Next Level Wing Chun Academy

Review of 2011 and into 2012

2011-12-20T04:03:00.000-08:00

(pictured - student Dave Scott drilling the Luk Dim Boon Gwun form in a private lesson)

2011 has been a pretty busy, hectic but fun year at the "Next Level Wing Chun Academy"....my original intention this year was to present all students, regardless of level, an opportunity to learn certain aspects of all the forms, drills and weapons of the Wing Chun system..not to cram all the information in and complete all areas fully...but to give everyone a "taster" of what is to come in their future training and see how the Wing Chun system ties together with attributes from all areas begin to fuse and connect to create a Wing Chun thinking and acting unity in our practice, while at the same time showing there really is no secret or advanced Wing Chun, merely different layers that compliment the core fundamentals found in Siu Nim Tau.

We have had seminar visits this year from representatives of Gary Lam in the form of Sifu Micheal Choi, the only UK representative of Wan Kam Leung, Sifu Jon Abdey and yet another great seminar by Alan Gibson of the "Wing Chun Federation"..who has without doubt helped us improve our understanding and skill base and given us many areas to take away and work on.

In 2012 as the previous blog post explains we are set to have more visiting seminar events in the form of Alan Gibson in March, Jason Gowan from "WSL Ving Tsun London Combat Science" and Ged Kennerk/Adam Cope, who are all highly regarded in the WSL VT community and have links with key direct WSLVT teachers as i've mentioned previously...so i'm sure we are all relishing the input that these will provide also.

Without doubt the WSLVT (Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun) input that we have received has largely influenced the way I currently teach, see and understand my Wing Chun...with the emphasis of MY Wing Chun.
Although I intend to learn what I can from people within this line of the Wing Chun tree, I have no immediate intention to join forces with or fully associate myself with any one line at this time...in the future I may very well do so again but at this stage of my martial journey I am happy experimenting and working on aspects that I personally feel help me pass on effective Wing Chun and street survival skills to my students based on my past and current training.

The important part is that I do understand what and why I am teaching as I do and this, to me, is more important at this time than being a student of a student or a master 50 years ago..or linked to Ip Mans sons or whatever...this enables me to stay truly open minded to what all lineages of Wing Chun and other systems even have to offer without feeling I'm being disloyal to my teacher or lineage.
But I must emphasise again that if it wasn't for my curiosity into the WSLVT system, I would still be very much lost in the void of constant questions... chasing hands and soft Chi Sau and complicated nonsense that only trains to confuse and befuddle and mislead us into falsely thinking what we have learnt would stand a high chance of success in a real confrontation...I cannot recommend highly enough the people above I have mentioned who can and will change your perspective of Wing Chun forever if you are from outside their lineage, they are not monsters out to prove a point and fight everyone, but passionate about passing on the real treasure of simplicity and concept within the Wing Chun community to anyone who is humble enough to open their mind and listen.

I wish all my students, friends and followers in the Wing Chun world a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year.

Lastly our club celebration of 2012 "Chinese New Year" is currently set for Wednesday 25th January 2012 in Bury St Edmunds...and to show we are not traditionalists are planning to go for a CURRY this year not Chinese :-) Hope to see you there for some spicy fun and games (snow drifts permitting)..Gary Lisseman has been tasked in arranging and collecting monies in the new year for this.

Paul

"Next Level Wing Chun Academy" Seminar Events - early to mid 2012

2011-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

In brief: Alan Gibson visits on Sunday 11th March 2012 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm - £30

Jason Gowan visits on Sunday 13th May 2012 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm - £30

Ged Kennerk/Adam Cope will visit on Sunday 24th June 2012 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm - £30

open to all student levels and lineages interested in the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun methods

(pictured left Alan Gibson)

The first seminar of the year at our "Next Level Wing Chun Academy" venue (Moreton Hall Health Club) in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk...will be from "Wing Chun Federation" coach Alan Gibson who has visited our club 4 times previously in the last 2-3 years to hold workshops on various introduction aspects to the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun methods and thinking and is due to visit us on - SUNDAY 11th MARCH 2012 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm - £30 payable ideally before the event to secure your place...seminar content details to follow...

www.wingchun.org.uk

Following this event, on SUNDAY 13th MAY 2012 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm - £30 "WSL Ving Tsun London Combat Science" coach Jason Gowan has agreed to visit our club also to teach aspects of the WSLVT system that he feels will benefit our understanding and improve our skills.
Jason has a vast degree of martial arts experience and used to be a very successful instructor for the Kamon Wing Chun group until I encouraged him to attend a WSLVT multi-seminar event a couple of years ago... Jason was so impressed by the direct no nonsense Wing Chun approach and following this 'wake up call' he absorbed himself fully into the WSL family and VT regular intensive training under the direct guidance of Kevin Bell as well as being overseen and advised by David Peterson...himself a direct student of the late Wong Shun Leung...full details will follow in the new year

(baldies ;) pictured left to right
Kevin Bell and Jason Gowan)

www.wslwingchunlondon.com

Then shortly following this on SUNDAY 24th JUNE 2012 - we can expect a visit from "Stockport Wing Chun Academy" chief instructor Ged Kennerk, a student of David Peterson who, himself highly recommended I invite Ged down to us and experience what he has to offer on our journey to become more absorbed in the "Wong Way" of Ving Tsun..so I personally look forward to this one as I do all the other visits we currently have planned for the new year..further details of this and all other events to follow in due course.

www.stockportwingchun.co.uk

(pictured David Peterson drilling Chi Sau with Ged Kennerk - facing the camera)

An interesting year ahead for sure!!!

"The Attacking Defence of Wing Chun"

2011-11-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

Over the last 15 years or so since starting my Wing Chun practice I have experienced many different interpretations of how this close quarter fighting system can be taught and passed on - some soft and absorbing, some hard and rigid, some very static, some very mobile, some very traditional, some very modern...

Yet one aspect had consistently run through each and every one of those interpretations - the aspect of 'Self Defence'...using Wing Chun technique to bridge with an attackers attempt to strike as an initial option in defending themselves with all drills following this idea.

Now, some did this in a very strong convincing manner against full power (ish) punches (well..staged classroom punches)...others bridged softly like the stroke of a Chinese calligraphy brush, seemingly effortlessly deflecting or absorbing the strike, some followed the bridging with a dynamic burst of violent, faster than light follow ups and connected strikes that would overwhelm the best of them (drunks maybe) ;) where some danced out the way, lightly bridging before striking, from arms length, several (read too many) follow up strikes...

Every one of my teachers over the years that i've been fortunate enough to learn from has possessed a skill level that I may never even get close to and I owe them all a great deal of thanks and gratitude for guiding me to where I am now...(beginning to see the light of day) :)

It was only when I began my research into the basics of the WSLVT (Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun) system almost 3 years ago now through "Wing Chun Federation" chief coach Alan Gibson and attending a multi-seminar event with David Peterson, John Smith, Ernie Barrios and Kev Bell...that I truly began to see how much more simple, direct and conceptual Wing Chun really can be...and that this interpretation of Wing Chun actually DOES walk the talk and DOES do what it says in the history books...this IS a fighting system and it is certainly NOT in any sense of the word "Self Defence"

Self defence is for corporate workers who get paid to learn complex wrist locks and shout alot at would be attackers in a team building event to improve their confidence and escape the reams of paperwork building higher on their shiny desks...self defence is for children to protect themselves against the potential threat of a school bully who may try and nick their jam sandwich...self defence is for ladies that lunch (put that last bit in cos it made me chuckle) :)

Yet a fight or confrontation at street level is often horrendous...its often stamping and head-butting, its often blood and teeth coming out, its often faces being smashed on the kerb or a knife in the lung....self defence is about as much use for this as the proverbial chocolate teapot...it will melt VERY quickly under heat!!!

"Wing Chun/Ving Tsun Kuen" translates best as "Perpetual Spring Fist" or more accurately with regards to the WSL way, Chinese Boxing - try applying your self defence against a seasoned or even novice boxer..or better still a well versed student of the WSLVT system and see how the defensive, over complicated actions fare...personally I wouldn't advise plying it at street level for you may painfully find it wanting...

So, what makes it different to my previous training and teaching???

In all honesty and with my small insight and understanding to date, it is quite plainly the simplicity - by training a few core concepts (not techniques) that are contained within Siu Nim Tau and Cham Kiu forms the system soon becomes a close quarter fighting system, it does cut the opponent off in one or two actions, often punches, the simplest and most fundamental skill, it does attack and defend simultaneously, more often than not with a single hand, epitomising economy of motion whilst doing so and it certainly seems to use the centreline theory and triangulation more comprehensively than any other Wing Chun system i've seen through proximity (bent elbow distance) and control and/or disruption of the opponents centre of mass (if they're off balance they cant defend or attack effectively) with the aid of the constant forward, springy feeling of the Lat Sau Jik Chung concept - not hand free choose to hit - but hand free attack without thought from an almost magnetic and automatic searching for the centre..

