Tag: Chi Sau

My Journey Into Wing Chun: By Rich Dorsey

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

“My Journey Into Wing Chun: By Rich Dorsey,” is my story hope you enjoy!

I’ve wanted to train in the Wing Chun system specifically ever since I knew of it when I first got started in martial arts as early as my 18th year. My first teacher, a master of Isshin Ryu, was fascinated by it. Upon many of my homework assignments I received then I also was given information, literature and videos about Wing Chun.

My Journey Into Wing Chun: By Rich Dorsey

Those few Karate teachings were basic. I had only begun to scratch the surface of how to use my hands and feet. They are minuscule to the depth I’ve seen at this early stage of Sifu Och’s system. Even still I feel many significant differences in the fighting styles. Not only are both of my ‘weapons’ straight-on utilizing more than half my body, but my hands (when I’m practicing my techniques properly) are continuously forward ready to be fired in short range fire attack. This being said I can honestly say I’ve never had any real training. Even though over the years I’ve tried many different styles of martial arts even boxing.

My Inspiration

I’ve met many masters and many students but never anyone who has ever truly inspired me. I began to believe my dream of learning Wing Chun and meeting those kinds of individuals was out of reach. Not only did I find what I was looking for, I met one of the best fighters I’ve ever known. A teacher not only surpassing my expectations in knowledge but one who inspires me still. A system that not only challenges me but one that works. I’ve seen it work and have felt it work. To this day I don’t know if I’m more inspired by him or fellow students. Not only can I see what it’s done for myself but I see what it’s done for them. The changes in us all over the past two years.

My Past

And before I go on about the many benefits of Sifu Och’s Wing Chun system it’s important to me to remember who I was before I came. I’ve been athletic my entire life. I began calisthenics at the age of five, and weight training as early as eleven. As an adult, I became a personal trainer by trade. My confidence was exuded for all to see. Yet there was always something missing. All my goals in my physical attributes had for the most part been met. I wanted more than just to look like I could kick butt and take names. I wanted to feel it and believe it.

Refining Myself

So I began refining myself, my cardio respiratory and training on my own to prepare myself for martial arts. Had I known then what I know now I would have just started immediately. When I felt like I was ready that’s when I found him. ‘When the student is ready the master will appear.’ I can honestly say I had no idea what true cardio was. And all the confidence -that I soon realized was only on the surface- was stripped away as soon as I realized how much I didn’t know. How much younger men (and some women) only half my size and strength could easily defeat me. Most only in the beginning phase of the system. The confidence that I have now runs deep. 

My Future

The cardio I currently have I could have never imagined. I’m tougher than I ever could’ve imagined. These are only a few of the benefits I’ve gained and being only a short distance along the long road I’ve begun to travel I can only imagine how much more there is in store for me here. The excitement only grows the more I learn, understand, and experience…

Sifu Och! WING CHUN!!

Punches Across the Arts

Posted on by Sarah Lister

The punch is a staple in every conceivable martial art. Even those that focus on ground work, like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, at least address how to defend against a punch. In short, martial artists like to punch. But when a Karate guy says punch, and a Wing Chun guy says punch, they don’t always mean the same thing. Punches across the arts vary widely and each art has its own reasoning for choosing to punch slightly differently.

Karate & Tae Kwon Do

When it comes to Karate and Tae Kwon Do, the punch is exactly the same. As a martial artist holding an instructor level in Karate, I figured that I would not have to research the Karate punch and moved straight into Tae Kwon Do. The very first video I found on Tae Kwon Do punching sounded like I could have made it myself and called it “The Karate Punch.” This punch primarily hits with the first two knuckles closest to the thumb. If you make a fist, you should be able to draw a line from those two knuckles straight up your arm, matching the bones in the forearm. In traditional drills practitioners will chamber at the waist or hip and strike out as the other arm draws back with equal force. However, in sparring or other applications, the punch will usually come from somewhere near the face. Practitioners use this punch because it allows for the structure of the arm to back up the power of the punch.

WIng CHun

In Wing Chun Kung Fu, the punch looks a little different. Instead of a fist with fingers down parallel to the floor, the Wing Chun punch ranges between a 45 degree angle to perpendicular to the ground (depending on the school); with the pointer finger at the crest of the angle and the pinky at the bottom. These punches come through the centerline of a practitioner’s body, attacking with a square chest. The punch strikes from a state of relaxation to tension. It is less forceful than the Karate or TKD punch, but can deliver the same power. Practitioners use this punch for a couple of reasons. This punch is “invisible” because it is often more difficult to see coming. By simply taking the shortest and most direct route to its destination. It also requires the opponent to be closer, being more effective for close quarter contact.

whipping punch broken down

contact-sifu-och-wing-chun-florida-schools
Sifu Och’s Wing Chun Florida School

Variations

These two different variations of the punch represent either end of the spectrum. Karate and TKD on one side with Wing Chun Kung Fu on the other. Most other martial arts will fall somewhere in the middle of these punches. Tai Chi punching incorporates the relaxation to tense aspect associated with Wing Chun to the horizontal aspect of Karate/TKD. Whereas in Aikido, they do not focus as much on the techniques of the punch, rather using it as supplementary to other techniques. Muay Thai, Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts, all utilize a punch called the jab. That is very similar to the Karate/TKD punch, but originates from a guard up by the temples and is more often used as an opening technique.

