Nothing else. Nothing is better at promoting shoulder use than simply rolling. And rolling. And rolling.

Too many practitioners go into sectional training, sparring, etc., without paying the attention needed to just simply rolling. Spending about 45 minutes of this, we ended the day.

During this time I was also broadcasting online via web camera to our members around the world for those that wanted to take advantage of it, and we only had one drop-off the whole time. Not bad at all.

Day 2

Day 2 picked up where we left off by completing the Chum-Kiu, including Ching-sun-gerk (Front Thrusting-kick), Che-chang-gerk (Slant Thrusting-kick), Chau-chong-kuen (Lifting-punch), and the other myriad movements found in the Chum-Kiu. It was a definite eye opener when folks got to see the many angles that Chum-Kiu opens up for us.

Between sections 2 and 3, we also began exploring Chi-sau section 1 and Lap-sau section 1 (attacks and defenses). Many will work Chi-sau section 1 by pulling their attacker into them, but as we saw, doing so is a quick way to get thumped. Instead, throwing the force to the outside while simultaneously driving Pak-sau up the arm and above the elbow ensures control of the arm as you move forward.

Continuing through the day’s activities, we worked a bit of Lat-sau’s first attack, basic takedowns, how to condition the abdominals, and how to fall without getting injured. Wing Chun has a different way of falling than judo, jiu-jitsu, etc., so this was explored for quite a while until everyone was able to fall properly (which was prep work for day 3).

Pak-sau is the mainstay of Lat-sau fight training, so during the Lat-sau phase we worked very intense entering, continuous Pak-sau’s and punches, and staying on the opponent at all times. This was a particularly taxing session on purpose so as to exhaust the shoulders and get everyone ready for the remaining Chi-sau sections.

We finished the day by working Chi-sau section 2 attack and defense, and Chi-sau section 3 attack. Controlling both arms of the opponent with only one of yours is essential to Wing Chun’s close-quarters combat tactics, so a great deal of time was spent in these areas before concluding day 2.

Day 3

The final day of the 2011 West Coast Training Camp saw the defense to Chi-sau section 3, plus more ground work. Re-visiting how to fall properly, the mat was pulled out and we began working concepts of when a shooter is successful and slams into your legs, thereby driving you down. We worked how to roll 360-degrees to end up on the opponent, continuing the fight all along the way.

Following this, we worked how to keep your balance when, on the way over, your opponent is skilled enough to change angles and regain control to be on top. It is actually quite easy to continue your attacks and regain your own control, but in these situations too many will begin wrestling or grappling rather than staying on course with their own fight strategy to hammer their opponent’s face, head, neck, ribs and every other target that presents itself.

We never box a boxer. We never wrestle a wrestler. We fight our fight and use our strategies vs. the opponent’s strategies. If you find yourself in any situation with a skilled attacker, you never fight their fight. Instead, stick to the Wing Chun concept and you will have a chance. Change it, though, and fight according to how they are fighting? You will find yourself at an extreme disadvantage.

Conclusion

The camp was one of our best and everyone was spot-on with their acceptance of growing in new skills while improving current ones. Refreshers are extremely valuable to these situations and growing with new skills always makes your current level that much more formidable. We also saw two advancements in rank with two of our DLP members, so congratulations to Dave and David. VERY nice work demonstrating Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu qualities.

My thanks to everyone who made the effort to get to this year’s Phoenix camp, as well as those who took the time and logged on to our webcam broadcast. Some were there for the whole three days, taking time off from jobs and family to tune into this training. They will take away a lot to work on, too, and they got to see their Wing Chun family more up-close and personal than ever before.

Next stop, our 2011 East Coast Training Camp later this year, so I recommend all AWCA members planning to attend to begin working your training even harder. We will be taking the lessons learned here and pushing it even further. The full Lat-sau curriculum will be worked, as well as Chi-sau, Lap-sau, and more anti-takedowns/anti-ground fighting.

Time to Train!

It’s that time again for some serious down-and-out training. The 2011 AWCA West Coast Training Camp goes into full swing beginning Friday and running until Sunday afternoon. With two and a half days of Chum-Kiu, Chi-sau, Lap-sau and ground fighting, this will be extremely taxing on all involved so I hope all attendants are ready for it.

As always I will be sending Twitter updates with tips for training these elements throughout the seminar, but if I get a bit slow on that, remember that I will be training and might forget to do it. I have a few to remind me this time, though, so hopefully I will stay on top of this time.

Our ground fighting mat just arrived in the nick of time, too, so rather than everyone slamming onto hard concrete, they get a nice, soft mat. It will not really matter a whole lot, though, because pain is pain. It will just take longer to feel it, that’s all.

I mentioned in an earlier tweet that the Video of the Month for April would be available this evening but it will not be out there until tomorrow morning sometime. I did some final prep work on the gym and it took a bit longer than I expected, so I am going to relax tonight and work on the video tomorrow.