Of course, in reality - shit happens...we don't all walk around like a tightly coiled fighting spring ready to unleash merry hell on anyone looking or acting odd...we may need to bridge against a random attack we don't see coming before anything else...but by doing so we know we are still at a disadvantage because we are defending and the other guy is attacking us...in my classes and WSLVT classes (im not a current certified WSLVT coach) we still train for this situation, yet recognise it is not the most direct way of using our Wing Chun and to be the best we can be we should train as simply and directly as possible for the most part yet also being realistic to the potential consequences should it all go pear shaped..

So, with the article heading in mind and hopefully to get you all thinking about how you practice your Wing Chun currently...ask yourself...do you attack every attack that you see coming in?...or bridge first?..or bridge and attack together (ie: Taan Da, Pak Da etc) - common..that last one...but not as direct as it could/should? be...coulda, woulda, shoulda...

What about Bong Sau?..do you throw your elbow up high defensively to bridge?..step back or to the side as you're doing so and then add a Laap and strike in??..and then repeat endlessly to a count??...hmmm?..but Wing Chun doesn't defend first and then attack because all the other striking arts do that and we're different right??..we attack and defend at the same time...(I still teach this to my students but put a huge emphasis on it being for a situation when your hands may be down, we also then reduce the drill so we punch off the emergency Bong action and get back to basics as quickly as possible..and then re-cap at Cham Kiu level where the only uses for Bong Sau are illustrated)... When/If we use/need Bong Sau (out of Chi Sau of course) it is drilled to be thrown (Paau) at the centre to cause a deflection or disruption and is followed immediately by an attack response..or if contact has already been established and our attack line is cut off, a shifting process may be used (Yi) temporarily to open a new attack line..or when pulled down can be used at a low level (Dai) to redirect the pull back towards the source

When training Taan Sau does it actually intercept and disperse energy or is it just a palm up block to enable a strike with your other hand?..do you attack with it? - not defend then attack with the same hand...but attack, dispersing in the process?

Lastly..what about Fook Sau?...do you just use it in Chi Sau?...does it actually subdue anything?...or could you use it conceptually as it can be applied throughout the system?

Briefly going back to the Bong Sau action, when we use it - although we minimise its use as its very defensive in nature and we've established Wing Chun is an attacking skill primarily, the counter strikes that we deliver following the Bong will aim to be dispersing and subduing within correct Wing Chun range (bent elbow distance for the ones at the back)..all while maintaining 'Chiu Ying' or facing, triangulation, forward intent, disruption and control of the centre of mass all..simply by attacking the attack with an assertive mind intent, not a defensive, see what happens rose tinted view of the world

Three areas which have helped me and my students begin to simplify and improve our skills and understanding and which may help you to do the same regardless of school or lineage are:

1/ Understand and maintain facing/triangulation as well as correct Wing Chun range wherever possible and remember your upper body structure is only as good as your base. The form concepts and actions give depth to your practice, work to understand and apply them - by being in correct range, using facing and forward feeling from a good base makes most things in Wing Chun terms more effective straight away

2/ Drop pre set drills and set sequence routines as well as "what if" thinking - work a set idea but in a free way so you can explore and discover what works and what does not under increasing pressure over time...question everything you currently train and ask yourself could it be made simpler and more direct...dont chase the hands, chase the centre

3/ When under threat - Attack - don't defend - all the time you are attacking and controlling or disrupting the centre of your opponent/partner they have to be defending or trying to reverse the situation - "Be fast, be first and be furious" - Alan Gibson

See below for shameless plug of Alan Gibsons book "Wing Chun the Works" available from the Wing Chun Federation website...also some excellent DVD's and publication by David Peterson at the Cranes Productions website.

Alan Gibson is booked in to visit our Bury St Edmunds club again in March 2012..more details in due course

Until next time - enjoy your training.

Chi Sau Seminar - Finding Centre

2011-09-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a "Chi Sau" (Wing Chun sticking hands) seminar on:

Sunday 16th October 2011 - 4pm - 6.30pm at Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7BL -
Seminar Fee: £20 payable asap

This seminar is open to all levels and abilities and will cover basic roll, shapes and Siu Nim Tau and Chum Kiu concept/energy principles as well as attribute drills to avoid chasing the hands in favour of finding centre and once found controlling centre.

This seminar is also open to students from other clubs who may wish to attend - please contact me directly to reserve a place on 07891 699272 or by the e-mail details above

We also are planning a club social event in the next few weeks in the form of a "Curry Night" before Christmas and I will keep you all posted of dates/times etc

See you at class

Paul

Conceptual Thinking in Wing Chun

2011-07-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

Whatever style, lineage or method of Wing Chun/Ving Tsun you come from, have you taken time to consider exactly what it means by saying Wing Chun is a conceptual art?
What concepts?..or ideas?..how is it concept base?..more importantly..why?
I see and hear and have experienced many approaches to the system and until I began some research into the methodology of the Wong Shun Leung interpretation I admit my knowledge of concepts was basic to say the least...

If asked this question 5 years ago i would have confidently replied something along the lines of Wing Chun being about the centreline and economy of motion as well as defending and attacking together where possible...which, to be fair is correct but doesn't really begin to scratch the surface of conceptual Wing Chun..

Back in those days I was taught Wing Chun based solely around set drills, endless footwork drilling without a partner, and a huge variety of how my new found ''techniques'' could be used with a compliant partner who kindly left his slow, out of range punch floating in mid air for me to pull or slap out of the way so I could develop?..my speed and accuracy without response and leave class feeling fulfilled and untouchable...blindly being led towards a collection of techniques and form movements that I only half understood..of course in hindsight this time wasnt all wasted as I was also developing my teaching style and skills and learning an enjoyable martial art...I did find however that I still had many questions...how I was being taught didnt seem to align with the multitude of Wing Chun conceptual ideas id read about in many articles and publications..but at the time i was too busy chasing the completion of the system to remove my blinkers

(pictured ABMVT students)

Now when im teaching Wing Chun if I take a simple concept out of Siu Nim Tau like the ''Taan Sau' concept (to disperse) I can explain it and explore it with a variety of tools; the shape or action itself, the basic punch, the chopping hand, palm strikes, Bong and Paak Sau even..all to ''disperse'' an incoming energy or bridge in contact in order to open up an attack line so I can return to a more simple action of attacking and cutting off my opponent in a direct manner, sometimes I may need the use of another concept such as Fook Sau (to subdue) in the same manner..should these ''concepts'' get countered or jammed or equally dispersed - I can explore why and begin to remedy it and often its a case of another concept not being applied as efficiently as it could be..maybe my facing (chiu ying) is out, or distance is outside Wing Chun bent elbow range for that moment - or intent is lacking, or not following the Loi Lau Hoi Sung - Lat sau Jik Chung concept (receive what comes, escort what goes - hand free go forward) etc etc...also the Taan sau ''shape'' can employ the Fook Sau concept and vice versa..so an understanding is required at least to an elementary level

My Wing Chun now is NOT about this technique is used for this attack and if that doesn't work then there is this technique and so on..I also don't need to ramp up the speed and dynamics to demonstrate this.. speed is an element of course but we shouldn't need to rely on it....especially as a mask to our knowledge as im there to coach..not impress and show off...drills are generally ''free'' so that exploration can take place and in turn understanding of that piece of the puzzle...the actions found in the forms help us also train attributes, encourage natural movement, structural integrity and a direct, no nonsense mindset..this is turn develops more functionality in your Wing Chun..with a string of ideas and attributes tied in with assertive intent stands you in a better place to deal with a violent street confrontation, should it happen...an over reliance on technique and wishful thinking can quickly lead to a great deal of pain and suffering when faced with real aggression...where a base idea of simply attacking the attack is easier to follow once the adrenaline flood takes away the use of your legs..

The concepts of Wing Chun are vast and deep yet the most young, simple idea (concept) is often enough to cover a wide range of situations once understood a little better..you then begin to shockingly realise that the good stuff isn't at the end of the system but in fact right at the beginning and runs as a vein throughout the entire journey and can be applied in many ways..and the concepts ARE the good stuff..they ARE the method..and dictate through them how good Wing Chun can be applied..without concept exploration all you have is a technique based system based around something that looks a bit like Wing Chun

So if you step into your training hall and your teacher begins to explain that Taan Sau is simply ''Palm Up Block'' - question how it works with the example given and how that relates to the entire system..should they not know, or explain Wing chun is a concept based art and then teach it as a technique based art, it may be time to reassess your path in Wing Chun.

