Wing Chun Lexicon

by Ray Van Raamsdonk

Training notes from 1976

Patrick Chow was a slimly built individual who was a private student of the late Grandmaster Yip Man. His family was wealthy so he could afford the fees. When I met him, he was teaching various people with eight to ten years of martial arts in different styles like boxing, Hung Gar, Choy Lee Fut, Tai Chi and others. He asked people to come up and try anything they liked on him. What impressed me was that he handled the attacks in a very controlled manner without relying on speed or strength. He was very, very relaxed and supple in his actions. He said that Wing Chun was small circle Kung Fu. He said other Kung Fu systems also have many of the techniques, but teach them at a much later stage. He said Wing Chun just disposed of the big movements. In 1976 Patrick Chow charged $50/month which was more than double what anyone else charged. He had no intention of teaching the complete Wing Chun system. He said, “None of what any of you learned will work on me.” I will teach you just a bit of Wing Chun but I guarantee it will improve your skill. Because of Patrick’s skill level, everyone thought it was worthwhile.

For quite a few months, practice consisted of getting into the Wing Chun pigeon-toed stance or goat-restraining stance. Then students would slowly (very slowly) bring the Tan sau out, do a Heun sau, and slowly bring it back. Then do the same with the Fook sau. We did this for one hour straight each class. I didn’t know why at the time. All I knew was that Patrick was incredibly relaxed. He had very short range powerful hits and he always outmaneuvered everyone else. He never hurt one person in a fight. For seven months straight, we only learned part one of the “Siu Lim Tao” form plus some applications.

Here are just a few of the things he said:

To be good you should do daily sticking hands practice.
Keep the elbow in. This determines the circle size.
In Wing Chun we never take the hand back to hit.
Never put the head and knee forward like other styles. If you do, you will certainly get hit.
Step right in the center of the opponent’s legs, then hit.
Always protect your center.
Attack the opponent’s center. Punch at the nose. Always face the opponent.
The stance must be very active or mobile. Yet at the same time it must be very rooted.
Either foot from the pigeon-toed stance can kick.
Always use a straight line attack. A straight line attack is the shortest distance between two points.
Wait for the opponent’s movement. When it comes then counterattack at the very same time. Never block, just counterattack.
The stepping punch determines success in Wing Chun. It is just like an arrow shooting from a bow.
In the old days, sticking hands were not that important. (Note: Patrick was quite good at it though.)
In Wing Chun you go to the next step only after you have mastered the previous step.
The first part of the “Siu Lim Tao” is the door to the Wing Chun system. It represents one quarter of the whole system. I had to practice this part for two and a half years before I got taught anything else.
If you practice nothing else, then practice 500 double punches every single day.
If an opponent from the side surprises you, then turn and do a double punch.
The top punch is as high as your nose. Even if you do not hit the opponent, at least you protect your own nose.
In an engagement with a Korean kicker, the kick came fast but my Gum sau to his kneecap almost shattered it.
Against a very quick jab that someone threw, Patrick applied a light Pak sau to the outside of the arm and then punched the nose with the same hand.
Against a kick to the knee, Patrick was very quick to sidestep and simultaneously kicked the opponent’s rear leg.
Patrick’s students in Hong Kong specialized in different things. One was good at clawing techniques, one was good at the use of the palm, and one was very good in his Wing Chun kicking skill.
Yip Man was better in kicking than with his hands. His fellow students were much better with their hands.
Patrick suggested hitting the sand bag for one year. No more than this or you may develop arthritis. Patrick thought this killed Bruce Lee, because your body is just like a machine which wears out if you overtrain. The sand bag at first has peas or rice in it, then it is filled with sand, then it is filled with small BB-sized steel or iron balls.
Patrick said other styles have the defect of having their knee and head forward and their elbow out.
When I asked Patrick if it is good to practice a few different styles at once, Patrick said if you practice one day with the elbow out and the next with the elbow in, what will you use in the real fight when you have no time to think? You will lose the fight because your mind will hesitate. You use what you practice, so you have to make up your mind what you want to practice.
The wooden dummy is trained for two solid years. After that you will have the required skill and you can sell it. The wooden dummy should be the size of the practitioner.
Practice the slow Tan sau exercise to build up your forward flowing energy.
After the Bong sau deflection, you can do a palm up hit.
Practice at home can consist of practicing the first form very slowly, practice double punches, chain punches, turning the stance right and left with the elbow parallel to the floor, stepping with the punch (same hand and foot forward), elbow and palm practice on the sand bag. Everyday do Chi sau.
A bean barrel exercise is to drive the poking hand in (biu sau), then twist and claw at the bottom and pull the hand out.
90% of the Hong Kong police who train in martial arts, now train in Wing Chun. For bodyguards it is almost mandatory to know Wing Chun.
The second best Kung Fu system is the Bak Mei or White Eyebrow style. (Patrick felt they curved the chest in too much.)
A very famous Bak Mei master in Hong Kong just died from overtraining. All of a sudden he just spit up blood. So be careful in your training.
Patrick practiced hitting nerve points on the side of the opponent’s punching hand using the middle knuckle of the index finger. It made the whole hand go numb.
Against very tall opponent’s, Patrick sometimes resorted to a jumping, whipping uppercut to the throat. It is mostly used without the jump however.
In the single sticking hands, modern students use the Bong sau. Older generation students used the Tan sau to stay inside of the opponent.
Move the feet to get into an advantageous position.
After the single sticking hands, use a lot of force to hit your partner. Later also use the feet to step in and really try to hit.
Patrick felt that Tai Chi was too soft and Hung style was too hard.
The use of the Wing Chun knife is the same as using the hands. A spear can be trapped between the blades.
Wing Chun is a ladies style. You can’t expect a lady to develop the same force as a large man. Many Wing Chun practitioners use too much force.
Many Wing Chun practitioners use the wrong arm angle. Their Tan sau is too steep. This means it can be pushed up. Some also have the Tan sau too low. This means you can punch over the top.
Someone threw a quick uppercut at Patrick and he used a double palm technique which resulted in the uppercut punch hitting that person’s own face.
In the first form, the teacher can test the Wu sau coming back by hitting it at any time. If the student is too stiff or not concentrating, his whole body will move or his Wu sau will collapse.
Wing Chun people often grab the back of the head to force it forward, then hit the head.
The Huen sau can be used to escape a grab.
You can change the Huen sau into a side hit. But if you are countered with a high fist, you can use the Tie sau (lifting hand) to counter and hit the opponent’s head.
For tournament fighting, conditioning is performed everyday by lightly hitting the student so that his resistance builds up. This works because each new generation of cells will become stronger when it replaces the old cells. The new cells are better able to withstand shocks.
Yip Man went to the Hong Kong police station to show them Wing Chun. He showed them part of the Siu Lim Tao. They all laughed at this display and said, “That’s not a martial art!” Then Yip Man sat down on a chair and asked various people to attack him. They all failed and then they switched to learning Wing Chun.
Wing Chun initially got established in Hong Kong by knocking on various gym doors and challenging the instructors. The Wing Chun challengers usually won, thus attracting all the students.
[Yim] Wing Chun was quite a tall lady.
Don’t punch, but throw the punch.
Two straight punches will handle a hooking punch. Hit straight to the nose, then hit to the eye area with the other hand. Other good alternatives are to use the elbow or use kicking.
Against a front bear hug, you can cave in the chest and thus create enough room to punch.
Wing Chun can handle Thai fighting but you have to train in the proper way first. People with a good fighting spirit can do the job. Many Wing Chun people don’t train hard enough and hence will fail. Patrick said North American’s are more strongly built and should be very good Wing Chun tournament fighters against other styles. A lot of money can be made in Thailand if you have a good fighter.

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Seminar Notes – Eddie Chong

by Ray Van Raamsdonk

Notes from a visit to Eddie Chong in 1982

Leung Sheung was noted for his expertise at the Bil Jee.

The knees are in to stop the front kick. When you turn a kick is also stopped. Practice with a brick between your legs.

Practice with a tennis ball between your elbows.

The Bil Jee is the enemy of the Chain punch.

Practice the wrist hit on the sandbag. Practice the slanted kick on the dummy post.

Never have a high Bong sau otherwise a quick slapping leverage technique can be applied against the elbow.

Always Pak sau the elbow. Even against a very strong guy it works.

Do the Huen sau slow and with some tension to build up the forearm muscle. Don’t move the elbow too much.

Do the Chi sau but learn to charge in with it.

Don’t lean back in the stance.

Eddie does not do the low Wong Shun Leung Gan sau like Leung Ting’s version in section 6 of the first form. Wang Kiu’s version is the same as Eddie’s version in this part.

Practicing the double palm hit, Jut sau, double Huen sau, double low palm hit continuously on the wooden dummy is good for building up power.

The knife can beat the stick and the stick can beat the knife.

In chi sau, as soon as my attack started, I was countered with multiple hits. They were good at catching the timing early.

Eddie prefers the pressing flat palm over the pressing vertical palm. (Gum sau vs. Chum sau)

Never take the hand back. Never suck back your force. Always keep a forward force.

Against Eddie’s TaeKwonDo kicks (brown belt level) Kenneth Chung charged in and double palmed him into the wall every time no matter which type of kick he threw. Eddie said he had very fast kicks.

When grabbing the opponent’s hand, never use the thumb or else you can’t punch quickly enough.

Against the Judo throw, put the palm into the hip and you can’t be thrown.

Eddie’s group had a lot of experience against Hapkido, Karate and Aikido.

Eddie was good at the heavy arm of Wing Chun.

Don’t use the long hand in Wing Chun. Just use it for demonstrations. Wing Chun also has shortcuts.

If you can do the Huen sau a few thousand times, then you are pretty good.

Against my left hand grabbing his right arm, Eddie applied the Bil Jee elbow. Against a straight punch, he applied the Tok sau to send me backwards. Against the Chum and punch he applied the Bil sau to trap both hands. Against the shoulder attack he applied the horizontal Chum Kiu elbow. Against my attempt to grab his fingers, he let me do it and then punched me with the other hand. Against a cross wrist grab. Eddie applied a simultaneous Tan sau and punch. Against my Tai Chi wrist and elbow control maneuver, Eddie just turned the elbow in and I was countered. Everything had very simple solutions. Against my front kick, Eddie circled his foot and kicked my support leg.

Eddie had nice controlled counters to my various attack attempts. The club was very friendly and treated other Wing Chun people like they are part of the same family. In 1990 I visited again and they were very friendly again. All of Kenneth Chung’s line treated me in a respectful friendly manner. To me this reflects well on the teachers.

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American Dit Da Jow?

by John Crescione

First, I would like to thank everybody for calling or writing me with comments, questions, praise and some criticism on the article [about Wing Chun Dit Da Jow]. The biggest problem most Westerners have with Oriental martial arts is a lack of being able to read, write or understand the language. It can be very frustrating trying to make sense out of a flowery concept like “Beauty plays the flute.” And then, trying to apply that to fighting is harder still because it is open to so much interpretation. With that in mind, how do you decipher Oriental medicine? “Can’t read the writing, don’t know what the heck is in those jars, and they don’t look like anything that can be good for me – sea horses, deer antler, seal penis and something that looks like wood!” Then, is it (the problem) caused by dampness or wind, excess yin or deficient yang? HEEEEEELP MEEEEEEEEE SIFUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, at that point I too went running to sifu for help and guidance. At the end of the last article I mentioned an American Jow. Why? For many reasons. Purists will argue it’s not the same – maybe so, or maybe not. Do the purists make their own rice wine before they add the herbs? Do you know what a pain it is to try and make rice wine? Where can you get the herbs, and how do you really know if they’re fresh (the most common question I got asked). Most people don’t live near a Chinatown and have to do mail-order, and that can be expensive. Look, we’re doing a Chinese martial art (most of us) and we should have some knowledge of it. However, the concept is more important, “Why are you making what you’re making?” Because of necessity. Like the barefoot doctors did hundreds of years ago. FOLKS – THIS IS THE 90’S. A Ferrari is a heck of a lot better than that Model T of Granddad’s if you’re not talking about nostalgia and history. As a martial artist it becomes important to know how to make a jow recipe from the land, not the herb store. Here are two stories to help me explain myself.

A Chinese master was giving a demonstration on Hard Chi Gung. He had four slabs placed on his head, and then a trusty student smashed the slabs with a sledge hammer. The master was unharmed, happy and smiling. Applause, Applause!! When he sat down next to me after the demonstration I asked him, “Sifu, with all due respect, doesn’t that hurt??” He said, “Yeah, it hurts like hell!!” So I proceed to adjust his neck and head. After, he said to me, “That was very good, but I have something at home that works just as good. Come drive me home and I will share it with you.” Now here I am, I’m going to this Sifu’s house to be revealed a secret Chinese magic herbal preparation. How would you feel? So I drive him home, and we go upstairs into his apartment. “You wait here, I’ll be right back.” He goes into another room and returns. “Here, this is very good for head pain.” And lo and behold the magic herbal is … Tylenol. This is the 90’s, folks.

