Alan Armstrong

Depends how far along you are in your karate? Get your black belt if you are only a few years away. In the meantime gather Wing Chun resources. Such as terminology. It's history. Also Wing Chun theories. I don't suggest doing karate and Wing Chun back to back. They are both miles apart, you just might confuse yourself. It is easier to go from practicing karate then learning Wing Chun than doing it the other way around.

I know the video that you are referring to, mma fighter against a ki master.

IP Man (RIP) with his destiny and personal responsibility of spreading Wing Chun throughout the world, he has most definitely left behind a great legacy. As he was teaching the future Wing Chun masters, controversy has crept in. Todays Masters of Wing Chun may not see eye to eye on techniques that they have learned, that has now been passed on to their students. The reason for theses differences of techniques is because all of the Wing Chun masters were not all taught at the same time, also the length of time learning with IP Man will differ. Ip Man was evolving his techniques and changing them over the years. So depending if a student of his was learning earlier techniques or mid career or his later years there will be significant differences. Personally I welcome all of the variations that Wing Chun masters teach. Hopefully my approach is more of value than the faction way. It is far more interesting for me to see and recognize the earlier and the latter Wing Chun differences. As these differences (of ways of doing) will become more obvious over time, there will be certainty those that see their way of Wing Chun is better than the other Wing Chun practitioners. A Wing Chun practioner's style may differ from that found in the "IP Man" movies. This doesn't imply that if it is different then it must be wrong. Could be that your master was taught in the early "Ip Man" Wing Chun style. Wing Chun history is also another point of controversy. Something can be learned from the variety of stories that surround Wing Chun, this is the reason why these stories have lasted and have been past on for many generations. The stories and theories that are attached to Wing Chun are just as important as the fighting aspects, they hold important details that will help a student develop a deeper appreciation for Wing Chun and an understanding for Ip Man's generosity as a Grand Master.

Yes the Gum Sao is a bio-mechanically sound/strong movement, used in many defensive and offensive situations; it really is limited to a person's imagination. Thanks for sharing and for bring up the (Wing Chun) Gum Sao subject.

Perhaps a role play (of the aforementioned incident) could be re-enacted for the TKD teacher and students. Then the TKD teacher could teach everyone what the appropriate course of action should have been. All benefitting and learning from one person's mistake. Then if a similar situation occurs in the future, all of the students will be better equipped and ready to respond appropriately without the need for violence.

Have had the privilege to train in Dojos and Gyms as well as many places somewhere in between and far between such as gardens and garages, school gymnasium and community centers. Places where bowing was normal and other places not normally appreciated. Where everyone wears similar clothing like a type of uniform and other places that it was the individuals choice as in come as you are; not bothering to take of the baseball hat while doing a kata. Presently I'm in a place in-between a Dojo and Gym and enjoying every minute of it, except just one little hiccup. I'm raising the issue because a none student of mine was asking me questions during my class, while he was waiting for his Sensei and class to start in another part of the building. I felt that I didn't need to give explanations during my class (to a none class member) not for the fact of rudeness but in that it was breaking my concentration away from my students and interrupting at an inconvenient time. Giving him an explanation at that moment would have been too difficult and lengthy to explain, so I just ignored him. I didn't consider him to be rude but perhaps he could have felt that I was being rude to him. Other (none students of mine) were just happy enough to watch my class. Because the building is part Dojos and part gym, I was teaching in the gym part due to the floor surface and the equipment at hand. The none student of mine was using the facility (weight lifting equipment) also and felt comfortable enough due to the location in the gym to have a chat with me. It could be argued that I was teaching or practicing in a communal area, even still when a personal trainer is instructing they too need there space with the client. I will talk with (this none student of mine) about the event, the next time I see him and explain my point of view. Having such a communal environment such as a Dojo and gym does raise the point of ethics or protocols and codes of conduct. Some bodybuilders scream when bench pressing and the martial artists Kia or could be quietly meditating, must get passers by wondering what is going on at times, when the front door is wide open. Mma and cross training seems as if there are many changes including mixed codes of conduct that I'm not fully aware of at this time. How do Dojo's and Gym's mix in your opinion?

