A Top 10 Summer Camps in Lakeland—Martial Arts and Dance

OK, I’ll be brief, I know you’re busy. I think the Sifu Och program is most definitely in the top 10 summer camps in Central Florida if not the state of Florida.

Kids will love coming to the Sifu Och kids summer camp for fun-filled and action packed weeks. Parents will love knowing that their kids are involved in a positive and safe.

1) contact Sifu Och Wing Chun summer camp lakeland fl at sifuochwingchun@gmail.com, Sifu Och and Kevin Rios have teamed up to make one super powered summer camp program in lakeland florida!

2) You need to get the early bird special for your kids Summer Camp program and save yourself big!  It won’t last and their are limited spots.

3) know that they teach

  • Self-control, Patience, Compassion, Confidence, Discipline, Structure, Focus
  • Professional Instructors in both Dance, Fine Arts, Education and the Realistic Self Defense Martial Arts
  • Wing Chun Kung Fu, Ju-jitsu, Karate, Boxing
  • Professional Dance and Hip Hop – http://www.smilejustdance.com/
  • Trips, Busch Gardens, Water Parks, Movies, Museums
  • Theatre, Art, Culinary, Music, and alot more!
  • Lakeland Self Defense – https://sifuochwingchun.com
summer camp lakealnd fl self defense - wing chun
KUNG FU, FINE ARTS, DANCE AND SOOO MUCH MORE!!!! Sifu Och Wing CHun Kung Fu lakealnd fl kung fu martial arts afterschool summer camp lakealnd fl self defense – wing chun sifu och wing chun martial arts

4) They help with homework, education, self defense, professional dance and the fine arts plus they’re right in downtown lakeland fl.

5) Amazing instructors, your children are taught by top professionals in the field, no kid interns these are some of the best!

6) Great prices that beat out the competition as low as $70-$80 a week (for early bird enrollments) all day, monday thru friday, 7am to 5:45pm

7) check the competition you will see this is an amazing price for early bird enrollments to this summer camp

8) extended hours are available!

9) a huge variety of classes, fun, entertainment and discipline for a jam packed exciting lakeland summer camp!!!

10) come down and you will see that this downtown lakeland summer camp program doesn’t have any rival, its the one place your child can become their best and has a price to match any parents budget!

Summer Camp Testimonials

  • “I never thought my child would be able to have the confidence that Sifu Och Wing Chun has instilled in her, Jenna is gaining so much here we will never leave.”SUMMER CAMP LAKELAND FL. Kids will love coming to FPC for fun-filled and action packed weeks. Parents will love knowing that their kids are involved in a positive and safe.
  • “Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung fu and Kevin Rios Just Dance fine arts is a perfect place for both my kids I never thought my daughter would love Kung Fu and the martial arts more and my son loves the hip hop classes.”
  • “Grades up, Chores done, actually listening, oh this is a parents dream.  Thank you Sifu Och your Wing Chun Kung Fu is exactly what we needed, I am soooo happy.”
  • “we made the switch and have never looked back”
  • “a place where I see eye to eye with the instructors, discipline, structure and can actually talk to and get reports on my childs progress.”
  • “As a single parent I wanted a second home for my kids with structure and progress in all aspects of their life, Sifu Och’s Martial Arts in Lakeland is what I was searching for.”
  • “you can keep looking, but once your here there is nothing else.”TOP 10 SUMMER CAMP LAKELAND FL – Sifu Och and Kevin Rios have teamed up to make one super powered summer camp program in lakeland florida!

Contact us for more details

 

Wing Chuns Reactionary mind

Wing Chuns Reactionary mind

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Once you have practiced this properly you may notice you have quicker reactions with a calm mind.  A confident, trained calm and relaxed body, is a reactionary mind.This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind .

A reactionary mind is much faster because it can sense, see, feel and use the entire body as a antenna.

Through sensitivity drills you will feel the opponents skeletal structure change to throw another attack.  As this skeletal structure adjusts you can decipher and calculate what attacks they most likely will be able to do from this position, and defend and counter-attack accordingly.This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind .  Constantly working and practicing on building slow reactions and slow sparring into quicker, faster and harder reactions and sparring encounters builds this type of mindset.

Eventually your mind and muscle memory will be able to react to all different types of positions.  Educating yourself on other arts and how they fight will assist you in this goal.This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind .  Learning what assailants use on the street, what security cameras have caught on tape and training on those will all make a less surprised you.

Within our school, we teach that if you do not know what they may, then you may get surprised and caught off guard.  Know your weaknesses and seek out how you would stop yourself.  Then focus on eliminating those weaknesses and creating them into strengths.

This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind .  If taught properly and in its entirety, Wing Chun is a complete hand to hand stand up survival martial art.  I have seen so many school owners and instructors of Wing Chun say there is no ground defense, no kick defense, no gun, knife, or stick defense.This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind .  These not only exist in Wing Chun but are seen and used throughout different lineages of Wing Chun and are practiced daily.  Understanding, educating and training yourself against other martial arts will help you develop a deeper understanding and versatility in your Wing Chun system. Though it can only do this if you have a full understanding of the Wing Chun’s full combat application.

Once achieved you will develop skills and abilities that you may have never noticed or been able to reach before this.

You will see your own weaknesses and strengths.  You will also see what you need to do to become better.  You will get a deeper rooted knowledge that will reveal more than you may have ever known about yourself and the art within you. This does not mean that you should add or mix other martial art forms into your Wing Chuns Reactionary mind . You will be better able to survive.  The purpose of my goal is to increase your survival and ability to minimize damage to yourself and those you love.

Want to join? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training and welcome you to join!

More info for Wing Chuns Reactionary mind watch this videos

Sifu Och – $125/wk lakeland summer camp

$125/wk lakeland summer camp (Great VALUE)

Sifu Och – Martial Art lakeland summer camp

martial art summer camp lakealnd fl wing chun kung fuSifu Och Wing Chun (downtown lakeland Kung Fu) and Kevin Rios Just Dance (downtown lakeland Fine arts and Dance) one amazing lakeland summer camp coupon discount!  Our opinion?? We would say the best summer camp in lakeland fl!

LAKELAND SUMMER CAMP ($125/week early bird special) Our downtown lakeland martial art summer camp we teach both the mental respect, discipline and anti-bullying self defense needed to grow as a responsible child into adulthood.  Our lakeland summer camp trains both the mind and the body, inherent in every lakeland self defense class we teach kids the skills to live strong and become better every day.We ensure that our kids are in great care and helping hands of caring trained instructors both male and female guiding them through the rigors of self defense martial arts.

Summer Camp Fun, Kids Summer Camp, Kids Martial Arts, Kids Kung Fu Lakeland, Lakeland Kids ClassesOur lakeland summer camp program doesn’t stop there.  We have teamed up with Just Dance a downtown lakeland dance, fine arts, culinary, etiquet, painting and drawing, and theatre.  Just Dance in downtown lakeland provides all these fine arts and professional dance classes with our lakeland summer camp each and every day.  From Hip Hop to Salsa your child will learn a variety of dance, theatre and fine arts.

lakeland summer camp program lakeland fl martial arts sifu och wing chun kung fu
lakeland summer camp program lakeland fl martial arts sifu och wing chun kung fu

What does our child get at SIFU OCH WING CHUN KUNG FU’s LAKELAND SUMMER CAMP?

  • Hall of Fame Wing Chun Kung Fu
  • Boxing for Fitness
  • Chinese Jiujitsu
  • Escape drills and scenarios
  • Weapon Demo’s
  • Black belt Taekwondo & Karate
  • Street Smart self defense
  • Anti-Bullying self defense program
  • Thinking with their head, and not thinking with their fists first

 

lakeland fl summer camp martial art karate summer camp lakeland dance
lakeland fl summer camp martial art karate summer camp lakeland dance

What about the PROFESSIONAL DANCE & FINE ARTS?

  • Hip Hop
  • Choreography
  • Salsa and Latin Dancing
  • Ballroom and Group Training
  • Creative and live social Theatre
  • Basic Culinary and Kitchen Safety Education
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Music & Production
  • Much More!

What do they do when they aren’t doing Sifu Och’s Wing Chun Kung Fu, Dance, Fine Arts and Theatre?

  • Water Park’s
  • Pool
  • Movies
  • Museum’s
  • Educational projects
  • Busch Garden’s
  • Dinosaur World
  • and much more, we can’t reveal it all!
summer camps lakeland martial-arts-summer-camp-lakeland-fl-wing-chun-kung-fu
$125 week for Summer camp *this is an internet special (normal cost $180/week), those who lock in this early bird special will have it locked per week for the ENTIRE summer without worry of rising weekly cost.  This price does not include additional activities such as Busch Garden’s, Bowling, Movies, etc.  Though because of the size of our program we get BIG group discounts on trips which normally can not be done by smaller programs.  (teacher to student ration is appox. 10-15 students per teacher on staff)  Which means you get the one on one of a small program with the benefits of a making a bunch of friends.  Space is limited.
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__________________________________________________________________________________
Sifu Och – Wing Chun Kung Fu
https://sifuochwingchun.com
116 E. Pine St, Lakeland, Fl 33801
863.800.0171
__________________________________________________________________________________
Kevin Rios – Just Dance & Fine Arts
http://www.smilejustdance.com
308 E. Lemon St  Lakeland, FL 33801
(863) 877-7807
__________________________________________________________________________________

Wing Chun timing and range

Wing Chun timing and range

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Training as a Wing Chun practitioner you should never be in mid-range.  This range is where both you and the assailant can strike, punch and kick at your optimum.

Why would want to exchange blows or have the assailant at their optimum when attacking you?  You wouldn’t.  Wing Chun’s  specialty is close-range combat.

wing chun timing and range
wing chun timing and range
martial arts timing and range of attack

Therefore you should either close distance to be on the inside of “in-fighting” or stay out of the assailants range of attack.  This causes many great opportunities as the assailant is forced to fight on your timing.  As the assailant attempts to either close distance you close just as quick over shooting their intended destination point.  This over shot of the assailant creates a close quarter combat situation which is ideal for the Wing Chun practitioner.

If the assailant decides to back up and create distance then the Wing Chun practitioner will attempt to destroy and cause damage to every limb thrown at them by the assailant by means of attack.  After causing damage a Wing Chun timing practitioner will then close distance and “eat” their way into the assailant’s centerline vitals.  Some assailant’s if knowledgeable about your skills will keep backing up and will rarely attempt to throw strikes so that they do not get damaged.

These assailant are attempting to escape your attacks and create their own timing.  This cannot be abided as any control of any aspect of the fight is crucial to keeping the Wing Chun practitioner as safe as possible and maximizing the damage to the assailant.  Very fast low to medium long range kicks to the ribs, organs, groin, ephemeral arteries and knee’s are employed to cause damage and hesitation in the assailants movements.  This hesitation allows the pause a Wing Chun practitioner needs to take back control.  Thus never stay in mid-range, it is purposeless.  Instead bait, time and trap the assailant using close-quarter in-fighting combinations that trap, redirect and allow you to end the fight decisively.

When the fight is no longer close-range make your assailant pay dearly for drawing out the fight by destroy and striking at areas that will cause the maximum amount of pain while maintaining the height of your defensive and offensive Wing Chun tactics.

More info for Wing Chun Timing watch this videos

Proper energy and pressure in Wing Chun

Proper energy and pressure in Wing Chun, Countering Energies

Newton’s law has these countering energies provide an upward and forward counteracting force versus the downward forces of gravity and rooting.  Thus, training a practitioner to always press forward and downward even when traveling backward.  Tension and compression are all acting forces that either push or pull objects at rest together or apart.  Which means that these countering acting energies become stronger as they work together and off of one another.

proper energy and pressure in wing chun sifu och
proper energy and pressure in wing chun sifu och

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Thus two partners working together can generate increased strength and stability that alone they may have not been able to reach.  The point of balance between the two objects is the center of mass and is the center of structural stability within this created dynamic.  As the strength of one practitioner pushes through the lines of strength of the other these opposing and supporting forces create a balance point.   Wing Chun works off of triangles throughout the entire structure.  This creates stability due to at least one of the connective parts of a triangle always pointing in the opposite direction of any force being applied.  Though if this triangle or position is broken by the practitioner by leaning, over-committing, over-placement of balance or power, then the triangle will dissolve into another shape and no longer have the structural integrity it once did.

Depending on your lineage line, like ours you may have attacks and drills that are placed into this level of ability with continuous flowing chains of offensive and defensive attacks and counters.  I have never seen another martial system that has this type of stand up reactive drills and even a third form that trains techniques for surviving and escaping a multiple attacker situation.   This type of inherent training is exclusive to Wing Chun.  No other art has this type of reaction drills.

Similar energy flow and sensitivity to balance and structure within Tai Chi push hands are seen within Chi Sau but include aggressive attack reactions.  Wrist versus Wrist doesn’t follow predetermined movements but is rather a constant barrage of attacks and reactions at extreme close-quarter.  Wing Chun has kept this wrist against wrist tactic to keep both practitioners within striking range as it is easy for a student to start to run away or create huge distance between them and the assailant.  Though this is unrealistic for a car assault, home invasion, bar or restaurant attack as the space, chairs, tables and individuals surrounding you don’t allow for large movements.  You must deal with what comes and survive or fail based on your training.

Take a car assault for example.  You are parked next to another vehicle and you place your child in their seat.  By opening the door you have cut off your only means of escape and the assailant is upon you.  You have no space and no time only quick reaction.  Now we take this scenario at night in your home or office.  The lights are dim and the attack is on.  Wing Chun asks “what if” so it trains its practitioner’s blindfold so understand the only thing you can rely on are the skills instilled in you by your instructor and training.  By having even one hand on your assailant in a low light you can “feel” where they are likely to attack.  If the shoulder on one side moves in and down then the other is likely lifting and pulling back to hook punch.