I once had a kung fu student from a different Wing Chun school visit me and my class (same lineage, different branch). After class, one of my student’s was complaining of ankle pain. So I checked his ankle and foot and found that he had moved two bones in his arch and one bone in his ankle. I proceeded to adjust the ankle while the visiting student watched. After I was done he asked me why I didn’t use meridian/acupuncture point therapy on him? “Because this works faster and better.” He looked at me, puzzled and confused. Did I want to spend 15 minutes doing meridian work on a structural fault, and let the body’s own innate energy move the bones themselves and then heal the tissue? Or, would it be simpler and faster to move the bones and then let the body heal itself? This is the 90’s, folks – and we do Wing Chun, not Tai Chi (that’s not a shot.)

Even in the old KUNG FU television series Caine took American herbs from the Indians, because he was unfamiliar with them, and added them to his healing pouch (Just how many herbs did he have in there anyway – kind of like Batman’s utility belt, huh?).

We are American martial artists, and our knowledge needs to be as broad as possible when it comes to the healing part of this thing we do, even if it’s just for ourselves. Whether you like it or not, today’s Ben Gay is ancient Tiger Balm.

I will give you two recipes, simple to make, easy to get the herbs in most good health food stores or grocery store AND you won’t have to wait 6 weeks to 6 months for the stuff to be usable.

No claims made, this is for educational purposes only. Consult your Sifu, Medical Doctor, or knowledgeable health care practitioner for further use or injuries.

When trying to make an herbal preparation you must keep in mind what the preparation is suppose to be doing, what qualities do you want in the jow? If you’re making an Iron Palm jow then you need to keep in mind bone healing as well as circulation. Following are some guidelines:

Reduce pain
Stimulate blood flow
Break blood clots
Strengthen tissue
Increase tissue healing and immune system response
Strengthen muscle (and bone – if your training iron palm)
Eliminate heat, swelling, dampness or cold
Have an anti-spasmodic effect
Stop internal bleeding

These are the basic qualities you are looking to have in your jow formula. For an all purpose jow the above should be evenly balanced, to a little on the tissue-healing side for sprains and bruises. For iron palm – bone healing, strengthening, etc. However, if you know about herbs, then you know that certain ones work better together than others, and a sprain injury will require different herbs than a bone bruise. That’s why you have to do some homework if you’re going to do it yourself. Then call somebody to check your work!

All Purpose Jow

Alcohol (Vodka, Gin, Brandy – even Rubbing Alcohol) 1 or 2 quarts
Breadstraw
Calendula (Marigold)
Camomile
Comfrey (if you can still get it – you may have to grow your own if you want to add this)
Common Club Moss
Cow slip
Dandelion
Shepherd’s Purse
Stinging Nettle
St. John’s Wort
Wintergreen oil (Many times this comes together with rubbing alcohol, either way is fine – obviously if you’re going to use rubbing alcohol you won’t need the vodka, gin, etc. Remember, boxers and other athletes have been using it for hundreds of years and they get abused a lot more on a daily basis than most of us.)

Use 1 oz. of each herb, pour the alcohol into a glass jar (or back into the alcohol bottle – all the herbs should have been ground or are small enough to funnel in). Leave it in a dark place for a week, shaking occasionally and you’re ready to roll (figuratively speaking, no pun intended). True, the longer it keeps the better it will be, but you can use it in about an hour or two if necessary.

Iron Palm Jow

Use the above formula but you MUST ADD THE FOLLOWING:

Horestail [horsetail?]
Mallow
Cow parsnip
Fenugreek
Walnut
Yellow dead Nettle

Have fun with these. I have used both with excellent results. Many of you may not be able to get all the herbs. E-mail me at drkwaichang@msn.com and I can tell you what you can leave out or substitute if necessary. In the future I will discuss Wing Chun and how it relates to both point hitting and chi gung. Good Training!!

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Wing Chun And The Art Of Teaching

by Paul Simmons

Teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu is like teaching any subject; the more you do it, the better you become, both as a teacher and as a practitioner. This is because a teacher, sooner or later, realises that teaching and learning are the same thing. In fact, the best teachers are those who continue to be students, themselves. Finding better ways for students to learn is the most effective way for a teacher to improve his or her own skills.

The teacher of Wing Chun has the same goal as any teacher; that is, to pass on certain knowledge and skills to students. However, there is another goal which can often determine the effectiveness of the former – A good teacher strives to improve their teaching skills. Having knowledge and skill in a specific field does not guarantee good teaching skills. After all, teaching is not something that comes naturally; it, like Wing Chun, must be practiced until experience can be gathered. Usually, in the beginning stages of teaching, people copy methods with which they are familiar. Also, like Wing Chun training, teaching is a constantly changing process; new ways to be more effective have to be experimented with in the hope that understanding can be gained and passed on.

Once the connection is made between teaching and learning, most teachers begin to develop their own ways of passing on their skill. So, in actual fact, teachers go through the same learning process as their students; that is, they, also, are students. It is this perspective on the learning process which can allow a teacher to empathise with their students and to understand that we are all at different stages of our learning. Students change all the time; some come and some go, while some stay and get older and wiser and more skilful. Each student has a different motive for training and a different way of learning. Some students talk a lot; some keep to themselves; some are there with commitment and some are there for fun; and some learn quickly and some take longer, but they are all students who are there to learn. The rewards of teaching, though occasionally outnumbered by the frustrations, lie in gaining insight into students, as well as yourself. In effect, the teacher learns from others, as well as from him or herself.

The most basic aim of teaching is to enable a student to ‘know what they are doing’. This is vital in Wing Chun teaching because if a student remains in the copying stage of learning, whether practicing the forms or doing Chi Sau or sparring, then progress will be slowed. The best chance for improvement of any skill lies in understanding what you want to do and in being able to do it often. One without the other can only take a student so far. To be able to continue improving, a student must be able to think for themselves, that is, to know what they are doing. They must understand how to continue improving. It is only then that a student can begin to take some responsibility for their own learning.

Many students reach a certain stage of training and then plateau; they continue to train, but the improvements slow down and frustration creeps in. In basic terms, this student is just ‘going through the motions’; doing what they have done thousands of times before. Just as the teacher must find their own way of teaching, so the student must find their own way to progress and improve. The teacher can still be a guide in this process, but the signs are there that the student needs to take the next step, at least partly, on their own. The teacher can only ‘show’ a student what to do; he or she cannot do it for them. Once a student realises this, things can begin to change; and so, the progress continues. The student learns to become their own teacher.

The old adage of whether it is better to give a starving man a loaf of bread or to teach him to bake, applies here. It is just too difficult learning techniques from other people. The wonder of the Siu Nim Tau form is that after years and years of practicing it, lessons can still be learned. It is sometimes easy for a teacher or a person who can perform a certain skill to forget that others cannot, that they are still consciously struggling to feel the right way. This is evident in the most basic aspect of Wing Chun training – the structure. What the teacher sees as obvious (straight back, tai gong, muscle relaxation etc.) might be a matter of great conscious concern for a student. What is important is that the students know what they are doing; know the feeling they are trying to achieve. The teacher’s role is to help them to discover these feelings for themselves.

No one can make you feel the relaxation necessary to perform the Siu Nim Tau when you are on your own; no teacher can tell you how to feel the sensitivity through touch during Chi Sau training and, a teacher’s understanding of ‘focus’ and ‘intention’ cannot be understood through words alone. When a student is able to work things out for themselves, the teacher has achieved a degree of success.

Above all other things, a teacher must be able to show that they not only understand how the system works, but that they can perform the skills which they are teaching. The irony in Wing Chun is that the better one understands the system, the less physical strength is required, in accordance with the principle of economy of movement. Complex movements are not necessary when simple ones are just as effective; in line with the principle of simplicity. When a Wing Chun teacher demonstrates or trains with students, it is to prove to them that the system actually works. No one owns the system, especially not the teachers of the art – Why else would they spend so much time trying to give it away!

Finally, teaching is the best way to improve your own skills. By constantly showing others what you already know, you are reinforcing the foundations of the art; the very ones which allowed you to get where you are. It should not be forgotten that all students make mistakes when learning new skills. An effective teacher allows their students the freedom to experiment, while continuing to reinforce the basics. Understanding, patience and practice are the necessary ingredients of learning – just as they are for teaching

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What is Wing Chun

by Barry Lee

Ving Tsun Kung Fu is a sophisticated form of fighting, which develops an ultra-high level of feeling and instinctive reaction… “If you have to stop and think it’s too late!”
“If you have to always use your eyes, to see what your opponent is doing it’s too late!”. Ving Tsun teaches specific reactions to certain attacks (as do all fighting styles) but exactly how you move is dependent on the “feeling” developed throughout the body from a unique training method called Chi Sao.

Chi Sao is designed to increase feeling ( sensitivity to changes in force & movement), flexibility, instinctive reaction, continuity and co-ordination of movement. It also teaches angles of attack, timeing, distancing, footwork and above all, a principle called Lut Sao Jet Chung,
which refers to a continuous forward force, often misunderstood but invaluable once mastered.
In Ving Tsun very great force can be generated from close quarters and good practitioners are magnificent “in-fighters”. Those who truly master the style are in no way disadvantaged by long range attacks however. ln fact the specific training to fight in close, generally makes a distance attack appear slow by comparison.
Ving Tsun teaches conservation of energy and simultaneous block and attack. Economy of motion, the principle of using the right amount of force at the right time is one of the corner stones of this exciting style. The kicks employed are usually very low, to the weaker areas and used in conjunction with the hands. Being a style which does not rely on brute muscular strength, but co-ordination of body movement, angles of attack, redirecting and using the opponents force and movement against them. Ving Tsun is particularly suitable to woman wanting a truly effective means of protection.
The term “Self Defence” is often misunderstood. As my Sifu, Legendary Master Wong Shun Leung once said: “How can you defend yourself, unless you can fight & win?”. Ving Tsun gives you the necessary tools (principles, techniques and practiced skill) to fight and win.

Understand the situation, know the technique, react without hesitation. “Feel, don’t think!”

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Thoughts When Approaching Twenty Years in Wing Chun

by Susanna Ho

Twenty years is not a very short period of time but yet it is not really long in the martial art world. During this period of time, it was full of challenges, excitement, happiness, depression, frustration, pain and other different types of feelings. But up till now, I can still say that I enjoy practising Wing Chun.

When I first started off with martial art, I wanted to learn one for self-defence and I selected Wing Chun as it was founded by a woman. When I started leaning it, I first thought that it was a more easy and a simple art to train. As time passed by, I found out that Wing Chun is an art easy on movements but very hard on using our body correctly during the movements and be coordinated with the mental side.

When we talk about Wing Chun, the word “relaxation” must come up straight away. But I found out from my teaching that most of the students are too concentrated on relaxation and end up become sloppy. Although “relaxation” is very important in Wing Chun, in my opinion, it is more a final result we will achieve if we can manage the skills. Therefore, during the training and especially for the junior students, they should work on the basics, like structure, linking, shadowing and rotation, than just want to be relaxed. Instead of keep asking ourselves to relax, in the beginning one should work on less forcing and holding ourselves or do it as relax as we can when we try to develop our skills. During rolling and sparring, we should not just work on relaxation unless we have developed up to a certain level of skills, otherwise, we need to back off all the time. Instead, we should try to find a way to do our structure properly when moving so that we do not need to hold our ground which will cause tension or depend purely on movements to release the pressure all the time. Another problem will appear especially for the juniors if we just work on “relaxation” because they will be afraid to use their body because they will worry that they will force their muscles then they cannot fully utilized themselves to the limit.

I am lucky to be a student and have my own school at the same time so I can experiment the different ways of thinking at different positions. As a student, we always want to learn more and think that we are ready to move on to the next stage. By saying so I do not mean that we have to be a hundred percent right in one thing before we move on to the next one. We need to be able to manage a skill to a certain level then by learning the new stuff, it may help us to disclose the weaknesses of the previous one that we think we have managed. But what is the right level of a skill before we can move on will depend mainly on the experience of the teacher.

In a view point of a student, they always want to have some standards like what is a right structure, what is a proper Bong Sao to guide whether they are doing things right or wrong. But unfortunately, Wing Chun is an art that does not have a standard on the positions or shapes. Wing Chun, in my opinion, is more an art that help us to manage our body efficiently and be able to use it towards the opponent to its maximum. In other words, the way that make our skills work is more important than the physical positions. If we understand the proper method to maximize our power so whenever we can feel any tension of the opponent if they are bigger or the same size as we are that mean they cannot use their skills as efficiently or on the other hand, our skills are not good enough to deal with that type of force.