Similarities

Though each martial art may punch a little differently, there are a few concepts that are generally constant. One being to engage the core. Punches may be executed by the arm, but they come from the whole body. Likewise most martial arts will encourage putting hip torque behind punches to make them more effective and powerful. As well as a strong base through structure and rooting. Even though these fine points may be difficult to visibly discern, they are what makes any punch a good punch.

http://www.aikidofaq.com/misc/

https://fightrr.com/muay-thai/technique/punches

Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook Takedown Combo

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown

Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown was a question a beginner posted for anyone to answer on a Facebook group. He asked for the key to using Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown Combo. Sifu Justin Och and Senior Instructor Garret Brumfield posted a video titled “Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown Combo”.

In this article we will address some of the finer points. Stopping this combo is no easy task but Wing Chun does have an answer.

Wing Chun vs Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown Combo

The Jab

If you are to deal with an attack you must understand it. To understand strikes you must make a distinction between committed and non-committed strikes. A committed strike could be defined as a strike that has the entire weight of the body fueling the power for the strike. Alternatively, a non-committed strike will be much faster but won’t have the power. A jab is a non committed strike. That being the case, the counter must be equally fast. As you can see in the video Sifu Och uses his paak sao but immediately follows up with a straight punch. This allows for quick adjustments where needed.

The Jab, Cross

If your opponent crosses immediately after his jab you may not have time to follow up off the initial strike. Sifu chose is one of the most direct options to counter although there are many variations. The hand that was used to paak the initial strike simply follows its trajectory to the face. In conjunction, the back hand paaks the next strike. This results in and immediate strike to your opponents face.

The Jab, Cross, Hook

Let’s say that your counter does not damage your opponent enough. As a result, he follows up again with a hook. The hook that Sifu Och Demonstrates is a very tight “rabbit” hook. Theses types of hooks are very hard to deal with. A Bui Sao, Bui Jee, Man Sao will be very hard to execute in this scenario. You must be able to fully extend these techniques for them to become effective. When the opponent throws this hook, it will be very tight to the body with a lot of torque. Torque equals power, and if you are unable to fully extend your technique it will crumble. In this scenario Sifu chooses to utilize upward elbow to cover the opponents strike. He is now able to strike with is other hand and move on with his attack.

The Jab, Cross, Hook, Takedown

wing chun vs jab cross hook

Finally, we moved on to dealing last part of the combo. None of your counters have successfully stopped your opponent but because you are in so tight he feels the need to shoot in and take you down. There are two scenarios to be address when an opponent shoots in on you. If he gets under your elbow or not.

If he does not get under your able a you can simple remove the foot he is attacking and stop his forward motion with a Gum or Jum Sao to the neck\head. This is addressed in our article Fighting Footwork where we go into a little more depth. However, if he does get behind one of your elbows you must sprawl back or you will be taken down. Once you have sprawled you can then establish a line of defense again with your Jum or Gum Sao. This line allows you to regain your structure and move on with your attack.

End the fight

At each stage of the attack your goal as a Wing Chun practitioner should be to the end the fight. When you respond to an attack you should be immediately seeking to follow it up to finish your opponent. You would only utilized these counter techniques if you are unable to flow into and 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. follow up. So in theory, your opponent will never get to his takedown, or his cross for that matter. However, that is why we as martial artists should always be prepared. If the worst happens, you will be ready.

The Fatal Flaw in Testing

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

Getting tested in martial arts can be nerve racking but also invigorating. Your abilities are all laid out to bare for all to see. No more excuses just reaction. This is quite exciting. Along with that is the satisfaction when all your hard work does actually pay off. Attaining the next level feels great and if you earned it you should feel proud. However, “The Fatal Flaw in Testing” is what I would call the Sprint Mentality.

Sprinting for your test: The Fatal Flaw in Testing

Finals week, the week before the last set of tests for college students. Energy drinks, microwaved food, and zombies with backpacks become rampant on college campuses. Students will “cram” in those last extra hours of studying to strive for that grade at the end of the semester. This is the same as I call it, the “Sprint” in martial arts. Martial art students will train for months but many times you will see a tendency to really step up the training right before a test. Even though this does encourage that extra training at the end of a section there is a fundamental flaw to this process.

Student’s who are training hard consistently will have no need to sprint at the end because they will already be prepared for the test. But for this to be realized your goal must be analyzed. If your goal is to simply achieve belt ranks, then cramming is a perfectly legitimate way to achieve that. However, if your goal is to be prepared at all times for combat, then you should train as if you had testing every day.

One Breath

Grandmaster Ken Chun, from Wing Chun Dynamics in California, visited our school and gave a great tip on mindset. He explained that in an encounter you have one breath to channel all of your training to defend yourself. In that one breath you must focus your mind and your body to one task.

He also explained that this should be trained every single day. In other words, you shouldn’t wait for the week before testing to snap into that “one breath” mode. Every single punch, every single kick, every single takedown should be done with the same mentality. If you don’t accomplish this attack it could be the end, not of your opponent, but of you! So as you train, take in that one breath mentality every single time you move.

Your actual goal

Attacks on the street may have indicators. However, indicators do not come a week ahead of time. They may only be caught a moment or two before something happens. That being the case, if you do not keep yourself optimally prepared you could be overtaken. If preparing for testing is your ultimate goal, you are in danger of getting caught. Testing should not be used as your goal. Your goal should be your training regiment. Each day you should seek to improve and upgrade that training. The result of this shift is that your perspective changes on your testing. Instead of looking at that as an end game, it is used to evaluate whether or not your training is effective to keep you prepare.