Alan Gibson Chum Kiu Seminar Report

2011-07-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 10th July 2011, Alan Gibson (seated) and his student Sean Collison (bottom row far left) visited our Next Level Wing Chun Academy club in Bury St Edmunds to hold yet another seminar on the WSLVT methods...this time covering their version of Chum Kiu (seeking the bridge)

Alan proceeded to discuss and explain the salient concepts of the form with his usual array of supplementary drills to further understand each aspect and cover any questions on the whys and hows along the way.

Sean began by demonstrating the form with Alan giving commentary, then mainly focused on explaining the use and purpose of waist power and more importantly waist and stance combined (Yiu Ma Hap Yat) as well as illustrating in this version there are 3 specific "Bong Sau" actions - one in each section, namely;

Section 1: Yi Bong - Shifting - in contact to open an attack line that has been jammed and its transition to and from Laan at close quarters
Section 2: Paau Bong - Throwing - generally out of contact though action can and is used in contact when needed
Section 3: Dai Bong - Low action - when pulled by opponent, force redirected through Dai Bong to close, executed off same leg as arm being pulled to maintain stance and facing

The Dai Bong off the rear leg could be used to defend the lower gates to a low thrusting attack if hands were down but accepted as a low action Paau Bong.

These 3 Bong sau situations illustrate the ONLY times Bong Sau MAY be needed in the WSL approach due to the fact that Bong is a primarily defensive action and doesn't provide an elbow driven attack option.
Initial bridging with Bong Sau as some schools teach is frowned upon for this very reason simply due to lack of efficiency and simplicity, defending a single punch with Bong, Laap Fak Sau for example is 3 actions to deal with 1 attack...however it is important to point out that the Laap sau fak sau response can apply should your initial straight interception attack should get jammed and forced off centre, calling for a possible Yi or Paau Bong response...even then, often a Laap is surplus to requirements if a simple punch within Wing Chun range (bent elbow distance) can be employed upon creation of an open attack line :-)
A full understanding of the Taan sau and Fook sau concept punches from the Siu Nim Tau level illustrates this perfectly.

(Tony Poynton and Neil Turner drilling Yi Bong to Laan transitions)

Alan also emphasised throughout the importance of stance and footwork to supplement the hand actions in whatever drill we trained as well as highlighting the form to be an extension of the Siu Nim Tau ideas in movement.
Three students also attended from an outside association from the Bristol area who requested to attend in advance and to see their faces light up in near disbelief when such depth was shown and explained in full to supplement their current understanding of Wing Chun and its ideas. I would like to thank the students present for making them feel so welcome and helping them better understand this approach.

As I say on a regular basis, I myself am not a Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun coach but I am enjoying the exploratory look at the system over the last 2-3 years and incorporating some of the ideas into my practice and teaching and thank Alan Gibson and his students wholeheartedly for their genuine help in trying to improve our Wing Chun skills and understanding. The more time I apply these ideas I feel my Wing Chun improving and becoming more simple, direct and efficient - three words that exemplify the Wong Shun Leung system more than any other method I have encountered to date.

If you are reading this and happen to not have met Alan Gibson or any others from this lineage, I cannot recommend you do so highly enough. Alans website is www.wingchun.org.uk and other coaches can be sought through there also.

Chum Kiu Seminar by WSLVT Coach Alan Gibson

2011-06-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

Alan Gibson has agreed to return again to our club in Bury St Edmunds to hold a seminar event breaking down the concepts, actions and reasoning behind the second form in Wing Chun - Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge)

SUNDAY 10TH JULY 2011 - 3.30PM - 6.30PM - £25 per student (please pay in advance if you are a regular ''Next Level Wing Chun'' student)

MORETON HALL HEALTH CLUB
MOUNT ROAD
BURY ST EDMUNDS
SUFFOLK
IP32 7BL

Alan's past seminar visits have been very enlightening and i'm sure some more detailed information on this section of the WSLVT system will help to consolidate our understanding of this level or introduce the thinking behind it depending on your experience.

As always this event is open to all Wing Chun student levels regardless of experience or lineage and we welcome visitors from any Wing Chun club members in the UK who may wish to attend and involve themselves. We are a non political association and myself and Alan are open and happy to share this opportunity with people outside of both his and my respective clubs.

Please feel free to email me or phone to reserve a place using the details above or visit Alan's website

www.wingchun.org.uk

Practical Wing Chun Workshop - Sifu Jon Abdey & Seminar Report

2011-02-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

On Sunday 27th February 2011 at 4pm - 6.30pm at Moreton Hall Health Club - Mount road - Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7BL

Sifu Jon Abdey will be conducting an Introduction to the Wing Chun methods of his Sifu Wan Kam Leung, a very highly regarded master and direct student of the late Wong Shun Leung.

Jon is the only UK representative of the grandmaster and im sure he will help us understand the methods and drills in an open way and make the event an enjoyable experience for all.

£25 per person - as usual with these events please try and make payment before the event or let me know your availability at the earliest convenience.

All Wing Chun enthusiasts welcome regardless of lineage as always.

Further information of Jon's group can be found on his website www.wklwingchun.co.uk

An Excellent workshop introduction to the Wan Kam Leung Practical Wing Chun methods held by Sifu Jon Abdey and some of his students on Sunday 27th February 2011 at our 'Next Level Wing Chun' club in Bury St Edmunds.

Jon led us through their version of the Siu Nim Tau form and the differences to other interpretations and more importantly explained why it was different, then explained the concepts behind the movements and thinking and demonstrated how that related to application both in Chi Sau and fighting scenarios.
It was clear from the offset that this system is a very in-depth, sophisticated method of Wing Chun that favours the more controlling and subduing aspects of kung fu over the bullyish smashing down of an opponent from the off..which isnt always necessary in some situations although is there within the system if needed...anyone can punch someone else but it takes real skill to be able to control them and at least give them a chance to calm down before it escalates further.

There were some unique aspects such as a different setting of stance and 8 punching methods, 5 centreline's and 135 degree structure angles in the techniques and some terminology which we were not familiar but essentially many common similarities in relaxation, elbow and waist power generation and Duen Kiu Lik (short bridge power).

For myself I have found another like minded friend in Jon Abdey who has extended his friendship and we have talked already on meeting up again to spend more time looking into their methods and training together in the near future to exchange ideas for the benefit of both of us. There are in my opinion still far too much politics and back biting in modern day Wing Chun and its refreshing to leave that for others and crack on with training and learning more about Wing Chun Kung Fu.

I would like to thank all the students who made the commitment to support the event including those who traveled from London,Cambridge and Norfolk as well as Sifu Jon and his students who made the three hour drive from Reading in Berkshire to help us understand how they roll. I look forward to my next meeting with Jon and exploring further into the Wan Kam Leung Practical Wing Chun.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2011

2011-01-11T03:25:00.000-08:00

Chinese Lunar New Year this year begins on 3rd February for one week and to celebrate this we are planning a visit to our local Chinese Restaurant on:

Sunday 6th February 2011 at 7.30pm (table booked for 8pm) - Training is still on this evening and will be Chi Sau based.

Canton Chinese Restaurant, 15 Hatter Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1NE

2 course set menu is £18 per head - so £20 each will cover the tip also and we can buy our own drinks on the night...Please pay all monies in advance to Gary Lisseman in class as soon as possible - maximum numbers for this are 14 as the restaurant is already busy so book your place soon...first come first served.

Gong Hei Faat Choi!!!

The class meal 06/02/2011

Developing an Open Minded Training Mentality

2010-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

Pictured: Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon' Pak Sau scene

In 2011 I have decided to adopt an even more open minded, dynamic approach to my personal training and teaching within the 'Next Level Academy'.
I am in agreement with the modern martial thinking that cross training is nigh essential if you wish to become a fully accomplished martial artist and worthy of teaching an effective method.
There are still in my opinion too many with the traditionalist mindset that choose to stay nicely within their bubble and not risk getting their feet wet by even trying other arts or looking at alternative perspectives to modern day combat methods.
Although my main passion will always be Wing Chun Kung Fu and I do see it as a complete system that amply covers many potential street situations of danger to us, I have discovered first hand in recent years by dropping any ego and fanciful ideas that Chi Sau will miraculously save us from a violent encounter, that by cross training it enhances our base skill set and keeps us in a beginners perspective, eager to continue our studies and further our skills.

This coming year I will be returning to cross train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to broaden my knowledge of grappling and fighting from the ground as well as stepping back into the realm of Muay Thai classes for fitness conditioning and fight training and even trying out some Jeet Kune Do classes and seminars as they more than anyone are open minded to varied ideas and methods of close quarter combat...