As a teacher, both holding back the progress of their students or teaching too quickly are not good enough to be a good sifu. A good sifu need to be able to demonstrate whatever they ask their students to do and if they cannot manage the skills very well at that time, they need to admit it to their students. I believe that a proper demonstration is better than explanation in thousand words. In my opinion, students do not need to manage one skill perfectly before they move on to the next one. They just need to show that they can use that skill constantly at least for a certain amount of time and know how to put it back on whenever they forget to put it on. This judgment is very difficult to make especially if the sifu are pretty new in teaching. They can make better decisions when they got more experience. When I now look back about eight and a half years ago, I could not believe that I have the courage to open up my school with the skills at that time.

Although a skillful sifu will always help our training better but their responsibility is to guide us to train at the right path and give suggestions in working out the skills. If the students can response properly under their teacher’s instructions, it does not mean that they can control their body to manage the skills and do it again without the instructions. Therefore, the main responsibility on progress is still depended on the students because they are the only one that can control their own bodies. Wing Chun is a special art that cannot be able to improve purely just by training hard. If we keep working hard on the wrong direction then it will be more difficult to get rid of the previous bad habits when we found out the mistakes. A correct attitude of the students in training is very important and they should not completely rely on their sifu to tell them how and what to do.

Everyone need to have an open mind during training. We are not Saints. Therefore, sifu can be wrong and students can be right sometime. Therefore, I always encourage my students to have open discussion. Through discussion, we can find out different view points which help us to see thing from a different angle. We should not afraid that we may say something stupid or foolish or want to hide our weakness by just listening to others. Communication is very important in training. If the sifu does not know what the student is thinking when he try to work out the skill then the actual problems may not be discovered. On the other hand, if the students do not try to understand what their sifu actually want them to do, they may only push their bodies too hard.

As Master Chu Shong Tin has said before, “Practicing, discussing and questioning are the best ways to success”. On top of that, I think we should add patience, logical thinking, try to develop the skills as relax as we can and trust what we are working on.

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Wing Chun Kung Fu -Greco Wong & Rolf Clausnitzer

This is the very first book about Wing Chun ever published. I have found two good reviews about it and I will put them here. Credits go the the original writers. The first one comes from Ben Judkins, a well-known Wing Chun historian.

Magazines tended to be at the leading edge of the publishing industry. It is easier to get short articles placed in monthly publications than to create an entire book from the ground up. That is the reason why these sorts of resources are so important when researching social histories. They tend to be leading indicators.

Nevertheless, once the magazine industry hit on a successful topic, the book publishers were never far behind. In 1969 Rolf Clausnitzer and Greco Wong published the first book on Wing Chun Kung Fu to appear outside of China. This book is very interesting because of its early date. Again, at the time of its publication Bruce Lee was a known quantity to many martial artists, but the Kung Fu Craze of the 1970s was still three years off. Ip Man was still alive (though he had recently slowed down his teaching schedule) and his most important students were all still relatively young and active.

Wing-Chun Kung-Fu: Chinese self-defence methods (London: Paul H. Crompton, 1969) can be a challenging book to find. It was published in the UK and that’s where I ended up finding my copy. While a number of examples of this little volume did end up making it to North America, they tend to be relatively rare and to command a high price. Still, if you are interested in the early social history of the art, it is worth the time and the effort to locate a copy.

Wing-Chun Kung-Fu contrasts nicely with the foregoing Black Belt articles. It was widely distributed in a popular periodical and aimed at individuals who probably had never heard of the art before. Clausnitzer and Wong’s project, coming just one year later, was a vastly more detailed and substantive work. However, it was only aimed at a small audience, those individuals who were already looking for a source on Kung Fu and who may have even been familiar with Wing Chun. There were fewer copies of this book in circulation, but they were also targeting a more specific audience.

If the ultimate purpose of the Black Belt issue was to promote a new line of instructional books, Clausnitzer and Wong seem to be promoting the art of Wing Chun itself. I like this book for a number of reasons. Many of the discussions are good, the photography is clear and the authors went to some lengths to describe Wing Chun as a social system as well as a technical one. In addition to the normal discussions of the forms and “defensive applications” that you might expect to find in a book like this, they also recorded the earliest contemporaneous discussions of what a typical Wing Chun class in Hong Kong was like, Ip Man’s unique personality and why he believed that it was imperative that Wing Chun be taught as a “modern” art.

Clearly the authors were aware that change was in the air, and they wanted Wing Chun to be part of this new movement within the martial arts community. Further, they seem to have come to the conclusion that the best way to promote the art was to outline it in simple terms and let other people discover its effectiveness for themselves. This actually makes the book easy to read and less jarring than much of the highly self-promotional literature that would be produced in the coming decades.

Both of the books co-authors have had interesting martial arts careers in their own right. Rolf Clausnitzer appears to be the primary author of the volume. I have never been able to find a complete biography for him but apparently he was familiar with Hong Kong. At various points in the volume he mentions meeting Ip Man in person in 1960 and he studied intensively with Wong Shun Leung in 1964. In fact, he was Wong’s first foreign student. Clausnitzer also mentions that his brother Frank was a classmate of Bruce Lee’s at St. Francis Xavier College. He also seems to be aware of a number of stories and accounts of William Cheung’s early days in Australia.

After returning to the UK he continued his studies with Wong Wai Cheung (Greco Wong). Wong in turn was the first student and training partner of Moy Yat, an important early missionary of the Wing Chun gospel who we will be hearing more about in the second part of this post. Wong can be seen throughout the extensive photography that illustrates this book.

The outline of the volume proceeds as follows. After a brief introduction to Chinese Kung Fu the authors discuss the basic nature of Wing Chun training and the outline of a typical class (circa 1969). It would begin with forms practice, move on to applications and punching drills, and then finally sparring or “chi-sao.” They note that warm-up exercises or formal calisthenics were rarely part of Kung Fu training and don’t seem to have played much of a role in contemporary Wing Chun schools.
After that they move on to a historical outline of the art. They repeat the story of Yim Wing Chun with some historical reservations given the lack of evidence for the account and wide variability in how it is told. The authors do not dwell on the history but rather move on to a discussion of “Wing Chun Today.” This begins with a brief account of meeting Ip Man (whom Clausnitzer found to be calm and cheerful) in 1960 and his attitudes towards Kung Fu and Wing Chun training.

“Originally from Kwangtung province he migrated to Hong Kong where he still resides. An outspoken man, Yip Man regards Wing Chun as a modern form of Kung Fu, i.e. as a style of boxing highly relevant to modern fighting conditions. Although not decrying the undoubted abilities of gifted individuals in other systems he nevertheless feels that many of their techniques are beyond the capabilities of ordinary students. Their very complexity requires years if not decades to master and hence greatly reduced their practical value in the context of our fast-moving society where time is such a vital factor. Wing Chun on the other hand is an art of which an effective working knowledge can be picked up in a much shorter time than is possible in other systems. It is highly realistic, highly logical and economical, and able to hold its own against any other style or system of unarmed combat.” P. 10.

I quoted this section of the original text as I think it bears repeating. The memory of Ip Man has been appropriated by so many individuals seeking to promote so many visions of the art that I think his original thoughts (to the extent that we know them) are in danger of being lost. This is about the best short discussion of Ip Man and his approach to Wing Chun that I have seen. It is all the more remarkable for being made contemporaneously, when Ip Man himself was still alive and active in the leadership of his Kung Fu clan.

The book next turns to a discussion of the “Main Theories and Principals Behind Wing Chun.” I find the use of the word “principals” interesting. Over the years it has become somewhat axiomatic that Wing Chun is a “principal based art,” rather than one founded on techniques. Of course substantial differences remain as to what these principal are.

So far as I am aware this is the first extended print discussion of the “Principals of Wing Chun.” Briefly these are; straight line punches, simultaneous attack and defense, attack rather than defend wherever possible and always move forward rather than retreat (forward pressure as a strategic concept). I have seen other concepts added to this list over the years, but these basic ideas always seem to be present.

Next the authors review stances and shifting, Siu Lim Tao (with photographs included in an appendix at the end of the book), single sticking hand, double sticking hand and the lap sau (warding off hand) drill. The explanations are brief and only cover the basic exercise. The rest of the volume is dedicated to two man defensive drills, including some kicking.

Overall this book provided the reader with a surprisingly good introduction to Wing Chun. It is challenging to be the first example of anything in your field. When you consider the overall quality of information on the Chinese martial arts that was available to the public in the 1960s, it is hard to see this book as anything other than a gem.

Not only did they clearly illustrate many of the basics, this book managed to convey something of the “feel” or essence of Wing Chun. It captured the idea that this was a modern adaptation of an ancient art. I suspect that this dynamic tension between the ancient and modern really appealed to a lot of potential students in the global market place. As I have argued elsewhere, Wing Chun was well positioned to take advantage of both Bruce Lee fame and Ip Man’s modernist leanings.

In that light the following reflection on the social attitudes within the Hong Kong Wing Chun clan, made in 1969, seem almost prophetic.

“An interesting characteristic common to most practitioners of Wing Chun lies in their relatively liberal attitude to the question of teaching the art to foreigners. They are still very selective when it comes to accepting individuals students, but compared with the traditional Kung Fu men they are remarkably open and frank about the art. If any one Chinese style of boxing is destined to become the first to gain popularity among foreigners, more likely than not it will be Wing Chun.” p. 12.

You can by the book here

The second review comes from John Crescione. Because I found it pretty informative I will post it also here.

Wing Chun Kung Fu by R. Clausnitzer and Greco Wong. Published in 1969 and reprinted in 1973! 80 pages and the first book ever written in English on Wing Chun.

Yip Man was still alive and Bruce was doing his thing. It starts with a brief introduction on Kung Fu, the difference between Wing Chun and Karate and then lists some other forms of Kung Fu like Praying Mantis, White Crane, Drunken style, Eagle Claw, White Eyebrow and “..lightning fast Wing Chun.” There is a one page historical outline on the system as mentions its forms, weapons dummy and history.

Clausnitzer talks about his meeting with Yip Man in 1960 and how Yip Man regarded Wing Chun as “modern Kung Fu.” He also shares some Wing Chun war stories about a Sydney, Australia Karateka fighting a Wing Chun man whom was blindfolded. The only proviso was that the karate man attack from the front. The fight resulted in the karate man being knocked out!
(I have heard the same story from other sources. Jessie Glover also mentions it in his first book about him and Bruce Lee. This has to have been either William Cheung or Wong Shun Leung.)

He then mentions other Wing Chun instructors like Leung Sheung, Moy Yat, Wong Shun Leung and Mak Po.

The next section is on Wing Chun Theories. Straight Line Punching, (he tells a story about how in 1964 Wong Shun Leung gave him a 9” punch through 2 cushions and it felt like an electric shock!), Simultaneous Attack and Defense, Attack rather then Block, Going forward instead of Retreating and various Stances. He uses 2 stances, the square horse stance and their “sparring” stance- a rear weighted stance that is used for leg propulsion.

He covers body shifting by sliding the feet over the ground equal distances and pivoting on the heels while having the soles of the feet maintain equal pressure on the ground. There are photos of the above demonstrated while using kwun sao to the left and right. Next, Punching is covered. He advocates the tilt up and hitting with the bottom 3 knuckles and discusses “empty” vs. “solid” hitting and the need to practice both. Single hand chi sao follows-“Dahn Chi”. He talks about the 6 position-tan sao, palm heel strike, bong sao, fook sao, depressing palm heel strike and punch. All with photos. He also adds tips as to be forward, but not too much and not use the shoulder.

He follows up naturally with double chi sao rolling and lap sao. In chi sao he shows the basic luk sao roll and comments on using circular, forward movement, no strength and getting a feel for close range. All with photos. The next section covers Wing Chun self defense techniques. He defends against hooks (roundhouse punch), high and low jabs, intercepting with the bridge and hitting/deflecting a full thrust to the body countered by huen sao/hit, punch to the face answered with lop dar and counters to wrist grabs with variations of tahn/pak dar. He briefly discusses kicking methods, kicking with the heel and kicking straight off from the floor. (I would surmise this is where Bruce got it from).

He concludes with a demonstration of Siu Lim Tao done by Greco Wong. All of the photos are of Clausnitzer and Wong in the back of a building in an alleyway, giving it a real Hong Kong fighting flavor.

The book has a rating of ★★★★ from me, given the indisputable historical value.

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Biu Gee – Target Pointing

The third set of Wing Chun is called “Biu Gee,” which literally translates into “Thrusting Fingers.” According to master Wong Kiu, the real interpretation of the name “Biu Gee” is “Pointing to the Target.” The idea of the third set is that once you have lost your center, then you can regain it again with movements from the third set.

The third set logically follows the second set by introducing several new fighting concepts. It introduces Judo type of foot sweeps, defense by means of direct finger counterattacks, the concept of offbalancing or throwing techniques, the hook punch, double arm grabbing, the use of vertical elbowing techniques, the Searching Hand (Man sau), the Gan sau, and most importantly; the use of a whipping sort of power which uses violent body rotations to add additional power to all deflections and strikes.