The importance of keeping your training up is even emphasized in martial arts business circles. Even with these successful million dollar schools the owners understand that their training is top priority. John Kovar, found of Kovar systems lists Training first, then Teaching, then Business. You don’t know when you are going to be attacked so every training day is vital to you surviving an attack.

So ask yourself, what are you training for? Have you fallen prey to the The Fatal Flaw in Testing? Are you training for a belt? Social standing? Sense of accomplishment? Or are you preparing yourself for real, terrifying, messy combat?

 

 

Afraid to Get Hit?

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

We see it all the time. Someone will come into a class with the goal of learning realistic self-defense. However, they have no intention of getting hurt in the process. And then the first class happens. They realize that goal is a little bit more difficult to achieve than they had imagined. So what is at the root of this fear? And how do we combat it both mentally and physically? In reality, true martial art injuries are less common than that of football and hockey players. But the martial arts is still viewed as the more dangerous activity – Still Afraid to Get Hit? Let’s unpack that.

Afraid to Get Hit? Mental Preparation

Fear of getting hit is a common enough mindset. It most certainly makes sense: why would I intentionally do something that would hurt me? We all have built up layers of protection in our minds that keep us from doing things that will hurt us. The body has countless mechanisms in place to protect itself and is reluctant to consciously allow harm. But when it comes to martial arts, we have to weigh the risks against the benefits. Do I want to (a) be able to defend myself when I really need to or (b) avoid the possibility of immediate injury in my martial arts class? Choosing option A is the first step toward changing this mindset and moving toward being an effective fighter. The second step is a bit more complicated: accepting that you are, beyond a shadow of a doubt, going to get hit. A lot.

Hopefully your school implements safe sparring practices like gloves, a mouthpiece, and head gear – and doesn’t glorify students beating each other into a pulp. But if they do implement safe sparring practices, be rest assured that there is little to no risk of serious injury. Minor cuts and bruises yes, muscle strains and sprains maybe, but serious injury – unlikely.

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Afraid to Get Hit? Physical Preparation 

After you have accepted that you will be getting hit, the best way to prepare for that is a lot of practice. Practice in the air, against a punching bag, and with a partner who is willing to take it slow until you get the technique. Learn the defensive techniques and practice them until they are a part of your muscle memory and engrained in your subconscious. Practice until you no longer have to think about which technique to use, because you already know.

Time

No one is going to be a great fighter their first day, like everything it takes practice; but if it isn’t the right kind of practice, it could only make it worse. Say you are practicing with someone who always throws their attacks in the same sequence. Or they aim toward the side of your head instead of straight at it. Or obviously telegraphs their moves. The amount of progress you make working with this person is going to be considerably less than working with a good partner.

Fear

Ultimately, it is possible that your fear of getting hit is actually a fear of failure. A fear, not of getting hurt, but of losing and being considered lesser than your opponent. When I first started sparring, I was a purely defensive fighter. This was solely for the reason that I was afraid to try and attack. I was afraid to attack because I knew at first I would fail. In my mind trying and failing was worse than not trying at all. For other people, they fear the pre-punch anticipation. Meaning, not knowing when or how they are going to get hit. But if you ask any instructor, they would rather see someone who puts in the effort and fails over someone who never gets hit any day.

Fighting Stances Across Martial Arts

Posted on by Sarah Lister

Structure is literally the foundation of any martial art, making it exponentially important to just about everything we do. It dictates the amount of power we can expend in our punches, what areas of the body become more vulnerable and open, and how easily we can throw in kicks. Most martial arts will include a variety of different stances yet will usually rely on one in particular as their fighting stance. Every possible fighting stance has its own advantages and disadvantages and complements the individual art. Though there are countless variations, the most prominent fighting stances fall into the categories of side and front stances.

Side Stance

In this stance, the practitioner turns their body sideways so that they are essentially perpendicular to their opponent. Both feet are on one line with the majority of the weight shifted toward the back leg. Some of the martial arts that favor use of this stance are Karate, Tae Kwon Do, and Judo. Martial artists who use this stance do so for a few reasons. Primarily, they claim that there is less of a target area for the opponent to exploit when the body is sideways instead of full on. Another advantage is that this is an easier stance to kick from. Since most of the weight is already on the back leg, there is minimal prep work needed in order to pull off a kick.

Most of the time, you can do so without visibly shifting your weight, making it easier to conceal the kick until it has already made contact with the opponent. Some possible disadvantages to this stance exist as well. When a fighter employs this stance it will be easy to attack from the front hand and foot, but much more difficult to attack with the back limbs. Though it is certainly possible to attack with the back hand and foot, it will be highly telegraphed to the opponent due to the amount of distance the attack has to travel and the shift in body weight.

Front Stance

The front stance is a favorite of those in Wing Chun, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga. In this stance, the practitioner squares their hips and shoulders to face the opponent. Both feet point toward the opponent, one foot back, weight low and evenly distributed. This stance allows for greater structure than the side stance with a higher capability for impact. The ability to root is gained making you less likely to be pushed off balance. This stance also allows for all weapons to be closer to and facing the opponent. With the shoulders square, both arms have the opportunity to be equidistant to the opponent. This makes it easier to pull off combos and simultaneous hand techniques.

Avid side stance practitioners may claim that a front stance makes you more susceptible to body blows. This is due to having the whole torso facing the opponent; however, both arms and legs are free to help guard. Another possible disadvantage to the front stance is the groin being a more open target. In Wing Chun, they combat this issue by turning the front foot in slightly making it so that the leg can block the groin.