Most people chamber the center torso when attacking with kicks or punches and thus by touching one side of the body you can determine what the other is likely to do.

This reactive force of pulling back to strike forward can be sensed by the practitioner versus the assailant and can give them a pre-indication of the assailants next intentions.  Nothing is perfect, but any advanced drills and training in this subject is better than dismissing the value in low light fighting and reaction.  If it can help then why dismiss it? Look at the logic behind it and see if it’s benefits would weigh training to gain application.

Wing Chun’s smaller compact movements and properly timed attacks are used to defeat much larger and stronger attackers. Through proper power, speed, balance and body structure a small amount of force can be precisely applied. Not only deflect powerful attacks but to open the opponents vitals momentarily to a devastating counter-attack. Instead of blocking then attacking as two separate movements, a Wing Chun practitioner will block and attack high and low at the same time. Techniques such as the Intercepting Fist “Cutting Arm” otherwise known as “Turning Punch” can cut into and disrupt the structure and attack of an opponent while allowing the Wing Chun practitioner to overtake and re-root any resistance. Through proven positions of power, the Wing Chun practitioner opens a pathway to the core vitals of their opponent both inside and outside of the assailant. These techniques automatically deflect while a countering attack, punch and/or kick is delivered. Thus the theory is that you may be able to block one, but both is improbable on a constant.

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Don’t base Wing Chun off opinion,  base it on your own observation of its techniques. If they work, are effective, quick & make sense then use them. Those that deter the effective are foolish in their endeavors

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More info for proper energy in wing chun watch this videos

best martial arts self defense

Best Martial Arts Self Defense

No original martial art, no matter what its origins had fancy and ill effective moves as it was created for survival and for the quickest and deadliest move for battle in that culture, terrain and current enemy.  There were no triple somersaults, no throwing and spinning of weapons in the air, as this would cause instant death on the battlefield.

best martial arts for self defense wing chun
What is the best martial arts self defense?
my choice is clear, Wing Chun.

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site) For the personal goals of the student even a martial art school that has minimal reality effective moves in it could still meet the needs of the student.  Especially if this student is wanting to learn slow paced techniques for stress management, fancy or flashy that have the  impression of martial arts.  These types of schools seek to boost confidence without the reality, pounding and harsh training related to the true intentions of their original martial art.  I have no problem with martial art facilities that teach these techniques as everyone is not looking for reality or combat training.  Though I do take up an accord against ones that tell prospective students they teach self defense when in truth they hardly scratch the surface.  In order to get that student to join they tell them whatever they want to hear and show a few “effective movements”  though once the student joins they are taken for a ride.  This gives people the false confidence and the impression that they know and can use real life saving techniques where in reality these techniques could get them killed.  Thus honesty and respect are big concerns when it comes to practical application.

Original and traditional instructors that show their arts original combative intent have not taken the road most traveled but rather have decided to make and teach you without compromise.  The main stream of commercialized techniques and skills taught in schools can string a student through hoops instead of practical application.

After talking with many instructors of various schools the conclusion most have come to is that they truly believe that the student couldn’t handle real training.  Many have even said that speaking about the harshness of a street fight, knife attack or rape situation would lose them more money than make them.  Thus they should be fed fancy moves, false confidence and almost no practical street purpose and weapons that fly in the air only to be caught and spun on wrists and fingers.

I wish to disagree with many of these practices and schools but unfortunately I have seen these schools fill there classes with hundreds of students.  None of these students ever asking or questioning the logic in this type of training.    Most people want easy answers and to be told they are hardcore.  No matter what your style, once you start to train students in the original arts intent, it is extremely hard to keep all those interested.

best martial arts for self defense sifu och wing chun kung fu
What is the best martial arts self defense?
My choice is Wing Chun, what will yours be…

If you do a jump kick and you teach the purpose on how to knock someone out with it showing the 100% full Original war/street purpose, I applaud you.  If you throw weapons, but you do it because your throwing them through an opponent I applaud you.  I applaud any and all men and women who teach or seek out such a teacher, that want to instruct them in the Original ways to survive using a traditional martial art.  I also applaud and respect those who are truthful about their teachings and tell a prospective student that by no means will the fancy move they are learning or that throwing or twirling a weapon in the air or around your fingers works on the street, but instead telling them hey its fun isn’t it?

To all of you out there who train hard through respect, honor and dedication I bow to you and ask for more. God knows we need it.  We need more support for all truth bringers within the martial arts from both sides of the fence.

It takes a real hardcore person with a passion to want it, search for the purpose behind it and to learn ALL of it, asking what every moves purpose was for survival.  Original martial arts are not easy and not fast food, they are “Kung Fu”.  Take the Original Karate from Okinawa Japan, Muay Thai from Thailand, Taekwondo from Korea, Brazilian JiuJitsu from Brazil and in its Original Art form its all “Kung Fu”.

No not because I’m claiming they all came from Kung Fu!  No its because  Kung Fu means Time, Dedication and Hardwork and are you not then doing Kung Fu when you practice and teach your style?  I bet you didn’t realize we were Kung Fu brother’s did you?  Well we are so accept it!

So thus if we are brothers in the art of survival, should we not support one another?  We are not rivals we are family, and we train towards the safety and protection of the ones we love.  The majority of individuals don’t want to push there body for years under rigorous training that bruises the body, toughens the mind and makes one see through the fancy maneuvers of commercialized Hollywood film drama.  Many want to be Bruce Lee without the hard work of Bruce Lee.  A body and mind filled with purpose doesn’t need to put down another art.  Instead of fake or misleading information or techniques.  Allow the minds of others to become purposeful otherwise they are like sheep and unfortunately they will not see past the hair in their eyes. Stay alert, relaxed and poised on the results at hand, you will succeed you are purpose driven.

For our school with traditions of honor, respect, Chinese cultural heritage are all encompassed within the art of Wing Chun.  Wing Chun is my style of choice just like yours may be another, but we are family in one mindset, self preservation and the preservation of others.  More than just kicking and punching Wing Chun for me and those I teach is an art where students can find and grow in the original intentions of their previous masters.  An enlightenment through reality based survival and increasing endurance and history.

Want to join? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

The best martial arts self defense, Wing Chun is my style of Choice.

More info for the best martial arts self defense watch this videos

Building Character, Sifu Och Afterschool Programs

Sifu Och Afterschool Programs, Building Character

Instead of sitting around the house lazily watching cartoons or playing video games, children ages 4+ are expanding their talents and developing character at the Wing Chun Sifu Och Afterschool Programs in downtown Lakeland. Each weekday, children are exposed to a different skill—but only after they’ve finished their homework and received help from certified staff tutors.

Sifu Och Afterschool Programs Building Character
after school program lakeland fl

Mondays are dedicated to culinary arts, and this school year, students have learned about different spices and their uses, kitchen safety, the functions of certain cookware, and how to read a recipe. One of the children’s favorite culinary lessons so far was concocting their own no-bake cookies by following a detailed recipe.

On Tuesdays, students practice several dance routines led by professional dance instructor Kevin Rios of Lakeland’s Just Dance Academy of Dance and Etiquette, an after school programs partner. Children are currently performing hip-hop line dances such as the Kung Fu Electric Slide (a combination of the popular 70s anthem “Kung Fu Fighting” with the movements from the “Electric Slide” line dance) and “The Wobble.” When the children are finished moving to the high energy beats, Sifu Och takes control of the class and teaches several martial arts techniques from the kung fu, Chinese ju-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, and boxing styles to build flexibility, agility, and strength.

sifu och afterschool program lakeland florida martial art
after school martial arts lakeland, fl

Martial arts instruction is also the main focus of Thursday’s program, while Wednesdays are solely dedicated to dance. Finally, Friday’s lessons rotate between arts-and-crafts and theater. Children are currently enjoying an improvisation unit, but they will soon be preparing for a unique, full-scale performance based on the Christmas story.

Although the children learn a little from all sorts of practices, the most important thing Sifu Och and his volunteers have instilled in the students are basic life principles such as discipline, teamwork, responsibility, respect, and restraint. In fact, before children can engage in martial arts and receive their Wing Chun Kung Fu uniforms, they must demonstrate the above characteristics.

“You have to teach them the basics before they can make it in martial arts—and life,” said after school program volunteer and Wing Chun student Liz DeVries.

Sifu Och After School Program staff members require much out of their students, requiring them to clean up after themselves, help others in need, and control their behavior. If certain students are unable to act with discipline, their privilege to participate in activities is revoked. Minor infractions, on the other hand, result extra exercises like the despised sprawls, also known as squat thrusts or burpees.

Sifu Och also challenges his students to demonstrate character at home and in school. For example, if a student successfully performs 40 chores in 2 weeks, he/she will receive a yellow uniform belt stripe. In addition, if a student scores an “A” on three quizzes or tests or obtains a report card with all A’s and B’s, he/she will earn a blue stripe. Other stripes—green, black, and red—are collected by mastering martial arts techniques with power and displaying leadership qualities.

This is the first year Sifu Och Wing Chun has partnered with Just Dance for this unique sifu och afterschool programs. So far, it has been a huge success as approximately 42 children from seven different area schools attend each day, and the program is still accepting new students.

If you are interested in seeing your child grow, achieve, and discover new passions, enroll him/her in the Sifu Och After School Program today for just $75/week. Register online or call (863) 800-0171

Building Character at the Sifu Och After School Programs

By Amanda Furmage-Deck

For more info watch this videos

Traditional martial arts 2 Mindset -and- Modern Combat (part 2)

Traditional martial arts 2 Mindset -and- Modern Combat (part 2)

Traditional martial arts 2 Mindset
Ip Man Wing Chun Kung Fu, Complete combat fighting art

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Though we are not MMA, we understand the want for practitioners to feel more secure in their survival.  It is this “Foshan mentality” of the challenge fight that has many martial art businesses evaluating their curriculum and future instruction.  This mentality and reality training in turn has strengthened the resolve in some martial artists about their traditional martial arts 2 style and shaken the core of those styles who have spent the majority of their time on techniques that were more flash than use.

Many schools that did not have the answers before because either they were never taught to them, they had to work with the market they were given which wanted flashy and easy progression or because they never looked deeper into their style to see if the answers were there first have instead brought in other martial art styles to fill the gap. Traditional martial arts 2 is provided by wing chun kung fu school. As the perceptions of preconceived traditional forms and techniques have caused many martial artists to evaluate their techniques for effectiveness and weaknesses.  The answers are their within your art.

Traditional martial arts 2 Mindset -and- Modern Combat (part 2)
From the Movie Ip Man 2, Combat Scene
Wing Chun Kung Fu reflex fighting

The question is do you know them or are you willing to seek them out.  For many it is sometimes easier to dismiss deeper research as it takes a lot of time and money.  Though this is where the original martial art and its intentions get lost and incomplete Masters of styles rise without the understanding of their arts original purpose and techniques.  There is nothing wrong with mixing martial arts as long as you are a Master of both of the ends you mix.  Thus knowing is the understanding and seeking out of all the knowledge of a style and confirming everything you have been taught by more than one perspective and source of applicable knowledge.  Thus knowing and mastering each style you seek out is the pinnacle of mixing instead of a hodgepodge of a few months of training in multiple styles and gaining no real depth to anyone of them.   I believe and respect the practitioner of an art that seeks out all of the practical uses of their style and wants to further the development and laying the foundation for the next generation so that these “original martial artist” are not lost but gain a foothold in the past they were developed in and for and the future that asks for them once again.  Preservation of all applicable knowledge is a task only the dedicated and determined are willing to take up.

Tribute to Traditional Martial Arts and Chinese Shaolin kung fu
Tribute to Traditional Martial Arts
and Chinese Shaolin kung fu

 

For those practitioners that try to keep their original styles intact while teaching street practicality I give you my respect.  Keeping and training the war like styles that traditional martial arts have come from is difficult. Not only in building a business but in finding practitioners willing to put in the dedication and time it takes to achieve usable advanced understanding and skill.  On top of all of this a Master has to dedicate his life to teaching, exploring, paying and diving deeper into their own system to pass the full knowledge and not just what their teacher’s teacher taught them.  This ensures that the next generation contains as much of the puzzle as possible and not just pieces.

The terminology of Traditional Martial Arts has come with the thought that they are old, useless, rigid, dogmatic, cultist and hold the students mind and body down from further expansion or else they will dishonor there past masters and their sacrifices.  Yet in almost every style of these “Original Martial arts” their masters were constantly looking into themselves, their fights and their styles so that they could become better.  These old Master’s would seek out higher level instructors, train with them day in and day out until they completed the entire style and then after full understanding would incorporate these styles and fighting systems together.

Survival, that was the only goal each original martial art was conceived for. That was why each style was created.  These old instructors trained and traveled to uplift their ability to increase survival.   It was only after this that Masters then took on students to support themselves and the survival of their communities.  It has always been the goal of every original martial art instructor and every reality based martial artist to stick to these war and combat survival tactics.

I wish to further understand the art and honor these past Masters and their sacrifice. Yet nothing can honor them more then becoming the best survivor of your art and diving deeper into the truth of it.

Want to join today contact us at;https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

For more info watch this videos

 

 

related images come from the Ip Man movies, bluraydatabase.co.uk, alternativechronicle.wordpress.com, gravitasventures.com, and the title image came from; chinasmack.com

Traditional Martial Arts vs Modern Combat Part 1

Traditional Martial Arts vs Modern Combat Part 1

lakeland-fl-sifu-och-florida-wing-chun-schools
traditional martial arts mindset

For some of us it was always the goal of training within the traditional martial arts to develop a system and practices that would work as a combative technique in modern times. When we talk about traditional martial arts, we’re referring to training that’s rooted in the tenets set forth by the original master of the style or technique. For some, there may have been a change within their school and training as the martial arts have begun steering away from the “fancy” and entertaining styles of the past and more towards the efficient realities of modern combat.