It has been said that the center to center actions of the first and second set are derived from those of the snake. The side to center actions of the third set, in particular the elbow and Man sau movements, are derived from those of the graceful crane.

The sticking hands training cannot be complete without the techniques from the third set. This means, without the third set, you will encounter problems during the sticking hands training which do not have easy solutions. Therefore, someone who is proficient with the third set skills will have an advantage over someone who does not know this set.

The techniques of the third set are a little more dangerous when applied, and therefore requires more control. Finger sweeps, finger thrusts, elbow attacks and foot sweeps are harder to control than normal punching, palming and chopping attacks. This is perhaps the reason why the third set was rarely taught (in the interest of safety). Although the third set is a more advanced set than the second set, it does not mean that you can do away with the second set. For example, one counter to the third set vertical elbow movement is the second set horizontal elbow movement.

The movements of the third set teach you to not only have the force of the head of the snake in your hands, but also to have the force of the snakes body in your body. The double grab and turn in the third set for example, is a violent vibrational force like a dog shaking off some water or like a startled cat.

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A seminar with Master Ho Kam Ming

by Curt James

During his first visit to the United States (May 1989) Wing Chun master Ho Kam Ming provided invaluable insights which clarified numerous aspects of Wing Chun Kung Fu. During a two day seminar in Tucson, Arizona, master Ho warmly received questions for about eight hours. With more than sixty visitors in attendance, this was a remarkable feat.

Joining Ho Kam Ming was classmate and close friend Hawkins Cheung. The seminar was hosted by sifu Augustine Fong and assisted by Mr. Pak Chan. During this event, Mr. Chan translated the questions and Augustine Fong related Master Ho’s answers to literally hundreds of questions. In the transcription presented various exchanges are paraphrased and edited where necessary. A sincere attempt has been made to maintain the integrity of the discussion.

Master Ho was a past vice president of Yip Man’s Hong Kong Ving Tsun Athletic Association. On his first visit to the U.S. he lectured on many subjects including Wing Chun forms and fighting theory. Ho Kam Ming is from Macao and the Hong Kong area and studied Wing Chun with the late Yip Man for nearly twenty years. As a leader of the Wing Chun clan, it is not surprising that master Ho’s knowledge and experience excels that of the ordinary instructor. Hawkins Cheung was quick to appreciate Ho Kam Ming’s excellence in Wing Chun and remarked, “He received all the best information.”

Master Ho is in his late sixties and has spent almost forty years in studying and researching the principles of Wing Chun Kung Fu. His motivation for sharing this wisdom is summarized by him thus: “The future of Wing Chun is based upon you!” At this prestigious gathering, Ho Kam Ming demonstrated numerous fighting techniques and concepts. As inquiries were quickly answered and explained, it became apparent that he possessed a profound understanding of Wing Chun Kuen.

Augustine Fong, Master Ho’s leading student in the west, began the seminar with an intriguing and provocative statement: “This style was developed by Ng Mui; Ng Mui was a Shaolin monk!” This remark delivered a shock because Ng Mui, the legendary founder, is remembered as a Shaolin Budhist nun. (This was undoubtedly an early reference to information Yip Chun would later release concerning Cheung Ng and his new origins for Wing Chun Kuen.)

The traditional genealogy of Hong Kong Wing Chun Kuen followed: Yim Wing Chun, Leung Bok Chau, Wong Wah Bo & Leung Yee Tai, Leung Jan, Chan Wah Shun & Leung Bik and Yip Man, the Hong Kong school, etc. Wing Chun’s basic stance (Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma) was then demonstrated and explained: “The knees and toes are held inward, the spine erect, and hips pushed forward.” It is here that master Ho Kam Ming begins to accept questions:

Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma

Question: Does one use the Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma as a fighting stance?
Master Ho: It’s not necessary; use a natural fighting stance.

Question: What’s the best way to check your stance to know the correct distance between your feet?
Master Ho: The stance is based on one’s body height. A tall person has a wider stance; a shorter person’s would be smaller.

Question: Why are the toes inward in our stance?
Master Ho: If your toes point inward, when you practice turning or changing angles–it is easier. If your toes point outward–turning is inhibited.

Question: Should the spine be held straight?
Master Ho: Generally, your spine has got to be straight. If not, when you turn you’ll swing your center out. If it’s straight, when turning, everything is centered.

Question: When you practice the basic stance, are you developing energy by doing it?
Master Ho: The stance helps you to find your center of gravity. When you know how to feel your center, then you know how to move your body. As for internal energy–no matter what, if you are standing here, you already have internal energy. When you raise your hand you also have internal energy.

Question: What’s the main purpose of Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma?
Master Ho: The main purpose of Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma is to practice your stance, to find your center of gravity and to balance yourself. When you have the ability to find the center, then when you fight, you can stand in any position. When an external force comes toward you, that’s the time to use your balance–that’s when your stance comes into place. If you can’t control your balance, it doesn’t matter how good your hands are; an external force coming in will knock you down.

Question: When you practice a long first form–say a half an hour or so–and you start to shake, does this mean youare weak or are you in the wrong position?
Master Ho: If you shake that means you can’t find your center of gravity. You’re using the wrong muscles.

Question: Is there any differences or improvements that you see in the forms since you’ve come to the United States?
Master Ho: The principles are the same but maybe the teaching methods are different. The foundation is the same but people teach differently.

Question: How significant is the knee position and is there natural tension somewhere along that area? If you’re tense, is that wrong?
Master Ho: If the muscles are tight then it’s wrong. It should be natural, natural tension. Any motion, as long asit’s natural, is fine. Don’t tighten up.

Question: A question about the hip–you don’t lock the hip then?
Master Ho: The hip isn’t held inward and tight. Just stabilize the hip and motion.

Question: About the center of gravity, usually this is indicated by a vertical plane. Is there a horizontal plane for the center of gravity and does it go down?
Master Ho: The vertical center of gravity should be straight in a vertical position. Whenever you move forward the whole vertical line should move as one unit.

Question: I notice that other systems seem to utilize wider stances. Can Wing Chun be practiced with a wider stance?
Master Ho: If your stance is too wide then you lose your flexibility to move. If it’s too narrow then you can’t move quickenough. The best position is your own natural position as based on Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma. Wing Chun doesn’t use a wide stance, you lose mobility with a wider stance.

Question: How wide should the stance be?
Master Ho: The width of the stance is based upon your shoulder width. Also, in this stance your weight should be evenlydistributed.

Question: To move, one must raise the stance; correct? Does one’s height remain the same?
Master Ho: When moving don’t bounce your stance. Keep the height even and try to stay stabilized.

Question: How do you know exactly how to sink the weight? For example, how far do you sink?
Master Ho: Sink to the point that you feel natural and flexible. Sink enough but don’t sink too much.

Question: Could you explain a little about basic pyramids and how they relate to the stance?
Master Ho: The pyramid stance is based on balance. If an external force comes in, it’s dissolved accordingly. However, that’s just talking about the stance, when you use the hands–they should be utilized with the structure.

Question: About the weight distribution, if the weight is evenly distributed on the feet and a burning sensation isfelt on the bottom of the foot, how does this relate to the directweight upon the heels?
Master Ho: The weight is distributed upon the whole foot. If you feel heat then that’s a good sign for that means you’vefound your center of gravity. Later, that feeling will go away–thatis, when you learn to control better. But that’s a good start. Also, both feet should be equal; if you feel burning, then you should feel it equally on both feet.

Question: Does it matter if you practice with bare feet? Or is it better to practice with shoes on?
Master Ho: If you practice with bare feet you’ll feel your toes grab the ground better.

Question: Should you always practice a long first form?
Master Ho: It depends upon your energy level. If you feel bad that day, then you shouldn’t do it too long. For example,if you try to study a book and you don’t have the energy, it won’tgo to your mind well. Thus, it depends on your energy.

Question: So, unless your basic foundation or balance is good, anything you build on top of that is weak; correct?
Master Ho: Right.

Question: Is there a best time to practice Siu Lim Tau. For instance, before or after practice?
Master Ho: When you practice Siu Lim Tau, the best time is before you’re tired. This way you can find your center easier.

Question: Again, about practicing barefooted, is it true that it’s best to practice this way?
Master Ho: It doesn’t matter. Practice many ways, for in a fight you’ll be wearing shoes. But bare feet are better.

Question: Do you ever sink your weight more for certain techniques?
Master Ho: Don’t emphasize sinking all the time. Just try to dissolve the incoming force. You may have to brace or sinkat that moment. But don’t sink all the time.

Question: Could you elaborate on the natural curvature of the spine; as opposed to what was said about the spine being straight?
Master Ho: It should be natural, naturally straight.

Question: Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma isn’t a fighting stance, correct? What happens in a real fight? What stance do we use?
Master Ho: Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma is the foundation of all stances. When you practice, you use this stance to develop balance. But when you fight for real, you use mobile stances.

Question: How does the shoulder relate to overall balance?
Master Ho: The shoulders should be straight down; pull them down equally. If your spine’s straight then your shoulderswill be down.

Punching

Question: About punching straight or slightlyupward–you’ve stated that punching slightly upward will uproot the opponent and that punching straight will just knock the subject backward. What about the concept of explode power where the opponent should drop straight down or even forward after being hit? In this casewhat does it matter if one punches straight or upward?
Master Ho: If performed correctly, the punch should drop the subject right there. In case you’re not good enough, however,a straight punch may allow the opponent the opportunity to strikeyou. Punching slightly upward will eliminate this possibility.

Question: Is it too much to practice a thousand punches a day?
Master Ho: Do what you can do–don’t force progress. Otherwise, you won’t get good results.

Question: Should one lock the elbow out when practicing punching?
Master Ho: Yes, but when you lock the punch and release the power, don’t tighten up on the elbow.

Question: Should one practice both high and low punches?
Master Ho: You can practice high, middle, and low punches. But don’t practice too much until you can control your fist. This means you should be able to punch with a minimum of muscular tension first.

Question: Could one pick out, for example, the double punches and practice them?
Master Ho: Yes, but only up to a certain point. Actually, one could drill any motion of the form.

Question: Could you comment on the opinion that other styles seem to have on the Wing Chun punch? For instance, many believe this type of punch has little power?
Master Ho: The more force you feel or see in the punch, the more chance the power will stay in the body and not be released. The less you feel, the more release you’ll have. Like shooting an arrow–the arrow has no power; but the result is forceful. In Wing Chun, the punch is based on speed, not muscle. If you don’t feel power or muscle, then that means you can punch faster. This will promote explosive power.

Question: Could you talk about Bone Joint Power?
Master Ho: Bone Joint Power involves a minimum of muscular use. The less muscle, the more flexible the joints can react. Like a snake, the punch will be fast and quick.

Question: In the vertical punch, the little knuckle is susceptible to damage; correct? What can one do to avoid this?
Master Ho: Actually, the lower knuckles are aligned to the largest bone in the arm. This position will produce a strongerpunch. If you feel pain in the last knuckle, perhaps your structureis wrong.

Question: When punching, do you snap the wrist upward upon contact?
Master Ho: When you practice, don’t emphasize snapping. Later, this will come automatically.

Question: It’s said the knuckles are like a tack supported in cotton. Could you comment on this?
Master Ho: When you punch, focus on the knuckles. When you connect, the whole fist will sink inward. The power is in the knuckles.

Question: Could you comment on the use of the wall bag?
Master Ho: The wall bag doesn’t develop power; that’s the purpose of the empty punch. Punching in the air can developmore and more power; but the wall bag can help to develop focus. The wall bag is like a target that can help train the fist.

Question: How about a moving bag? As opposed to a stationary bag?
Master Ho: In Wing Chun we practice hand development in a different way. If you use a swinging bag, then the power is held in the arm–it won’t release. It would be better, in thiscase, if one held a wall bag and then moved around the room (to practicechasing). That’s better than using a moving bag. A moving bag isn’t practical.

Question: Is the one and three inch punch something separate or do you develop this with a regular punch?
Master Ho: According to Wing Chun, you should be able to generate power even closer. One inch is already too far.

Question: Can the Wing Chun straight punch be used with gloves on–in say a full contact setting?
Master Ho: Yes, but you have to practice for a while first. One must get used to the gloves.

Question: How does one generate power from a close distance? For example, how can one strike when one is already in contact?
Master Ho: If you use Bone Joint Power it can be done. In this way you can use explode power.

Question: Do you have to use turning to make the punch more effective?
Master Ho: Not necessarily. The elbow can still punch … But there are six main joints which may be utilized in punching: the wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle. These jointswork together to produce what is called Bone Joint Power.

Question: Is it safe to assume that since most Wing Chun practitioners only use the straight punch, that there are few advanced exponents around?
Master Ho: Perhaps they have not reached that level yet.

