AWCA NOTEBOOK – OCTOBER 2001
Volume 2, Issue 10

Welcome to the AWCA Notebook.  Last month’s issue saw a plethora of positive responses, so thank you to all who took the time to voice their well wishes. We guarantee to keep that momentum going by making each and every issue as insightful and complete as possible.

FORMS: SIU-NIM-TAU vs. CHUM-KIU

Unlike most martial arts that include a variety of empty-hand forms, the Wing Chun system has only three (not counting the wooden dummy).  When a student begins training in Wing Chun, he or she is first introduced to the Siu-Nim-Tau.  After completion, the next form explored is the Chum-Kiu.  But if Chum-Kiu is for more advanced conceptual applications, why is the Siu-Nim-Tau often referred to as “the most advanced form and concept to Wing Chun”?

Siu-Nim-Tau

The Siu-Nim-Tau, or SNT for short, literally means, “Little-Idea”.  In it are the concepts of not only correct biomechanics, but also how to develop and release one’s energy.  Many consider the Siu-Nim-Tau to be so basic that little attention is paid to it.  However, for practitioners that take that viewpoint, they soon find themselves totally dominated even by one who has never trained in anything but Siu-Nim-Tau. 

Why? What exactly is it that makes the Siu-Nim-Tau so much more advanced that the Chum-Kiu?

Essentially, Siu-Nim-Tau is the root of all-things Wing Chun. It embodies the correct biomechanics to make everything else work, and without competence in that, little to nothing else of the system as a whole will be of any real use.

It is akin to when you were born and learning to walk. You did not start running before you learned to walk, so naturally there was a progression that was needed. Balance had to be learned, stability created, and a sense of confidence was instilled that you wouldn’t fall over. 

The same holds true for Wing Chun, and it all starts with the Siu-Nim-Tau.  A practitioner cannot learn to respond along the many angles of human movement if they cannot first control him or herself, and it takes time to develop this control.

Chum-Kiu

The Chum-Kiu, meaning “Arm-Seeking”, was developed to deal with every angle possible within human movement structure.  It is only learned after a practitioner demonstrates competence in controlling his or her body while stepping, turning, kicking, punching, and specific simultaneous attack and defense exercises.  But some confuse the purpose of this form, so let’s discuss what it really means.

Some envision that Chum-Kiu means Arm-”Sinking” vs. Arm-”Seeking”.  The best way I know of to describe this is how the form overall compares to the individual movements. The entire form is derived from the concept of seeking out our opponent’s bridge arms.  Once located, we sink his or her structure in order to create an opening in their defense, thereby giving us the advantage.  This is important to understand because it can either keep you at the correct structure or it will sink your weight too deep and you will defeat yourself.

If I train a particular concept with the mindset of always sinking my structure (or that of my opponent), I will develop the tendency of lowering my center of gravity too much.  If that happens, my opponent can make use of it.  However, if I continuously seek out his arms and then sink the structure, it reinforces my own defense while providing a competent attack.

Summary

Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu are both vitally important to the training of an opponent.  They must, however, be learned in their correct order.  The Siu-Nim-Tau must be fully understood prior to moving to the Chum-Kiu.  Without it, it is like a foundation to a house without walls. It has no use.

For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/forms.html

CONCEPTS: UNITING THE UPPER AND LOWER BODIES

When considering the amount of force that an opponent can produce, a Wing Chun practitioner’s vision of fighting makes quite a bit of sense.  But unless he or she can unite the upper and lower bodies to make one unit vs. two halves, it is really nothing more than “who can get there first”.

To unite the upper and lower bodies, one must consider the body’s weight, the center of gravity, the placement of the hands in relation to the legs, and the motion exerted from the upper body so that the lower body can accomodate it (and vice versa).

Wing Chun is approximately 80% upper body movements.  Therefore, many practitioners do not delve into footwork like they should.  To correct this, begin taking the attitude that every punch should also incorporate a kick.  Once you begin doing that, you will see where many mistakes are usually made.  Sometimes the hand punches before the foot kicks, but they should both strike at the same time.  And sometimes the body “lurches” forward or backward when a kick is employed.  This is a good indication that your body weight is too high, that you’ve lost your adduction, or some other facet of body mechanics was off.

Be your very worst critic when it comes to evaluating your skills.  If you wish to truly comprehend the system, you must analyze what it is you’re doing without being too critical.  At the same time, however, there must be an analysis of self in order to unite your body as one unit.

AWCAONLINE UPDATES

AWCAOnline has seen quite a few updates since the last newsletter, but the tragedy of Sept. 11 has diverted our attention away from this for a bit. We will pick up where we left off and continue moving forward. Our most hearfelt prayers and well wishes are extended to everyone who has been affected.

For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/whatsnew.html

CHRISTIAN WING CHUN ASSOCIATION

The Christian Wing Chun Association is slow going at the moment, but we are beginning to see more and more responses.  When completed, there will be a variety of Christian martial arts-related resources for additional study beyond our CMA section.

By offering outreach materials and services to further your efforts in spreading the news of Jesus Christ, we feel we are making a difference.  And you can help us by joining the CWCA Mailing List.

For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/cwca_main.htm (inactive)

SPECIAL EVENTS/ NEWS

Website and Multimedia Development

Phil Bradley is preparing to release a variety of both free and consultant-based web design media packages.  When completed, you will be notified via special announcement.

Chi-sau Tournament News

The AWCA wishes to congratulate all TVTA participants in the recent 2001 Martial Arts Grand Championship, held in Scottsdale last month.

Sifu Don Grose’ students came home with 1 bronze, 2 silver, and 1 gold medal.  Congratulations to all!

Annual AWCA Training Camp

Our annual training camp has been moved to January 2002 in order to better accomodate all.  More details to follow.