Some martial art schools are playing catch-up, just now seeking to show that they are part of a realistic street protection and combat training system.  In contrast to this, some schools, like Sifu Och Wing Chun have always sought to train you and your family in empty hand combat, knife defense, gun protection, stick, ground, and defense techniques against multiple attackers. You can likely see the difference between tradtional martial arts training and a modern combat system simply by coming down and trying us out for a week or two.

Traditional Martial Arts Meets Modern Combat

The question we ask in developing and honing techniques is “What is real and usable within a particular style”. We appreciate and utilize older, traditional training techniques, but with two very distinctive goals: First, we keep those effective techniques and practices alive, and second, we bring back and incorporate the effectiveness for which they were originally developed. In the past 60 years of martial arts training we have seen a change in people’s attitudes, goals, and especially their mindset (mostly in the West) with respect to the realities and the myths of combative martial arts styles.

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Wing Chun Florida, knife defense classes

The want and need for reality based fighting is quickly becoming the face of martial arts within many communities.  Though this is nothing new to “Original Martial Artists”, a martial artist that seeks the original purpose and effective applications and techniques behind their arts original development. As reality training for no rules fighting and war was the purpose and creation of truly traditional and original combat styles.

For many years the martial arts have placated to those wishing to receive a black belt without the hardcore training it originally required. With eight year olds and teens walking around with black belts with no clue to the hardcore combative nature and application it takes to be a real black belt of their style.

As martial art schools began giving away belts and levels the truth always has remained evident.  A true combat practitioner and true black belt can and will always be able to beat a person who has not truly earned their rank.  Those who wish to reach a higher skill set and levels for street application will seek out the instruction and institute to reach their intended goals.

wing-chun-krav-maga-lakeland-floridaFlorida Traditional martial arts mindset safe combat reality training
Florida Traditional martial arts mindset
safe, combat, reality training

Whether you like the uptake of MMA mixed martial arts or not the great part about mixed martial arts is that it has shown people what is working in their system and what doesn’t. It has brought back the days of the challenge match, where one school could challenge the performance techniques of another. Wing chun kunf fu is a Traditional Martial Arts Academy. Challenge matches in Fushan and all over China became the proving ground for what worked in your style.  It is my hope that this influx brings martial art instructors motivation to push their students and their schools instruction to new heights.

Though not every individual is inspired to join a mixed martial arts, more and more people are being inspired to seek out a style of traditional martial arts or rather original martial arts that will assist them in a life threatening situation.

Wing Chun was a conglomeration of some of the best veteran southern kung fu styles and Shaolin Master’s within the Sil Lum Temple and China’s 5,000 years of war.

They came together as Master’s of individual specialties and created something together, something they felt would be better.  The style itself is a mix of southern Chinese Shaolin martial arts but was created by high ranking Master’s, each at the pinnacle of their fighting style. Wing Chun must respect all styles as we are reminded we came from them over three hundred and fifty years ago within the 1700’s.

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Bully Self Defense Skills

We like to call it “bully proof martial arts”—bully self defense skills that help your kids avoid or overcome bullying in school. We all want our children bully-proof and able to respond correctly after all the talking, negotiating, and attempts fail to stop bullies from starting an altercation. When your child is bullied it can be psychologically destructive to their confidence, thought, concentration, and even how they conduct themselves in the future. A bully and bullying can consume a child’s every thought, from nighttime dreams to dreading the realities of the next school day.

Bully Self Defense Skills Aren’t Passive

Your child can try to ignore a bully, but this usually causes a bully to get more aggressive or confrontational. Bullies like to make sure their victim knows they are still in control and the threat is real. Bully proofing your child with Sifu Och Wing Chun gives him or her increased confidence, self preservation skills, and self-assurance. Techniques to protect and keep your child safe during a physical confrontation is just one aspect of what we do, but we excel in the instruction needed to get results and keep your kids safe. In our kids martial arts program your child will learn more then most martial arts schools are ever willing to teach—and it’s all safe, fun, and disciplined.

bully self defense best anti-bully self defense sifu och wing chun florida
Our son learned bully self defense skills at Sifu Och Wing Chun. It’s a program that really prepares you for reality!

A testimonial from one of the parents at our Lakeland, FL after school program:

We needed to make a switch. Our 11 year old was bullied last year at school to the point of needing counseling. His whole demeanor changed, and his grades went from A’s and B’s to C’s and D’s. At one point we weren’t sure if he was going to advance to the next grade—all because of bullies. Eventually, we found Sifu Och Wing Chun and their kids martial arts program (which teaches bully self defense skills). After training here, our son is himself again, and he has his confidence back! Both our boys now attend the Wing Chun Lakeland Florida after school martial arts program. I don’t think I could be happier with the program.

Wing Chun is teaching our boys to be respectful and responsible. Sifu Och is a great role model. They are learning to think before they act and that with every action comes a reaction. I am very happy my husband and I found this program in Downtown Lakeland, and it’s so close to home. I would most definitely recommend the Wing Chun martial arts afterschool program to anyone looking for a great quality, safe, and affordable place for their children! – Debra H.

bully self defense skills from Sifu Och Wing Chun

Anti-Bullying Tips for Parents

Bullying is a real, constant threat. With today’s mass media, bullying no longer occurs in a just a limited local. With text and social media, bullying can be a 24/7 scenario. It’s critical to listen to, and be aware of, what your children are exposed to. Their emotional suffering can last long after a bullying incident. Never say “just ignore it”. Your child is talking to you for a reason—listen. Be persistent until school administration or another parent takes action on your child’s situation.

Name calling, common in bullying, can lead to raised tensions and anger. Tell your child not to hit when called names or when verbally attacked. Bully self defense skills are only for stopping physical confrontations.

A child should also never raise their fists unless it’s to protect themselves from bullying and forms of physical abuse. Teach them other ways to diffuse a situation, and let them know physical action is the last line of defense.

Just a few weeks ago I noticed the signs. As a Wing Chun martial arts instructor in the Sifu Och school, I know the signs of a child being bullied. I pulled both the brother and the sister aside to ask them if everything was ok. At first they looked at each other and said, “Yes, everything will be OK.” I asked what will be OK, only to find out that the sister had been slapped in the face on the bus and verbally assaulted. The brother had witnessed this, and though he was a top member of the wrestling team with a military father, he didn’t know what to do. I then found out he had been bullied in school as well and though he seemed confident around others he told me that at school he just tries to avoid being in the halls, and he has begun hating certain classes that he previously loved. When asked why they hadn’t told their mother (who is a wonderful woman), they said they were afraid they would get punished or blamed. Children, no matter how many times you talk to them and tell them to come to you, are not well-trained to do so. It sometimes takes an outside instructor or teacher who’s looking out for you and your family to help in these matters.

sifu och wing chun anti-bully kids bullyproof your child martial arts
bullys are an everyday occurance for kids
what are you doing to protect your child?

Anti-Bullying tips for Kids

Remember NOBODY has the right to make you feel bad or hurt you! Bullying includes, but is not limited to: Physical actions (pushing, kicking, punching), name calling, threatening texts or social media messages, rumors, or any means to upset and harm you—do something!

It is NOT your fault if you are being bullied. Tell a trusted adult or friend about the incident. Together, you can solve the issue or direct it to someone who can. If the first person you talk to can’t help you, keep asking until you find someone who will help you.    If you can write down everything that has happened.

Things NOT to do!

Don’t hide your feelings or what is happening from a trusted friend or adult. Secrecy is a bully’s biggest weapon, which is why they go through so much effort to keep you from telling someone.

Don’t try and deal with a bully on your own. There is no fault in asking for help. With more people on your side, the bully can be brought to justice.

Always tell the truth. When you exaggerate and lie, you become untrustworthy, and it becomes harder to believe you.

Websites for Anti-Bullying:

A good interactive website for parents and kids on how to respond to bullying directly and address issues so it doesn’t occur. http://www.stopbullying.gov/respond/be-more-than-a-bystander/index.html

Key points for talking about bull Realistic and simple points for kids to follow when confronted with bullying. http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/key-messages.asp

A comprehensive reading list for parents and kids on bullying. http://www.antibullying.net/parentsrlist.htm

TO JOIN our anti-bully self defense program contact us today. Sifu Och Wing Chun headquarters is located in Lakeland, Florida.

STOP school bullying tips – Sifu Och Wing Chun

STOP school bullying tips – Sifu Och Wing Chun

Tips Anti-Bully self defense and being bullied in school

“Why do they tease me, call me names? Is something wrong with me? I don’t want to feel this bad.” These are the thoughts from bullying. Hurtful and cruel words directed to make the victim feel helpless and weak. Bullying targets all ages, sexes, and races. It is therefore necessary that children learn techniques for addressing and preventing bullying.

no more school bullying tips sifu och wing chun martial arts anti-bully self defense
stop school bullying – tips for parents
sifu och wing chun anti-bully self defense

More incidents of bullying are occurring away from adult supervision. On the playground, outside school, or even on school busses where an adult is present but occupied. When parents or adults cannot be counted on children need to learn how to approach these dangerous situations. Learning how to talk down situations and keep cool under pressure are always the first means when approaching a bully. Simple talks can undo misunderstandings and prevent fights.

Sadly not all matters of bullying can be resolved by talking things over. When fighting becomes involved bullying turns into intense violence. Wing Chun teaches children how to defend if caught in a situation where they must protect themselves or a friend. Blocking and attacking simultaneously with controlled movements can render an attacker defenseless or immobile until help arrives.

It is the respect taught for oneself and others that has one of the most important benefits. Through bowing or waiting the next command children learn discipline and concentration. Progress is measured by striped on a belt which reinforce goal settings.Each accomplishment reinforces children with confidence and a self-awareness of who they are and what they stand for. Knowledge that they do not deserved to be bullied, life lessons that will direct them when faced with any adversity.

Bullying doesn’t end there. Parents and kids need to be aware, and more, proactive! Learning how to protect oneself from being a victim of bullying can be a determining factor of how well children score in school and develop socially and emotionally. Sharing information through social media,online publication, newspapers, magazines, local print, or just talking with someone is a great way to reach out to others.

Reminder – Wing Chun Kung Fu does not promote or encourage the use of violence against others! Wing Chun Kung Fu is a martial art founded on high morals and strong principals of protection, fitness and focus. It is through friendship, respect and self-discipline that Wing Chun advances, not through unnecessary violence.

Websites for Anti-Bullying:

A good interactive website for parents and kids on how to respond to bullying directly and address issues so it doesn’t occur. http://www.stopbullying.gov/respond/be-more-than-a-bystander/index.html

Key points for talking about bull Realistic and simple points for kids to follow when confronted with bullying. http://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/spreadtheword/key-messages.asp

A comprehensive reading list for parents and kids on bullying. http://www.antibullying.net/parentsrlist.htm

to build a anti-bully kids or start our lakeland, fl after school martial arts  contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Martial Arts Dedication

Martial Arts Dedication

martial arts dedication sifu och wing chun
A life time of dedication, Grandmaster Don McNatt

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) I have spoken to many Master’s all of which I have heard a common phrase; “I have been practicing Wing Chun most of my life and every day I learn something new from the art, it has no roof.”  This is one of the only arts I know of where the Instructors rarely get bored, a new drill for advancement is within the imagination and there is no roof to the knowledge and skill you can gain.  The only roof is the one you place on yourself.  Train for a year and you have a one year roof, train for a lifetime and you may never see such bliss and love come from something so filled with knowledge and information.

For every hour of dedication you place in Wing Chun you get that hour back. No wasted time, as everything is practical and everything can be applied.  There are many black belts and masters but finding a true Master of their art is rare and when you do stay, learn and discover everything you can.

No matter what style you study or choose finding a knowledgeable practitioner is hard and is usually not convenient or close.  Time traveled and spent for the real thing is always time well spent and time saved.   Finding an instructor is easy, finding a Sifu, Sensi or Master who knows the real thing is like finding a diamond in a sand storm.  Anyone can pick up sand, its close to them, its convenient and takes little effort and in the end all you have is sand, worthless and plenty.

a life of dedication Grandmaster Philipp Bayer
a life of dedication, Grandmaster Philipp Bayer

True training needs humility, humbleness, dedication, time and effort.  After learning and gaining the highest levels you can I believe in seeking out and looking at the other perspectives of great Grandmasters, Master’s and even lower level practitioners. The learning process never stops unless you stop it, unless you stop looking and seeking practitioner’s that may still have something to teach you as I believe everyone does.

Wing Chun grows with the practitioner and you will gain a deeper and better understanding and ability every year you spend on it.  Many very good practitioner’s and Masters spend their entire lives trying to understand, apply and implement everything they know and have learned into real combat.  Wing Chun is a multifaceted art with many angles and applications of controlling the opponent’s arms, legs and body, and psychological manipulation.  Its quick hands, reaction drills, blind fold sensitivity training, Chi Gerk leg fighting, parson table (42” or smaller parson table training), close quarter combat, multiple attackers, sparring, Chi Sau (double hand sensitivity training with attacks), Don Chi Sau and Bong Lop, standup and ground offense and defense.

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a life of dedication, Grandmaster Micheal Kinney

Plus the use of a knife with every movement within Wing Chun the training of martial arts dedication and possibilities for advancement are almost endless.  This makes Wing Chun difficult, for some people they wish to see a end in a few years reaching a black belt and feeling they know the entire system.  Yet the Wing Chun system is like learning three to five systems in one. For every action your reaction and knowledge will push you further, thus since you are always getting better Wing Chun can be like a drug as you advance.  You will always see a side or angle you didn’t before and it can give you an enormous high when it comes together.   When this high doesn’t come, either from frustration, fear, hesitation, new technique or application, then a practitioner can feel like they should quit and find a art that may give that high again.

For training in martial arts dedication, direct instruction and complete martial art of Ip Man’s Wing Chun and for a better understanding of Wing Chun contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

 

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Extreme Weight Loss with No Dieting!