Question: Any comments on western boxing?
Master Ho: Boxing is a sport, not a martial art.

Question: Should one coordinate breathing with punching?
Master Ho: One should breath naturally. If you need to breath hard, then go ahead.

Siu Lim Tau

Question: From the Fok Sau position, some people perform a Taan Sau before moving to Huen and Wu Sau. Is this correct?
Master Ho: When you turn the hand over in this manner that is an application. When you do the basic form, don’t do TaanSau for it can tighten up the muscles. In the form just circle into Wu Sau.

Question: When you hold the fist at the side of the body, doesn’t this promote some tension?
Master Ho: As long as it’s natural, it’s all right.

Question: If one wished to teach someone that was well built the Siu Lim Tau, how would you go about it?
Master Ho: Tell him not to use excessive tension, just do the motions–don’t force it.

Question: What’s the application for the downward Cross Hand (Sup Jee Sau) position at the beginning of the form?
Master Ho: This motion is useful for when you’re losing your balance and falling forward. If someone is kicking up whileI’m falling, this motion is useful.

Question: Could you talk about the elbow line?
Master Ho: The elbow line is close, but don’t force the position. Just bring it in as close as it’s naturally possible. Some people with larger muscles can’t bring the elbow in too far–that’s all right. Bring it in as much as you can. It really depends upon the build of the individual.

Question: There seem to be two schools of thought on the Taan Sau position. Could you comment on the true positionof Taan Sau?
Master Ho: If the Taan Sau is held pointing upward, you have no control of the motion, it’s weak. If it’s held horizontallyit is braced–it’s like a bridge. A Taan Sau position which points upward is wrong.

Question: Could you comment on Chi Kung practice. Wing Chun is a Buddhist style, correct? Also, what do you think about Taoist Chi Kung as practiced in Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: When you do the form, don’t worry about Chi Kung. Just work on the position; worry about the technique.

Question: After Pak Sau, why does one bring the hand back to the center before executing the straight palm?
Master Ho: Basically, one learns one motion at a time. When you get used to the technique you can execute the palm strikefrom Pak Sau. Like the basic punches, you bring the punch to the center first. But once you know this, it’s not necessary–just punch out. The form teaches one step at a time. Later, one can edit the motions. At the beginning it’s important to learn the correct line.

Question: What’s the significance of going in and out in the first part of Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: Well, Taan Sau is executed once because it’s a strong position. Fok Sau is performed three times to allowmore practice. Fok Sau develops the elbow by bringing it inward–thisneeds to be practiced more.

Question: After the Cross Hand position at the beginning of the form, some people come straight up while we “roll” up and out slightly. Why is this?
Master Ho: If you come straight up, when people trap you, you have no way out. If you roll from the inside out (Quan Sau) you can easily get away. This is better than coming straight up.

Question: I understand Fok Sau develops the wrist. Are there other applications?
Master Ho: The Fok Sau motion stabilizes the arm. This promotes a strong motion.

Question: What’s the proper height for Taan Sau motion?
Master Ho: The perfect position for Taan Sau is the palm flat and the forearm slightly upward. Taan Sau should be on the centerline, not too high or too low. If it’s too high it will make the shoulder muscles tight. However, if your arm is larger, it may be higher, if you have a shorter arm, it may be lower.

Question: What’s the relationship between Siu Lim Tau and the practice of mental clarity?
Master Ho: If you clear your mind when you practice it’s much better. You can concentrate on what you’re doing; nothingwill bother you.

Master Hawkins Cheung noted: “Ho Kam Ming began trainingwhen he was about 29 or 30 and therefore concentrated on theory. This is what he’s best at. He received all the best information.” Cheung questioned the listeners, “The Wing Chun style is based on what? It’s based on feeling, sensitivity. And what do I mean by sensitivity? Information. Do you have the correct information or not? Wing Chun (boxing) uses what? Unity. Earlier today stances were mentioned … We don’t fight with separate movements, we fight with unity. That’s the key. And yet, theory is very important. You can’t copy anyone … Ho Kam Ming will teach you the correct motions, theory. This is better than learning a lot of movements. If you start good, you learn good. If you start no good, you learn no good, understand?”

Chum Kiu

Question: What’s the main thing that Chum Kiu develops? What is it’s purpose?
Master Ho: Chum Kiu teaches you how to control your motions while turning. Siu Lim Tau develops techniques in a stationary position. In Chum Kiu, even though you’re turning, you still can control that motion–much like a stationary position. This will develop turning, balance and unity. Chum Kiu means “Searching for the Bridge.” The bridge refers to the person’s hand or arm. When you face an opponent and go in, you go in the center. When his hands come into play, you can touch or feel for the hands; then you can control him–that’s “Searching for the Bridge.” Remember, if the opponent doesn’t block you, or bring his hands up–just go in the centerline.

Question: If you have a powerful opponent and he comes after you with wide swinging motions–how would you handle this? How would you end the fight?
Master Ho: If your opponent attacks you in this way–according to theory you should be able to use a straight line punch to beat the wide motion. This is because the timing is longer. But if he’s already in, you may be able to deflect his power. If he’s too strong then just step away. (Master Ho demonstrated how to deflect power left or right by using Bong Sau or Taan Sau).

Question: How do you deal with a flicking attack or a fake?
Master Ho: Just attack, go right in. (Master Ho demonstrated how one may simply attack when faked). Also, some people try to scare you by stomping on the floor, etc; just strike out withyour fist.

Question: If confronted, do you look at the eyes or the hands?
Master Ho: If you look at the hand, you lose everything. Look at the eyes.

Question: So moving inward can effectively jam a technique?
Master Ho: Don’t just run into the opponent. You must adjust the distance. If the distance allows you to go in–do so; don’t go in blind. If you can’t control the opponent, don’t go in. Close the gap and strike when you should–don’t when you shouldn’t. (Master Ho demonstrated an “inside facing” punch). Some people duck when punched. In Wing Chun you can attack by changing the angle–without ducking.

Question: Could you comment on the concept of “Sinking the Bridge.” Doesn’t Chum Kiu also mean this?
Master Ho: Sinking the Bridge is an application. (Master Ho demonstrated how to drop the elbow in defense of a body punch). Searching for the Bridge is the name of the form. “Chum” Kiu, or “sinking” bridge, is a technique. But the meaning of the form is “Searching for the Bridge.” Don’t confuse this.

Question: Why does the Wing Chun style always teach one to look at the eyes? Other styles teach to look elsewhere.
Master Ho: For example, if you look down while I punch, you’ll miss what’s coming. By looking at the eyes you’llsee the whole picture.

Question: What’s the difference between the Pai Jong (Hacking Elbow) and Lon Sau (Bar Arm)?
Master Ho: Lon Sau can help you to get out from a grab. By turning, you use the whole body to bring your hand up. (A demonstration followed in which master Ho easily brought his hand back from a double grab position).

Question: Where does the power originate in the turning position? Is it the knees?
Master Ho: It’s not just the knees; the whole body assists in the turn. If you turn the whole body as a unit–you can get more power. This is better then using just the hip or knees, etc. The idea here is unity.

Question: But where does the turn originate? How do you turn?
Master Ho: You can’t say exactly where the turn originates, for the whole body turns. The feet, knees, hip, and body all work together. You can’t say, that’s where the turn originates. This is why you have to practice. In order to know exactly how to generate power, you need to practice in order to feel your motion. This is the only way to know these things.

Question: Is the Turning Elbow (Pai Jong) technique lower than the same technique in Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: No, it’s about the same. But, when you perform the Turning Elbows, it’s important to learn how to turn the technique with the body. In application you need to control your motion.You see how close the subject is and therefore how much to turn. This you need to adjust, you can tell how much by experience.

Question: Toward the end of Chum Kiu, are there not two circle side kicks executed?
Sifu Fong: In the beginning, we use all front kicks. If you can’t do a front kick right, you can’t do a side kick. The front kick is the basic kick for the Wing Chun style. At the end of the form there is a “left” circle front kick.
Master Ho: According to human behavior, everyone uses the right leg automatically. In Wing Chun we develop the left leg. If you concentrate on the left leg, you’ll be able to use both legs equally. It’s the same principle behind developing the punches: left, right, left in the forms. Develop the left more than the right.

Question: In Chum Kiu set, why does the Drilling Punch go upward, like an “Uppercut?”
Master Ho: Has everyone seen Mike Tyson fight? Well, I feel he’s the first fighter to effectively use the Uppercut. Yet, in Wing Chun, we already had this punch a couple hundred years ago. You see, under the chin is a point and, when hit, causes an immediate knock out–the brain is sent to the top of the head. It can even kill.

Question: How many triangles are there in the structure? And does that change with the movement of the opponent?
Master Ho: (Here, master Ho demonstrated how to use triangles in group fighting).

Question: How many triangles are there in one’s own structure?
Master Ho: (Master Ho demonstrated how changing the line also changes the triangle.) No matter how many triangles there are, they all focus or lay on the centerline.

Question: How do you get power in your front kick? Other arts use a kind of wind up to generate force.
Master Ho: The Wing Chun kick uses Bone Joint Power. It comes directly from the floor and goes forward. If you bring the leg up first and then kick, there are two motions. Anyway, the Wing Chun kick is not used all the time, only when necessary. This is because when you use a kicking technique, you have only one leg on the ground. You can be attacked easily. If you kick me, I can avoid the kick by moving one inch. When you miss, I can get you; I can go in.

Question: What’s the purpose of the Fok Sau technique in Chum Kiu?
Master Ho: From an outside position, Fok Sau will cover your opening. The purpose is first to bring the elbow in to cover oneself. If you bring the hand in only, you will miss the block. Learn how to control your elbow. Also, Fun Sau (which is applied before) is executed toward the side in the form. But this technique can be applied to the front.

Question: Wing Chun doesn’t advocate ducking. Many styles know this and use this against us. Is there a reason for this? How can you fight against other styles if you don’t duck?
Master Ho: According to Wing Chun theory, we don’t duck, we keep our position. If your position is right, no one can get into your area. In Wing Chun, the whole structure is protecting your body; that is, as long as you play your own game. In Wing Chun we have a saying, “Glass head, tofu chest, and iron bridge.” The bridge protects the head and body–the glass head and tofu chest. If you get hit in the head, it’s like glass; in the chest and it’s like tofu–smashed. The hand is like an iron bridge–the hand is the guard.

Question: But don’t you think it’s a disadvantage that other styles know our methods? Shouldn’t one do something different?
Master Ho: No matter what system you are facing, just play your own game. Your own game is to adjust your distance, timing, etc. You will win.

Question: At the beginning of the second section of Chum Kiu, you turn with Lon Sau and form a fist. Is this for attacking? Is this a punch?
Master Ho: It is a fist, but it is not for striking. This motion allows one to stick and follow the opponent’s hand.

Question: Is the Arm Catching (Jip Sau) motion for breaking an arm, controlling, or what?
Master Ho: This is an arm break, but the way you are demonstrating it is lousy. If I do it like you, with the elbow down and in, the punch will get through. (Here master Ho discussed the hand closest to the body.) The elbow has to be out; this way you can catch the arm. In Wing Chun not all the techniques have the elbow in. You have to know this.

Question: What’s the best way to fight a group of people?
Master Ho: When you fight, use hand techniques more than kicks. Use the hands 80% of the time; especially when you fight more than one person. Use the legs to move the center, adjust the angle.

Question: How does the eye power of Chum Kiu differ from that of Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: In both forms, learn how to control the eyes. Look straight forward, that is the main idea. Learn to develop periphery vision.

Question: If one initiates an attack first in a fight, where is the best place to strike?
Master Ho: Strike the weakest point–the chest. If you attack the head you may cause a cut, but if you attack the chest it involves the heart. This is a killing point. No matter how big you are–one good punch here and you can not take it.

Question: When’s the best time to strike? When the subject is breathing in or out?
Master Ho: This kind of timing doesn’t matter, you can go in anytime.

Question: In the proverbs it states, “Use escaping hand to turn around the situation.” What’s this mean?
Master Ho: If you can’t do it, don’t worry. For example, books say you can jump ten feet high! But this is only writing; can I do it? That’s a different story. If you want to understand a thing, learn to do it. If you can apply the theory, that’s good, that’s what you should concentrate on.

Question: Again, what’s the fist for in the Lon Sau technique? Is this a grab?
Master Ho: This allows one to stabilize the bridge. If it’s open here, it won’t be correct or stabilized.

Question: So it’s not a grab?
Master Ho: No, and when you grab someone you must be careful–it’s very dangerous. If you grab my hand, I’ll break your wrist. In China, these locking techniques were quite popular. Today theypractice Tiger Claw or Wu Shu but won’t allow the citizens to practice Wing Chun and such. This is because they don’t want ordinary people better than those in the government. This is one reason why Wing Chun is being lost in the Chinese mainland.