In my classes in 2011 I am planning to break the common Wing Chun traditions found in many schools and aim to cover and teach ALL aspects of the Wing Chun system including Wooden Dummy (pictured above) - Long Pole (right performed by Ng Wah Sum) and Butterfly knives (below) to all levels - opening up the teaching and making these so called 'advanced' areas available so that students can appreciate a full flavour of what Wing Chun has to offer!!

Some will gain much from this attitude, others not so much but at least you will have had the opportunity to see how the system fits together like a puzzle and then choose for yourselves if cross training may enhance some areas of practice as I feel it has done to mine or whether you remain loyal to Wing Chun - its your choice, best to make an informed choice once you better understand what the options are.

I will also be teaching various empty hand energy flow drills to improve speed, reaction time and co-ordination learnt over my 15 years experience that I had put to the back of my mind but now see as potentially very beneficial to you as students and myself as a teacher.

On top of this we have visiting Instructors from various Wing Chun lineages coming to our club in Bury St Edmunds to hold workshops/seminars on their methods to help us better understand the diversity available in training our art...more details to follow...

Have a great Christmas and New Year and be prepared for a hectic, fun and dynamic training year ahead!!

''If you always put a limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them''.
Bruce Lee

Dates for your diary

2010-11-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Hi all, with Christmas fast approaching please make note of some upcoming important dates for our club:

Unfortunately the Seminar held by Sifu Michael Yan Choi Seminar (Gary Lam Wing Chun) on 19/12/10 had to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions and will be re-scheduled for the new year as and when the weather improves and is safe for driving.

Tuesday 21st December - Last 'Next Level Wing Chun Academy' class of 2010 - Xmas drinks afterwards at Benson Blakes, up the road from the hall - this is not a big event just a get together for those who wish to attend..this is again subject to the snow/ice as we've had a very heavy snowfall in Sudbury...please feel free to attend the drink/meet should you wish regardless of whether I can make it safely.

Sunday 9th January 2011 - First class of the new year and we have at least 4 Seminars booked at our club during the year, the first being held on Sunday 27th February 4pm - 6.30pm Sifu Jon Abdey, the only UK Representative of Sifu Wan Kam Leung, again £25 per student...and in the following months visits also from Sifu Ged Kennerk a representative of WSLVT under Sifu David Peterson and Alan Gibson is due to return again too...as well as other events which we may attend in London and Southampton.

We will also get together for a meal for Chinese New Year early February, most likely at the Canton Chinese Restaurant in Bury St Edmunds more details to come.

An exciting year ahead for us im sure!!! You'd be a fool to miss out!!

In the meantime I hope you all have a very merry Christmas holiday and New Year celebrations and return in 2011 ready for an action packed year!!

Training exchange

2010-11-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: Sifu Chris Thompson (Grandmaster Sam Lau lineage) and a selection of his students visited our club on Tuesday 16th November 2010 to experience how we practice our Ving Tsun.

Southend based, Sifu Chris Thompson and myself have similar training backgrounds being linked with James Sinclair and Kwok Cheung during our Wing Chun history but also both decided to explore other areas and methods and both now have settled with lineages that suit our ideas about Wing Chun practice and teaching.

We have been in touch via e-mail and phone contact since the Summer and he asked to visit our club so his students could experience a taste of different approaches to Wing Chun and I was happy to accept them up to take them through a class of exploring WSLVT ideas.

I began by taking them through our version of Siu Nim Tau as a group then worked through some of our base level drills which emphasize certain conceptual ideas and structures found within the form.
First on the list was the 'Sei Mun Da' - 4 Gate Hitting drill to work the Chiu Ying 'facing' concept, disruption and attacking the attack, also covering the differences in our low Gaan action which covers in a straight line enabling us to strike directly should we have to use it and also structurally stronger than if the elbow faces out.

After this we moved onto the continuous Paak Sau drill, ensuring students were not chasing the hands but the centre and working in the Lien Siu Dai Da concept 'Linking defence to bring in offence' and following the attack moving, closing and staying in VT range and therefore control.

Lastly we addressed regaining a lost facing position using the structures and sharp energy tied in with waist power (Yiu Lik) to regain an attack line and again following the attack and closing in on the centre of mass.

Sifu Chris's group were very open minded to the differences, asked lots of questions and were a joy to teach.

We intend to return the exchange in 2011 by taking some people down to Southend to see how their group train Wing Chun.

To round the evening off, one of Chris's youngest students, a girl of 12 called Ripley demonstrated a very sharp, accurate version of the Cham Kiu form and I engaged in some Chi Sau with her...she has 6 years of experience in Wing Chun to date and has already completed the 3 empty hand forms and dummy and is commencing the pole training..very skilled indeed!..(wish she was my student!!) :-) - Pictured below...

'Gary Lam WSLVT Seminar' - Sifu Michael Yan Choi

2010-11-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

(Pictured Sifu Michael Yan Choi)

It is with great pleasure that I can confirm the visit to our Bury St Edmunds club of Sifu Michael Yan Choi, a UK Representative of a household WSL Ving Tsun Master, Gary Lam.

Sifu Choi was honoured when I considered him to visit us to hold a seminar on the Ving Tsun methods of his Sifu and this will mark the first of many other workshops due to be held by various members linked to the lineage of Wong Shun Leung in the coming year, as well as the twice yearly visits from Wing Chun Federation Coach Alan Gibson whom we have built a very positive working relationship with already.

Sifu Choi's visit will be held on:

Sunday 27th March 2011 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm at our Sunday venue of Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, Bury st Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BL at a cost of £25 per student.

Please make payment asap to confirm your place as numbers may be limited.

As my students know, I feel it is important to see and experience different interpretations of Wing Chun and make friendships within the Wing Chun community and to avoid the politics which can be rife in the martial arts world. No-one has all the answers and there will always be something to learn from someone, im sure we will offer him a warm welcome and learn a great deal from his experiences.

For more information please visit Sifu Choi's website - http://chisau.com

''Killing Two Birds With One Stone''

2010-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Efficiency = (def) The ratio of the energy delivered (or work done) by a machine to the energy needed (or work required) in operating the machine. The efficiency of any machine is always less than one due to forces such as friction that use up energy unproductively.

WSLVT Coach Ernie Barrios cutting off a student's actions with one move

In our Wing Chun practice we often hear or read about the effectivness of our system, its directness in dealing with an opponents attack and its inherent efficiency in the process of doing so....but have you ever considered and analysed the methods YOU actually use or have been taught to use in your own practice and actively tried to understand how and why they work (hopefully!) and perhaps if they could be more streamlined and direct???

The reason I ask is because I have - due to my own personal research, both into alternative Wing Chun methods and lineages and also into my own understanding and abilities as a practitioner and teacher of Wing Chun Kung Fu - a choice which has both shocked me and enlightened me and certainly has enriched my understanding of this facinating close quarter fighting system.

Firstly, I must say this article is NOT a political onslaught towards certain lineages or methods employed nor a promotion of any others, im simply documenting my own thoughts and personal findings and your own opinions and/or experiences may differ greatly.

After over 12 years of study and practice into Wing Chun, predominantly with the Ip Chun system, I completed my Baat Jaam Dao (eight cutting knives) form and application training and felt elated that I had reached the end of my formal training into the system.
Daily I practiced my new found knife skills until my shoulders burned and my wrists and forearms could take no more!! I had reached the peak, the end - the two years of Wing Chun Long Pole training (Luk Dim Boon Gwun) preceding this was undoubtably the toughest training I had endured since starting and id come through to finish with the knives....BUT......

Paul Blissett drilling Biu Gwun 2008

I still had more questions...ALOT more questions!!! - some things simply didnt add up or correlate with what id read in Wing Chun publications and articles....the Wing Chun system advocates simple, direct actions to deal with an attack...agreed??

Though I was teaching and being taught aspects such as countering a single straight punch or grab with, say, a Bong Sau bridging technique deflection, with a turn or side-step then a Laap Sau to pull the attcker forward then a Fak Sau, chopping action with the elbow high above their shoulder level to attack the throat...with a whole host of potential follow up techniques

So...including footwork/stance changes my attacker does 1 action - I reply initially with 4 actions before I even follow my counter up!! Hmmmm???...not very direct is it?

