I've been a bit distracted recently, getting involved in the 'fight or flight' argument all too often So I thought it was a good time to share a topic I posted on Renes WCK site, to see what you all think of the idea of using traditional, cultural concepts to assist in the teaching of Wing Chun.
When I was first studying Wing Chun our teacher used to discuss very basic principles connected to the five elements and how we can highlight different approaches to teaching basics using this common Chinese theory.
During my time I learnt how to teach in five different ways, which are:
1. How To Learn
2. How To Practice
3. How To Gain Skill
4. How to Use
5. How To Change
These methods rotate in cycles, and from my experience you can start practically anywhere , although some ways are slower/faster than others. Also, if you look at the way in which a School teaches, it's main purpose and aims, it will almost definitely fit in to one of the elements, if not all of them.
The first cycle is intended to start with Learning How To Learn, and if you're a 'fighter' you may prefer the How To Use approach more
Here is an example of the first stage in understanding how to approach learning 'how to learn' Wing Chun, or any Martial Art for that matter imho.
Learning How To Learn
My training at Jun Mo involved many varieties of learning, and at the time it just seemed like an endless barrage of information and pressure on my little frame. But I took it. Once I had time to sit down and write my notes, I realized that it wasn't that much at all really. Varied practise, but the same theme, same way. I have already highlighted the 5 Elements of learning, basically making sense out of chaos is needed.
So, how does the Wing Chun practitioner 'learn how to learn?'
By understanding the construct of Wing Chun
The Construct of Wing Chun
1. Form
2. Equipment
3. Interaction
4. Weaponry
5. Study
Any thoughts? Advice? Criticism?
I'm all ears...