Question: Could you explain the application of the Low Wing Block (Bong Sau)?
Master Ho: (Master Ho demonstrated how a punch is deflected downward from a regular Bong Sau position, thus forming a low Bong Sau). The low Bong Sau follows the power. If the force is too heavy, just go with it. Don’t block the punch upward; you should flow down. Also, in the form, two low Bong Sau’s are applied together. But by the time you apply the Bong Sau, use only one hand. Remember, when you apply this, never use two Bong Sau’s at the same time.

Question: Why does the “Inside Line” punch (from Lon Sau) come from the elbow rather than the centerline?
Master Ho: From a slight sideways position, the centerline is here. (Master Ho indicated one must use this motion to regain the centerline). If one punches from the center, there’s no control–the opponent’s punch gets in. Use this motion to clear the line of attack.

Question: What’s the meaning behind the “Step Forward” Double Palm technique in the third section of Chum Kiu?
Master Ho: This push allows the whole body to move together. This develops unity; it teaches one how to move the entire body forward.

Question: Should the Front Kick be practiced more than any other kick?
Master Ho: The Front Kick is the most important kick in Wing Chun. When you fight, your opponent is facing you. The kick to use is the front kick. If you turn or use a side kick, you may lose everything.

Question: Could you explain the difference between Siu Lim Tau and Chum Kiu techniques in relation to distance in fighting?
Master Ho: When you’re talking about forms, since there’s no subject before you, it’s difficult to speak of distance. Distance only applies when you have an opponent in front of you.

Question: After the Stepping Bong Sau, you “drop” the hands (Chum Kiu) crossing them. Do you maintain the same line?
Master Ho: Yes, when you drop, since you’re turned, it looks like you’re off the centerline. But really the centerline is still here (toward the center). In this motion the elbows should be slightly out. Don’t squeeze them inward. But yes, the intersection of the hands is on the centerline.

Question: What’s the correct angle for the Brush Hand (Tuit Sau). How far away from the body should the hand be?
Master Ho: Go straight down. The hand should be close to the body. You can use this motion to dissolve a grab. If you go forward you can not dissolve the technique.

Question: Could you talk about Huen Sau (Circle Hand)? Is this a grab?
Master Ho: In Wing Chun forms you see inside circling, but not outside grabbing. The circle is inside, we don’t use an outside circle (Grab Hand) too much. If you use an outside circle (Grab), your opponent can just snap down and break your wrist. But Huen Sau is really for regaining your position or line. (Master Ho demonstrated a Huen Sau followed by a low side palm).

Question: What’s the application for the dropping Chum Kiu (Cross Hand) technique which follows Stepping Bong Sau?
Master Ho: When you apply Bong Sau, your lower gate is all open. This motion allows you to drop the hands to protect the body.

Question: Could you explain a little about the Backward Step (Toi Ma) in the Chum Kiu?
Master Ho: When you step Backward here, it allows you to regain your balance easier than by going forward. Remember, Chum Kiu teaches one how to control the balance in movement.

Question: Do you snap both wrists when you execute the Jip Sau (Arm Catching) motion?
Master Ho: Yes, both hands snap at the same time. The timing must be right.

Question: What’s the application for Gum Sau (Pinning Hand) near the end of Chum Kiu form?
Master Ho: Gum Sau teaches you to block. When you use it, though, don’t just use the hand, use the entire arm. Remember to bend the elbow; don’t lock the arm.

Question: When you execute the Double Palm and push both feet together, it doesn’t seem to be a strong base, does it?
Master Ho: The purpose of this technique is first, to practice moving forward while maintaining the center of gravity. Second, so you can execute a turn kick. For example, the legs must be close together to perform the kick. In the form you practice the basics, in fighting you can do whatever you wish.

Question: Could you explain the application of the Rising Punch from the Gum Sau position?
Master Ho: (A demonstration was presented in which a Rising Punch follows a blocked kick–Gum Sau). Remember, the elbow should be bent. Also, after the block, you should punch immediately–attack right away.

Question: Where does the gate end for the hands and the legs take over? Does it end where the Gum Sau position is?
Master Ho: If a kick comes into your hand area, fine. But don’t chase the leg. Keep your hands in position. If the attack is lower than the waist, use the your legs. Don’t follow the kick with your hands. Also, if the knee is used to block a kick, don’t bring it straight up–use a circular knee technique.

Question: In Searching for the Bridge is the idea to destroy and control the bridge? Or perhaps just to feel for it?
Master Ho: In the real meaning for Chum Kiu, it’s not breaking or controlling; that’s the application. Searching for the Bridge is the name and meaning of the form.

Question: Is there a meaning and application for the double Taan Sau before and after the Stepping Low Bong Sau?
Master Ho: Not really, this is only to set up for the next Bong Sau. (Here master Ho indicated nobody has asked about the main point of Chum Kiu. He asked, “What’s the main technique in the form?”)

Question: Is it the control of the center of gravity; maintaining the centerline?
Master Ho: That’s been discussed already. What’s the main motion Chum Kiu develops? That has not been brought up as yet.

Question: Is it the Bong Sau motion?
Master Ho: Which one.

Question: The Stepping Bong Sau (Tor Ma Bong Sau, replied Dan M.)?
Master Ho: Yes, right (applause). This motion uses a side position and goes sideways. But in application you go forward. The purpose for going sideways is to develop and maintain your center of gravity while moving. If you practice going forward in the beginning, you lose your balance; so you step sideways. Remember, in application, you go forward.

Question: Could you talk some more about Bong Sau? I’ve never heard that idea before.
Master Ho: When you’re attacked, it’s difficult to tell where the attack is coming from. The Bong Sau only protects your body. When the punch comes in, that’s the time to use it. Other then that, you can use Taan Sau or Pak Sau. Bong Sau is applied after touching; when you feel something, then you use Bong Sau. Bong Sau and the “elbow up” is used for close fighting–to save your position. You use Bong Sau after the hand is already in. Don’t use it if the attack is still outside.

Question: Then is Bong Sau considered an “emergency” block?
Master Ho: In a way, yes; when you’re in danger. Also, Bong Sau controls the force of others.

Question: Could you show how Bong Sau is used moving forward?
Master Ho: When your opponent attempts to change attacks, you can jam his motion. (Master Ho demonstrated.) Use the body to step in; it’s not the hands so much as the body moving forward.

Question: For a high punch, how would you block?
Master Ho: In Wing Chun, “offense is defense.” (Master Ho demonstrated an Inside Rising punch to deflect a punch. He then executed a strike over a low blow controlling the attack. These are examples of Searching for the Bridge.) Also, a lot of people step back in defense of an attack. In real Wing Chun, we go in–get the right structure, position. One should attack, don’t move away–move in–go forward. If you don’t do it right–you will miss the block and you may get hit. If your timing and position are right then you will be alright. That’s why you need someone always around, pointing out your mistakes.

Question: Besides Bong Sau (Wing Block), are there other motions that are important?
Master Ho: All techniques are important; each can counter one another. But it’s vital to touch and then apply the techniques. This is why we have Sticky Hands; you touch and apply. This is called application after touching.

Question: How can you get away from an outside grab besides applying Biu Sau (Shooting Fingers)?
Master Ho: You don’t need a big motion–just turn the hand over and apply Taan Sau. (Ho Kam Ming demonstrated how Taan Sau can easily break an outside grab).

Question: About a Step/Slide (Tor Ma)–Do you drag the back leg?
Master Ho: Slide the back leg.

Question: Are you pushing off also?
Master Ho: Yes, when you push yourself forward, you also control your center of gravity. If you push two inches–you step two inches. Keep the distance constant between the feet.

Question: Could you talk about mobility. For example, in application, when’s the right time to change your stance?
Master Ho: Mobility depends upon the opponent–try to adjust to his movement. If you do it by yourself–you can’t develop any kind of ability. You need a target to really develop mobility.

Question: Could you show some examples?
Master Ho: Yes. (Master Ho demonstrated some angling steps, Saam Gok Ma, etc.)

Question: Could you comment on “front body” versus “side body” fighting?
Master Ho: Wing Chun is a natural system. If two birds are fighting, and one bird faces away, he will get it. Better yet, if two dogs fight and one turns away, the one turning will get bitten. It’s the same for two boxers–if you turn sideways then you’ll lose–you lose one side, one hand. When you punch with that hand, you have to change your center. When you move, I can punch you right then. Or if I want, I can just control you by holding your shoulder, keeping you from turning toward me. Because of this, Wing Chun doesn’t fight sideways. Basically, Wing Chun fights front on (one leg forward). This way both hands can be used equally.

Question: If I’m like this (Side Body Stance–Juk Sun Ma), is this considered Pin Sun (Side Body)?
Master Ho: No, this is still Front Body (Jing Sun).

Question: Should we combine horizontal and vertical leg positioning in fighting?
Master Ho: (Master Ho moved forward and backward and had sifu Fong execute combination stances). When you’re beginning, you can use a flat stance (Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma) in practice. If you can not control your stances (if you can’t do it), don’t fight with one leg forward. This way you can move to both sides equally. If you can’t be flexible with your stances, when you stand this way (forward leg), you may have only one way to go–you can’t develop equally.

Question: Does height matter? If I fight a taller person, do I have to angle out more?
Master Ho: No matter–tall or short–they have to come into your position. Just play your own game.

Question: But, do I need more footwork for a bigger person?
Master Ho: When you fight, it’s better to stabilize your movement. The more you move around, the more room you give to the opponent to attack.

Question: Could you talk about the Wing Chun principle, “If you move, I move faster.”
Master Ho: Well, in order to move faster–the first thing you need is correct structure. If your structure is right, you can attack right away. But if your structure isn’t good, even if you are faster, your opponent will get in.

Question: As a beginner, I don’t understand the pivot (turning stance). When would I use it?
Master Ho: Turning allows you to get your center of gravity. If you turn too much you lose the position–not enough and you lose your balance. Correct turning allows you to be strong–the structure will be perfect; then no one can move you so easy.

Question: Why is it that so many exponents turn incorrectly? They put all the weight on their rear leg and move the vertical axis line “to and fro?”
Master Ho: It’s because that person or the person who taught him didn’t know how to find his center of gravity. It’s really like spelling a word; if it’s spelled incorrectly you don’t pay attention, you keep making the same mistake. You keep spelling the word wrong.

Biu Jee

After demonstrating the Biu Jee set master Ho inquired, “Does anybody perceive any difference in this Biu Jee set?” After a few moments the discussion shifted to questions concerning the “Buddha Palms” at the end of Biu Jee. In this movement both hands form a prayer and dip down; as the hands press upward the body rises. The hands then open over the head and swing back returning to the prayer position. This is repeated three times and the set closes. There were no kicking techniques at the end of this Biu Jee set. Sifu Fong interjected–these are the basic forms and certain details have been omitted.

Question: Because of the Wu Sau’s or single Buddha Palms in Siu Lim Tau, I thought the first form was once known as Saam Bai Fut or Three Bows to Buddha. Could you comment on this?
Master Ho: It’s the Three Buddha Palms at the end of Biu Jee which are Saam Bai Fut. Saam Bai Fut is not associated with Siu Lim Tau; it’s a technique of Biu Jee.

Question: What’s the meaning of this motion?
Master Ho: Let’s assume you’re falling forward, losing your balance and someone is trying to strike you from above. Your hands go up first to regain your balance; this motion then opens above the head to deflect incoming attacks. Remember, when you learn the forms, don’t practice them too fast. Perform them slowly, one by one. Learn to control your motion, control your center of gravity. It’s best to practice slowly and to be aware of your moves. At the beginning, if you practice the movements too quickly, you’ll lose everything, you won’t develop correctly. In the Buddha Palm technique, if you perform it incorrectly, if you don’t think about where the hands are placed, when and how the body comes up, if you miss the timing of this motion–instead of blocking you may get hit on the head. In order to time this correctly you open the hands after you are up. You must feel and control the motion; practice it slowly. When you get used to the motions, you can perform them faster.

Question: Is there some relation between the Saam Bai Fut and a Buddhist element here?
Master Ho: That’s only the name for the motion. People say, ah, it looks like you’re worshipping the Buddha. But there’s nothing significant in this.

Question: Near the beginning of the Biu Jee set, you wiggle the fingers after the Huen Sau and before you close thefist. What is the purpose of this?
Master Ho: This allows you to relax your muscles and wrist. When you turn the hand (Huen) and squeeze, you tighten up the muscles of the arm. Thus, you never have a chance to relax the muscles. This motion allows you to relax the whole hand before going on to the next move. I bet you’ve never seen anyone perform Biu Jee with this motion. This particular motion, Yip Man taught me only. I doubt if you will see this motion elsewhere.

Question: What’s the meaning for the snapping hand (Jut Sau) at the beginning of the set?
Master Ho: This develops wrist power. In this way you can generate snapping power from only a short distance. (Here master Ho asked why in the Buddha Palm, at the end of the set, the hands actually come a little behind the body?) You see, the purpose for this is to regain you center of gravity. The main thing is to keep your balance.