Conclusion

Though forcing all martial art fighting stances into these two categories may be a vast oversimplification. It actually shows how much we all have in common. In fact there are some martial arts that do not fit in these categories at all. As an example, BJJ and Aikido prefer a stance somewhere in the middle, neither a front nor side stance. But after you get past all of the different techniques and ways of doing things, at the root of it all is a solid stance and that is something we can all agree on.

Kung Fu Kicks

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

There are many kicks used in a fight. Some more useful than others. In this article, Kung Fu Kicks, we will show some of the kicks used at Sifu Och Wing Chun. We will review the Inside and Outside Shadow Kicks, Tong Kick, Half Crescent, and Side Kick.

Wing Chun Kicks

Before going into the the specific kicks let us touch on Wing Chun as a system to set the groundwork. In short, Wing Chun’s goal is to end the fight as quickly as possible. Every strike intent on crushing the opponent. Understanding that goal the kicks that we choose to utilize fall into the place.

Inside Shadow Kick

One of the most useful kicks to use is the Inside Shadow Kick. Kicking the opponent in the knee is one of the quickest ways to end the fight. With this Shadow Kick, considerable force can be driven through a target at a downward angle. The setup (implied in the name) is that the kick is done in the shadow of your hands. As a result, an opponent will find it difficult to avoid or stop this type of kick. The reason is because it is usually done in unison with the hands. Not only can it be used to attack it can be used in defense as well. It can be used to stop low kicks to the leg.

Outside Shadow Kick

Equally important, not all enemies or targets will be directly in front of you. The Outside Shadow Kick allows you to hit targets off center. They can also be used to block kicks depending on the angle. Furthermore, one advantage of this kick in particular is it can be used to drive out the support leg of an opponents kick. Jum Saos together with a low shadow kick can block roundhouses and blast the supporting leg.

Tong Kick

The Tong kick is similar to a front kick. Uniquely, however, it thrusts in upward diagonal angle. Can be used for multiple targets, but it’s primary hit is the Xiphoid. Combined with a Double Jum Sao, this is a great choice to counter a roundhouse. In addition, it can be used used to strike the ribs or inside of the thigh.

Half Crescent Kick

The Half Crescent Kick similarly takes the same shape as the Inside Shadow Kick. The difference is it drives forward as opposed to down. This kick is usually delivered to the ribs when a punch is thrown. Countering a Jab or Cross style punch with a Crescent Kick is a great option. It is unexpected which it was lends to it’s usefulness.

Side Kick

Overall, the Side Kick is one of Wing Chun’s longest ranged weapons. One of it’s main uses is delivering a powerful strike to the side when turning to face the opponent may not be available. Whether it’s a question of speed or restriction doesn’t matter. The side kick allows an immediate response to someone coming from the side. It can be done two different ways:

Static, fired directly from your stance:

or with a skip. The skip allows for a the distance and power to be increased by swinging the back foot foot. The base is re-established closer to the target and momentum is gained which increases the power.

(To view a video of the skipping side kick click the following link: Skipping Side Kick Video. )

 

The key to your Kicks

One thing all of these kicks have in common is what part of the foot is going to be used to strike the body. If you read our article “Fighting Footwork” you will see how the body needs to be aligned through the heel for structure. With the correct structure your power drives from your legs through your heels for maximum damage. This is similar to a person doing a heavy squat. Moreover, to support the weight the heel must be used. Piggybacking off of that concept is another, focused energy. If you take the energy you would use to slap someone and applied it to a needle, you will easily penetrate the skin. Just the same with your kick, if you drive all your power through your heel your damage is focused through that one point as opposed to spread through whole foot.

In conclusion, focus your power and train your structure and you will be able to develop kicks that will drop any opponent you face.

Basic Wing Chun Defense

Posted on by Tim Kittelstad

The first few months of a martial artist are crucial to their success. Instructors must work to instill confidence from day one. The student must learn to trust not only their instructors but also the techniques they are learning. If a student knows what he is learning is practical and useful from the start he will stick around for the fine tuning of those techniques. At Sifu Och Wing Chun we want to help students learn a basic Wing Chun Defense right from the beginning. To help cover some of the most basic attacks we teach 3 defenses right away: Bui Sao, Tan Sao, and Gan Sao.

Bui Sao

Haymakers (wide hooks) are some of the most common attacks you will see on the street. Without training the body’s natural tendency to draw power will be to twist. This results in a chain and ball effect on the arm with the punch being the ball of course. While these can still do damage they can be easily defended with proper training. That is why one of the first techniques we teach to new students is the Bui Sao. The deflecting hand is shaped as if you were blocking light from the sun. Palm facing away from the body pressing from the elbow. The palm will be about forehead height and the elbow in line with the trachea. This provides a wall of cover with the forearm.

Tan Sao

One of the more famous moves in Wing Chun is the Tan Sao. When teaching it to children we call it the “pizza hand”. This is due to the palm facing upward with the arm extended outward. The Tan Sao is used primarily against straight punches. It deflects punches off the centerline either to the inside or the outside opening up your opponent for a variety of follow ups. You can view a video of the Tan Saos on our Instagram by clicking here>Tan Saos.

Gan sao

Used against nasty body shots or uppercuts is the Gan Sao. Translated it means “low plowing hand”, this technique is very effective for defending the lower half of the body. To shape your Gan Sao simply reach your hand out in front of you as if you were shaking hands with someone. Your hand should end up in front of your belly button and your elbow about a fists distance off of your rib cage. This allows your ribs to be covered and consequently, your hand is now fairly close to your opponents body. You are now prepared for an easily follow up such as a palm to the ribs or an uppercut to the face.

