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!!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Training exchange
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...
Thursday, 4 November 2010
'Gary Lam WSLVT Seminar' - 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
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
''Killing Two Birds With One Stone''
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)
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......
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)
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Alan Gibson's 3rd WSLVT Introduction Seminar in Bury St Edmunds
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
Monday, 23 August 2010
Kamon Wing Chun - A Progressive Approach
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.
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
Monday, 12 July 2010
Chi Sau Seminar - 24th July 2010 - 3pm - 6pm
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
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.
(pictured is Sifu David Peterson having his defence undone in Chi Sau by late Grandmaster Wong Shun Leung)
Sifu
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