For more information:
http://www.awcaonline.com/seminarschedule.htm (inactive)

HOME-BASED BUSINESS STARTUP

AWCAOnline is researching a variety of home-based areas.  Our areas are not focused on actual businesses in which to investigate, but rather information you can use if you are interested IN creating a home-based business.

For more information:

http://www.awcaonline.com/hbb.htm (inactive)

EDITORIAL

The AWCA newsletter is still growing and a wide variety of in-depth articles will be ready for next month’s issue.  With the tradegy of Sept. 11 and all eyes somewhat fixed on the state of our nation, I will be honest and tell you that I just simply did not commit myself to completing them in time for this issue.  Now that we are all beginning to get used to the new “state of affairs,” more time is being devoted to the newsletter and making AWCAOnline truly a place for learning.

God bless and keep you safe.

Regards,
Sifu Phil Bradley

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:

• Is your weight correct?
• Are the arms and elbows properly positioned?
• Is it cumbersome, or are you easily transitioning?
• Are you maintaining the linkage between the knees?
• Do your feet return to the correct position?
• Is your head neutral and looking forward, or are you looking down?
• Are your kicks parallel, or too high/low?
• When you kick, do you lose your balance?
• 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!

• Posting of CWCA webring (http://www.awcaonline.com/cwca_main.htm) (inactive)
• Posting of the AWCA Mailing List (http://www.awcaonline.com/mailist_awca.htm) (inactive)
• Posting of the CWCA Mailing List (http://www.awcaonline.com/mailist_cwca.htm) (inactive)
• September online newsletter (http://www.awcaonline.com/gallery_newsletter.htm) (inactive)
• September Bible Challenge (http://www.awcaonline.com/biblechallenge_main.htm) (inactive)
• Update of photos throughout the site.
• Update of Reviews with new books and movies
• 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.

• 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

It is interesting to re-read them and see how far we have come over the years. I hope you enjoy them!

You should have also received updated study guides for your current level, plus the next level. Please contact Sifu Phil if you have not received these.

Lastly, your rank patches are being shipped tomorrow, January 27. There was a bit of a mix-up with the company that creates our patches but that has been straightened out. The patches have arrived and I am shipping them tomorrow.

Over the coming months, I will be re-filming all videos currently found on AWCAOnline so that they are in hi-def format. The size of the files will naturally be larger, but the quality is worth the extra download time.

I will also be re-filming all videos throughout each eBook Training Series volume, and when completed, all ETS customers will receive notice to download their free upgrades (remember that all workbooks come with free lifetime upgrades). As before, this will make the downloads larger but I will work to keep them as compressed as possible while still ensuring high quality.

The first eBook to see hi-def filming will be Volume 4: Biu-Tze. Filming has already begun and all photos are also in 10 megapixel quality for clearer, more professional results. All-in-all, this highly-anticipated addition to the eBook Training Series is one I am particularly fond of.

So stay tuned to all that is happening because 2010 is going to see some phenomenal additions to the AWCA eMedia offerings.

I am of the latter view, but there are caveats.

First, the dummy is a higher-level training tool in that one needs to have a clear command of themselves before embarking on the dummy curriculum itself. The curriculum requires a full competence of Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, and Biu-Tze since these are expanded concepts for the dummy to begin with. In that, however, it is also still nothing but a chunk of wood. It is meant to refine our principles vs. first learning about them, so it does hold a special place in the Wing Chun system.

That being said, can those who are not at this level still use it for learning at other levels? I believe they can.

Concept
The first thing to think about when approaching the dummy is to remember what the tool itself is for. It is meant to unite the upper and lower bodies, develop short-range power, and to hone and refine our skill set so that we explode fully into our attacker at any angle.

Regardless of what you are working on, using the dummy means to be smart about it. It has nothing to do with conditioning the arms, as some still think. Regular training will condition the arms to a point, but that is a side-effect, not the primary goal. So the concept of the dummy must always be first and foremost on your mind as the right way to approach any training.

For example, if you are wanting to work Tan-dar, then you should be paying attention to distance, wedging Tan-sau into the arm at an angle vs. slamming against the arm, and keeping proper adduction so that the rebound of the dummy does not throw you backwards.

Types of Dummies
This is a tough one. Not to put too fine a point on it, but there are a lot of stupid wooden dummy designs out there. Spinning ones, moving ones, some with wheels, some with spring-loaded arms, and even some with spring trunks so that they bounce back and forth.

They sound like good ideas, and they can develop qualities useful for fighting. But the “standard” wooden dummy is where you should start because it is designed to work the concepts of what we do. This is not to say that the standard dummy design cannot be improved on, because you can always “build a better mouse trap”. The trick, though, is should you? And what preempts the need that the current design does not afford?

If you want to learn real Wing Chun in the right way - the way it is meant to be learned for true effectiveness - then get a standard non-moving dummy without all the frills. Ensure that the arms are at the correct height for you (at shoulder height while you are in Yee-chi-kim-yeung-ma) and that the entire structure is heavy wood. A PVC trunk is fine for many, as well as more affordable. However, it will be much lighter than wood, which translates to a less-than-optimal training experience.

By first starting out on a standard wooden dummy (all wood, no frills) and keeping mind of the concepts for what you are working on, there really is no reason why a student of any level cannot work the wooden dummy. It is nothing more than a tool to refine and hone various skills. It may not be the actual curriculum itself, but that will come in time. Instead, it is a superb experience to learn about rebound, uniting the body to become a complete unit, developing various power qualities, and also standing in as a partner when solo training.

On behalf of all of us at the Arizona Wing Chun Association, I want to wish all of our friends, colleagues, and students around the world a very Happy New Years for 2010.