Page 64 - Martial Science Magazine online

Among the important factors
in developing good Chi Sau are, Essentially Wing Chun is all about correct
keeping an open mind, and main- use of energy, understanding the funda-
taining an inquisitive nature. If
you seek the truth, then you must mentals behind a technique and applying
also develop the ability to accept commonsense.
it when it is proved to you. This
article does not give you physical available energy, if the energy where in reality, they would not
directions, but more of a philo- requirements exceed the oxygen have been in the position to do so
sophical viewpoint so that it can supply then we get a lactic acid if the initial technique had been
be a catalyst provoking discus- build up i.e. we get tired. There- performed correctly. This is still
sion rather than a statement to be fore, if we ration the amount of true even when wearing protec-
dismissed.
tension to the bare minimum, we tive equipment. When striking to
can maximize the time, and we the head, cuts may be avoided but
The natural differences that oc- can maintain our fighting capabil- not the internal damage caused
cur when two people teach the ities in a confrontation. To do this by brain shake at the head impact.
same theory should not cloud the you must have an understanding
issue. The variety of ways that in- of what happens at the moment Chi Sau is only a tool to hone your
structors use to describe their un- of impact when a technique is fighting skills. This is achieved
derstanding of a concept should applied, and how tension is in- not only through the physical
be viewed as a broad tapestry volved in producing the perfect training of technique, but by dis-
from which ideas can be shared, technique cussion with your training partner
and result in a greater depth of of the details of a movement and
knowledge for all. The childish It is the theoretical perfection of how it relates to the principles
dogmatism “This is right because the whole system that should be laid down in Wing Chun. These
I say so!” has no place logical sought for through the practical principles include straight lines,
investigation. One fact that can- investigation that is Chi Sau. As simplicity, economy of motion,
not be argued against is, that if perfection will always remain never using strength to overcome
Chi Sau is ineffectual then Wing elusive, it allows us to continue strength, how stance turns, and
Chun will also be ineffectual at the search throughout our life- body shifts are incorporated in
the highest level. Just because an time, keeping our enthusiasm for technique, and the use of tension
experienced aggressive instructor learning intact. Each new person and relaxation. All of these fac-
can apply a technique on a sub- with whom you play Chi Sau, tors must be dealt with if a full
missive student does not validate provides you with new experienc- understanding of a technique or
the technique. The correctness of es and through these a greater un- movement is to be achieved. This
a technique depends upon how derstanding, irrespective of their is something that must be expe-
deeply it has been researched, level of Wing Chun. The teacher rienced physically by a student,
and how it stands up to the cri- also learns from the student, it and not just passed on verbally by
teria of Wing Chun theory, and just depends upon how honest the the instructor. A student can have
only then if all possible variations teacher is with himself. knowledge of how a technique
have been considered
works but is only when they have
The main difficulty with spar- ‘felt” the correct movement and
Essentially Wing Chun is all ring is, that it does not give a re- energy inside themselves that
about correct use of energy, un- alistic view of actual fighting, as they can be considered to have
derstanding the fundamentals you cannot use full energy with fully understood it.
behind a technique and applying your training partner in attack-
common sense. When we use ing techniques. Holding back al- It is only through the gradual and
tension, our muscles burn up the
lows your partner to strike back, systematic progress through Chi

64 MARTIALSCIENCEMAGAZINE.COM