Question: What’s the application for Fak Sau (Whisking Hand)?
Master Ho: Fak Sau can be used as a type of “asking hand.” When someone’s hand is in the way, you can use this motion to break open the centerline. In the form, Fak Sau is performed sideways, but in application it is executed forward.

Question: At the beginning of the Buddha Palm motion, what’s the purpose of leaning and dipping the hands forward?
Master Ho: This motion assumes you’re losing balance. That’s why you make yourself go down in this manner.

Question: What’s the meaning of the term Biu Jee?
Master Ho: A lot of people think Biu Jee (Shooting Fingers) is for attacking people. But the real meaning behind Biu Jee is not really attacking. Biu Jee promotes and develops many emergency techniques.

Question: Is one of the main purposes of Biu Jee for close fighting? Many of the motions seem to be quite large.
Master Ho: For example, Gwai Jong (Diagonal Elbow) is used like this–you feel and then use it. Like Bong Sau, you don’t use it from the outside.

Question: So are most of the motions of Biu Jee for in-close fighting?
Master Ho: They are mostly for emergency use.

Question: After you execute the Biu Sau technique, you turn and chop. Here, you execute the chop with the elbow bent. Why is this?
Master Ho: If the elbow is down, the hand will be solid. For example, with the hand fully extended, the hand is weak. If you keep the elbow in, it’s stronger and you can cover yourself.

Question: What’s the correct position of this chop? Is it like the Taan Sau?
Master Ho: It’s a little bit higher, but according to your own structure. The flowing power from this technique is chopping in, it’s not going outward like a Taan Sau. Do you know why you use this kind of motion? Say you’re fighting someone in front of you and you’re attacked also from the side. Here, you turn and chop to cover yourself. That’s called an “emergency technique.” If you turn and face the attacker, it’s too late. You simply turn and strike. In application, wherever your hand is, that’s where you attack from. If it’s up or out here, that’s where you start your attack; don’t come back to the center and then punch. In the beginning, when you practice the basics, you come from the center. But in application, if your hand is here, that’s where you start from. If your hand is down, you punch from there; don’t bring it back up and then punch. If my hands are down like this, and you punch me, it’s too late to bring my hands up–just block from there. (Master Ho executed a long hand wrist snap–Ding Sau.) In this way you save time.

Question: Why are there Fok Sau techniques in Chum Kiu and then Jaam Sau techniques in Biu Jee? These motions look similar, why is this?
Master Ho: Any motion that comes from below is Fok Sau; but from the top is Jaam Sau. For example, from Fak Sau (Wisking Hand), you execute Jaam Sau, etc.

Question: Why in Chum Kiu set, from Fun Sau (Horizontal Chop), do you execute a Fok Sau technique? Fun Sau is a high position and then you execute a Fok Sau. Why is this?
Master Ho: In Fak Sau (in Biu Jee set), the elbow is up, therefore you simply go down into Jaam Sau. In the Fun Sau motion, the elbow is already down, it’s low, so you just bring it in–Fok Sau.

Question: If the Biu Jee set makes your fingers strong, why loosen them up in the way you described earlier? Wouldn’t it be best to develop iron fingers?
Master Ho: Remember, Biu Jee (Shooting Fingers) is not really for hitting people. Many people think this. This motion you are asking about loosens up the wrist–not the fingers. Anyway, if you think Biu Jee is that way, it’s already like that in Siu Lim Tau.

Question: Developmentally, don’t you want the wrist strong and tight. Why loosen the wrist?
Master Ho: When you try to make it strong like that, it’s not strong–it’s stiff. If you want it strong you need to be flexible. If the wrist is stiff, it will break easily; you may break your hand if you hit something. Do you know why when practicing Wing Chun forms we don’t use much muscle? In the beginning, if you can control your muscles and motion, if you can develop that ability, this is good. If you can control your power and motion, later you can weight lift with good results. But if you lift weights before you can control your muscles, then you become too stiff, you become like a robot. You won’t really be able to apply power.

Question: So, just to make sure I understand this correctly, you never strike with the finger tips?
Master Ho: This is not for hitting, this is for emergency use.

Question: Can you use finger techniques once you are already close?
Master Ho: For example, (from Gwai Jong), if you just use the hand to shoot out, it’s not enough. After you touch your opponent’s hand, you shoot your hand in and step forward–slide the fingers to the throat. This technique you can apply to the throat. (Master Ho demonstrated a Biu Jee to the throat from a Gwai Jong position). Before, I wasn’t allowed to teach this technique. But now, I let this information out, but this isn’t so you can go out and fight with people.

Question: What’s the right time to applysuch finger strikes?
Master Ho: The timing is based on your opponent and his movement and position.

Question: Are there any knee techniques in the Biu Jee?
Master Ho: The leg and knee techniques come after the Dummy form. Right now, we’re studying Siu Lim Tau, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee. This is still the basic foundation. Until you can do this right, you can’t improve your level.

Question: What’s the correct position of Gaan Jaam Sau (Upper/Lower Chop)?
Master Ho: Gaan Jaam is applied with the turn of the body, just go with the body–don’t emphasize power. Gaan Jaam Sau is an emergency motion. This clears the area from the head to the groin. Sometimes you don’t know where you’re being attacked–what section, the head, chest, etc. Use the Gaan Jaam technique. By the time you touch the hand and block, then you know what to do next.

Question: So, is using a punch in most cases better than using a Biu Sau?
Master Ho: A straight punch is for attacking on the line. Just punch. But Biu Jee Sau (Shooting Fingers) is for regaining the line. If I have you trapped, you have to regain your line to attack. Here, you can use Biu Sau to regain the line first.

Question: After Turning Elbows, at the beginning of the form, you then repeat almost the same motion omitting the Stepping-In Elbow (Tor Ma Gwai Jong). Why is this?
Master Ho: The first set of turning elbows develops flowing from one elbow to another. In the second, your elbow drops and you immediately get away from that situation.

Question: What’s the application of the Huen Sau/Pak Sau motion in Biu Jee?
Master Ho: If the power is coming in too strong, I can’t block it. (Master Ho showed how to deflect a punch with a hooking Huen Sau). So, I just hook the punch away; this is an emergency technique. For example, if the punch is too close, if you can’t block, you can use your body to circle the attack out. Use your structure to deflect the punch. It’s just like a bullfight; you move slightly and the bull passes you by. That’s why in Wing Chun, you use technique. If a stronger force comes in, use your technique to deflect the opponent. Don’t use muscle.

Question: What’s the correct order to learn the forms? Do you learn the Biu Jee first and then Mok Yan Jong? How should one learn the sets?
Master Ho: The right way to learn is this: after the three forms, then you learn the Wooden Dummy set. You learn step by step–after the three forms, you learn Mok Yan Jong.

Question: What’s the application of Biu Jee Ma or circle stance (Seung Ma)?
Master Ho: When your opponent moves toward you, then you can circle around his leg. Also remember this, if you’re standing forward and you punch out–this is only “hand power.” If you use your stance when you attack, you can discharge the opponent more effectively. The stance and hand technique, when combined, is much better. In ordinary technique, people just use the hands. People don’t know how to employ the stance to destroy an attackers center. In Wing Chun Kuen, if you can use the stance and hands together, you can destroy the opponent and his center of gravity.

Question: If the opponent’s foot is not in the way, do we still use the circle stance (Seung Ma)?
Master Ho: It’s not necessary.

Question: Why does the circle stance in Biu Jee return to the Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma position? Why doesn’t it move forward?
Master Ho: The idea is that the foundation is built step by step. Before you perform moving stances, you must be able to find your center of gravity. It’s the same as learning the ABC’s before being expected to write a composition.

Question: If there’s a Gaan Jaam Sau in Biu Jee, why is there no Quan Sau (Rolling Hand)?
Master Ho: You already have that at the beginning of the form, when you roll up from the cross hand position. That’s a rolling hand (Quan Sau). You already have that principle; there’s no need to repeat it.

Question: What’s the most important motion in Biu Jee?
Master Ho: All the motions in Biu Jee are important.

Question: What’s the most important concept in Biu Jee?
Master Ho: The main thing is that Biu Jee is for emergency use.

Question: What’s the correct position for the Gwai Jong (Vertical Elbow) technique? Exactly what is the line of attack?
Master Ho: The elbow should come straight down.

Question: Does the back of the hand touch the chest?
Master Ho: It should barely touch, don’t press the hand against the chest.

Question: Why is the hand open and in this position?
Master Ho: The hand is open for protection. Also, if you don’t loosen and open the hand, you can’t use the elbow. If you make a fist, you can’t swing the elbow down.

Question: Is there any thumb techniques hidden in Biu Jee set?
Master Ho: No, I’ve never learned anything like that. If you know some perhaps you’d like to teach me.

Question: What’s the rising Pushing Hand (Pow Sau) for in Biu Jee?
Master Ho: This motion is executed upward in the form, but in application, you use it low–a low palm. This motion stretches the muscles and teaches one to generate elbow power.

Master Ho asked, “Do you know why you have to swing the Fak Sau technique all the way down and then up?” Fak Sau, when necessary, clears one’s entire area. This is an emergency technique. In the old days, martial artists usually fought very low to the ground. (Master Ho showed how a fighter, crouching low, attacks inward using a low blow). If you shorten the Fak Sau motion, you miss the block; you miss the lower section. Fak Sau swings down and then up. In this way, everything is cleared.

Principles and Techniques

Master Ho demonstrated techniques against a straight punch. He executed circle step Pak/Low Palm. He showed the correct position for blocking with Taan Sau. He stated, “If the angle is incorrect, I won’t be able to block the strike. The angle should be braced out, toward the line of attack.” He used the “blocking line” to deflect the blow while punching. This is called the central line by some. This was followed by Bong Sau Low Side Kick; Quan Sau Low Side Kick; Guide Bridge Low Front Kick; Guide Bridge while throwing the opponent; Bong Sau Chor Ma; Taan Da with a slight angle change. Master Ho then retreated out of distance as a response to a strike. He executed Quan Sau Chor Ma; Inside Facing Jaam Sau, followed by a chop; beginning from Lop Sau, advancing Bong Sau, etc.

Master Ho: When practicing, one partner should be active and the other passive; retreat and change angles, then go in after adjusting. You have to get the right timing. For example, while the opponent is still coming in, that’s when you attack. Learn to avoid the “power point” first–then strike. When an opponent punches you, when you retreat or angle out, he has a tendency to continue to come forward, that’s when you get him. By practicing the stance, you know the correct moment to step. Wait until the punch comes all the way to you before you move. You must practice this kind of timing. Also, if the opponent comes in too fast, and you can’t step back–use turning. (Master Ho showed how to adjust angles and slip punches.)

Question: Is this Boy Lay Ying Faat or Glass Body technique you are describing?
Master Ho: The term Boy Lay Ying is the title for this. But the principle idea is to learn how to adjust your distance when fighting. Learn how to avoid the opponent’s power point.

Question: Is this also applicable to “chasing the shadow?”
Master Ho: Yes. When two fighters are facing each other, you “face the shadow.” This is called Chew Ying. If the opponent turns sideways, I’m Chew Ying, he’s Bai Ying. He is losing his structure. Front-on facing (Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma) isn’t necessary (to be the Chew Ying concept). If your opponent is in front of you and you’re looking at him–that’s Chew Ying. It doesn’t matter as long as you face the opponent. But you don’t have to face front-on each time with the basic stance. You can rotate slightly, chasing the shadow (punching the opponent). That’s Chew Ying. Many martial artists jump around like boxers, but in Wing Chun we stay in one point and “face the line.”

Question: What about when your opponent flanks you and goes beyond your shift limit?
Sifu Fong moved quickly right, but was easily cut off by master Ho’s punches.

Question: Besides chasing the shadow, how about “striking the shadow?”
Master Ho: This isn’t quite right. What happens if you turn around and see a shadow and punch a tree? You still have to focus and know what you’re doing. Let me ask you, why do we practice punching a wall bag? The wall bag is just like a target for shooting arrows. This develops focus for the fist. When you see the opponent, his whole body is the target. When he attacks, it is basic Wing Chun technique which protects you. The main idea is that you learn to see the opponent’s opening and how to get in. When you close the gap, it isn’t with techniques but with your stance–then your attack comes. Don’t strike when you’re closing. If you use hand techniques to close the gap, you’ll lose when the opponent moves–it’s easy to get hit at that time. It’s best to close first and then to trap the opponent as he tries to attack you. (Master Ho showed how to slip and withdraw and then attack using Wing Chun closing techniques.)