Basic Wing Chun Defense Striking

All three of these defenses have something in common; they are paired with a straight punch. As opposed to many other styles most defenses in Wing Chun are combined with some sort of attack. In this case it is the straight punch. There are other variations off of these basics but for beginners we use the punch to begin with. The straight punch is delivered with the fist held vertically at a 45 degree angle. The reason for this is mainly structure. There is also a nice perk associated with it; it fits nicely under the chin to strike the side of the neck. As a result you can easily deliver a crippling blow to an opponent by simply changing the angle of your fist.

Conclusion

To Summarize, the Bui Sao, Tan Sao, and Gan Sao are three effective and important attacks you must know for your self defense. They allow you attack and defend simultaneously. These are so useful that they were borrowed by many Krav Schools to be incorporated into their system as well. Train these hard and you will have a good starting point.

Which Martial Arts Are More Practical for Self-Defense

Posted on by Sarah Lister

When asked about the origins of martial arts, most people will gravitate toward thoughts of Asia and the east. Though the majority of martial arts do originate in the east. The west has certainly produced credible martial arts as well as adopting eastern martial art practices. A few western martial arts include: boxing, fencing, wrestling, and jousting (as well as eastern martial arts that have adapted to the west). While some eastern martial arts include: kung fu, aikido, escrima, and karate. Western vs. Eastern Martial Arts and the differences between training actual differences in technique.

Why Eastern Martial Arts Like Wing Chun Offer Superior Self-Defense

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Western Martial Arts:
In the west the time it takes to learn a martial art can be shorter and more optimized. Allowing for practitioners to achieve the rank of black belt in as little as three years (with some programs promising less). This optimization is in line with the (often) western mindset of consumerism.

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The craving for immediate results can cause much disappointment to those who are use to short term satisfaction. They often compare themselves to students who have been practicing for years and wonder why they are unable to produce the same results. This frequently leads to students quitting early on, due to either disappointment, frustration, or boredom.

Because of this phenomenon, western martial arts felt the need to streamline their programs. This helped to keep students both physically and mentally engaged in their classes. On top of wanting a shorter martial arts program, westerners are also highly concerned with the practical. Western martial arts generally have no room for ritual. And less practical practices that may be present in their eastern counterparts.

Western and Eastern Martial Arts: Unlock Their Core Differences

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Eastern Martial Arts:
In the east there seems to be a greater respect for the amount of time it takes to truly learn a martial art. Eastern martial arts will (generally) take longer to achieve the rank of black belt. Many requiring ten years and some even longer.

Bong Sau, Taylor Davis, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Polk County, Lakeland, Florida, Fl, Taylor Davis Wing Chun, Sifu Och,

That is assuming that the individual is regularly practicing multiple times a week, pushing themselves toward their goal. Eastern martial arts also emphasize the concept of loyalty and perseverance. Loyalty to the martial art and to one’s dojo and master are key components in the practice.

Many eastern martial arts developed from a need to be able to revolt or defend themselves in times of war. For example, slave would do Karate forms to defy to their drivers. After a long day of work, they did these forms in a line on the rail-roads they were being forced to build. The slaves sought to display strength, power, and endurance despite the work that they were being forced to do.

Explore the Unique Philosophies Behind Western and Eastern Martial Arts

Wing Chun, Proven Self Defense, Sifu Justin Och, Elizabeth Och, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Lakeland, Florida, FL, USA, Wing Chun Florida, Wing Chun FL

Adaptation:
Both western and eastern martial arts have great merit and training techniques. Easily improving discipline, fitness, and overall health; but there are some major differences. These differences can affect the entire training regimen and lead to the overall perception of the art itself. If someone is looking for an eastern martial art in the west, has the art adapted to cater to the western mindset or does it hold true to the east? In the same way, looking for one of the western martial arts in the east that holds true to western values may be difficult as well. Does an art exist that is purely eastern or western? Free from ideals from the opposing side? When choosing a martial art the decision is not necessarily eastern or western. Instead one should look at has the art developed over time.

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Discover Why Eastern Martial Arts Offer Complete Self-Defense Mastery

Western vs. Eastern Martial Arts:

  1. Comparing Wing Chun Kung Fu to Other Martial Arts
  2. The Real Difference Between Martial Arts Styles
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Chinese Martial Arts’ Unique Philosophy of Body and Mind

Posted on by Ben Devris

PART 1 – Chinese Martial arts – Sifu Och Wing Chun Article
When broken up, martial is referred to as “those inclined to war or fighting”.  Art is referred to as “the expression or creative skill and imagination”. Thus, martial arts is to be translated as “the expression of creative fighting skills”. Some (possibly the majority) of the practices still firmly embrace this concept.  However there are other practices that use martial arts as a catalyst and add it with the practices philosophy in order to create a new self. In this part of our two part series titled “Martial Arts Philosophy-Chinese Versus Japanese Part 1”, we will cover the Chinese side of the two lines of thinking.

The Heart of Martial Arts: Chinese vs. Japanese Philosophical Focus

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Despite it having a combat effectiveness, Kung Fu (also pronounced Gung Fu) is founded on the philosophy of attaining intelligence and wisdow. Two qualities that take years to develop and attain. Additionally, the first character, Kung, when translated, means “training intensely” or “skillful work”. Translation of the second character, fu, refers to “time spent”.