Firstly I research the written Wing Chun sayings, concepts and theories (Kuen Kuit - Wing Chun was said to passed on orally in its early development) which are the backbone of genuine Wing Chun...I find;

1/ Bong Sau should only occur when there is a force sufficient to create its need - as ive used it as my first bridging technique im not following this one :-/

2/ Face the Opponents Centreline with your Own - Chiu Ying (Facing) a basic Siu Nim Tau concept - though as I turn and drop the weight onto my rear anchor leg or side-step offline my 'facing' is temporarily lost to deflect the attack

3/ Laap Sau - Cantonese for Deflecting or Warding off hands - im not warding him off, im pulling him onto me!

4/ Mai Jaang - sink elbow structures where possible to maintain triangulation and connection with the hip and stance, conversely with the ground 'rooting' - a core concept in all Chinese Kung Fu - nope! - my elbow is up at ear level and I feel vunerable even though im attacking, but not always aware due to the compliancy of my partner who lets me hit him

5/ ''Strike your opponents strike - kick your opponents kick'' - or Attack the Attack a concept known in a broader form as 'Lien Siu Dai Da' linking defence to bring in offence - it also states; often poorly translated as simultaneous defend and attack...ie; Taan Sau and Punch - or 2 actions to deal with 1 action - good...but not as direct as it could be.

Further into the system we also find concepts relating to directness in the weapons practice: ''Gwun Mo Leung Heung'' the pole does not make two sounds - meaning the attack and defence is 1 action, not stopping the pole (or other weapon) then attacking the person wielding it, not stopping the pole then sliding down to attack the hands - but attack and defend in one motion
Also ''Dao Mo Seung Faat'' - the moves/methods of the knives are not repeated - a reminder again to economize our actions by attacking and defending in one move wherever possible.

Secondly I began my own practical research into the Wong Shun Leung methods of Wing Chun which are highly regarded amongst many followers of Wing Chun around the world...I still am just as open minded to all approaches to teaching Wing Chun but needless to say in the 18 months ive been putting these methods into practice lightbulbs have gone off almost daily!!... and the methods have shown me a way to 'streamline' my Wing Chun making it simpler, more direct and more efficient in all areas.

In the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun system this direct approach to combat is drilled in from Day 1 in the form of the 'Siu Nim Tau' concepts of the Fook Sau and Taan Sau concept punches - here with 1 basic action, in many cases a punch, employs Chiu Ying facing, triangulation of the bridge and structures, simplicity and directness by either 'subduing' (fook) the attacking bridge from an outside gate position or 'dispersing' (taan) from an inside gate position to attack the centre of mass of the attacker - actions or tools such as Taan, Paak, Jut, Jum, Bong etc...are only needed if the attacking line gets blocked and become secondary to the more basic punch, facing and stance - thus dealing with an attack in the most simple direct and efficient way possible killing TWO birds (the attack and attacker) with ONE stone (our attack which is also a defensive action)

Alan Gibson's 3rd WSLVT Introduction Seminar in Bury St Edmunds

2010-09-11T03:59:00.000-07:00

(Pictured 'The Wing Chun Federation's' Head Coach - Alan Gibson)

Following on from his two previous successful seminar visits to our club in Bury St Edmunds, I have invited Alan Gibson back for yet another installment into the ways of Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun.

Although we have an open view towards the practice and development of our Wing Chun, we are finding ourselves more and more intrigued with the direct methods of the WSL approach and constantly seem to be simplifying and refining our skills following on from Alan's workshops.

Alan has a seemingly endless supply of various drills and exercises to enhance attributes and broaden understanding and although these 'Introduction to WSLVT' seminars are fairly basic in level there is something to gain for all levels of competence and from any lineage of Wing Chun.

The seminar will be held at: Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BL on SUNDAY 17th OCTOBER 2010 from 3.30 - 6.30pm - at a cost of £25 per student.

Please pay in advance to book a place by October 1st or inform me directly if you wish to attend and pay on the day.

Paul Blissett - Next Level Wing Chun Academy

Kamon Wing Chun - A Progressive Approach

2010-08-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

In these modern times I feel it is important that todays Martial Artist approaches their training in an open minded manner and is aware of the very real dangers they may face at street level.

As well as running my own classes which look at the methods involved primarily with the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun lineage and based around my personal Wing Chun path over the years, I also am a registered Instructor of 'Kamon Wing Chun' under the guidence of Kamon Founder Master Kevin Chan.

Since I began my Wing Chun journey in the mid 90's (and over 10 years of Boxing beforehand) I have attended many seminars, workshops and personal training with a large number of Wing Chun Masters, Grandmasters and experts in various forms of close quarter combat and I can say with absolute positivety that Kevin Chan is without doubt the most well rounded, adaptable and inspiring martial artist I have ever had the pleasure to learn from and represent.

Realising over 15 years ago that there were potential weaknesses that were not being addressed in Traditional Wing Chun training, Kevin set about looking at other arts from Muay Thai and Boxing to Greco Roman Wrestling and Russian Sambo before settling with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under the legendary Mauriciao Gomes and Roger Gracie earning himself a BJJ Black belt within 10 years and becoming a recognised name the world over in Grappling and BJJ tournaments - this more than caters for the risk of being taken down at street level and he doesnt attempt to incorporate groundfighting into his Wing Chun but offers workshops for students to gain a basic level understanding should they wish to supplement their martial arts journey.

The training drills Kamon work on ranging from Clinchwork to Boxing sparring and base level grappling enhance the Wing Chun training of the Kamon students making them very well rounded and experienced in a wide range of skill sets.

Although I feel (for me) the WSLVT is the most 'direct' Wing Chun method ive seen/felt to date, Kamon also offers a very high level of close quarter combat skills to build self confidence and ability to rival any martial art out there.

For more details and class locations take a visit to their comprehensive website

www.kamonwingchun.com

(Kevin Chan demonstrating Mang Geng Sau (neck pulling hand) on a student)

Chi Sau Seminar - 24th July 2010 - 3pm - 6pm

2010-07-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

I will be holding another 'Chi Sau' (sticking hands) Seminar in Bury St Edmunds for all levels on:

Saturday 24th July - 3pm - 6pm at St Johns Chruch Hall, St Johns Street, BSE.

£20 to be paid before the event.

This seminar will build on the first one held in March and will be focused on Seung Chi Sau (double sticking hands) with the idea being to cross hands with different people and learn how to apply the Wing Chun concepts to this practice method.

The seminar will cover the different hand postitions and energies, one attack/one defend practice and leading onto Gor Sau - free application to test your own skills against others in a controlled manner.

Please inform me asap if you intend to participate and pay as soon as you can to reserve your place.

(pictured is Sifu David Peterson having his defence undone in Chi Sau by late Grandmaster Wong Shun Leung)

Sifu

WSLVT - International Multi-Seminar - Southampton - May 2010

2010-05-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Pictured from left to right : Ernie Barrios, Kevin Bell, Adam Cope, John Smith, Ged Kennerk, Alan Gibson, David Peterson.

Over the weekend of May 15th and 16th 2010, myself and over 80 others from countries as far ranging as Canada, Germany, USA, Denmark, Belgium, Australia and obviously the UK, got together for a 'Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun' Seminar weekend in sunny Southampton.

There was a real buzz in the room from the beginning and we were not disappointed!! Kevin Bell began by stating that there would be no ego's allowed and anybody losing control or drawing blood from over enthusiasm and point scoring would be shown the door immediately as this event was a skill and idea sharing occasion.
Kevin went on to begin procedings with various drills demonstrating the power aspect of the WSL approach when punching, starting as a recovery exercise when a position was lost and utilising speed, power, timing, intention and structure impressively got his points accross.
It was obvious from the off that this is a pure no nonsense 'fighting system' method of Wing Chun and not an esoteric, flowery look at the art...they pride themselves by referring to their lineage as 'Chinese Boxing or Pugilism' and you can see why!! - all drills were taught with a fighting intention behind them and a single minded focus bourne out of their insistence on pressure testing their skills with REAL fighters from both the Boxing and MMA world who are actually trying to hit you - not a simple complient partner who delivers a punch and kindly leaves their arm out there.

Second to take the stage was Ernie Barrios, a previous student of Sifu Gary Lam and certified also to teach under Sifu David Peterson. Ernie's emphasis was to get us to disconnect our thinking and emotions and work on springy, forward energy (Lat Sau Jik Chung) and testing this with various resistance exercises with a partner found within Siu Nim Tau.
We then looked at Daan Chi Sau with a step which has a totally different purpose and footwork methodology to many others lineages - the ideas are simple but highly effective and it is clear how so many other groups pay lip service to the Wing Chun concepts and needlessly 'chase the hands' in these drills.