Police use Aikido techniques because that was what was integrated into their training curriculum because that is what was chosen decades ago. They also work well. Most of the time police are not going hands on with trained master level martial artists. They can be going against very experienced street fighters. They also like to go in a large enough force to overwhelm the suspect. You also deal with bureaucratic inertia when trying to change ingrained training systems. While I think all Police officers should learn BJJ and striking, most people (politicians) view it as UFC bloody mats. They want to see a softer, gentler way. The vast majority of police officers are given the exact amount of training, on any subject matter, that budgets and minimum training standards require. Many city councils (elected politicians who want to keep getting elected) do not want to ask for more taxes so they can train the police in more combat arts. Unless the Officer seeks additional training on their own they only ever receive the bare minimum. Very good opinions LLLEARNER you seem to be very informed and knowledgeable on this top.Bouncer that also practice Aikido can benefit from "the way of coordinated harmony" in controlling drunks in pubs and clubs. If a bouncer for instance beats on a drunk with his fists, this is not controlling the situation, it is only adding more violent behavior. Grappling with a drunk person and the bouncer is wearing a suit isn't feasible either. While being in the mounted position the bouncer is going to get whacked on the top of his head with a bottle from his friend. There are BJJ techniques that could be modified for the police and bouncers. Having a better understanding of human body mechanics, leverages and fulcrums would be a good beginning. Eagle Claw kung fu and Chin Na practice and knowledge are two Chinese aspects of martial arts that can also enhance any martial artist arsenal. Aikido already uses some of their principles, the police bouncers and BJJ should be able to enhance themselves from these other viewpoints. Watching video footage of police and bouncers apprehending a suspect or a rowdy can look very sloppy. Sometimes as if they are trying to catch a greased pig, when they pile on top of a person three at a time Or out comes the pepper spray and tazer gun. If all else fails beat the person in to submission. If the correct amount of force is justified to meet the situation then that is the way to address the problem? Aikido can be modified for aggressive purposes, then in doing so it would not be Aikido but something else. For instance, what Steven Seegal does in the movies is not Aikido, the violence for entertainment or senerios of hurting other people, criminals bad guys or whoever, is contradictory to the peaceful way of Aikido. Aikido is the peaceful way this is why the police have adopted it, as it is their duty to keep the peace.

From a JKD and kick boxing perspective, boxing is a part of martial arts. There is a type of shadow boxing practiced in the Chinese kung fu style "Yi Chuan" difference is that a shadow is not required, only imaginary opponents in the plural sense, as boxers shadow boxing in the singular.

Good advice Zaine, ballistic stretching can cause some long lasting negative effects to muscles.

There are plenty of DVD videos to choose from. Before splashing the cash, perhaps doing some flexibility research is in order. Researching flexibility metheods from a variety of perspectives would certainly be helpful. YouTube is full of experienced flexibility advisors. From chiropractors too nutritionists till contortionists. Stretching machines too massage techniques that circle the globe. Flexibility techniques and plenty of terminology to become acquainted with: PNF, ROM, Pandiculation, Static, Stationary, Passive, dynamic, pulsating, spindling, resistance, tension, relaxation, hot, cold, wet, dry, steamed, creams, pulled, decompressed, manipulated, tenderized electronically... Or perhaps your original idea is better, to have someone recommend a good flexibility DVD All the best

A person cannot have a healthy lifestyle if they smoke cigarettes. To quit smoking for those that do, will be the most significant gift and the most worth while thing you will ever do for yourself, especially for your health. Congratulations to all of those that have quit smoking.

I had a ma student (female) teen that was threatened by a boy in school. She swiftly floored him. This is what I have trained her to do; as I was teaching her martial arts with JKD concepts. The boy's parents and the boy had a meeting with the girl and the girl's parents, in the principles office. The meeting took only a few minute to resolve. With the principle laughing, all the while as how the boy explained how she beat him up. The girl being petite and the boy was just a big bully sissy. He was twice her size and weight. The boy was warned not to behave threatening towards other students. There is no way of knowing all the facts of who is wrong and who is right in minor infractions with teens. Hopefully the boy has become less threatening towards others and the girl is less threatened by those that are far bigger then her. Us oldies were no angels growing up. We were back in our days (where I was from) no better than the teens of today; in many respects far worse than most. It is hoped that the teens of today are more intelligent than the teens of the past and are guided by better informed responsible adult roll models.