Natasha knew her sedentary job and and inactive lifestyle were adding pounds and making her unhealthy. At 36, knee problems and aching muscles were all indicators of health issues forming under her current lifestyle. With even worse future health issues looming, Natasha knew it was time to make a change. Looking around for weight loss bootcamps and fitness programs in the Lakeland and surrounding areas she found them all “insanely expensive” for what they were offering. The latest craze diet pill never lasted long, and the gym fizzed out quickly. Boring gym routines made it easy to lose motivation and quit. Natasha had always been an avid hiker, but time between work and family made it harder for frequent excursions. “I soon realized I needed to find a place that would motivate me and that I’d actually enjoy going to.” Could a weight loss and kickboxing boot camp program provide extreme weight loss with no dieting – she wanted to find out.

Natasha soon came across Lakeland’s Wing Chun kickboxing classes and boot camp. She knew it was worth looking into. Both the price and the central downtown Lakeland Florida location were perfect!  “I had always wanted to take self defense,” Natasha said. The flexible class schedules fit in well with Natasha’s busy schedule, and she soon found herself sweating though her first boot camp.

Over the first 6 months of boot camp and Wing Chun self-defense classes, Natasha noticed the inches of belly fat begin to melt away. Additionally, worry spots were getting toned and firmed – and all this without changing her diet! Natasha also noticed prior food cravings lessened and her energy spiked. Her stamina increased, and Natasha found herself not having to take as many breaks as before. She credits her weight loss to classes focusing on upbeat cardio and muscle confusion. The intensive boot-camp classes at Sifu Och Wing Chun target multiple muscle groups challenging her body by combining cardio, agility, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises. Never giving her body a chance to plateau through the challenging workout, the pounds melted off. Her body was soon sculpted in ways she didn’t know possible.

Unlike the repetitive and dull gym machines and routines that “we’re boring her to tears”, Natasha was constantly motivated by new workouts, activities, and even games! By torching calories with classic games such as dodge ball and capture the flag, weight loss was never easier! Classes fueled with humor, enthusiasm, and motivation kept Natasha coming back not just for the workouts but the friendship and camaraderie. Led by Sifu Justin Och in his downtown Lakeland facility, Natasha also trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu. Having never taken a  a martial arts before, Natasha was nervous but motivated just from watching the higher level students preform. One-on-one training with instructors helped Natasha improve in areas and capitalize on her strengths. Detailed instruction on fundamentals of body mechanics, attacks, and defensive techniques gave her insight into how to combat any situation and come out on top.

Natasha didn’t seek out to lose weight and tone up. However, since taking both the weight loss and kickboxing boot camp and Wing Chun Kung Fu classes, she has noticed improved muscle tone all over,  weight loss, a better posture, and even greater self confidence. Of course, the defense skills she learned in class give her confidence to protect herself and loved ones in a bad situation. Learning how to defend and attack with all the right body mechanics, Natasha feels competent and secure in any situation. “I wish I would have taken this class years ago,” Natasha says.

The biggest surprise has been in stress relief!  “I have a high stress job and I used to go home wound up some days. Not since I’ve started training have I been like that. I get it all out now. I’m sure my family is thankful. I’m on the right track and see improvement every week. Of course I’ll throw in that my clothes fit better now, too.” says Natasha.

Elizabeth D. – written on behalf of Natasha, a extreme weightloss machine and mom!

Wing Chun History… 400 years of sacrifice

Wing chun history ip man wing chun kung fu
tribute to Wing Chun History – Ip Man

Wing Chun History… 400 years of sacrifice

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Techniques, drills, proper body mechanics, forms, and fighting combinations come from multiple life times of sacrifice and training.  They are passed from one Master to another down every generation line with each practitioner training to improve their own understanding while increasing their street defense capabilities.  Martial arts combat, understanding and training how to practically use your style in a life threatening situation, takes dedication and deep research.  No one man or woman can claim they have it all.  Take five practitioners in the same style, place them in different areas of the country and world, give them thirty to sixty years in the system and you will see at the end they are all the same but all different.  Their experiences using and applying the techniques they were taught will change their perspective.  This will also change their teaching style and their students.  Now take one practitioner and have them travel to each one of these practitioners and gain their thirty to sixty years of understanding, training and perspective.  A perspective that has been driven in practicality and real use for the chaos of an assault.

Wing Chun History was made from 5,000 years of Chinese martial war with almost everyone including themselves.  After 5,000 years of martial training these Shaolin Monks created a new system using their mastery of the southern Shaolin kung fu systems which is the beginning of Wing Chun History.

Qing Dynasty Jade Water Bowl

During the Qing/Ching Dynasty, the Japanese Occupation and Communism many Chinese freedoms such as the ability to trained openly and without oppression were taken away.   From the early 1700’s Wing Chun went underground.  Master instructors hid and train only family members or very close and dedicated students that could be trusted to honor and uplift the art.  These men and women had to sacrifice and train in silence to pass down the knowledge and information we have today.

Today we have men and woman who have come from the Modern founder, Ip Man.  Ip Man was a man who was once wealthy.  This was taken from him by Japanese occupation and after this occupation ceased and communism arose he escaped  to Hong Kong.  Ip Man was the  instructor of Bruce Lee, Wong Shun Leung, Simon Lau, Moy Yat, Ip Ching, Ip Chun,and now the great grandmaster of millions across the world.  His understanding spread to these great first generation instructors and as their understanding has grown we have seen Wing Chun flourish.  Instead of limiting our lineage lines to one perspective I have chosen to take the path of seeking out and trying to understand and gain the skills from each of these great Master’s and Grandmaster’s.

Courtiers in the Qing Dynasty
Courtiers in the Qing Dynasty

Wing Chun History was made to shut down the Ching/Qing Dynasty of 1636 – 1911.  In brief, the Ching/Qing Dynasty overthrew the Ming Dynasty of 1368 – 1644.  The Ming Dynasty was a large proponent of Chinese wealth, freedom and a large contributor to the  Shaolin Temples.  The Ming Dynasty believed that politicians, soldiers and generals should be trained from youth within the Shaolin Temples to become stronger, better leaders. After taking over the Ming, the Wing Chun history/Qing Dynasties ruling empire outlawed and banned the practice of kung fu and martial arts.  Training had to go underground or be hidden.  During this time Ming rebels fought against the Ching Dynasty using the Shaolin Temples as a safe haven to attack from.  This problem was rectified by the Ching/Qing Dynasty when they brought troops to assault and burn the Shaolin Temples killing almost all of the monks at the time.  This is the time of guns, cannons and regimented troops using advanced modern weaponry and warfare.  During this time the Sil Lum Shaolin Temple nun Ng Miu Master of Dragon Style, White Crane and Five Pattern Hung Kuen, and four others monks; Gee Sin Master of Chan (Zen), Bak Mei a White Eyebrowed Taoist and Master of Bak Mei, Master Fung To-Tak and Miu Hin an “unshaved” (lay) Shaolin Disciple created a new style, one that could be used and taught in a quarter of the time.  This style would be their attempt to uplift and empower the Chinese and would be used for assassination of generals and politicians.  The practitioner’s would hide on the Red Boat Opera troupe painting their faces and traveling different provinces to disrupt and unravel the Ching/Qing’s hold on the Chinese people.

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Historical tribute to Bruce Lee & Ip Man

Any teacher or instructor can tell you that you have learned the entire system of Wing Chun and Wing Chun History.  Though you will only know if you have or haven’t by going with humbleness and humility to other Grandmaster’s and Master’s in your system and finding out if you truly do.  What you may find is that you know what you know, but you don’t know what you have yet to know.  You can only think you are a Master unless you have proven to others from differing lineages of the same martial style that you have attained what you attempted to achieve.

Through generations of sacrifice and hardship the Wing Chun system has made it out secrecy during Manchurian Rule, The Japanese Occupation and Communism.  Wing Chun masters and practitioners sought to escape this suppression and hold its knowledge true towards the betterment of the next generation.  These men and woman and every practitioner, Master and Grandmaster seeking to know the entire truth, skill and ability behind the complete system deserves to be commended and respected.

For training in the direct instruction and complete martial art of Ip Man’s Wing Chun and for a better understanding of Wing Chun History contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

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Ip Man Wing Chun "Inner Circle"

Ip Man Wing Chun “Inner Circle”

ip-man-wing chun image yip man wing chun image
tribute to Ip Man (Yip Man)

This article deals with some of the reasons you see combat focused Wing Chun and form focused Wing Chun.  It also goes over why you see good fighting Wing Chun schools and schools that claim they can teach Wing Chun”

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Everything in Ip Man Wing Chun is integrated to work together and off of the body mechanics and structure that is integrally forged into every part of it.  You cannot take one part or one technique in Ip Man’s Wing Chun and add it into another system without understanding the rest of its connective parts.  Instead of using body mechanics and proper redirection of pressurized resistance and stress you will end up attempting to overpower the assailant with the technique.  This will eventually fail as the body can only take so much pressure and stress before it collapses in on itself.

Ip Man Wing Chun as a whole is still left misunderstood by many other practitioner’s due to the fact that it does not act or react like many other traditional styles. It’s forward hips, use of both hands and feet simultaneously, its traps and rapid attacks break a mold that many other styles have been created around or from.   People question its speed and ability to maintain knockout power and mobility.  They question its trapping and fighting capabilities.

All of Ip man wing chun is due to many reasons and misconceptions that have been rumored or unfortunately taught improperly.  Trapping for instance is momentary and should not be thought of as a forever constant, but as a created opportunity to take advantage.  Many practitioner’s hearing and reading about trapping assume that it is like a jiujitsu hold, that cannot be escaped from.  This is not the case.  Ip Man Wing Chun does not wish to hold onto or struggle with an assailant but rather to strike and damage them.  Other instructors who have read or were taught about Wing Chun trapping third party did not fully understand and then taught this partially understood technique to the next generation.  It is unfortunate but there are many instructors of many styles that should never open their doors to teach until they fully grasp the concepts they are about to share.

ip-man-image wing chun image yip man wing chun image
tribute to Ip Man (Yip Man)

Truth, power and what is real about fighting within Wing Chun started when Ip Man started teaching publicly in 1950. Ip Man had two groups of students.  One group was his inner circle, a small few, but very dedicated disciples who Ip Man taught the entire art too and they were  known for their intense fighting capabilities, Bruce Lee, Wong Shun Leung and many others were among them.  The second group, which was much larger than the first were his public students. According to multiple sources and instructors I have met, Ip Man did not wish to teach the entire art or the advanced understanding and fighting portions to this larger public group.  Ip Man supposedly believed that a student who pushed themselves above the rest should be taught in the close circle. Few achieved this goal and were invited into personal or inner circle training.  Instead he had them do forms and supposedly rarely answered a question directly.  According to a Moy Yat lineage instructor Ip Man believed that if you had to ask a question about a technique or application then you had not trained it enough to understand it.  Ip Man brought the art out of secrecy in 1950 yet only taught for fifteen years (until 1964) when he then taught privately for several years after.  For twenty two years (1950-1972) Ip Man taught Wing Chun right up until his death.

I mention this because many people were just another public student, many did not finish their training and others were in and out of class.

Imagine you had one hundred public students that did not finish the training and you did not teach the entire art to this group.  On the other hand you had four to seven disciples that you taught privately and directly that did know the entire art.  Then unfortunately you die, how many students did you leave that knew the art and could pass it on, how many are going to open up schools with the Ip Man name that only know partial instruction?

How many will claim the famous Ip Man as their personal instructor, the instructor of Bruce Lee?  If you have a hundred students who don’t know and a small fraction of a hand full of students that do and there is no youtube, no internet, how many will claim they know it all?  Students of only a few months or years could open a school claiming to have been taught by Ip Man directly. Who would know the difference at first. Students of these masters would only get a small piece of the puzzle which would be even smaller than what their teacher achieved.

yip man wooden dummy ip man wooden dummy
tribute to Ip Man Wooden Dummy

With the influx of individuals creating their own styles, youtube and instructional video’s I have even seen practitioner’s walk in my door claiming to be Wing Chun Instructor’s.  When asked who they trained under they list people from all over the world.  When asked how long they lived there to train under these masters and grandmasters, they proudly admit being self taught through video’s, youtube and “directly by the Master” through digital media. Never meeting or training directly under these men but rather claiming the highest levels of performance and knowledge.  If this is happening now when it is so easy to disprove a practitioner’s lineage and understanding, imagine what it was like back in 1970.

This is how rumors and bad reputations start with an art, and this is why so many good Wing Chun practitioner’s reinforce the essential need to get one on one with a real instructor.  Though an understanding of Wing Chun can be shown through digital media, Wing Chun is an art of sensitivity, direct training and reaction.  Corrections, training and full understanding is extremely difficult through media alone.

You don’t see a professional boxer, combat martial artist, cage fighter or Olympic athlete claiming relationship to greatness achieved by watching a video.  You must get together and train directly in person with the best to become the best.  Ip Man wished to teach only those who he felt would bring the art of Wing Chun to the next level.  Unfortunately,  many have attacked the style for its vast differences, their own personal misunderstandings and instructors who were never fighters.

For training in the direct instruction and complete martial art of Ip Man’s Wing Chun and for a better understanding of Wing Chun contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

For more info watch videos

Lakeland Chinese Lion Dance Performances

Make your next special event even more special with a Chinese Lion Dance Performance

At first glance, the Asian Bamboo Gardens at the Jacksonville Zoo seemed to be an ideal place for families to rest, relax, and reflect. Yet little did they know a huge lion was lurking in the Bamboo Mist Forest, ready for action.