Together, Kung Fu may be translated as “time spent training hard” or “spending time on skillful work”. By this translation it is somewhat difficult to pin kung fu (time spent working hard) solely to martial arts (creative skill of fighting). Rather Kung Fu is referring to a skill or skills in a variety of subjects, and not just martial arts affiliated. 

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Martial Arts Philosophies Collide: Chinese Depth vs. Japanese Focus

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Kung Fu (Gung Fu): In today’s time when one speaks of Kung Fu, those involved immediately perceive it as martial arts—more specifically Chinese martial arts. However, this view contradicts the literal translation of kung fu as it predicates to a single subject. Kung fu is a meaning of achievement in a subject; be it in medicine, industry, mathematics, culinary or martial arts.

It represents the training process that one had to go through—the strengthening of mind and body, the learning and the knowledge gained from it. 

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 Kung (Gung) = Skillful work, Fu = Time Spent, Kung Fu (Gung Fu) = Time Spent on Skillful Work

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Take for example one that acquires self-achievement in the knowledge of medicine through a long period of time; in comparison, there may be slight difference from one that acquired self-achievement in a martial art. Considering that both went through intense years and massive amounts of effort to reach their goal.

It is difficult to deny that both carry kung fu skills. In this case you would say that the person has kung fu in medicine and the other person’s kung fu is in martial arts.

The Spirit of Martial Arts: Chinese Philosophy vs. Japanese Ideals

Kung fu to Wushu

The misuse of the word kung fu traces back to the misinterpretation of the word in Asian movie dubbings and subtitles. Since then Westerners often use it in its false pretense and is even defined the same way in the Oxford English Dictionary. Asia, even China, adopted the English definition of kung fu in the late twentieth century. The accurate term used that describes Chinese martial arts is Wu Shu. Wu, when translated, means “war”, and shu translates to “art”. Fully translated, wu shu means “the art of war” (which is also the title of Sun Tzu’s well known book).

Wu = War Shu = Art

Wu Shu = the Art of War

Explore the Unique Philosophies in Chinese vs. Japanese Martial Arts

Body Trinity

It also focuses on three aspects that make the human: the spirit, mind and body (some may refer to it as the “trinity”). The body contains all that we are—all that we are made up of—the legs, arms, torso, etc. although it may be a healthy body it is an instrument that can be improved upon. The mind is what drives us to live the lives we live and is fed with knowledge and information. Feeding it positive information will have a parallel effect on the body and will greater ones existence. 

related articles on the Sifu Och Wing Chun website:

  1. Understanding Wing Chun Kung Fu
    https://www.sifuochwingchun.com/understanding-wing-chun-kung-fu
  2. The Benefits of Martial Arts Training
    https://www.sifuochwingchun.com/the-benefits-of-martial-arts-training
  3. Chinese Martial Arts: History and Philosophy
    https://www.sifuochwingchun.com/chinese-martial-arts-history-and-philosophy

There is specific amount of time that it takes to achieve “kung fu” in Chinese arts. For some it may take a single decade, others it may take many! It all depends on your effort and dedication!

Chi Gerk Wing Chun Leg Fighting

Posted on by Sifu Justin Och

One of the most well-known and misinterpreted martial arts, Ving tsun kuen (more commonly written as Wing Chun) has baffled many as a style that involves simple and direct footwork. For many Kung Fu systems, complex footwork has always been a normal thing, but Wing Chun breaks that mold—believing in simple and direct movements for attack and evasion. Relying on quick footwork without large movements, one of the most important components of Wing Chun Leg fighting is Chi Gerk. When the standards and principles of Chi Gerk Wing Chun leg fighting are mastered by the fighter, it becomes automatic in his conscience. Chi Gerk training involves approximately 5 stages:

Stage 1: ROOTING

It is necessary to understand the significance of a strong stance (rooting) to begin any formal training on Chi Gerk Wing Chun leg fighting. The power of the stance is essential for chi sao as well  i.e, the fight to have control over your body’s  central line, sticking your hands and using it for defense and retaliating in a series of successive attacks.

STAGE 2: ONE –LEG STANCE

The primary stage commences with the practice of siu nim tau on one leg. At least for an hour, the fighter alternates his legs until he tires himself out.  This ensures his balance, flexibility and power. When siu nim tau becomes natural for the fighter, the next step is to practice many alternating front and side kicks to balance your central line and the journey of your leg.

STAGE 3: SENSITIVITY

The third stage in Chi Gerk Wing Chun leg fighting involves the understanding of the art of sensitivity. Adopting  single leg stances, two men are driven to grasp each other’s forearms. This is followed by a kick initiated by one of them to which an immediate defense strategy should be employed by the defender. This strategy should be quick and can involve either blocking or trapping. When the active leg loses balance, the other leg must take over and position itself to get into attack mode. This change must be detected by the partner and he must control the change by crashing down on the leg and pinning it down. As the fighter gains proficiency, he must learn to free himself from the grasp of the forearm.

STAGE 4: CHI SAO AND CHI GERK

In this stage, both Chi Sao and Chi Gerk are deployed in unison. While tying up the fighter’s hands, leg style and techniques or when a fighter identifies a weak stance of his opponent.

STAGE 5: ADVANCED STAGE

This stage makes the fighter take out one big factor (and what drives most of their techniques to this point): eyesight. The techniques that the fighter has learned so far would be administered under blindfold. This allows his senses to take over and lets him see through his sense of touch and hearing. This becomes a benefit for the fighter during unfortunate circumstances such as home invasions or a dark parking lot in low lit areas. At later stages, the fighter uses the gerk jong (the kicking dummy) to streamline his positions and techniques. This makes the fighter more sensitive and prepared to meet the brute strength of his opponent.