If the student is learning TKD martial arts as a sport, I don't see why there is any need for him to be disciplined. A teen will fight no matter what the recreational sport they participate in. Not everything warrants punishment, maybe the boy was embarrassed from the initial confrontation. Perhaps just listening and understanding his point of view would be a chance to give him some gentle advice for any future altercations. Or perhaps suggesting channeling aggression in a positive way (during ma training) will improve his performance in TKD. One of my TKD instructor's was female. She told me a story about her and her teenager son. While sparing she hit him a little too hard. He became mad at her started crying and said "mummy you hurt me" this happened during a class. The son never expected for his mum to hit him so hard; he was feeling angry for being (accidentally) unfairly punished.

Theme music from the movie "Man from Hong Kong" Blown it all sky high! by Jigsaw.

Athlete of the century; Ali deserved this title. RIP

Harmony and rivalry touches all our lives in so many ways. As a martial artist how do you create harmony and manage rivalry in your life? Martial art styles have been created due to conflicts and rivalry and preserving peace and harmony. The countless amounts of conflicts have created a need for ma styles over the centuries; that have been modified and adapted continually. No matter how much we may believe or tell ourselves how much we have evolved, rivalry and harmony continues to be lagging behind. Martial arts has a profound nature, if a person chooses to, can create internal harmony and also reduce internal rivalry, perhaps these aspects could be the most important aspects that martial art knowledge and practice has to offer.

Was recapping with a student on Wing Chun chain punching and remembered this thread! My take on chain punching is like using each punch like a boxer's jab. Only difference is that the punches are fired out from the center of the body. Also adding that these chain punches are absolutely tension free from start to finish. No tension-even on contact. How difficult/frustating/ seemingly impossible it is for those that build muscle to punch with minimal tension. Punching underwater there is some resistance; naturally. On dry land punching with resistance is self induced-resistance due to unnecessary muscle tension.

In ancient times (in China) when a Shaolin monk was ready to venture in to the outside world and out of the confines's of the monastery, there were tests, physical and emotional. Jumping straight to the emotional part of these tests. As we are all fully aware of the Shaolin monks physical abilities. A Shaolin monk needed to sit in a room while the master would tell a very sad story; presumably the most tear jerking heart wrenching story ever told. Then the Shaolin monk was told another story, a very happy story, that would be undoubtedly playing with the monks heart strings. If the monk showed any emotion while listening to the two stories, the monk would not be allowed to leave the temple. The idea of these physiology tests were intended to see if a monk had emotional problems such as anger issues or temper tantrums. Would not be very responsible allowing psychotic monks running about the country side that have been trained in a 1001 ways to kill! To be a master it is not only physical abilities that count it's also having emotional self control, mastery over oneself.

A quote from Sun Tzu EMPTINESS AND FULLNESS Those who are first on the battlefield and await the opponents are at ease; those who are last on the battlefield and head into battle get worn out. Therefore good warriors cause others to come to them, and do not go to others. If you make opponents come to fight, then their force will always be empty. If you do not go to fight, then your force will always be full. This is the art of emptying others and filling yourself. What causes opponents to come of their own accord is the prospect of gain. What discourages opponents from coming is the prospect of harm.

Fighter(s) if we can call them one, lul, bore or simply frustrate their opponents. Chasing them is their game. It's what kids do playing a type of tag game. It is an immature strategy that is difficult for adult logic to comprehend easily. In Wing Chun and Tai Chi this strategy is what is called not being able to (bridge the gap) imagine trying to punch a punching bag full of popcorn. This defensive strategy of bouncing about is very much a boxing strategy. They need to be very mobile and on their toes but their balance is sacrificed for this rapid mobility. It's like trying to catch a human fly then you must be like a human iguana with a very fast stinger. Use snappy pullback techniques, that are too fast to counter. Above all unbalance them because this is their weakness. You should move slowly to lul and bore them, fake slow punches and pretend to shorten your reach then (surprise sting) them with super fast speed with fast footwork, then again change mixing up your normal rhythm with broken rhythm; practice chaos on your opponent. Position yourself by cutting off their space, they are using space to fly about in, lessen their space with your body placements. Otherwise you will be chasing them in open space; which was the initial problem.