Contact: wingchunflorida@gmail.com
Lakeland Florida Chinese Lion Dance Team led by Sifu Och Wing Chun

Luckily for zoo visitors, this lion wasn’t a real threat, but the intricately costumed Chinese Lion Dance performers from the Sifu Och Wing Chun studio in downtown Lakeland. In March 2009, the talented Sifu Och Lion Dance team performed seven shows in just two and a half days to celebrate the grand opening of the zoo’s Asian-themed section, featuring Komodo dragons and over 70 other animal species unique to the Far East.

“The Sifu Och lion dance was fantastic,” said an advisory board member from the Jacksonville Asian American Alliance. “I’m from Singapore, and coming from the Orient, the lion dance is very important if you have something new that opens up. These guys did a fantastic, phenomenal job and made me feel right at home.”

During their performances which spanned the entire garden, including stunts at the Lotus Pool and Weeping Tree Bridge, children and their parents would closely follow the lion, curious about what it would do next. Families would cheer when the lion executed a series of difficult stunts and laugh when it would tease particular audience members. One time, for instance, the lion tried to steal a musician’s gong!

Lion dances play an essential role in Chinese folk culture as many believe the performances chase off evil spirits while bringing good luck, happiness, and prosperity. In fact, the first recorded Chinese lion dance performance dates back to third century B.C. during the Han Dynasty. These choreographed routines can only be performed by the most advanced Kung Fu practitioners since the coordinated running, leaping, and jumping movements require much strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and body control.

Justin Och, the leader of the Sifu Och Wing Chun Chinese lion dance team, has over 13 years of experience executing the acrobatic techniques necessary for an entertaining show. His commitment to the craft makes his Chinese lion dance team one of the most successful and sought after in Central Florida. His team has performed at numerous Asian weddings in Orlando, Tampa, Maitland, Kissimmee, and Brandon, and at museums in Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Lakeland. In addition, public Sifu Och lion dance demonstrations are conducted throughout the year, especially during the Chinese New Year. Most recently, the Sifu Och team performed at the Family Day event at the Polk Museum of Art in September.

This Lakeland Florida-based Chinese lion dance team will perform at any wedding, birthday party, business opening, or special event, and will match any competitor’s price. In addition, Sifu Och will work closely with you to build a custom choreographed show that will bring joy to all involved. Several packages are available starting at $499-799 for local shows (within 20 miles of Lakeland with reasonable increases in prices for further travel). Seasoned Chinese musicians are also available to enhance your Chinese lion dance experience with drums, flutes, gongs, and cymbals. Final price depends on location and size of show. Bring the lion dance to your next special event.

Make your next event special with a Chinese Lion Dance Performance.

– Amanda Furmage-Deck

to book your special event such as a asian or Chinese wedding with our Lakeland Chinese lion dance team, register today!

For more info watch our Lion Dance videos.

High power attacks come with high risk

high power attacks
roundhouses, huge power and high risk so be careful

High power attacks come with high risk

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) A Tae Kwon Do roundhouse from the back leg or a Hung Gar forearm and fist strike can be extremely powerful.  They come from a long-range attack and a circular motion.  These types of high power attacks pack huge amounts of power.

Though with high power attacks also comes high risk.  These type of high power attacks due to their wider circular motion and from a longer range take longer to get there then a quick jab, quick cross or centerline punch where you can move in and out of the assailant in a straight line.

An attack that goes directly forward does not have the same power as one that comes from behind the body and builds up with large momentum, weight and speed.  Though an high power attacks that goes directly straightforward will get there much faster and can allow the practitioner to move in, out or both during a fight.  This is not to say that one is better than the other but rather compares different methods of fighting.

high power attacks
Ip Man Movie versus Boxer

A jab or cross for instance has a longer reach because of the thrown shoulder and body with the legs coming together for additional power as the body twists and roots behind the punch.  This can leave the legs open for take down, the ribs open for attacks but the power generated if you hit is enlarged because of these openings. Every martial art has openings, the higher high power attacks the higher the risk becomes.  Any large circular motion creates openings to gain power, the faster you throw these large circular motions the smaller the window is of opportunity. You may also notice that many practitioners of these techniques and styles have hardened bodies to deal with impact if and when these openings may be exploited.  This hardening is two fold as it assists the practitioner of these techniques to hit and penetrate deeper and at the same time take a hit and recover quickly within a fight.  Circular motions can give you double the range, power, and momentum of other attacks but they can also leave openings the practitioner has to be aware of at all times.  Circular high power attacks take the longest amount of time to reach their destination and thus have a higher chance of being blocked, escaped from, ducked under or evaded.  Though have one of these strikes connect and they are bone shattering.

Wing Chun was made during a time where food rations were taken in large by the government or ruling nation within or over China.  Public training or even the look that you might be training was forbidden and could be punishable by death.  During this time, Master practitioners thought of the citizens they would be teaching who might be weaker and less capable of taking strikes to the body and head if openings were created.  It also came to pass that the long hard training of fifteen to twenty years to use a style in fighting would not be possible under this current Chinese rule.

Wing Chun developed quick learning techniques, close quarter applications, short range direct strikes that maintained high defense, a tight knit structure and fast traps and attacks to exploit joints and weak areas on the assailant.

high power attacks
Sifu Och’s Wing Chun Florida School

The bent arm of a Wing Chun practitioners strike is high power attacks which keeps these areas of the ribs and torso protected as it does not extend all the way out which would leave the ribs and torso open.  Though the reach of a Wing Chun practitioners strike is cut by a third in comparison to a jab and cut in half in comparison to a Hung Gar strike.  To gain increased protection and defense you have to sacrifice something to gain something else.

A Wing Chun practitioner mindset on fighting is one that favors high defense, fast attacks and traps, quick flowing combinations with dynamic footwork.  A Wing Chun practitioner also believes that the additional power that is given for increased openings and lower defense is not a trade-off they are willing to make unless they are absolutely sure of hitting the intended target.   Wing Chun believes that by keeping its defensive and offensive weapons closer to the body it can better protect itself from permanent long lasting damage.  A Wing Chun practitioner also believes that by keeping these offenses and defensive weapons closer they do not have to use as much energy as their opponent.  This conservation is an ally to the practitioner while in this day in age we can also build the bodies torso, eat properly, train in body hardening applications if known and still use the Wing Chun practitioner mindset and application on fighting technique.

high power attacks
Wing Chun mindset on Fighting

By keeping the hands up in front and occupying the centerline a Wing Chun practitioner psychologically forces the opponent to make attacks primarily from the outside.  Thus opening up more of the assailant’s centerline vitals during the confrontation.

Wing Chun also believes that attacking directly once an opening is revealed will allow the practitioner to exploit more of these momentary chinks in their assailants armor.  Thus with the use of simple and direct footwork and direct centerline vital attacks a Wing Chun practitioner can block an attack directly and simultaneously.  Thus cutting the opportunities for assailants to take the advantage.

This can allow a smaller stature practitioner to defeat a much larger one.  This also means that if two large practitioners get together and one is using Wing Chun they can also exploit these openings making it so that you do not have to be small to use Wing Chun.

There are thousands of martial arts to choose from and one or many may be right for you.  When choosing one, master it as in this life we can have many loves when it comes to the martial arts and life goals.  Wing Chun is an extremely close range combat system that takes time and dedication to be effective like any martial art.  It also takes the right instructor that is willing and wanting to teach you the real fighting aspects and not just fancy combinations or forms.  Though it is hard to find a good teacher with video sharing sites, books, websites, and DVDs you can sift through the ones that are looking to teach you combat and the ones that are looking to talk to you about combat.

For training in Wing Chun martial arts, high power attack, in Ip Man’s Wing Chun and for a better understanding of the martial arts contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

For more info watch videos

 

Sifu Och Wing Chun; body weapon

Sifu Och Wing Chun; body weapon

Body weapon Sifu Och Wing Chun Sifu Och
Mastering proper reaction is key within any fight
Wing Chun trains mobility, reaction and attack

Using your entire body weapon, this is what Grandmaster Lee Chen Style Tai Chi who learned the Chen Village from the Chen Family in China told me that this is called five bows.

Each arm and limb is a single bow and the torso is the fifth bow.  Used as one, they become a entire weapon used for both defense and offense.  When used and trained properly they become one entity of solid body mechanics and proper technique. As a whole they become stronger than anything your opponent can throw in single or double succession.

Now again here, is a theory, can we prove it?  The answer is yes, at each level passed and explained you will notice and be shown ways to prove and recreate this whole body strength. Though, I’m sure you may have heard of using your entire body weapon, how often do you see it done or taught?  How often do you see tests and drills that can be performed to show how well and reactive you can do it?  Drills test and perfect a flowing solid connection and foundation with constant mobility and reaction.

We hear about these principles, but very few people know how to use their entire body as one and even fewer know how to teach it.  As authentic combat Wing Chun practitioners, we are constantly trying to make ourselves and our art stronger, not out of some need to harm others, but because it brings us closer to our true selves.  We know how invigorating it is to Chi Sau (fighting with double sticking hands), Wrist against Wrist with another higher level practitioner and react without thinking to an incoming attack, and wonder at the body’s ability to know without thinking.

Wing Chun’s constant focus is on completely practical techniques and application in a life threatening situation.  It trains for close quarter combat and the short distance power generated, because many attacks will be close when heated.

Want to join Wing Chun? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training!

 

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Making Kids Leaders and setting goals

Making Kids Leaders and setting goals

lakeland fl afterschool kids

A stripe on a belt or a higher grade in the classroom are part of the same goal setting process. Setting goals help children plan for the future and “think smart”. Long term planning skills are developed and children widen their understanding how things work in a big picture.

Goal setting skills allow children to choose what they want to achieve and how to go about doing it. Children start asking important questions of “How do I balance my work and play time to do what I want to do?”, “Will my actions help or hurt me for getting what I want?” and “I need help to reach my target. Who can ask for from knowing making kids leaders they will assist me in a positive way?”.

More concentration and effort is put into their actions. This is the early formation of organization skills.    The size of the goal is not important it is the act of executing one. Setting goals is a life skill. The demands of life only increase and making kids leaders a strong intrinsic motivation will help ones confidence continue to grow. Even if they do not realize the gains they’re making its a great habit to instill early on.

Everyone is making kids leaders likely to face some stumbling blocks along the way. It can be demoralizing not to accomplish a goal. An environment of comfort and support is created through our students and parental involvement. Children realize they never have to face problems alone and can always lean on someone they trust for help.

Working in a group to accomplish our personal goals, building confidence and making kids leaders life long friends is all achievable through the Wing Chun system!

Elizabeth D. – Wing Chun student and martial art practitioner

Want to join? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training and welcome you to join!

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Building Power in the Martial Arts

wing-chun-kung-fu-building-power-martial-arts
building power in the martial arts takes specific training

Building Power in the Martial Arts

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link)

Knockout power –  is built every time you practice for power, speed, precision, endurance, intent and accuracy building power. By making sure that each movement flows into the next and through the assailant.  This constant flow allows a seamless build up versus a retraction or halt of energy returned which would be displaced or dispelled.  Practicing for perfection is not enough, perfection of speed alone will show lack of power, hitting a person with 100 chain punches and without power they will falter.  Power alone without intent or speed will falter as well, you must practice for speed, power, precision, endurance, accuracy and intent.

Building power takes time, but not as much as you might think. It takes dynamic use of body training against resisting objects such as focus mitts, hanging bags, rice bags, wooden dummies, speed bags, free weight and body weight training, muscle confusion and anything that can build the useful striking power behind your blows.

All types of practical strength training – Do pushups, strike a focus mitt 1000 times a day, do whatever you have available to you to build yourself and your ability to survive.  Nothing is sacred when building power as long as it is useable power.  Lifting and Benching 500lbs a few times during a workout will not be as useful to you on the street as taking 50-100lbs and lifting it 30x-50x times.  Punching 10-50 times with a 25lb weight in each hand will not be as useful as two 5-8lb weights and 500-1000 punches.  Power against resistance is the first step.  The next is practicing against a moving target and then with a sparring partner, you can have power but if you can’t land it or if you can’t land it in the right places you have useless power.

Useless power is good to no one for survival.  Work on every aspect of your training.

Chain punches, Snapping uppercuts, double punches, twisting punches, backfists, centerline strikes, palms do all of these to points of exhaustion while moving to maximize yourself.

wing-chun-building-power-within-the-martial-arts-kung-fu-power-martial-arts
Building Power in the martial arts in dedication

Building power in the martial arts is all about dedication, hard work, and a bit of a thick head when it comes to pushing past all the excuses and worldly reasons not to.  Remember that voice in the back of your head giving you a million excuses to do something else, yea punch that voice in the face.  You are the boss and you forge yourself and what makes you stronger, you will not give into weakness and weak reasonings.

Chain punching will give you speed and power while at the same time molding and shaping the contours of your arm, deltoids, and varios related muscles and build real mass.  Though to build and gain this you must train and practiced against resistance to find usable strength.  A note on “real mass.” and “usable strength” refers to the acquired muscle mass, strength, speed and definition that is obtained through specific types of exercises and training that can be used in a real situtaion and long lasting even after prolonged periods of unuse.

Importance of Training Order and understanding – There is importance in order of training and types of training.  Such as the importance of learning a double punch in Wing Chun prior to a chain punch.  Sure I could show you chain punching first but a double punch is a quick double strike that forces the elbows to stay in.  Its quick double striking movement creates a forward drive that allows the practitioner to focus in on the power, structure, speed, direction and mistakes within just these two very quick hits.  Understanding this and the corrections as well as the mistakes behind this powerful, quick double movement will help provide a base and understanding behind multiple strikes such as chain punching.

