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Slick Nick
03-06-2007, 08:18 PM
In all martial arts training , the ability to react with speed is important . If one person merely focuses on his power , he loses many things . Such as accuracy ,reaction timing , form , ect. It is most important to realize that combat is like a mind game , like chess or checkers you play one move and await his reaction which is bound to come in many forms . In wing chun the basic stance allows a great deal of economical motion , speaking from the point of origin , the stance holds a great deal of short , fast , and to the point defense movements . Which in some cases should be modified to fit the situation.
Offenssively , open hand strikes such as the heel palm , ox fist , snake fist , bear paws , whip , ect. tend to have more power then the usual relaxed , ready position , in a relaxed, ready position , the strikes are done with one motion : from a position of negotiacion , to a strike , block , or counter , or maybe all three at the same time. Although these movements can be executed quickly , from a wing chun stance these strikes have a turning motion . Much like we see in boxing punches like a cross punch has a slight twist of the arm . So , the blocks are faster and the strikes are more powerfull using the wing chun stance and executing movement from the point of origin .
In another way wing chun is fast , and understanding it's speed , is to understand their method of closing the gap . This method allows attacks to be continuously fast because of the range , however , the method of closing the gap has to be perfected . Some would use mere footwork , some a immobilizing attack , and some will use both . But nevertheless , if that distance is obtained , the amount of movement allow per second increases dramatically .
Another important lesson is the chi sao drill , which in other words "blind fold fighting" which is basically increasing your sensitivity to body movement , or a good sense of "body -feel" is obtained through listening , and breathing . This is another way of creating speed in reaction timing , after all , timing is more important than speed of a punch , or power of a punch . If the wrong timing is administered , it won't land .
What wing chun strives for is a good sense of reaction timing more than anything , whereas some arts focus on power , or intimidating an attacker with "kia" or "haight " or whatever . Although the movements of wing chun are meant to be deceptive , if you are trying to learn wing chun understand what the art is about . Not power , or technique necessarily , just quick reactions and sensitivity to movement . From a close range , this "body-feel" is easy to accomplish , however , never neglect any range . Because they are all as important , offense , defense , short range , long range , medium range , ground .
Thanks , Slick Nick .

Buddha_Fist
03-08-2007, 12:06 AM
Mucho pasto...

Todai
03-09-2007, 11:53 AM
I have to disagree on your premise here. The aparent speed of ving tsun is essentially an illusion brought on by proper technique. If speed were the goal or focus why do we, as we progress in skill, do the forms slower with more intent focus? If we wanted speed wouldnt we be arguing on these forums about whether Moy Yat or WSL had the faster SNT?


What wing chun strives for is a good sense of reaction timing more than anything.

If your hands are correct there isnt really a need for a fast reaction.


if you are trying to learn wing chun understand what the art is about . Not power , or technique necessarily , just quick reactions and sensitivity to movement

I agree, you need to understand what is truly going on in the system to progress past a certain level and gain the ability to adapt your kung fu to yourself but remain within the system. But speed and reflex is not the goal nor the means to achieving the true goal of the system. Keep playing your forms, drilling, playing chi sao and you may find that even a slower less sensitive person can excell with proper techinque and intention.

Wu Wei Wu
03-09-2007, 12:38 PM
speed is often used as a facade behind which frail technique lies hidden.

out of a whirl of motion containing little control and even less finesse, ego is born.

practise slowly, slowly.

when engaged with an opponent look for control. rely on structure and technique. if you follow this pattern, speed will always be in the background, offering you gentle assistance if it is required.

Sihing73
03-09-2007, 02:10 PM
Hello,

I am reminded of a story of a man riding in a coach traveling quickly over a country road. After hitting man bumps at speed he sticks his head out the window and yells to the driver: "Slow down, Slow down, I'm in hurry".

Speed is partly illusion as timing is equally or even more important. The fastest strike has to connect, and connect at the proper moment.

Liddel
03-09-2007, 05:56 PM
Speed is partly illusion as timing is equally or even more important. The fastest strike has to connect, and connect at the proper moment.

I agree with this statement.

For forms sure slow and steady. But in sparring and fighting speed is important but.....IMHO tempo is more important than speed

There is more than one kind of speed
- having fast hands is a physical kind of speed, which most train for.

But what about prediction and anticipation these are the attributes that i think chi sao focuses on more so than physical speed. :rolleyes:

Circumstances dictate whats important and whats not, so we can only speculate in general.

In general terms speed is important because its better to have something and not use it, than to need it and not have it.
This applies to other things such as strength, flexability etc....

As far as speed goes heres an example of where it can be a negitive - Lets take 'Pak Sao' for instance.
A straight punch comes - if you block too fast i.e the Pak arrives on the line of attack before the punch, you get hit.
Conversly if the punch arrives before your Pak, you get hit.
In order to have sucess, your 'tempo' must match that of the comming action.

...and connect at the proper moment.

Other negitives of speed are
- The faster you act the harder it is to interupt your actions
- It can cause an 'over action'

But like with any training attributes there are negitive and positives and the key to improving is knowing what the pos / negs are, giving you control over which situations to use them in.