Body-Mind Tuning with WingTsun

The study of many subjects can be achieved through reading books. The coordination of mind and body can be achieved through the practice of athletics and sports. Both of these pursuits have limitations, however, compared to martial arts training. In this article, I will explain how an ...The study of many subjects can be achieved through reading books. The coordination of mind and body can be achieved through the practice of athletics and sports. Both of these pursuits have limitations, however, compared to martial arts training. In this article, I will explain how an individual can learn coordination of mind and body and gain knowledge of how one's own body moves and reacts. In addition, one's movements can be made more efficient through training in WingTsun Kung-Fu. One's confidence can improve as well as the ability to concentrate. In addition, a good bit of basic geometry and basic physics is taught in the bargain, relative to the self defense of one's own body.

The beginner is shown the opening sequences of the basic WingTsun form called Siu Nim Tau. Siu Nim Tau has all the elements of WingTsun's more advanced techniques within it. Its sheer subtlety and slow movements encourages a student to think simply and to forget life's conce
s. It acts as a form of meditation. Concepts like "the shortest distance between two points" and "relaxing and breathing low in the abdomen" help in the pursuit of learning to quiet the mind and absorb the concepts.

A class, by necessity, is taught in groups but students are guided individually. The principals of the Siu Nim Tau form are designed to guide the student in future training.

Misconceptions about how to deal with force are addressed. People have differences that require different approaches in teaching these kinds of skills. A person faced with an attack is likely to be weaker than his or her attacker and therefore we do not meet force head on. The opposite of our preconceived idea is required and is not standard mental equipment among homo sapiens. Yielding to a greater force is an idea that must be taught. This different outlook can bring about a major change in one's perception of other things in our world.

This kind of training takes a person out of the mundane world and into a world of principals, concepts and possibilities. For modern men and women in a chaotic world full of over-wrought emotions and and confusing choices, WingTsun offers unimpeachable logic and intelligence. WingTsun is straight forward and unambiguous in its intent - to protect you from harm in an assault. Through this kind of training, one develops courage and self confidence, solutions through logic and a fitness regimen that supports the mental side.

WingTsun does not train one to be violent but, instead, trains one to be peaceful. Violence arises out of fear and WingTsun training reduces fear.

Once the basics are established, a student moves on to the practice of a drill called "chi sau." Chi sau is a superior mind-body exercise. It involves the contacting of two sets of arms, not in a random fashion like I have seen performed by some imitators but based on the arm positions learned in the Siu Nim Tau. In order to learn self confidence against a real attacker, it is important to face one's attacker. This training takes place in the secure confines of the training facility and with a friendly partner. Each partner learns to deflect, dissolve or evade an attacker's energy. After sufficient training in each level of chi sau, the student learns to put into practice what they have learned in a more realistic way. Chi sau principals are applied in a drill called "lat sau" which separates the combatants so a student gets to experience the different possible ranges that can occur in a real encounter. Highly accurate straight-line strikes, punches and low kicks are used in the most efficient manner possible in mock fights. Applying WingTsun's concepts exemplified in its 3 forms and chi sau practice is the highest physical and mental test of skill. Competition does not exist in WingTsun except with oneself.

To reach the first of 12 student grades usually takes about 5 months. To reach the first full instructor level can take about 5 years. Once a person experiences WingTsun's learning environment and its valuable life principals, the time it takes is not the most important thing anymore.