Double punches – two quick and violently sudden attacks typically used against a assailant that is beginning a fight or in quick combination right after a block to cause knockout, trama,  or disorientation.  Lastly the double punch trains the practitioner to move and adjust strikes around an assailant that may block the first attempt.  After the assailant blocks the first strike the double punch teaches the Wing Chun practitioner to allow the first strike to be deflected as the second hits and then takes control.  The second hit comes in hits and then opens up the assailants centerline to more strikes, palms, knees, headbutts, kicks, and follow up combinations of attack.  The Chain punch moves so quickly many people forget how to place knockout power behind each hit and end up just doing fast hand movements with little or no power.  This is not Wing Chun.   Make sure you understand your mistakes, corrections and powerful body mechanics to assure the best results in your training.   Remember proper alignment, proper training of the corrections, and placement all come into building power in the martial arts. Don’t over look the details.

Last words on Building Power in the Martial Arts – Wing Chun is my art of choice but to whatever art you choose I suggest two things… one stay to your art and push yourself to the highest pinnacle.  But train the things that assist other martial arts to build power within their style these same tools will help you become stronger in yours.  A Boxer hits a focus bag, moves against attacking mitts, jumps rope and runs, a Muay Thai fighter kicks a heavy bag, elbows and strikes resistance, a Karate practitioner uses a makiwara board and a Wing Chun stylist uses a wooden dummy and sand bags.  Why limit building power in the martial arts when you can train your style of martial arts against any of these devices.

Everything in life is about practice especially building power in the martial arts.  If you wish to see these benefits you must push past your comfort zones only then will you see the results you’re after.  Varying drills depending on lineage lines, training methods to increase speed, power, endurance, hand eye coordination and reaction time are all based on what one teacher has passed down to another through interaction.

For training in Wing Chun martial arts and building lasting power within Ip Man’s Wing Chun and for a better understanding of the martial arts contact us today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

If you want to read more on Building power in the martial arts, check out our article on; Bone Hardening, Muscle Conditioning and Serious Endurance

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Different Wing Chun Lineages "expanding skill"

Different Wing Chun Lineages “expanding skill”

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) There are many types of different Wing Chun lineages and Kung Fu styles that are taught today.  Different wing chun lineages teachers that can help all types of students attain their personal goals.  Some instructors focus on the forms for years moving centimeters a second perfecting each forward movement as they train with a secondary focus on the combat approach.  Different wing chun lineages Wing Chun lineages take a more aggressive approach teaching and training in sparring, fighting application’s and sensitivity training from day one with a secondary focus on form understanding.  It is very difficult for a instructor to pick both as their isn’t enough time in the day to train both as a primary for a prospective student or practitioner.  With work schedules, family life, bills and trying to have a social life making a practitioner extremely good takes sniper precision and a primary target of focus.

Not every instructor teaches combative techniques instead they teach the Yin internal softness of the forms for years building upon this structural understanding and muscular strength.  Maybe you love Wing Chun forms, the thought of Chi Sau, Wooden Dummy and the flow that allows both practitioner’s to “feel” the energy of one another.  Though you love Wing Chun for these portions you don’t want to have to fight, get hit, aggressive, deal with the fear and stress of combat.

While others believe that the forms are great for understanding but that fighting application, combinations and stress training Wing Chun under pressure is the only way you will react with it to its full potential.  For us Wing Chun is known as a combat martial art yet it also known as a art of well-being including the internal and external health of the practitioner.

Make sure you find the instructor that best suits your needs, but do not mistake a Yin Instructor with a Yang Instructor.   A high ranking instructor in Wing Chun can choose to seek to become both as years pass and time is not as much of a factor but almost every instructor I have ever met has one or the other as their primary.

Finding a great instructor who can demonstrate power, speed and skill while instilling that in their students is a grand find.  See what the highest level students within that school train on and what is the primary focus they are constantly working on.  Do they speak about fighting or about forms? Do they talk about flowing or striking? Do they talk about theories or what they last reacted to and did?  Watch the instructors elder students, if you wish to emulate them, how they act and react, how they move and what comes out of them then train there as you will become like them in the years to come.

What do you want for your future and what are you goals?  Seek a school that teaches and constantly seeks to have each of its students attain those goals.  Our school wants you to know and learn for realistic self defense.  We want you to learn how to actually USE everything within the Wing Chun system.  Everything out of the forms, the wooden dummy, chi sau, and fighting combinations should be useful in practical self defense.  Knowing is half of the battle, applying is the other half.  To learn about different lineages, their differing instruction and perspectives, to expand your skills and knowledge within the combat martial arts and Wing Chun under the Ip Man Wing Chun system contact us at; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

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Traditional Martial Arts vs the Movies (Part 2)

If you do a jump kick, and you teach the purpose on how to “commercial martial arts someone out with it” while showing the 100% full original war/street purpose, I applaud you. If you throw weapons, but you do it because you’re throwing them through an opponent I applaud you. I applaud any and all men and women who teach or seek out such a teacher, that want to instruct them in the “original ways” to survive using a traditional martial art. I also applaud and respect those who are truthful about their teachings and tell a prospective student that by no means will the fancy move they are learning or that throwing or twirling a weapon in the air or around your fingers works on the street, but instead telling them, “Hey, it’s fun isn’t it?”

Commercial Martial Arts -vs- Traditional Martial Arts (part 2)
Florida Wing Chun Instructors, Butterfly swords
bart jarm dao butterfly sword classes

To all of you out there who train hard through respect, honor and dedication I bow to you and ask for more commercial martial arts. God knows we need it.  We need commercial martial arts more support for all truth bringers within the martial arts from both sides of the fence.

It takes a real hardcore person with a passion to want it, search for the purpose behind it and to learn ALL of it, asking what every moves purpose was for survival.  Original martial arts are not easy and not fast food, they are “Kung Fu”.  Take the Original Karate from Okinawa Japan, Muay Thai from Thailand, Taekwondo from Korea, Brazilian JiuJitsu from Brazil and in its Original Art form its all “Kung Fu”.

No not because I’m claiming they all came from Kung Fu!  No its because  Kung Fu means Time, Dedication and Hardwork and are you not then doing Kung Fu when you practice and teach your style?  I bet you didn’t realize we were Kung Fu brother’s did you?  Well we are so accept it!

So thus commercial martial arts if we are brothers in the art of survival, should we not support one another?  We are not rivals we are family, and we train towards the safety and protection of the ones we love.  The majority of individuals don’t want to push there body for years under rigorous training that bruises the body, toughens the mind and makes one see through the fancy maneuvers of commercial martial arts Hollywood film drama.  Many want to be Bruce Lee without the hard work of Bruce Lee.  A body and mind filled with purpose doesn’t need to put down another art.  Instead of fake or misleading information or techniques. There are many school which have commercial martial arts. Allow the minds of others to become purposeful otherwise they are like sheep and unfortunately they will not see past the hair in their eyes. Stay alert, relaxed and poised on the results at hand, you will succeed you are purpose driven.

For our school with traditions of honor, respect, Chinese cultural heritage are all encompassed within the art of Wing Chun.  Wing Chun is my style of choice just like yours may be another, but we are family in one mindset, self preservation and the preservation of others.  More than just kicking and punching Wing Chun for me and those I teach is an art where students can find and grow in the original intentions of their previous masters.  An enlightenment through reality based survival and increasing endurance and history.

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Note: This article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link.

Traditional Martial Arts vs the Movies (Part 1)

No traditional martial art, no matter what its origins, had fancy and ineffective moves. It was created for survival and for the quickest and deadliest moves for battle in that culture, terrain, and for the immediate enemy. Traditional martial arts training refers to training in a martial art that is rooted in the tenets set forth by the original master of the art. There were no triple somersaults, no throwing and spinning of weapons in the air, as this would cause instant death on the battlefield.

Traditional Martial Arts -vs- Commercial Martial Arts (part 1)
Sifu Och Wing Chun instructor with a wooden dummy
(muk yan jong)

For the personal goals of the student even a traditional martial art school that has minimal reality effective moves in it could still meet the needs of the student.  Especially if this student is wanting to learn slow paced techniques for stress management, fancy or flashy that have the  impression of traditional martial art.  These types of schools seek to boost confidence without the reality, pounding and harsh training related to the true intentions of their original traditional martial art.  I have no problem with martial art facilities that teach these techniques as everyone is not looking for reality or combat training.  Though I do take up an accord against ones that tell prospective students they teach self defense when in truth they hardly scratch the surface.  In order to get that student to join they tell them whatever they want to hear and show a few “effective movements”  though once the student joins they are taken for a ride.  This gives people the false confidence and the impression that they know and can use real life saving techniques where in reality these techniques could get them killed.  Thus honesty and respect are big concerns when it comes to practical application.

Original and traditional martial art instructors that show their arts original combative intent have not taken the road most traveled but rather have decided to make and teach you without compromise.  The main stream of commercialized techniques and skills taught in schools can string a student through hoops instead of practical application.

After talking with many instructors of various schools the conclusion most have come to is that they truly believe that the student couldn’t handle real training.  Many have even said that speaking about the harshness of a street fight, knife attack or rape situation would lose them more money than make them.  Thus they should be fed fancy moves, false confidence and almost no practical street purpose and weapons that fly in the air only to be caught and spun on wrists and fingers.

I wish to disagree with many of these practices and schools but unfortunately I have seen these schools fill there classes with hundreds of students.  None of these students ever asking or questioning the logic in this type of training.    Most people want easy answers and to be told they are hardcore.  No matter what your style, once you start to train students in the original arts intent, it is extremely hard to keep all those interested.

(photo from the Ip Man 2 movie featuring donnie yen)

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USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame

USA international black belt hall of fame Sifu Rome Hung Gar Kung Fu Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu
Dr. Sifu Justin Och, Grandmaster Sifu Rome, and Sifu Rome students at the Eastern International Hall of Fame.

You can only be nominated by a high standing member of the council or elite martial artist that is already a long standing presence and affiliate.  Even then the council looks over your videos, record and history in the martial arts and if approved you are inducted, but this is never permanent. The Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame has the right, that if you do not show the highest caliber of respect and martial art intent they can revoke your entrance.  Though you would have to truly disrespect others with your actions or show poor intention to be recommended for discharge it has happened over the years.  The right and privilege of being a part of the Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame is not bought but earned.

So many martial artists can buy there way into a false “black belt hall of fames”, all they need do is send in a email, call or fill out a card and they are in.  Worse yet with other false “black belt hall of fame” ceromnies you get to pay and recommend yourself for whatever award they give you.  OH yes, you get to fill out what you want and they just hand it to you because you paid them to.  You get to join because you asked them, they found you in the yellow pages or online.

A True Hall of Fame isn’t a solicitation – The Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame is exclusive, you can only be nominated in by a respected member that vouches for your skill, integrity and intention with the martial arts.

No you can not recommend yourself for an award or nominate yourself for an award.  Though if you are a nominated good standing member of the Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame you can recommend your students nominations as their Chief Instructor, owner and leader of your style.

Only other high standing associates or high council members can make a recommendation to the Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame council on what award, if any award at all, you should receive that year.

No you cannot pay to get in, you can not recommend yourself only a good standing member who can vouch for your integrity, skill and intent can nominate you.  After nomination it is then up to the council to vote and approve or discharge your nomination.

No one tries or attempts to sell you on Billing or other services, this is not a ploy hall of fame that invites you then attempts to sell you.

You can not buy your way in to this USA international black belt hall of fame, you will never recieve a letter, email or note by currier or mail,cannot buy your way in to this USA International Martial Arts Association, this is an elite black belt hall of fame, you will never receive a letter, email or note by currier or mail, you cannot ask to be invited or walk in and be part of this.

– Dr. Grandmaster John Kanzler – President of the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association (EUSAIMAA)

You will never get a solicitation email, mail, call or anything else as this is a real black belt hall of fame and not a sales pitch.

It does not cost more to become a higher standing member only training, proof of skill, integrity, honor and time make you a higher standing member.

Eastern USA international black belt hall of fame sifu och wing chun
USA International martial arts black belt hall of fame
Sifu Och Wing Chun and House of Martial Arts Karate

I write this because – My name is Sifu Justin Och, I am writing this because after being a part of the the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association and Black Belt Hall of Fame I have been offered, solicitated and called by corporate fake hall of fames looking to make money off me, my students and school, sell me on billing or attached to a billing company in the hopes I’ll switch over or other hall of fames that don’t care about the martial artist just the money they can make by SELLING you a false yearly title.  I despise these round about ego boosting sales pitches and a true hall of fame has nothing to do with these solicitation’s and sales pitches.

“Hey, we want you part of our hall of fame, just pay…” or “We know you’re an elite martial artist, we’re going to send you a hall of fame induction letter…” Though they have no clue as to what you have or haven’t done.  They make the recommendation over the phone or “Dear elite martial artist” letter. This is not a true martial arts hall of fame and people should know the difference especially because there are so many of these out there handing out awards and wall plaques.

Dr Don McNatt and Dr Sifu Justin Och wing chun kung fu karate florida
Dr Don McNatt and Dr Sifu Justin Och
Shotokan Grandmaster and Wing Chun Instructor

My nomination, vouch and recommendation

Dr. Don McNatt joined my school and trained for about a year before he pulled me outside.  Up until that I thought here is a tough old guy who really wants to train.  I knew nothing about his past, his previous training or his knowledge base.  He kept secret until early 2009 where he pulled me out side.  He first started talking to me about recommending me for the Black Belt hall of fame.  I honestly but respectfully blew it off,  I think I actually said “thats nice of you but don’t worry about it I just like to train.”  He then said I have watched you and would really like to recommend, vouch and nominate you.  At that point I said “oh, alright what like send them an email or something, don’t worry about the hassle.”  To me at the time I was looking at this older guy who never revealed or showed any of his previous knowledge or training in class over the past year.  He literally emptied his cup and trained in Wing Chun without trying to incorporate any of his previous training.

I thought this is just a tough old guy who really loves martial arts, maybe as another hobby, boy was I off.