WSL coach Alan Gibson rounded off the day with a look at developing waist/core rotational power with various boxing type partner drills which progressed in a direct manner to more Wing Chun conceptual ideas working on disruption, uprooting, Lien Siu Dai Da (linking defence to bring in offence) and Chiu Ying (square on facing concept).
With day one drawing to a close and arms bruised and battered but adrenaline and inspiration flowing, David Peterson summed up the intensive 6 hour day with a reminder that everything we had looked at could be found in the first section of Siu Nim Tau both practically and conceptually.

After a good evening in Southampton with close friends, beers and a pub meal we headed to one Alan's students house to watch some boxing and talk Wing Chun, it was good to see the senior WSL represetatives relaying stories from their past experiences with Wong Shun Leung himself and informally answering any questions people had over a drink and with good humour - again not an inflated ego in sight!!

Day 2 began with big Aussie John Smith who trained directly under Wong Shun Leung and David Peterson and is a bear of a man but highly skilled and knowledgeable. John led us through Siu Nim Tau as a group and explained various energies and intentions throughout.
Drills were introduced showing the need and use of the Tui Ma (push step) through Daan Chi Sau and Seung Chi Sau and also practical partner exercises using a shove - what had made a big impact on me was the high level of skill by so many and even after many years of practice myself and my colleagues openly admitted to feeling out their depth on several occasions with many people our junior in both age and experience simply due to the fact that they were better versed in the Wing Chun concepts and direct approach - one Belgian student of Clive Potter, a young man named Christophe Germain who attended was around 8 stone wringing wet I would estimate and under 5ft 5 and I found impossible to deal with (or even move!!) and he didnt even attempt to strike me but controlled my every move with ease which for me was truly inspirational!

Sifu David Peterson rounded off this amazing two day event with a detailed look at Chi Sau, footwork and the WSL approach to Chi Gerk whlist tying all the previous lessons and points together in a package that we could take away and develop - there was no showboating here, it was pure skill development exercises for the benefit of all and I can honestly say without doubt I cannot imagine a single Wing Chun practitioner the world over, regardless of level that would have failed to get something from this weekend.

I have made countless friends, learnt an incredible ammount, gained masses of information and inspiration and feel strongly that my future training will be with the WSLVT lineage.

The Devils in the Detail! - Alan Gibson's 2nd Seminar - 18th April 2010

2010-04-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun Coach and Chief Instructor of The Wing Chun Federation, Alan Gibson, visited our club in Bury St Edmunds for the second time in six months to deliver a workshop on helping us understand the foundation of their lineage and approach of 'Wing Chun'. Alan was assisted by his student Sean Collison, who with under 3 years Wing Chun experience has an exceptional grasp of the WSL methods and was a great assistance to all.

(pictured Paul Blissett, Alan Gibson & Massimo Gaetani from Carisma Kickboxing - Cambs)

The seminar content began with the foundation of all Wing Chun - the Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma (basic stance), setting the stance correctly for your body frame and dropping the bodyweight on the thighs to enable a strong base. Then a look at how the stance works in motion and the importance of maintaining the power chain through correct joint alignment and keeping the heels rooted to derive power, hence support from the ground, employing the larger muscle groups (glutes, quads, core and back) so the smaller groups (arms, shoulders, feet) can relax.
Several exercises followed testing core strength, the power chain and aligning the body in the strongest structure whilst static and moving, leaving the students huffing and puffing and aware of the weaknesses in their basic postions.

The main focus from then on was Daan Chi Sau (single sticking hands) both from a static stance and followed with stepping motions using the Tui Ma (push step) - a WSL practitioner doesn't step back through choice but only goes back if they are forced back if their stance is compromised and then only to take a better angle in which to re-attack..a simpler idea to this is the weaker basic stance, collapses under too much pressure to the stronger front stance -
This tied in with the energy concepts of Loi Lau Hoi Sung - Lat Sau Jik Chung (receive what comes, escort what leaves - hand lost attack without reserve) makes the Daan Chi Sau exercise a simple but profound one and it is clear how much many other groups simply 'play' with the hands not employing any of these basic fundamentals in their regular practice, hence unnecessary additions, changes, attacks etc..when really the simple ideas contained within Siu Nim Tau form are more than sufficient to drill in the core Wing Chun conceptual approach, all of which is carried on into the advanced levels.

The group was split now with the more advanced working the Single Stick ideas in the Double Handed Chi Sau roll and the more junior students further understanding the basics of Chi Sau and using one hand to defend two by utilising small motions, positive intention and disruption techniques with todays seminar rounded off with the Siu Nim Tau form and a full explanation of how all the aspects drilled and discussed were basic ideas from the form.

Another very enjoyable day and we look forward to welcoming Alan back again in the future.

(Sean Collison tests structural alignment and rooting of the stance with student Steve Harris)

Easter Closure

2010-03-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Just a reminader to all that there is no class this Sunday 4th April as the Moreton Hall Centre closes for easter holidays...also the Alan Gibson seminar on Sunday 18th needs to be paid for on 11th at class to secure your place. Sifu

Alan Gibson is back!

2010-03-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

The 'Wing Chun Federation' Head Coach - Alan Gibson is visiting our club in Bury St Edmunds for the 2nd time in 6 months to hold another seminar based at increasing our understanding and skill development of the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun methods.

His first visit was a real eye opener to how much more direct we could make certain aspects of our Wing Chun practice and the feedback was very positive, mainly due to the fact of his genuine nature and passion for passing on the system correctly, without the need to sell it or put down other interpretatations, the WSL system seems to reflect the Wing Chun core concepts in a clearer way and all of a sudden everything makes more sense and has more depth and I for one am very much looking forward to learning more of this simple, direct approach.

Sunday 18th April 2010 - 3pm - 6pm

Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, BSE, IP32 7BL

£25 per student - (we need 10 minimum to secure the seminar)
Please pre-pay in class to secure your place.

For Wing Chun Federation information please go to www.wingchun.org.uk

Sifu

Chi Sau Seminar - Saturday 20th March 3pm - 6pm

2010-03-02T11:46:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that I shall be holding a 'Next Level Wing Chun' - 'Chi Sau' (sticking/clinging arms) Seminar for all levels on - Saturday 20th March 2010

3pm - 6pm

Venue: St Johns Church Hall, St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds - Limited parking so I recommend you park in town car parks - 5 mins walk from the hall.

This day is also 'International Wing Chun Day' - where practitioners around the world will be celebrating their art and crossing hands at all corners of the globe!!

This is a great opportunity to learn:

* How to apply correct hand positioning and energies learnt in the forms
* Learn how the concepts of Wing Chun can be drilled in Chi Sau
* Economy of Motion principle
* Defending and Attacking using your base and much much more!!

This seminar will be a very hands on look at the unique Wing Chun sparring exercise known as Chi Sau.

Seminar Fee - £20 if paid before the date - £25 on the day

Sifu Paul Blissett

'Next Level Wing Chun Grading Syllabus'

2010-02-23T16:04:00.000-08:00

The 'Next Level Wing Chun' Grading Syllabus is now complete and consists of 7 Levels in total based around the stepping stone method of the Wing Chun forms - 6 forms - 6 main levels with supplementary pracice drills and exercises to represent each level.

Grading is highly recommended as a developmental guideline for the student on the path of Wing Chun and following the Level 1 grading which requires at least 6 months of regular study - Level's will be a minimum of one training year apart with consistant hard work, correct attitude and attendence in class required to qualify for each grading.

The level following number 6 is the 'Next Level Wing Chun' Master grade in which all of the Wing Chun forms must be demonstrated to a high standard and understanding along with Blindfolded Chi Sau and Advanced Street Applications and can only be taken a minimum of 2 years following the successful completion of Level 6 - the Baat Jaam Dao (eight slashing knives form)

With diligent practice a talented, dedicated student will be able to complete the 'Next Level Wing Chun' system in around 8 years - although many may take much longer - it is not the desination but the journey that is important.

If you are a current student and wish to have a copy of the grading syllabus for your information please ask me in class.

The first grading date will be released shortly.

Sifu

Chinese New Year - 2010 - Year of the Tiger

2010-02-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday 14th February marks the start of this years Chinese New Year celebrations which run all week...an auspiscious one for us as a club as it also marks the first time we have celebrated this annual event under the 'Next Level Wing Chun' banner.

As our class runs on a Sunday I propose to teach this weeks lesson with an hours emphasis on 'Street Applications of Wing Chun' and the 2nd hour on the skills of 'Chi Sau' or sticking hands, Wing Chun's unique sensitivity training exercise and the ideas behind the practice.

We can also discuss a mutually agreeable date to hold a social event out of class hours to enjoy a Chinese meal in a local restaurant to further celebrate the new year.

I look forward to seeing you all in class.