Question: So, you make the opponent react to you?
Master Ho: Yes. Also, in Wing Chun we never duck our head around. When you duck, it’s easy to get hit. It’s best to use structure to dissolve an attack. If an opponent ducks a lot, I can easily get him. I can hit him anytime I please. He can’t defend himself for he is too busy ducking. When he comes back up, that’s when I’ll get him. The key word is to learn to adjust your timing and structure.

Question: Which is better–to close the gap and attack, or to wait until the opponent commits to something and comes into your area?
Master Ho: Closing and setting up the opponent is superior to waiting. If you wait until the opponent is attacking you, he may be applying this theory and therefore you will be in trouble. Also, when closing the gap, if an opponent doesn’t react, if he doesn’t move at all, then you can strike him anytime. Don’t wait for a reaction–just strike.

Question: When an opponent attacks, he will usually attack with three punches or a combination. How would you adjust this concept for this type of opponent?
Master Ho: If you catch the opponent on the first punch, he won’t have a chance to throw a second and a third.

Question: Should we then continue with combinations of our own? For example, should we use just one punch at a time or concentrate on landing combinations?
Master Ho: The principle is like this: If you get in with one punch, that might not be a killing blow. If you have a chance to strike a second time, fine. But if not, don’t do it. Don’t try to hit too much. Try to use the right timing.

Question: Should we then go back out and start again?
Master Ho: That’s not necessary. You just don’t have to hit, continue to chase, control.

Question: So, it’s better to punch one, two, three, watching the opponent than to try to throw three punches at thesame time?
Master Ho: In a real fight, you rarely have a chance to punch the opponent three times quickly like that. When you punch, at that moment, you are stationary–your hands are faster than your stance. But if you advance and land solid blows on the opponent, one by one, this is superior.

Question: For systems that use great power like Choi Lee Fut, do you attempt to get out of the way or what?
Master Ho: Sure. If you understand the distance, it doesn’t matter how strong an opponent’s power is. As long as you’re just one paper distance away, you won’t accept any force. Learn to adjust your distance and move properly. Like a gun which shoots a mile–as long as you’re a mile and an inch away, you’re safe. Also, in Wing Chun, we don’t put our hands above our shoulders. (Master Ho demonstrated a boxing posture.) If you think this will protect your head against a strong punch, you’re wrong. It will blow right through your hands. If your guard is high, you can’t balance your hands and technique. Also, for a roundhouse kick, when the opponent executes this kick, all of his weight is supported over one leg. When you kick like this, you can’t easily change your position. I can move to the other side and in. Don’t use your kicks too much. But if you have the chance, go ahead.

Question: In contrast to hard power like in Choi Li Fut and Hung Gar, what about soft power? Do you use soft against soft or hard against soft like Tai Chi Chuan?
Master Ho: In Tai Chi Chuan the center of gravity changes all the time. When you shift your center like this, it’s not good; you’re in a poor position to launch an attack. This may be good for health but not for fighting. Also, Wu Shu from China; such moves are enjoyable to watch. We can’t do this type of movement. For fighting, the moves we use, they can’t apply this either. So, we can’t copy them and they can’t copy us. (Master Ho performed a Wu Shu pose.) These motions have no meaning, like saluting, there’s no fighting aspect. Also, running around and performing splits have nothing to do with fighting. This may be good for health and movies, it’s wonderful to watch, but that type of martial art is different that what we practice.

Question: Wing Chun employs the Plum Blossom symbol. Could you comment on the significance of the Plum Blossom withinthe Wing Chun system?
Master Ho: The Plum Blossom defines the prime attacking areas for the front body: the center of the chest, face, higher ribs, lower ribs, etc.

Question: Does the Plum Flower relate to footwork also?
Master Ho: Yes.

Question: May I ask about the application for the Wing Chun hook punch?
Master Ho: (Master Ho demonstrated guiding the opponent and then striking.) This punch is best used to the body; there’s more protection in this. But you can use these techniques any way you wish. Like writing, after you learn how to write, you can write anything you like. But you should use some common sense. When practicing, if you just punch any old way, after ten years you won’t improve. But if you pay attention to acquiring the right foundation, correct timing, after ten years you’ll improve greatly.

Question: Can you explain how we can develop our Sticky Hands from the basics so we can improve?
Master Ho: In the basic rolling motion the forearm in Taan Sau should be pointing upward; Bong Sau must be at the correct angle (135 degrees). Your arms touch at one single point; the rest of the arm and shoulder is relaxed. You should control your own motion. The power should equalize. If one is not balanced, then you’ll be hit by your partner. Also, rolling too fast is not good for there’s no inner control. If there’s no control, there’s no power–just the motion. Do not waste your time practicing like this. When practicing, you roll “one by one.” If your partner presses in too hard, that’s when you attack–go in, use your feeling. Also, if your partner withdraws his power, attack right away. In a passive position (Taan/Fok Sau), dissolve the attack by using Bong Sau. Deflect the punch first before you attack. The main thing in Sticky Hands is to learn how to control your motion. Learn to feel the equalization point–equalize with both hands. When you feel something uneven, that’s when you know to attack.

Question: Is it a good idea to practice the basic positions Taan/Bong and Double Fok in the beginning before combining the other two positions Taan/Fok, Bong/Fok, etc.?
Master Ho: They’re all important–all four positions. You should practice them all.

Question: Could you please comment on whether the palm in Taan Sau is flat or upward?
Master Ho: It should be flat. Have you ever seen a bridge connecting two land masses that point upward?

Question: I notice when you execute Bong Sau, and too much pressure comes inward, you adjust and guide the force away. Is it a bad habit to perform Lop Sau at this time?
Master Ho: You have to know whether the incoming force is in the center, up, low, or to the side. That’s why you practice for feeling, so you know which way the force is coming. The technique is applied according to the direction of force. From Bong Sau, if the force is coming down, you can use Lop Sau. Now, if the force is coming straight in, pressing your Bong Sau, don’t use Lop Sau. Use your elbow (Gwai Jong). If the power goes to the other side, use Taan Sau. That’s why it’s important to have an instructor to point these things out to you when you practice.

Question: Could you comment on the use of light and heavy power Sticky Hands?
Master Ho: Light Sticky Hands isn’t good; too much force is also not good. If you can apply the correct power and equalize perfectly, this is excellent.

Question: When you apply an elbow strike, does it come down or across?
Master Ho: If executed sideways it’s called Pai Jong. If an elbow is applied downward it’s Gwai Jong. Pai Jong is introduced in Chum Kiu set and Gwai Jong is found in Biu Jee.

Question: Could you demonstrate the correct Lop Sau exercise? Master Ho demonstrated with Sifu Fong and stated, “Don’t emphasize the trapping motion too large; also don’t stick constantly while applying Lop Sau. These are both wrong.”

Question: When you apply Lop Sau and you meet, are you just touching or do you hit hard?
Master Ho: You’re going to hit down, but when you touch, you release the power and relax. (Master Ho demonstrated Lop Sau with power and then added a few techniques.) If you’re good at the basics, you can do whatever you like. If not, forget it.

Question: If I understand correctly, the purpose for Sticky Hands is to develop feeling, what’s the purpose of Lop Sau?
Master Ho: Also to practice your feeling.

Question: Will you comment on the development of internal energy within the Wing Chun system?
Master Ho: If you practice correctly and with a good foundation, clear your mind, emptiness, natural breathing, automatically the Ch’i will run down to your Tan Tien. That’s the foundation of Chi Kung.

Question: Do you have any views about the future of Wing Chun Kung Fu and of the many branches which are spreading?
Master Ho: It doesn’t matter when speaking about the branches of Wing Chun, as long as you carry on the correct principles–that’s all that counts. The future of Wing Chun is based upon you.

Question: I’ve heard that in Chinese astrology there’s something significant about the number nine, which 108 adds up to. For example, all the forms have 108 motions. Could you comment on this?
Master Ho: Before, in the history, it’s said there were 108 fighters who ascended the mountain to train their students to rebel against the Ch’ing government. However, the real principle is lost, no one today knows why the number 108 is so important. Actually, the number is not important.

Question: I have a history question about Leung Lan Kwai. Is he considered part of our genealogy?
Master Ho: The father of Leung Lan Kwai was Leung Lan Chin. Leung Lan Chin learned from Yim Wing Chun’s husband, Leung Bok Chau. Some historians include Leung Lan Kwai in the genealogy while others do not. However, in the Wing Chun clan, Leung Lan Kwai is considered to be above Wong Wah Bo and Leung Yee Tai in the history; Leung Lan Kwai and his father are part of an earlier generation.

Question: Do you know of any other Wing Chun lineages, besides Yip Man, which exist today?
Master Ho: In his generation, including Yip man, there were sixteen students (si-hing dai). However, they’ve all passed away.

Question: Did Leung Bik, Yip Man’s other sifu, teach anyone else?
Master Ho: No.

Question: Who is Fong Wing Chun of the Hung Gar legend and is there a connection between this person and Yim Wing Chun?
Master Ho: Fong Wing Chun is a different person and not considered part of our lineage.

Question: What’s the difference between the Taoist concept of controlling power and the Buddhist, and does this relate to Wing Chun?
Master Ho: Taoist and Buddhist control of energy is based on Ch’i–how to breath in order to generate internal development. Wing Chun control is based on the physical. How to control an opponent, etc. This is a different thing. Taoism and Buddhism are religions. Wing Chun is not a religion.

Question: How much did the Wing Chun art change after Yip Man studied with master Leung Bik. Was there a modification of the style?
Master Ho: There was actually no change. Yip Man learned from Chan Wah Shun before. But master Chan died early. Later, Yip Man was introduced to Leung Bik and discovered he was Leung Jan’s son. So he kept learning Wing Chun. Master Leung Bik is the one who taught Yip Man the details of Wing Chun–more theory, etc.

Question: I’ve heard that Wing Chun was developed from Ng Mui by watching a snake and a crane or a fox and a crane. Do you have any comment about this?
Master Ho: The credit for this system doesn’t go to Ng Mui but to Yim Wing Chun because the art was improved by her. Ng Mui was Yim Wing Chun’s instructor. Ng Mui developed the Wing Chun art but Yim Wing Chun improved it. What we practice today is based on the ideas and improvements of Yim Wing Chun. This is why it’s called Wing Chun.

Question: What about the weapons? Are they important?
Master Ho: Before there were guns, the weapons were important. Now weapons training is not that essential. Today, the hands are more important. But it’s the same concept. Whether it’s the hands or weapons, it’s the same structure and position.

Question: How is it you speak so clearly about Wing Chun?
Master Ho: Well, I’ve studied Wing Chun and its theory for over thirty years. I’ve spent my whole life researching the theory and principles of this system.

Question: Concerning Wing Chun being just a fighting system, how can we call Wing Chun a complete system without the religious elements?
Master Ho: Now, if you’re talking about a spiritual level like in religion, then no. But if you speak of a spiritual part of Wing Chun–then yes. For both the physical and spiritual must improve together. But if you try to place Wing Chun in the category of religion, with that type of development, then no. You shouldn’t think that Wing Chun is religious and spiritual. In another way these two elements are balanced within the art.

Question: Besides natural breathing when you are practicing, do you have different types of breathing exercises for developing your Ch’i?
Master Ho: We don’t use any special forms or techniques of breathing. Everything should be natural to make your Ch’i flow.

Question: Did grandmaster Yip Man teach the students at the beginning of his teaching career differently than near the end?
Master Ho: Of course there’s a difference in the way of his teaching. For example, when you just graduate from college and begin to teach, you have little experience. But from then onward, you learn better. Just like teaching Kung Fu; at the beginning you’re less experienced. Your way of teaching will improve.

Question: Did Yip Man teach anybody else besides you the complete system of Wing Chun?
Master Ho: Everyone learned the whole system, but it depends upon the individual whether he can digest the system or not. That’s a different story. If I give all of you a subject and ask you to write a composition, you’ll write your own way. Some will write differently than others. It’s the same idea. Also, it depends how long you learn the system. If one learns the three forms in two weeks and someone else learns the forms in three years–the difference is already there. In the Wing Chun system, there’s only three forms, one dummy form, Six and a half point Staff, and Bot Jaam Do set. If you want to learn the motions, it’ll take you a half year. But if a good student takes his time and learns the forms correctly, a little is better than one who learns too much.

Question: Master Ho, we appreciate your efforts in speaking to us and setting the record straight. I’d like to thank you on behalf of everyone for answering these questions.
Master Ho: Thank You.

Wang Kiu – Wooden Dummy (first sections)

Lessons from Patrick Chow

Seminar Notes – Eddie Chong

American Dit Da Jow?

All Purpose Jow

Iron Palm Jow

Wing Chun And The Art Of Teaching

What is Wing Chun

Thoughts When Approaching Twenty Years in Wing Chun

Wing Chun Kung Fu -Greco Wong & Rolf Clausnitzer

Biu Gee – Target Pointing

A seminar with Master Ho Kam Ming

Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma

Punching

Siu Lim Tau

Chum Kiu

Biu Jee

Principles and Techniques