One should always remember that, in addition to having strength and discipline, a true Chi Gerk Wing Chun leg fighter should never utilize his knowledge to showcase his superiority. The process of gaining vast knowledge of Wing Chun always begins with humility.

International Wing Chun Day

Posted on by Sifu Justin Och

International Wing Chun Day

It’s 8:20 am, we awake and meet at the Sifu Och Wing Chun Kung Fu School in downtown Lakeland Florida.  Its time to celebrate International Wing Chun Day (March 16th) and we have made plans to drive the 2+ hours to Gainesville, Florida.  Sifu Justin Och and his students gather for the trip and anticipate a great day in Gainesville Florida.  To celebrate an exchange of knowledge, friendship, chi sau in the name of International Wing Chun Day.

Sifu Justin Och and his crew load up, grab some grub for the road, drinks, snacks and food and jumped on the road, talking, joking and enjoying the scenic route.  Arriving in Gainesville Sifu Justin Och meets up with some friends from the area and joins the Gainesville Dojo workshop.  Sifu Jesse S. Jones has designed a workshop to go over the basics of their style and lineage of Wing Chun for new comers into the art as vetern enthusiats.  Though A new instructor to the Gainesville Florida area, Sifu Jesse S. Jones has been training for over 20 years under the Sifu Jose Bracero and Master Arnett fromt the lineage of Grandmaster William Cheung.  William Cheung’s Wing Chun is known as a soft styled Wing Chun.  Emphasis on the principles, purpose of the forms and free style Wing Chun.

gainesville-wing-chun-kung-fu-sifu-justin-och-jesse-jones-florida
gainesville fl wing chun kung fu with Sifu Justin Och and Sifu Jesse Jones students enjoying International Wing Chun Day

Jesse S. Jones workshop focused in on the principle basics, use of bag work, front thrusting kicks, pyramid centerline strikes, forward stances, pak strikes and biu strikes.  His focus was to educate and show some distinctions between Wing Chun and the other styles of martial arts taught within the Gainesville Dojo.  These styles include but aren’t limited to Choy Li Fut, Kickboxing, Karate, Taekwondo and Jiu-Jitsu.

Sifu Justin Och’s students got together with the students under Sifu Jesse S. Jones and trained at this workshop in friendship and good relation.  After the seminar was over a few of Sifu Justin Och’s students, with restless energy from the drive over began sparring one another on the emptied mat.  Chi Sau sparring began between one of Sifu Justin Och students and a few of Sifu Jesse S. Jones students as the two Sifu’s decided to exchange as well.

Taking a corner of the Gym Sifu Justin Och and Sifu Jesse Jones began slowly, Chi Sau rolling and feeling each other’s energy.  After a few friendly demonstrations by Sifu Jesse Jones of their home town Wing Chun’s Chi Sau attacks and Sifu Justin Och calmly blocking and quickly reacting in solitude.  The two Sifu’s began to heat the place up as their Chi Sau sparring became faster and faster.  Students of both lineages watched as these two respectfully and devastatingly attacked.  Students using the facility from styles as far as Choy Li Fut, Kickboxing, Karate, and Taekwondo stopped to observe.  The exchange of fast hands, footwork, trapping, strikes, lop sau’s, straight centerline strikes, redirects and movements were incredible to watch.  What felt like 15-20 minutes to onlookers and spectators was only about 4-5.  Afterwhich they all went out to lunch at the local ale house.To celebrate an exchange of knowledge, friendship, chi sau in the name of International Wing Chun Day.

International Wing Chun Day

A great and respectful exchange on a wonderful International Wing Chun Day.

International Wing Chun Day 2013
Sifu Jesse Jones and Sifu Justin Och (left to right) exchange a wonderfully heated and fast exchange of Wing Chun offensive and defensive tactics, attacks and counters.

The Gainesville Dojo is a beautiful place, full of heavy bags, floor mats, a boxing ring and plenty of space for whatever sytle or system you are practicing.  If your looking for Wing Chun in Gainesville you should check out Sifu Jesse Jones in Gainesville and see if its what your looking for in a Kung Fu system.  The International Wing Chun day in school under the instruction of Sifu Justin Och is in Lakeland, Florida with a beautiful kwoon fit for the grooming of the next generation of Wing Chun fighters.To celebrate an exchange of knowledge, friendship, chi sau in the name of International Wing Chun Day.

Sifu Justin Och

sifuochwingchun.com – Sifu Justin Och, Lakeland Florida Lineage under Grandmaster Steve Lee Swift; Sons of Ip Man Ip Ching and Ip Chun, Simon Lau, Wong Shun Leung, Second Lineage under Master Nelson Rios; Moy Yat, Ip Chun, Ip Ching, multiple lineages within China. Justin Och has experience in no-gi ju-jitsu, knife, stick, TkD, Shotokan, JKD.  He is Internationally traveled in Wing Chun to schools in Switzerland, England, France, Germany and more visiting, training and seeking out Master’s and Grandmasters teaching the fighting and combative methods and realistic uses of Wing Chun Kung Fu for street combat. His wants his students to beable to apply every aspect of Wing Chun fighting.To celebrate an exchange of knowledge, friendship, chi sau in the name of International Wing Chun Day.