Sifu

New Venue

2010-01-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

Our new second class venue, in Bury St Edmunds town centre, St Johns Church Hall, St Johns Street, BSE will now begin from Tuesday 2nd March 2010 - 7pm - 8.30pm (£7 a session or free for those paying £35 monthly tuition fees).
Unfortunately we had to delay the starting of this class due to Insurance documentaion not coming through in time.

I hope all members and friends had a good Christmas and New year and look forward to a progressive, action packed training year ahead in 2010.

See you all in class soon - first class of the new year is Sunday 10th January - 4 - 6pm at Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, BSE

Sifu

Make a resolution to improve yourself - Bruce Lee did!

2009-12-23T09:52:00.001-08:00

After all the festivities which most, if not all of us are about to enjoy at the end of this year, many of us will write resolutions for the coming year...of which, a large percentage will be health and fitness based or to do with our hobbies or habits aiming to change or improve some aspect of our life for the better.

As martial artists we may choose to improve a number of aspects which relate to our interest, ranging from attending more classes to working hard on our approach to Wing Chun and setting short term goals, maybe to complete the next hand form or drill our footwork or Chi Sau to a better level.

Bruce Lee himself transformed himself greatly after one fighting challenge which although he won, realised he didn't reach the conclusion in a very effective way due to his lack of fitness conditioning and therefore set about writing a disciplined exercise and nutrition regime to work towards reaching the intensely high standards he expected of himself.
The proof as they say is in the pudding and now his training philosophies and physique are legendary and for the most part unparalled, even today.

In the modern era, fitness conditioning is being more and more recognised for sports as an essential aspect to reach your potential, with even golfers and snooker players hiring strength and conditioning coaches to improve their game and set a clean nutrition plan in action, so for combat, whether in a sports or street arena it becomes obvious that a certain level of improvement in body unity, strength, endurance, flexibility, speed and power should be considered.

I myself am aiming to drop almost 2 stone in bodyweight and trim down to a lean 12 stone (or thereabouts) by putting into action such a plan containing elements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the Carlson Gracie Revolution Team, Muay Thai with Phraya Pichai camp BSE, Running, MMA & Boxing drills, Skipping, Bodyweight exercises and Weights, while maintaining a little and often approach to my nutrition using methods which professional fighters use to get in competition shape...by posting it on here it gives me more incentive to live upto my words as I aim to work towards hitting my peak and goal by May 2010 and maintaining it throughout the year.

Whatever you choose to improve this year, remember there are no tomorrows, our destiny and health is in our hands and can be acted on from this moment forward.

2010 is a potentially exciting year for our club as we have further upcoming seminars with WSL coach Alan Gibson and hopefully others in the Wing Chun community...our grading syllabus begins...our new T-shirts and merchandise will be available and Im looking to double if not triple our member base with lots of local advertising and hard work.

So enjoy the Christmas and New Year excess and get ready for a progressive and full on training year in 2010!!!

Sifu Paul Blissett

Christmas Holidays

2009-12-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

Just a short reminder to all members that our last class before Chistmas is - Sunday 20th December 2009 at the usual time of 4pm - 6pm. We may all go for a drink of Xmas cheer down the road for those who wish to after class.

Classes start back in the new year on Sunday 10th January 2010 (giving us 2 Sundays off) and also a reminder that our second venue in Bury St Edmunds town centre opens on Tuesday 26th January at St Johns Church Hall, St Johns Street, BSE (opp Gymophobics) at 7pm - 8.30pm - this class is free to those paying £35 per month and £7 per class to all others - please try and support this class on a regular basis.

I would like to wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2010. Sifu

'An Open Mind'

2009-11-17T10:56:00.000-08:00

''By opening your mind you open your potential'' - Sifu Paul Blissett

You will often see various Martial Art groups describe themselves as having an open minded approach to their practice...but have you ever thought what this entails?

After many years of study, teaching and research into the skills of 'Wing Chun' and seeing or experiencing first hand seven distinct and different sets of methods to the practice of 'Wing Chun Kung Fu' and with knowledge of several other branches, I feel I have 'an open mind' towards my perception of the art.

Since the worldwide explosion of MMA (mixed martial arts) encouraging students of combat systems to pick up a core of four or more martial disciplines to be successful, the knock on effect in many martial art schools is to attempt to prepare and provide for the ripple effect of this requirement - but are you planning to fight in a cage???...maybe...maybe not...

I believe Wing Chun is a complete system in its own right and perhaps following one path will answer all our questions - but rather than profess to have all the answers myself I actively encourage my students to maintain an open mind and search as I do for what works for them - even if it means they follow a different path to get there, either by cross-training in other arts or researching other Wing Chun schools of thought.

An open minded person is someone who is willing to consider ideas, opinions and arguments based on their merit.

With Wing Chun being conceptual in nature there are many and varied ways of applying these concepts and these can be explored as Wing Chun is, or should be, a lifelong quest for knowledge and progress.

So as a final note, remember on your journey on the path of Wing Chun beware of anyone who claims to offer the 'best' or 'only' way to practice...there is more than one way to cook your potato!!!

Chi Sau - the skill of 'Sticking Hands'

2009-11-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

'Wing Chun' is renowned for its close range fighting methods and a key area to the full development of this is working on and more importantly, understanding the Chi Sau (sticking hands) drills.
What separates Chi Sau from other areas of Wing Chun such as the forms is the endless nature of the practice, there is always room for improvement, the subtle skill development never ceases, meaning you can continue to practice into old age.

Beginning students begin this process by learning 'Daan Chi Sau' (single sticking hands) which puts some practical use to the actions and concepts being learnt in the Siu Nim Tau (little/young idea) form.
This drill also introduces the correct use of energy when both attacking and absorbing incoming strikes and strengthens the basic stance to allow the hands to relax and 'feel' when and how to respond through a set sequence of continuous flowing actions training the seeds of the Wing Chun system - Bong Sau (upper arm deflection) - Taan Sau (spreading/dispersing hand) - and Fook Sau (subduing hand).

(Pictured: Grandmaster Ip Man playing 'Chi Sau' with a young Bruce Lee)

Students soon move on to the main Wing Chun Chi Sau exercise using a double handed approach, this is sometimes compared to a laboratory stage where a student can experiment with relative safety and control the more subtle aspects of the skills of Wing Chun and how the concepts learnt relate to close quarter contact with a partner, who is most likely trying to find a gap in your defence in which to strike.

After a basic understanding has been achieved in this exercise it is important to always have in mind the maintainance of a direct, no-nonsense approach, drilling your reflex responses to adapt quickly and efficiently to the situation at hand in a positive, assertive manner.

By following the main Wing Chun concept/rhyme of 'Loi Lau, Hoi Sung, Lat Sau, Jik Chung' (meet what comes, follow what goes, lost hand, spring forward) a student learns to automatically find gaps in his opponents defence and exploit any mistakes in position or overuse of energy without thought.

Many Wing Chun practitioners still view Chi Sau as a method to tie up the arms of your opponent and/or to endlessly stick to their arms and nullify any attacks on their person with some kind of secret magic skill....to train with this as a goal only leads to poor, non direct Wing Chun and the often talked about habit of 'Jui Sau' (chasing the hands) rather than the centre.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is a simple, direct and sophisticated weapon and although health benefits and longevity can be gained from regular practice, the goal should always be to follow the core concepts and find an attacking line with minimum effort, maximum effectiveness.

In my class on every last Sunday of the month from November 2009, practice will be centered around the Chi Sau exercises for the entire lesson, in this way the skills have a better chance to be bedded in and understood and concepts can be expanded upon to increase your development and skill base.

Sifu Paul Blissett

Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun - Seminar Report - October 2009

2009-10-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

We were very pleased to welcome WSL Coach Alan Gibson of 'The Wing Chun Federation' to our Bury St Edmunds club on Sunday 18th October 2009 to hold a seminar based on the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun (wing chun) methods.

The event began with a short talk about the basics of the system and the fundamental importance of learning to use the correct stance and structures in our practice from early on, this would have been an obvious subject and something which all wing chun instructors would promote, though it was quite clear as we began the practical stance testing exercises that their base was much more stable, rooted and aligned than anything we had experienced in the past with various groups.

The seminar progressed at an enticing rate with each part building well on the previous aspects covered with Alan demonstrating the outstanding direct, efficiency of these methods time and again with the students he brought along to assist and various attending students - the main focus being tying the strong, yet mobile stances and soft, yet powerful bridge-arm structures with a dynamic positive fighting mentality to achieve your goal of subduing your opponent within one or two movements - rather than a mere showcase of skills to leave us in a bubble of awe and questions, everything was explained clearly and broken down so no points were missed and all areas were openly taught in a hands on manner so as to give us the keys, understanding and more importantly the 'feeling' to the fundamentals of this approach.