In Fact Dr. Don McNatt is the State of Florida representative for Okinawa and Japanese Karate as a 7th Dan Shotokan Okinawa Karate Grandmaster and high standing council member with the Eastern USA International Martial Arts Association and Black Belt Hall of Fame.  Starting Boxing in 1950 at a boys club, Judo practitioner at Florida Southern College, joined the US MARINES, traveled to Japan.  He trained under Sensei Fumio Nagaoka in Yokohama in Shin Kage Ryu Jujitsu and Shotokan Karate.

Then five miles east of Hiroshima trained in Wado Karate, Sensei Hitoshi Akiyama, he was captain of the first team of foreigners to participate in the 1963All Japan Karate Team Championship tournament in Tokyo. He was the only foreigner to compete in the JKA tournament in Fukuoka at that time.  Was fortunate to train under some of JKA’s (Japan Karate Associations) greats such as M. Nakayama, H. Akiyama and became personal friends with K. Enoeda, Y. Yaguchi, T. Mikami, H. Shirai, Sensei Tatsao Suzuki, T. Okazaki, Arnis Fred Lazo, Praying Mantis under Sifu Roger Hagood and the list goes on.  (for his full bio please go here).  His vouch and recommendation was approved and I have grown through this wonderful association.  Now I am vouched for by many international and national Martial art and Wing Chun instructors and stylists from all over the World. A ranked and recommended Sifu and instructor of the Wing Chun system.

sifu och wing chun eastern usa international black belt hall of fame
Eastern USA International Black Belt Hall of Fame- an exclusive group of elite martial arts practitioners.

Honor of E.U.S.A.I.M.A.A. Black Belt Hall of Fame – We have had the honor of being apart of their yearly gathering where practitioners and instructors from every style come together and share friendship and knowledge.  Each year 16-19+ seminars happen in one weekend and are all included at no charge. The E.U.S.A.I.M.A.A. has instructors that provide their time, knowledge and skill from all over the world in every martial art imaginable. These international instructors fly in and gather to share and relate through training, student enhancement, high level training and survival.  The only thing you cover is your dinner, hotel, and flight, the rest the association sets up, pays for and takes care of.

This is a true USA International Martial Arts Association and Black Belt Hall of Fame and I am proud to be apart of it.

– Dr. Sifu Justin Och

Wing Chun – Common sense self defense

 Wing Chun is “common sense self defense.”

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) Wing Chun is “common sense self defense.”  Adaptation to overcome the chaos of the situation.  Wing Chun trains from practical reaction.  You would not attack with an elbow if the opponent was at arm’s length.  Nor would you attempt a centerline punch against an opponent at kicking distance.  You will always use the most effective and practical techniques in a straight direct chain of attacks that would use not only your Wing Chun, but your environment to your advantage. Wing chun use the common sense self defense techniques. Using your hands to elbow, chain punch, push, chop or strike aggressively, and as the opponent falls back or to the sides follow up with kicks until your distance is close enough for strikes with the hands once more.

Wing Chun has no jumping techniques, no flips, no flash. Wing Chun is the practical theory of direct action to opposed reaction.  It keeps the feet on the ground and the foundation rooted in simple movements that can be quickly executed and easily directed. Common sense self defense is a very useful parts of self defense. Since Wing Chun avoids the use of big or flowery movements, it focuses on economic use of motion, shortest distance with maximum force coupled with last moment impact.

We also know that we can always get better.  We are always students looking to shed light on something deeper that has not yet been touched on.  Some of us are also reclusive with our techniques at times seeing them as precious pieces of gold only to be shown and traded with those we feel will honor our lineage, forefathers and the lives and blood they shed to understand and raise up this art.  Though once you are seen as a honorable and respectful  man/woman you are treated like family.  Our hearts and doors open to you with the knowledge we have gained and what has been shared with us as well.  We want you to understand and be able to use the techniques we share, to their fullest because by doing so you give honor back to those lineage forefathers that taught it to us and to honor them we seek to make you great.

When you show humbleness and respect to those who have made you, you are also respected in return.  That is why we strive not to create new fancy moves and theories or new beautiful looking techniques. We know that knowledge without proven application is just a theory.  The principle of Wing Chun theory is the creation of an idea that comes from reality and combat.

Want to join Wing Chun? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training!

the picture above – we like to keep things safe and fun, Sifu Och’s classes on sparring are not  recommended for everyone.

For more info watch this videos

Wing Chun principles; shortest distance

Wing Chun principles; shortest distance

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) You must use the “shortest distance between two points”.   Wing Chun principles refers to every possible straight line.  Only when obstructed from the straight line attack does a Wing Chun practitioner use a direct but curved line.

Straight lines imply a state of constant velocity and power whereas a curved line implies acceleration and an unexpected differentiating line of attack.  A curved line that slopes gains acceleration and power as it changes its curvature of direction where as a straight line is a constant.

Wing Chun principles; Shortest Distance
close range reaction within striking distance takes
intesive training to Master and use without thought

Covering your openings while changing the game on the opponent allows for versatility in your fighting application.  Both being powerful attacks, the curved line gains a larger impact force behind its momentum and weight but carries with it a time delay before it can defend or be re-deployed.  Whereas, a straight-line is reinforced the entire body’s weight and structure and because of its angle of attack it is harder to counter and can be reused quickly to defend or attack.

A Wing Chun practitioner always attempts to use straight lines of attack, but there are always exempts.  With the advent of the internet and online video’s, it is very easy to attempt to gain an understanding of attacks and ways to exploit any weaknesses within martial arts.  Training your Wing Chun to be reactive and full of dimension and varying attacks keeps an assailant guessing and helps a practitioner to avoid becoming a one trick pony.

A inside curved attack, high or low straight-line or even kicking low while attacking high may initiate other openings when the assailant is confused and constantly questioning your next move.  Always using direct reaction’s also means a well trained reaction.  When a person grabs you a trained reaction would be to strike directly and viciously.  An untrained reaction might be to grab the person back who grabbed you, thus as they struggle you would struggle back.  This type of untrained reaction leaves you open for being thrown, taken down, knocked out or submitted.

All of this is easily said and only through proper training can one achieve the next level. I still visit seniors in the art of Wing Chun (ving tsun) Kung Fu overseas so that I can increase my understanding and ability through these men and women who have trained more life times than myself.

Want to join Wing Chun? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training!

For more info watch this videos

Proven Wing Chun Self Defense Part 2

We teach people from day one that the proven Wing Chun self defense can make a difference. We the our students how to use their blocking and attacking simultaneously as a reflex. Doing this, we are giving them a foundation on which ever other technique should fall. If it doesn’t, we’ll work on getting it there.

The first couple of months of training will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They will reference back to that information throughout their lives as everything else builds and is stacked upon this foundation.  This beginning time is very important in the growth and mindset of a student.

Proved Self Defense; Wing Chun
Are you willing to put in the hard work, time, and dedication? Will you travel, research, or waste time with a close school

If the majority of our training is Yin and instills Yin, you will become a Yin student.  Have that student face a situation on the street or against another practitioner that has been training for sparring, direct contact, mobility, speed and power, all of the things that Wing Chun represents and who do you think is going to win?  Think of the greats in Wing Chun Kung Fu, Yip Man (Ip Man), Bruce Lee, Wong Shun Leung, Simon Lau, etc.  Wing chun have proved self defense. They were all fighters, they spoke and trained for fighting with Wing Chun (ving tsun).  Sure they used Yin but they knocked out with Yang.

What traits do you want to instill in a new Wing Chun student?  How about hard work, time, dedication and becoming quick, powerful, direct, and not wasting time.

Getting to the heart of the issue to maintain perseverance in the face of impossible odds.  What about pushing past your own limitations and the limits others try to place on you?  This is the foundation of Kung Fu, the heart of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Many years ago before I started my Wing Chun training, I had trained in other styles and was trained to believe that I could Master the martial arts without medium to heavy sparring against team mates and other styles. You also can get proved self defense from wing chun. Within my first 6 months of Wing Chun I quickly changed my mind.  Where do practitioners get their speed, endurance, technique and power, and how could they react to everything I did and was thinking about doing before I even got to do it?

I realized that direct confrontation with a moving, active, thinking opponent was completely different than my mirror and forms provided. Proved self defense martial arts is provided by wing chun. I realized that this was where Wing Chun (ving tsun) Kung Fu reigned and if I wanted this elusive martial art as my own I was going to have to push myself in dedication.

Win or lose I would be the one gaining all the benefits and true understanding of those secrets deep within Wing Chun.

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Win or Lose educated dedication is rewarded
train under the best to become the best.. BUT
first you have to find the best to train there.

This is where I started looking into the different techniques, combinations and movements that were being given to me.  Over the years I have continued looking deeper into the body mechanics of Wing Chun and how slight adjustments for my body size and those around me could increase not only my power but the effectiveness of ever technique I executed.

Techniques that I thought I could never use in a combat application became more than possible as my strength, understanding and ability increased.  Wing Chun truly is a complete system it emulates its name “everlasting spring time” or “ever changing spring time”.  It has an answer for any situation.  It is a progressive and modern martial art.  Wing Chun’s number one rule is “your closest weapon to your opponent’s closes vital”.

That means that whatever is the most direct attack do it.  Don’t think about it.  Just attack the next closest vital, keep your root strong, your footwork  correct and allow your whole body to become a weapon.

Always choosing the closest “weapon” to the closest “vital or target”, this is the essence of direct reaction.  Though all reactions are different, the key is to use whatever hand, foot or body part is closest to defend and attack an opponent.  If your hands are tied up; head butt, if your legs can’t kick or knee, then punch, elbow, biu jee “thrusting fingers”, palm or chop.

You always have options, but the question is, have you attained a level that you can use them as reactions?

Wing Chun; proven self defense – (part 1) – to start reading article

Want to join? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training and welcome you to join!

For more info watch this videos

Wing Chun; proven self defense – (part 1)

Wing Chun; proven self defense

practical training… not a belt factory – part 1

(this article can not be copied or used on any other site, permission only to share link) I believe, like so many other practitioners before me that Wing Chun techniques must be proven with your hands doing the talking for skill and achievement.  Showing what a martial art can do is powerful.  When people think of great Wing Chun they refer to Ip Man, Wong Shun Leung, Bruce Lee, Simon Lau.  Men known for fighting with Wing Chun not just doing forms practice. 

I have seen children walking around with master levels and wonder to myself what is the real level of a master anymore.  The perception that has been given to the public is that attaining a black belt is easy.  Even right around the corner from the first day you pay.  Real skill and technique is a thing of the past, a old hat, a tool that “old masters” used to keep their students from that Black belt.

Black Belt/Sash use to mean something because it was difficult to attain.  It took a numerous amount of years to achieve and was forged from hard core practitioners, not given to make someone feel better or keep them going. 

Unless you can use the techniques on a live, struggling and decisive opponent, it is only theory. 

proven self defense, proven martial arts classes in beginner and advanced training
want proven self defense, proven martial arts?
classes in beginner and advanced training

Using the techniques means against other styles than your own.  This way, you know its universal not just situational to a particular school or style. False confidence and theories cannot help you in a life threatening situation and forms without fighting skill, ability and understanding to perform them are useless.  Too many techniques and schools in the martial arts world are becoming more and more based on the theory of a instructor instead of resisting practicality. A fancy move that looks great but when applied against a live resisting, striking, fighting opponent it just doesn’t work.  Unless proven and applied a theory remains in that realm only; a great and wishful thought.

Wing Chun is a scientifically based martial art system using body mechanics, torque, redirection and rapid subtle power to stop a much larger foreign aggressor.  Everything comes into play. 

If something is slightly off upon application, there is a large loss of power and structure. Yet this again is theory, unless you know how to use Wing Chun in a stress induced situation. Since a fight is chaos with speed and power behind intent to injury and dismay.  A Wing Chun practitioner has to practice to use precision under stress to build theory into application. Wing Chun is an extremely effective and direct martial art though too few practice and train in it with resistance and sparring, that is focused less on kickboxing like responses and more on the reason it is so effective. Wing Chun wants you to train with attacker counter response to your actions, resistance, immediate reflexes, and stress induced reflex applications. 

proven self defense sifu och wing chun
proven self defense, proper training and understanding
training trumps fear and anxiety, the key is in the details

Everyone comes to the martial arts for different reasons some wish to just know of and talk of Wing Chun understanding and principles.  For these individuals training for years on Sil Lum Tao (1st form), Chum Kiu (2nd form), Bil Jee (3rd form), Chi Sau and Wooden Dummy is fun and stress free.  Some people feel that by analyzing Wing Chun and being able to explain it means they can use it.  This type of form and low stress training is good if you are only seeking out the internal Yin style of Wing Chun.  Though there should be no argument that a person who trains in forms will never beat a person who spars, fights and trains for reflex and full body understanding of the techniques.  Techniques are muscle memory and are reaction.  Forms can teach us many things but they will never prepare the body for the adrenaline dump, stress, anxiety, fear and quick movements, reactions and footwork of actual combat.  Fortunately, Wing Chun under the right instructor can be all about this reactionary training.  

There are so many ways to train and spar in Wing Chun Kung Fu and all of them can lead to an extremely great practitioner in the art. 

We start new student practitioners with drills and quick techniques that can be used on day one against a resisting opponent.  These techniques use quick reactions to your opponents aggressive nature, such as blocking and attacking simultaneously both high and low.  Blocking and attacking simultaneously sounds like something any school could talk about incorporating, but Wing Chun Kung Fu is a complete system that teaches this in every aspect, not just one or two techniques. It is ingrained into everything and trains a practitioner to use redirecting footwork such as shifting to throw an opponent off balance and exploit weaknesses with quick reactions while trapping and attacking.  They learn how to place the right hip movement into each attack without throwing the shoulder out or losing balance within a rooted foundation.

