The 8 Most Dangerous Mistakes of “Wing Chun” Systems

Biohazard Sign

Warning. WingChun hazards ahead.

As I promised, here is the translation. I’m proud to feature a guest post by Sifu Klaus Brand. In it, he identifies common traits of many “wing chun” styles and explains why they are liabilities. Due to novel research on Self-Defense efficacy, the IAW WingChun system has adopted an adapted approach. This makes us different in many ways to more traditional practices.

If you’ve read my commentary on our YouTube videos, you’ve noticed the often emotional, and occasionally antagonistic, response to our presentation. For instance, our technical expression of power and violation of occupation on the centerline is scrutinized. Such cognitive incongruence is more than understandable. Stepping outside of the orthodox box of “wing chun” exposes us to critique. The following points make our unique — perhaps heretical or even revolutionary — application of WingChun somewhat clearer. Continue reading

Student Spotlight on Chris Bobek

Chris Bobek WingChun

Chris and Sihing Tom in Lat Sao.

Chris Bobek is an up and coming WingChun teacher in Berkeley and, soon, San Francisco. In the five years he’s been training with us, I’ve observed him steadily develop into a well-rounded practitioner.

What’s strikes me is his demeanor, always cheerful, reliably helpful. His focus never seems to be on himself but rather on who he is transmitting his knowledge to. Continue reading

My Headquarters Visit 2011, Part 6

Sihing Paul Wang Sifu Tony Hollander WingChun

Happy strolling with Sifu Tony in Bordeaux.

Continued from Part 5.

What a WingChun Tour de France!

On Friday, I had the pleasure of reuniting with my IAW-UK counterparts Sifu Ed Pettit and Sifu Tony Hollander. I hadn’t seen them since my 2009 trip to England, where they initiated me in my first glass of genuine Guinness. But even without the easy cheer of beer, I always enjoy their unpretentious company.

Later that evening, I was happy to see Sihing Ralph Dahl who, along with his assistant Sihing Simon Doberanske, drove 11 hours from Frankfurt to join us. Such dedication proven as action taken and obstacles overcome always impresses me. It was invigorating to train with him. As two of Sifu’s senior students, we acknowledged the pleasure of toasting each other as old friends, having first met in 1998 in California. Continue reading

My Headquarters Visit 2011, Part 5

TGV Train à Grande Vitesse

All aboard le TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse). On y va!

Continued from Part 4.

Despite it’s name, the high-speed train still took 7 hours! But it was a scenic and informative ride to Bordeaux. I enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation with Sifu. We spoke about strategies of healthy longevity, brainstormed plans for the 10th IAW Anniversary in 2013 and parsed his next article word by exact German word.

Indeed, you heard about it here first! The piece is entitled “The 8 Most Dangerous Mistakes in ‘Wing Chun“. I’m sure you will find it both educational and provocative. Sifu identifies the common liabilities of many styles — such as low arms, rapid punches, sticking, yielding — and their possible origin. Continue reading

WingChun Classes in San Francisco

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Wing Chun Classes San Francisco School

Come train WingChun in San Francisco.

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The simple headline says it all. After a hiatus, the IAW-US will be resuming our presence in the fair city of San Francisco.

Help spread the news! I’d appreciate you sharing this post via your email, Facebook or Twitter. Just copy and paste this shortlink:

http://wp.me/prEjm-14b Continue reading

My Headquarters Visit 2011, Part 4

WingChun Escrima Wooden Dummy

Self-Defense with WingChun and Escrima.

Continued from Part 3.

It’s been a week. And quite the week!

I wrapped it up with five more Private Lessons, an Escrima Class, a Regular Class in Bruchsal and another in Karlsruhe tonight. All just over the last few days after the IAW Event.

Does the training madness ever stop? Gladly, not. This is a good thing. Let’s call it a healthy obsession. An illness of wellness. I have been incurably addicted for a while. Sorry if you caught the bug from me! Continue reading