Wooden Dummy

[Wamp]

I wanted to get everyones thoughts on training with a wooden dummy at home for self sustainment. No Wing Chun experience here at all, I just find the wooden dummy interesting and debating getting one.

[bushido_man96]

Well, before getting one, it might be prudent to search out some directions on how to work with one, and how and what you do with it applies to your training and self-defense knowledge. I've always been fascinated by them, so I can't fault someone for wanting to give one a whirl. But, make sure to figure out how to be productive in training with it. It's going to be quite a bit different than just striking on a heavy bag.

[Wamp]

Thank you for the reply Bushido_man96. I do have plenty of time to research and figure out if I will get much use out of it or not.

[sensei8]

I'm not a Wing Chun practitioner at all. My core is Okinawan; Shindokan, and from practically day one, we religiously train with a Wooden Dummy. Our style is wrapped around close range, whereas our goal is to get behind our opponent. Our style is 85% hands and 15% feet, albeit, the Wooden Dummy training helps us to mature our close range.

[Wamp]

That is great to hear sensei8. In Ashihara Karate, Sabaki is emphasized. Getting to your opponents blind spot is key for any counter attack. That’s where I was thinking the wooden dummy could come into good use. Not so much to practice wing chin, but to help with Sabaki techniques when I am solo training.

Thanks!

[Fat Cobra]

Wamp, I have one and I am not a Wing Chun practitioner.

I use it for 2 purposes: 1) Ude tanren (forearm conditioning) which I emphasize in my dojo. We do one on one forearm conditioning, then, when I am training alone I have the forearm hammer and the Wooden Dummy. The wooden dummy is tough and extremely unforgiving, but it does toughen up your forearms.

2) I also use it for blocking drills. Inside block, step at an angle to the opponent, outside block, strike.

It is a great training tool, though some can run quite expensive. If you can find one within your budget, I recommend it.

Karate no michi!

[Wamp]

Thanks for the information Fat Cobra, great name BYW!