Beginners also start learning how to control their own balance so that each attack has no indication before it strikes but rather hits and is then felt but rarely seen.  New students test their martial art ability by using these skills to block and attack from a multitude of angles.  Students must demonstrate that they can get out of the way of blows while using their Bui Sau’s (high block with a simultaneous punch), Gan Sau’s (low block with a simultaneous punch) and Tan Sau’s (mid-block with a simultaneous punch) so that every movement comes as a reflex to every incoming blow.  This is trained with safety and precaution to turn a student who has never trained in the martial art system of Wing Chun (ving tsun) into a reality based family protecting practitioner. 

Wing Chun; proven self defense – (part 1) – to start reading article

Wing Chun; proven self defense – (part 2) – to continue reading article

 

Want to join? contact us Today; https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Or… Just come on down to our location, we are always training and welcome you to join!

 

 

Tampa Wing Chun w/Garret Brumfield

Tampa Wing Chun w/Garret Brumfield

Garret Brumfield is a instructor under Sifu Och his curriculum, student training and experience come from and are certified by Sifu Och Wing Chun.

Thank you Sifu Och for allowing me the opportunity to write on our website’s blog.

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Tampa Wing Chun w/Garret Brumfield
under the Sifu Och Wing Chun system

First, I would like to encourage everyone to take part in our sparring classes which I offer every other Saturday here in Lakeland. I firmly believe that learning techniques is important to martial art training but application is vital as well. It’s like having all the knowledge in the world but if you’re not able to apply that knowledge to real life situations or scenarios, then you will be stuck in a rut with just “knowledge”.

Sparring can be very daunting and intimidating but like anything in life, you have to start with the basics that you know and work it over and build upon what you know. In my very first sparring class, I took the basics that my kung fu students knew and slowly built it into a working, effective combo. First we began with tan sao punches and worked that over for at least five minutes. Next, I simply added a turning punch so that now they had to mix their footwork with a simple angle step/turning punch combo. We worked over that combo a few minutes as well while an opponent was throwing punches at them. Lastly, we added a flurry of chain punches to the mix so that now my kung fu students had an effective combo of tan punch/turning punch/chain punch. At the same time I constantly re-enforced that importance of keeping a 50/50 fighting stance, angle step when necessary and pushing off the back leg to increase the punching power.

All of that works into an effective Wing Chun combo. Everything needs a beginning. Our brains are not hot-wired to immediately begin fighting when thrown in a situation. It’s only through constant practice and breaking down sections of combos that we can truly become reactive. Our instincts and muscle memory that we continue to build will react for us when sparring or fighting.

So, please, come on down and join us in Lakeland every 1st & 3rd Saturday Saturday at 9 a.m. in the morning.

116 east pine street, lakeland florida (every 1st and 3rd saturday of the month)

I will be getting there early if anyone would like to run or exercise prior to the start of class. Also, for those who are in Tampa Wing Chun classes, if you are interested, Sifu Och would like to invite you down to his Tampa Wing Chun school. Registration is starting now and I (Garret brumfield) will be his instructor in Tampa for our Tampa Wing Chun school. Classes will begin soon and will be offered twice a week.   So if you are interested you can get on the ground floor of a new beginning and my first line of students.

TAMPA WING CHUN!!!!!!!!

For more info watch this videos

Super Saiyan Effect – martial arts

Super Saiyan Effect – martial arts

Currently I am a 1st level Wing Chun instructor at Sifu Och’s Lakeland Wing Chun. He teaches real-life combat, self-defense as passed on to him directly through the Ip Man lineage.

super-saiyan-wing-chun-martial-arts
Super Saiyan – at Sifu Och Wing Chun Martial Arts
“Don’t try this at home”

The Super Saiyan Effect – I can honestly say that I have had the opportunity to experience the Super Saiyan effect, so to speak. My body wasn’t glowing like the cartoon characters in Dragon Ball Z and I have no hair, so my hair didn’t turn bright yellow and there were no streaks of lightning emanating from my body. In this situation, I let my instincts and techniques take over. This is when Wing Chun survivor mode kicked in.

On October 15, a gentleman came to our studio and towards the end of class I had the opportunity to spar, full contact with him. I wasn’t nervous or apprehensive yet I had an air of confidence about myself that was hidden. My opponent was slightly taller than me and he had a clear-cut weight advantage than I did. Super saiyan have many effect of martial arts. On the onset of the fight, I didn’t know what to expect so staying in my 50/50 Wing Chun stance helped me see any attack that would be thrown. As soon as he moved I let loose a barrage of chain punches and elbows towards his face. He had a protective helmet on, but I choose not to wear one. I figured if I got hit in the face, then I deserved it. I still wasn’t 100% sure of what I was doing at the time but I kept my face protected all the while landing punches towards his chest and face areas.

Then the inevitable happened. This is what I have dubbed, the Super Saiyan moment. It’s the point in time where you lose track of what you are doing and instincts immediately take over. Once my opponent knew he couldn’t land any attacks on me, he decided to try to take me to the ground. If you are grabbed, it’s pretty natural for one to try and out- muscle an opponent and honestly, that’s what I felt like doing. Yet at that instance, I lost track of what happened next. That moment was a blur to me but as described by my Sifu, my whole body changed and he said he could tell by my facial expression that a “light” clicked on. I went into Super Saiyan mode. As my opponent grabbed me to take me down, I first made sure my stance was grounded for my protection and then I let loose a flurry of punches towards his face, mixed with elbows, knees towards his stomach and kicks towards his legs, until he let go and backed off. That’s my Super Saiyan mode. It was a rush of pure energy where nothing but Wing Chun attacks came out as each punch, elbow and leg attack hit its mark.

I stayed in this mode for a bit longer and I was totally focused on how I wanted to attack. My opponent did mention during the break in fighting that since I didn’t have a helmet on, he felt compelled not to hit me in the face. I told him that if I got hit in the face then I deserved it. In the next round of sparring, he made the mistake of aiming towards my face, which honestly made me a bit upset. I thought “how dare he throw a punch at my face”. Needless to say, the next 20 to 25 seconds was a complete blur, and after talking to my Sifu and sihings, they said that my opponent was rendered helpless and the only thing keeping him up was the wall.

I share all of this for a reason. There are times that one may get frustrated with their training in Wing Chun. It does take alot of work and effort. Sifu Och makes sure that we have the best available knowledge of real-life combat techniques. We may get frustrated with our training at times as we may not get the flow of combinations that we are taught. But trust me, in time, you all will have a Super Saiyan Wing Chun moment where you let your body react and every Wing Chun combination that you had trouble with will end up protecting you and someone else. I encourage all students to train harder in Sifu Och’s system.

WING CHUN!!!!!!!!

interested in joining Sifu Och’s Wing Chun?  https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

 

Disclaimer: There is are no martial art out there that will help you reach Super Saiyan Level. So please don’t be delusional in thinking that you can find it, but as a prize fighting ex-Boxer, Wing Chun comes pretty darn close.

For more info watch this videos

Halloween Safety Tips, from Sifu Och Wing Chun

Halloween Safety Tips

halloween-safety-tips-kids-family-sifu-och-wing-chun-kung-fu
Halloween Safety Tips, Lakeland Fl
Sifu Och Wing Chun Afterschool kids

Safe habits and practices can be forgotten in the frenzy of the holidays. The excitement of a yearly festivity is often an excuse to skip normal safety procedures that are otherwise common practice. On the contrary, safety should be increased during the holidays! Unpredictable events can occur and if you or your family is not prepared to deal with them the outcome can be dangerous. Review safety precautions with your family to enjoy the most out of the holidays with minimal worry.

Halloween is a great time of the year. Children dressed up in the cutest and creepiest of costumes freely getting candy which they are so often denied from. However candy and spooks can come with some serious threats. Keeping your kids safe for Halloween depends on what your children recognize as dangerous threats and the appropriate measures to avoid it. In the dark everything becomes harder to see and depth perception is compromised. Give your children flash lights for extra visibility. Emphasize pedestrian safety, as well as sticking in groups, and wearing proper clothing will ensure a safe and spooky time. Twice as many kids are killed on Halloween as on any other day of the year. See more Halloween Safety tips for kids and parents below as well as emergency numbers. Remember the safer we are the more fun we can all have!

Halloween Safety Tips – from Wing Chun Martial Arts

 

sifu-och-wing-chun-halloween-safety-tips
Halloween Safety tips for Kids
Sifu Och Wing Chun Florida

-Always go trick- or- treating with an adult! Never go alone as some people are not so nice and may want to hurt you. Always let a trusted adult know where you are.

-Always stay with your group! There is safety in numbers and its always more fun to trick-or-treat with friends.

-Always stay in well lit areas! Especially with streets at night  look both ways before crossing.  It is much harder for drivers to see pedestrians in the night.

-Know your neighbors! Trick or treat at houses you know are safe and trust. Have a route planned out and stick to it.

-Don’t trick! Vandalism is never funny or nice. Throwing eegs at or toilet paper at someone just leaves a mess. Even worse if someone catches you, you could get into trouble with the police.

-Don’t talk to strangers! No matter what someone says to you never go into a house with a stranger or give them any information about yourself. Go and tell a trusted adult or police officer if you find someone who is trying to do this.

-Don’t eat unwrapped candy! Some people can put dangerous items in treats and candy. If you are unsure or suspicious have an adult check your treats.

-Have fun! Halloween is a great time for friends and family to dress up in their most ghoulish costumes. Staying safe and aware is a sure way to make the most fun out of your Halloween night!

 

halloween-safety-tips-kids-family-lakeland-florida-sifu-och-wing-chun-kung-fu
lakeland fl halloween safety tips
afterschool program

Halloween Safety Tips for Parents

-Don’t let your children wear masks! Masks lend to poor visibility and can cause accidents easily. Paint your child’s’ face instead so they can see better.

-Equip trick-or-treaters with flash lights! Children wearing dark costumes should have a reflective material on them too.

-Stay in communication! Give your kids a phone, if they don’t already have one, for emergencies.

-Remind your children that Halloween is a fun time but all safety rules apply.

-Secure an emergency ID tag! Attach a bracelet or ID tag stating the child’s home address, phone number, and name in case they get lost and need to be identified.

Halloween Safety Tips For Child

 

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afterschool wing chun martial arts
lakeland, florida fine arts program

-Halloween is not a time to hurt animals! It is never good to hurt an animal but some people use an excuse to hurt cats during Halloween. If you see someone doing this tell a trusted adult or police officer immediately.

-Be polite! Say “please” and “thank you” when you get your candy! Ghouls and goblins can be nice too!

-Be aware! Stay away from open flames from jack-o-lanterns or other decorations with open flames.

-Talk to a trusted adult! Before you go out for the night trick-or-treating let an adult know where you’ll be.

-Have fun! Halloween is a great time for friends and family to dress up in their most ghoulish costumes.

-Staying safe and aware is a sure way to make the most fun out of your Halloween night!

 

Written by Elizabeth D.

 interested in joining our school?  https://sifuochwingchun.com/contact-sifu-och/

Emergency Numbers:   Poison Control     (800) 222-1222   Police/Fire Department  911

For more info watch this videos

Ip Man Fact or Fiction, Florida Wing Chun

Ip Man Fact or Fiction, Florida Wing Chun

WARNING SPOILER ALERT for those who have not seen the film Ip Man, this article touches upon some important scenes. To preserve the amazement of watching the film for the first time, do not continue reading, unless you want to know the truth now.

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From the Movie Ip Man 2, Combat Scene
Wing Chun Kung Fu reflex fighting

Ip Man fact, a blockbuster from China that hit that the global cinemas and the martial arts world by storm. An instant cult film among martial artists with fight scenes so exhilarating it makes anyone want to take up Wing Chun. But how much of the film is historically accurate and how much is Hollywood imagination?

In the film Ip Man fact is seen teaching an entire cotton mill of workers Wing Chun. In actuality Ip Man taught only a small group of students, mostly the children of the mill workers, in the back of the mill for around a year. Ip Man fact did not charge fees for his classes and there was believed to be around 6 consistent students. One of his students, Chow Guang Yiu, was the son of the mill owner and fabled to have the most potential. However, he later quit Wing Chun and martial arts all together instead choosing to follow in commerce.    Ip Man never worked in a coal mine, as the movie portrayed. During the Japanese Occupation he was a well respected police officer. During his time in the police force, the incident where Ip Man broke a gun really did happen only a thief was holding the gun instead of a fellow officer as the film portrayed. As some legends would have it, Ip Man broke the bullet chamber of the gun with sheer finger strength.

The climatic battle between Ip Man and General Miura was made up for Hollywood audiences too. We should remember through that the movie Ip Man was meant for entertainment. A certain creative license is taken to exaggerate and speed up events to keep an audience interested. Like the Bruce Lee movies that proceeded it the Ip Man fact movies promote and popularize Wing Chun Kung Fu to the masses. Ip Man’s son Ip Chun was an on set advisor to the film. He was pleased with the portrayal of his fathers’ life and struggles.

The film followed an authentic timeline of Ip Man’s life. His beginnings in a wealthily childhood, escape from Communism and the Japanese occupation. Overall the film captured the essence of Ip Man fact as a great fighter, humble, courteous and a faithful practitioner of the ancient Chinese arts in tradition and honor.

Ip Man Fact or Fiction, Ip Man’s life was fact and the courses of the events throughout his life and use of Wing Chun to defend and protect are all true.  How those events are interpreted by Hollywood may be adjusted but the man you must look at the facts of his life.

The movie is directed by Wilson Yip with the battle scenes choreographed by Sammo Hung. Donnie Yen, who portrayed Ip Man fact, had never taken Wing Chun before this role! Donnie Yen approached Wing Chun like skilled game of chess, countering your opponents move as you move in. To get a feel for the role as Ip Man Donnie Yen looked at the nature of the film. Taking place in waring and pre-war times Wing Chun is a very practical, grounded style. Each move and fight took on those elements. No wires or swanky acrobatics were needed to demonstrate the realistic power and effectiveness of Wing Chun.

Elizabeth D. – Wing Chun student and martial art practitioner

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images from the Ip Man 1 and Ip Man 2 movies

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