Having completed the Ip Chun Wing Chun methods with the Grandmaster himself before moving onto the WSL lineage Alan was in a perfect position to relate to any differences or difficulties we encountered and comprehensively explained and demonstrated how and why they prefer this approach, that is not so say other interpretations are incorrect or simply no good, but in my opinion you would be hard pushed to find a wing chun practitioner that didnt appreciate the sheer beauty and common sense found here.

It was like a breath of fresh air to see and train a wing chun method which so closely follows and encompasses the core concepts, principles and strategies like no other, although many groups pay lip service to these ideals, few actually follow them through into the teaching (often without knowing perhaps) and it would do no harm at all for many other practitioners of this facinating art from other lineges to drop their ego and status for a while to experience what this interpretation has to offer - afterall it is based on the real-life research into what works best in a real situation from the many challenge matches (Beimo) Wong Shun Leung took part in during the 1950's and adapted accordingly - a man who also had a very large impact and influence on the development of a man named... Bruce Lee.

I myself couldn't be more pleased that I took a daunting step and truly analysed what we had been practicing to realise some things didn't completely follow what I had read during my years of study into the wing chun system which led me to research into this lineage and approach Sifu David Peterson and in turn Alan Gibson and got the ball rolling.

Both myself and my students have thanked Alan and his colleagues at great depth and all look forward to his next visit in a few months, he has opened the path to us (and our eyes)..it is is now down to us to walk that path.

Alan Gibson has various books and dvd's available on the WSL methods and can be contacted through his website
www.wingchun.org

Paul Blissett

Alan Gibson Seminar Confirmed

2009-10-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Wing Chun Federation's Head Coach - Sifu Alan Gibson (pictured) is visiting our club in Bury St Edmunds to conduct the first, of hopefully many, Seminars with the first being an 'Introduction to Wong Shun Leung Wing Chun Methods' on...

Sunday 18th October 2009 - 3.30pm - 6.30pm

at - Moreton Hall Health Club, Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7BL

£25 per student

Alan will explain the difference between the WSL approach and other common approaches commonly taken in this country towards the teaching and practice of effective Wing Chun and use partner drills to demonstrate these concepts further.

For more information or to book a place call Sifu Paul Blissett on 07891699272 or E-mail - nextlevel.enquiries@yahoo.com

What's 'Wing Chun'...?

2009-10-05T03:03:00.000-07:00

Wing Chun (aka ving tsun, wingtsun,weng chun, yong chun, wing tjun etc) is a pragmatic, close quarter fighting system with its roots in Southern China (Foshan & more recently Hong Kong).
It caries the discipline and moral code of ancient martial skills into the modern world, addressing the needs of todays self-defence approach by its close range methodology. Wing Chun is a cleverly designed conceptual art and has few techniques to learn but what it does contain is extremely effective and has no flashy movements - although effective skills can be learnt in only a year of practice, to master Wing Chun, as any art may take a lifetime of study and practice.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is devised of 3 Empty hand Forms - Siu Nim Tau (little/young idea) - Cham Kiu (seeking the bridge) - and Biu Jee (thrusting fingers) a Form utilising a Wooden Practice Dummy called 'Muk Yan Jong' and 2 weapons forms, a long, heavy pole 'Luk Dim Boon Gwun' (six and a half point pole) and the 'Baat Jaam Dao' (eight cutting broadsword techniques) - practice involves partner drill training, realistic scenario applications and a unique training practice called 'Chi Sau' or sticking/clinging arms) to develop close range sensitivity and contact reflexes to enable a practitioner to feel the direction and intent of his opponent upon contact and nullify or deflect the attacks with needing to see them - at an advanced level, Chi Sau is practiced blindfolded!

Wing Chun is said to have been named after its first student, a girl named 'Yim Wing Chun' or Beautiful/Everlasting Springtime who was taught a new combat system by the Buddhist Nun 'Ng Mui' to repel an unwanted suitor - though this tale may well be folklore as certain lineages of the art attribute the birth and development of Wing Chun in the early 1700's by a Monk named 'Yat Chum Daai Si' or 'Speck of Dust' Monk) a 22nd generation Shaolin Grandmaster who was pivotal in the creation of the style, he was said to have taught soldiers the essence of the art in a small secret area of the Southern Shaolin Temple named the 'Wing Chun Tong' or 'Always Spring Hall'.

Yat Chum Daai Si was said to only have one disciple, a famous Chinese Opera performer named Cheung Ng, who had taken refuge in the temple to escape capture and certain death by the Manchurians who sought Ng out in the north of China where he was known for making anti -political speeches after his performances. Cheung Ng fled south to the temple and was said to be taken under the wing of Yat Chum where he was taught the life saving skills he may have needed in the future.

Cheung Ng founded and managed the 'Hung Fa Yi Goon' or 'Red Flower Opera Union' and organised the 'Hung Suen' ('Red Junk') opera perfomers, and passed on traditional Chinese opera and martial arts to the performers, among whom were Wong Wah Bo and Leung Yee Tai who both taught the separate skills of Wing Chun to a famous Foshan Herbal Dr Leung Jan.

It is noted in historical records that Dr Leung Jan was a famous fighter and won many challenge matches (Bei Mo) in Foshan - as Dr Leung got older he began to take on students in the fear the style would be lost. At first Master Leung taught his sons Leung Bik and Leung Chun (traditionally kung fu was kept within the family or taught to only one trusted disciple per generation in order to keep the style pure)

The local Bank Cashier 'Chan Wah Shun' sought tuition from Leung Jan after spotting him one day teaching the art to his sons after work. After much deliberation Chan Wah Shun was taught Wing Chun though being a largely built man and not well educated did not appreciate some of the finer skills of the system and he used his strength rather than technique when practicing.

In time Master Leung Jan and his eldest son Leung Chun passed away and Chan Wah Shun being a bold, brash character wrongfully claimed himself the new 'Grandmaster' of Wing Chun.
Leung Jan's surviving son, losing face, left Foshan for Hong Kong to start a new life.

In the early 1900's a young boy came to Chan with 'Thirty Taels of Silver' a small fortune in those days, and asked to learn Wing Chun.
Chan, at first refused thinking the boy had stolen the money and escorted him home to his parents house where they confirmed that the young 'Ip Man' (pictured) had saved the money himself to learn Kung Fu. This impressed Sifu Chan and took him on as his disciple.

Sifu Chan was very old when Ip Man began his studies and died shortly after, leaving Sifu Chan's top student 'Ng Jung So' to complete Ip Man's Wing Chun tuition and in time 'Ip' became the pride of the Wing Chun School.

A chance meeting with Master Leung Jan's surviving son 'Leung Bik' whilst Ip Man was studying English at Stanley University in Hong Kong turned into a blessing in disguise as Ip Man was left red faced after crossing hands with Leung Bik and having his every move controlled and countered - Ip Man studied under Leung Bik from this point learning the complete methods of Wing Chun and finer points of the system .

Ip Man is recognised today as one of the main Grandmasters of the Wing Chun style, passing the skills to hundreds of students including his sons 'Ip Chun' and 'Ip Ching' and most famously the late martial artist and filmstar 'Bruce Lee' and is responsible for the structure of its modern day development of 'Popular Wing Chun' as its known in the west - although it is worthy of note that there are many branches and lineages of Wing Chun and many different representations of this facinating Martial Art.
Another good overview can be found at this link by Sifu Sergio Iadarola

http://www.wcarchive.com/articles/sergio-iadarola-history-of-wt.htm

Welcome to the 'Next Level'

2009-10-05T02:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome to 'Next Level Wing Chun Academy' - we are a Martial Art club based in East Anglia, UK which teaches the complete Chinese Kung Fu system of 'Wing Chun Kung Fu' the original fighting art of the late Bruce Lee.

Wing Chun is a close quarter fighting system ideal for use in todays modern society as an effective self-defence method to deal effectively with a variety of 'realistic' scenarios, you may counter in a street level confrontation.
This martial art is also an excellent way to improve self confidence - health and fitness - relaxation - social interaction - and the simple methods can be learnt in a friendly, co-operative environment.

Class times and location are as follows:

Every SUNDAY - 4PM - 6PM

MORETON HALL HEALTH CLUB
MOUNT ROAD
BURY ST EDMUNDS
SUFFOLK
IP32 7BL

Tuition Fees: Pay as you go: £10 per 2 hour session
Monthly Charge: £35 per calendar month

Private one-on-one or Small Group Tuition Available at Affordable Prices

For further information please contact: Next Level Wing Chun Academy - Chief Instructor

Sifu Paul Blissett - 07891699272

or E-Mail - nextlevel.enquiries@yahoo.com