One of the things I am asked most often is “What can I do for training on the wooden dummy, even if I am ‘not’ at that level yet?“
So before answering that, let’s go over what the dummy is actually for and when it is introduced to training.
The Muk-Yan-Chong, or “Wooden Dummy,” is a common element of Wing Chun that teaches us about advanced fighting concepts. Here we learn about more advanced stepping, how to generate force in smaller distances, uniting the upper and lower bodies, and overcoming rebound.
For most families, the formal dummy curriculum is only introduced after completing the three empty-hand forms (Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, Biu-Tze). For many, though, including the AWCA, we will work various drills on the dummy beginning with the final section of the Siu-Nim-Tau.
This is not the actual curriculum, mind you; instead, it is learning to use current drills from the forms and put them on the dummy in order to learn about angling and overcoming rebound at this stage of training.
Is it essential? Not at all. But does it help? Most assuredly. As long as you remember NOT to engage the actual curriculum until you are ready, and that you do not blindingly beat on the dummy without knowing “how” to use it, then there are very few problems that will result.
It is the “how’s” of using the dummy that confounds so many.
For most, getting a dummy for the first time usually sees repeated Tan-sau’s, Gaun-sau’s and Pak-sau’s without thinking about the angles, or the footwork, or body unity. Without this focus firmly in place, though, the dummy can actually create bad habits that will see you easily defeated by someone that “does” understand these angles.
And even if the opponent does not understand the angles, their sheer power can overwhelm a practitioner who has dummy training but did not understand how to use it.
So, what are some steps we can take for correctly using the dummy, regardless of level (but primarily at the SNT and CK stages)?
First, consider that the dummy’s arms and leg have a purpose. They are set in such a way that we can do what we do and in the way we do it. Rather than long-range actions, our fighting is close-range. So having the arms at such an angle and shortened force us to utilize closing the gap in order to get into range.
Second, because of the gap we are closing, we must be mindful that we are united in our body. This means that you must have a solid stance and balance, regardless of your position.
If you are in the Character “Two” Adduction stance (Yee-chi-kim-yeung-ma), then have a solid 50/50 weight distribution vs. more weight on one leg than the other. If you are in the Sideling-stance (Juk-sun-ma), then you must be in a correct Juen-ma. It doesn’t matter if you train in an 80/20 stance, a 60/40 stance, or a 100/0 stance; if you are in Juen-ma, then be in a correct Sideling-stance that your lineage trains in.
This means having the correct upper body alignment in relation to the lower body, as well as the shoulders not hunching, shrugging, etc.
Third, the focus of your training is not “just” about hand strikes. Yes, we “are” delivering hand strikes, but remember that your entire body is playing a role. You had to maneuver around the dummy to get to the correct position, so immediately this tells us that the body must always be looked at for correct posture vs. focusing solely on the hands. Doing anything less will cause rebound, and if you make real contact with a real opponent, a weak structure will toss you backwards before you even knew what happened.
Fourth, kicking should be real kicking, not these piddly little “touch” kicks we sometimes see. If you kick, then kick with power. The elbow extends our fist when punching, and the knee thrusts the foot when kicking. If you are snap kicking, this is not Wing Chun. And if it is not Wing Chun, then you should not be training it if your training “is” Wing Chun.
On the dummy, pretend that this is a live opponent, intent on doing you harm just like a real attacker would. Would you “touch” the opponent? No. You would slam into him/her. Well then, do the same thing with the dummy and you will see what is and is not competent (which in turn shows you what needs work).
Now, by saying that you should “slam” into the dummy, you must also use caution and slowly build up the power you use so that you don’t wreck yourself. Remember that this is an inanimate, unmovable object. And flesh on wood? Wood will always win. Therefore, use common sense and slowly work your conditioning so that eventually you can strike with full power into the dummy without injurying yourself.
But until then, work on precision, correct footwork, correct body alignment, and an overall use of the body as a whole to deliver your strikes. Do not get so wrapped up that you only focus on your hands, because this is a sure way to defeat.
For drills, work the same drills you already know. Tan-dar, Fook-dar, Gaun-dar, Pak-dar, etc., plus kicks and steps. Start in the front and go to one side only until things feel good and are competent. Only then should you switch to the other side.
To finish up, always tell yourself that this is not a race. Learning Wing Chun is a lifelong study and will take many different views along that journey. What you start with now will change many, many times as your skills grow and improve, so take it slow, analyze what you are doing, and use the dummy as a tool to help you grow.