So, stay tuned for a busy weekend because it is promising to be our best camp yet!

Today is the final day of our 3-day training camp. I want to thank all students who made the trip to Phoenix from all over the U.S., as well as the U.K.

This year’s West Coast camp consisted of the Chum-Kiu. Day 1 (Friday) worked section 1 and set the tone for the weekend by working Pie-jarn and various shoot defenses. Day 2 (Saturday) worked section 2 and introduced Wang-chang-gerk, or Side Thrusting-kick, which is the first of Wing Chun’s three primary kicks. There are eight kicks in the system, with the remaining five found in the Muk-Yan-Chong. Working the final five, however, requires competence in the three primary kicks, so yesterday was a great start to learning how kicks are training in the system.

Today (Sunday) culiminates the camp by working section 3. Here we find the remaining two of the three primary kicks: Ching-sun-gerk, or Front Thrusting-kick, and Che-chang-gerk, or Slant Thrusting-kick. Ching-sun-gerk is the more common of the kicks so we will work that one heavily with jams and chain-kicking, while Che-chang-gerk’s difficultly lies in how to turn properly in order to execute it (as well as help answer why there is only one Che-chang-gerk vs. two).

Section 3 also introduces Har-lo Bong-sau, or Lower-level Wing-arm. This concept addresses how to deal with kick defenses in a somewhat more efficient manner than solely Gwat-sau and Lau-sau (Wiping-arm and Scooping-arm, learned in section 3 of Siu-Nim-Tau). Once these concepts are learned, I guarantee that you will see a lot of smiles throughout the gym.

Admittedly, it is times like this weekend that reminds me how valuable a program like our DLP really is. It has brought training to a lot of people simply looking for real training in a real and effective manner. And it is very motivating to personally see what they are doing with the program and the progress they are making with it.

It is also great to hear the stories about “why” someone made the decision to join the program and how they are using it. There are a few programs out there that, to say the least, are iffy at best. The materials received, the guidance you get, etc., all seems to be based on forcing the participant to still be solely on their own and wade through a lot of media that is just so massive that you cannot realistically use it in a logical manner to progress through the system.

But it is apparant that our program is on the right track because I have had the opportunity of continuously seeing my student’s progress at the camps and seminars. I present the lesson plans in the same way you learn as if personally training here with us, and that is a definite benefit. In fact, it is the only way you can really use a program like this.

Naturally there are some who just watch the monthly DVD’s and flip through the eBooks at whim, taking things for face value and being content with it. Others, however, will make the effort of training the lessons and working through the drills as presented. They immerse themselves in their studies, and it most definitely shows when we get together at the camps. They take it step-by-step since that is how I teach, and they actually learn real Wing Chun.

Sure, there will always be those that say you cannot learn Wing Chun from a distance program, and based on many programs we have all seen, they are right. But at the AWCA? The reverse is true, and our students are proof of that. They walk into a setting such as the training camps and they definitely hold their own. They know what they are doing, they are competent in what they are doing, and they have gained a skill set that many can only dream of. They have realized their goals of wanting to be a part of something that makes a real difference in their lives, and I admire each and every one of them for taking the chance on us and seeing what it is all about.

This weekend’s training camp has been a true motivation for me personally, as well as my students here. Even my family has commented how impressed they are with everyone’s dedication and what they have been doing with the program. I would like to say that it is a testament to our program, but that would be a lie. It is really a testament to the members who are using the program and their dedication to just simply wanting to learn Wing Chun Kuen.

Thank you to all of my students. You continue to be a motivational force in my life, and one that pushes me to keep making the program even better.

Essential Martial Arts Seminar

We will be leaving tomorrow for seminars at Master Monty Hendrix’ Essential Martial Arts in Greensboro, North Carolina. While the seminars are closed to the public, you can stay updated with tips and training via our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/awcaonline

The first seminar will be a basic seminar for Master Hendrix’ Wing Chun students. From 10:00am to 1:00pm MST, I will be sending out tips every 20 to 30 minutes or so that address Siu-Nim-Tau section 1.

The second seminar will be an AWCA-only class. From 1:30pm to 3:30pm MST, I will be sending tips every 20 to 30 minutes addressing Chum-Kiu section 1.

We have three events planned for next year. Our west and east coast Training Camps are in the making, plus an additional seminar in Greensboro. All AWCA members are invited to attend any and all events they can get to. Check your email for details.

This year’s AWCA Training Camp will be held in October in Greensboro, North Carolina. Our yearly three-day event will consist of the Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, and the Chi-sau sections that were created from these two forms. The finer points of the forms will be addressed but we will primarily be training the drills and applications from them.

Check AWCAOnline for more information as it unfolds.

Our sincerest thanks to Master Monty Hendrix of Essential Martial Arts for his and his student’s hospitality during this past weekend’s Wing Chun seminar at his school. It was a great time for all of us, and I hope that more seminars will be met with the same acceptance.