I view the emotional content with anger can have it's value's (not many) just that it is an emotion that can exhaust itself quickly. Anger is an explosive emotion that needs plenty of fuel to keep it fired up. Staying all fired up not only wastes energy it can also send a person's blood pressure through the roof causing a heart attack or aneurism. Anger with a bad temperment when fighting mad causes tunnel vision. An experienced fighter can take advantage of this anger quality of an inexperienced opponent very easily. If anger is always connected to fighting, then every time a person gets angry they may want to fight. We all get angry, for martial artists anger management should be mandatory otherwise all that training will be reduced to educating those with real ma potential in to a fighting thug. This anger negativity list could continue in to infinity...

Bruce Lee said this to his student "Emotional content not anger" in the movie 'Enter the Dragon' What emotional content do you use?

Very much appreciate the comments thus far. Never heard of this 'ROM' concept till now; fascinating! Will look in to it more in depth very soon. I did have an episode while preparing for a TKD tournament. While practicing an aerial double kick, my right hip felt as if it popped out of it's socket and went back in again. My hip was painful for a few weeks with (luckily) no complications or permanent damage. The ironic point is that I don't consider myself extraordinary flexible. Really I'm not extraordinarily flexible, but my muscles and joints do have a funny way of becoming (with lack of the correct way of explaining it) elastic when hyper extended. I attribute this elastic quality (when techniques are applied to me) due to stretching and hyper extending my body thousands of times throughout my life. I have developed a mind over matter attitude towards stretching, over the years. Hyper extending exercises from Aikido have also developed my wrists, elbows and shoulders beyond normal people. TKD exercises has also (I belive) attributed to my hips having an elastic tolerance to be hyperextended beyond what one might considered normal. Also a one in a million accident happened many years go, I was sandwiched between a wall and a fork lift truck. My hips squished together due to the thousands of kilos/pounds of pressure. The experience did not cripple me, but the experience most definitely had a deep impact on my subconscious. No one in their right mind would subject themselves, to being squished with such unimaginable mechanical strength. Perhaps my subconscious has registered this (being squished accident) as a type of tolerance gauge that has never readjusted to normal circumstances?

No offence taken MatsuShinsii. This forum is a great place to be; welcome! Keeping focused, polite and comments in context, we will have a (Do) in which we can all share and benefit from, includinging helping each other with constructive opinions and a multitude of martial art experiences.

There are many typically known physical advantages such as height, weight and reach; just to name a few. I'm starting to suspect, that having a strong and pliable body is an advantage as a martial artist above and beyond those that are strong and flexible. I'm saying pliability as opposed to flexibility, because in my way of reasoning pliability includes all joints (hyper extending) and tendons, this also includes (flexible) muscles. My hypothesis is that two people with equal strength, height, weight and ability, that the one that has a more pliable body (depending on the technique, such as an arm bar) will have a greater advantage over the one that is not as pliable structurally. The more pliable a person is physically, the more difficult it is to use arm and wrist lock techniques on, as opposed to those that are more relatively stiff. Pliability increases a person's range of motion in all directions. This is very helpful when trying to slip out of tight holds and grabs, also countering maneuvers are easier to apply. Having pliability advantage when grappling seems to have a profound discouraging effect on the opponent. As their techniques are not working as well as they should be, or surprisingly things are not working out as expected or planned. My first encounter having pliability advantages was when training with an instructor (martial artist) that trains police enforcement officers. As the instructor had all of the typical advantages mentioned earlier over me, my pliability advantage alone was very disconcerting for him, it was if he had encountered something very alien. More circumstances while practicing with other martial artist also brings about this disconcerting effect for them as if this is not possible. Till one person recently accused me of having an unfair advantage for being too flexible, this person being a martial artist body building grappler; something I'm not. I am looking forward to hear other martial artists views on this (pliability) advantage; or perhaps it's not an advantage!