Sifu Jesse Jones

wingchungainesville.com – Sifu Jesse Jones, Gainesville, Florida Lineage under Master Anthony Arnett; Arnett Sport Kung Fu under Grandmaster William Cheung Lineage under Sifu Jose Bracero; under Anthony Arnett. Jesse Jones has explored other martial arts including Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Jiu Jitsu and came back to Wing Chun Kung Fu.  He has used and trained Wing Chun in point competition sparring and full contact tournaments, forms and weapon forms. His knowledge in William Cheung Wing Chun, competition sparring, previous martial arts shows in his classroom instruction and students interactive training.To celebrate an exchange of knowledge, friendship, chi sau in the name of International Wing Chun Day.

Proper energy and pressure in Wing Chun

Posted on by Sifu Justin Och

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

Newly remodelled – downtown lakeland martial arts school

Posted on by Sifu Justin Och
Downtown Lakeland Martial Arts Sifu Och’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Studio

After so many years serving the Lakeland, Fl community we recently remodeled our studio for our self defense and martial art clients!

We have been providing Wing Chun Kung Fu and realistic self protection in the lakeland community since 1996 and we are here to stay. With our Adult and teen program constantly growing and started 2011 we have one of the most elite specialty afterschool programs the lakeland communtiy has ever seen.  Providing experts in their field, from professional martial art instruction (wing chun kung fu, chinese jiujitsu, boxing, karate and taekwondo) plus by teaming we have teamed up with Just Dance.  Their professional dance competition instructors (salsa, ballroom, hip hop, girls ballet, and more) theatrical performance, culinary, art, etiquette and on staff 35 year polk county tutor for homework help.  Our Downtown Lakeland Martial Arts studio is customized for the fine arts and the martial arts for all ages!

We have remodelled our studio and created a whole new environment for you and your family.  Classes for adults and teens as late as 6pm, 8pm and 9pm at night or as early as 7:30am-8:30am or 11:30am-12 on tuesday’s and thursdays!  Kids martial arts classes and lakeland afterschool pick up from 2:30pm-5:15 with late pick available till 6pm.

NEWLY remodelled lakeland martial art studio afterschool kids, teens and adults

Our school contains what you need to get to your next level of fitness and self defense.  With Shaolin Wooden Dummies and rice bags for traditional training, mma bags for our mma workout class so you can get fit but not have to worry about the ring fighting, lol.  Chinese Lion Dance performances and Wing Chun Kung Fu demonstrations every two months, training for kids as young as 3.5 to 4 years old and adult training well past retirement, we have a class for you.

We have been providing public self defense seminars, confidence and protection techniques for local women’s batter and refuge shelters, realistic protection and martial arts for clients that drive all the way from Bradenton Sarasota, Tampa, Brandon, Bloomingdale, Riverview, Plant City, Winter Haven, Orlando, Auburndale and of course Lakeland, Fl.  Wing Tsun, Ving Tsun or Wing Chun.

This Chinese martial art in Downtown Lakeland Fl can provide you and your family with serious self defense discipline.  For people that want to get in shape and gain real self defense for their family.  Whether you are looking for a a understanding of the martial arts or you want a martial art that allows you to use intense striking and trapping techniques during close range in-combat scenarios, Wing Chun Kung Fu in downtown lakeland is your centre for training. Wing Chun involves stick defense, knife defense, gun defense and extreme hand to hand combat.

Wing Chun martial arts started more than 300 years ago as a closely-guarded secret. Not too many people know that the popular Bruce Lee was himself was a student of Ip Man the modern founder and Grandmaster who taught the young Bruce Lee the art of Wing Chun. Bruce Lee has only ever had two formal martial art instructors, both were Wing Chun Kung Fu; Ip Man and Wong Shun Leung (the combat fighter of Ip Man). After so many years, and  especially after the 2010 release of the Ip Man Movies from Hong Kong it gave the world a taste of Wing Chun fighting in action.  Wing Chun is now being practiced all over the world, this martial arts discipline used to be limited to only a few very dedicated, worthy and lucky students.

Men and women, no matter their built can learn Wing Chun. You will be surprised to learn that this discipline was created by five shaolin master’s with the most influence coming  from a woman named Ng Mui, a Buddhist nun. She taught the art of Wing Chun to Yim Wing Chun, a female student after whom the martial arts was named after.

If you have seen the once inch punch of Bruce Lee then you have seen a sample of the close range power of Wing Chun. Most students are wary about learning Wing Chun for fear that it is weak as it has been influenced and created by women. But after they discover that this is the discipline behind Bruce Lee’s popular moves, his creation of Jeet Kune Do, and that many martial art styles have tried to take from this quick and direct system of combat they start to think differently. More and more students are starting to seek out realistic street self defense and are being encouraged to seek out and enroll in Wing Chun classes.

This system of self defense involves very effective and direct counter attacks and was developed to protect the weak and small against the large and brute strength of other martial arts.  Wing Chun uses essential techniques to keep you safe and protected.  Wing Chun focuses on the use of quick combat, stance, structure and balance to increase a fighters power and attacking ability. Be just like a bamboo tree, deeply rooted and yet it easily yields and becomes flexible. When pressure is applied the bamboo tree yields, bends and allows might and for to redirect around it though it is not weak because of this but instead becomes stronger.  This is why in China, the Wing Chun system of self defense combat is now mandatory anti-terrorist self defense training for all airline stuartists and crew members.

Come down and see our new remodelled facilty and while you are there feel free to try out a class for only $10 bucks!

116 east pine street, lakeland, florida 33801

https://sifuochwingchun.com

863.800.0171

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