Over the years, I have heard many different views on modified vs traditional Wing Chun. I’ve seen both and personally I don’t think it matters what version of Wing Chun you do as long as you do it well.
The reason I say that is, because at the end of the day a pak is a pak, a tan is a tan and a straight punch is a straight punch, etc. It doesn’t really matter what style of Wing Chun you do, because it’s the person that makes the art. There are good fighters all over the world coming from different backgrounds.
There are some differences though that are worth mentioning…
For example: The way that a person holds a Tan Sao differs among the different Wing Chun styles.
To actually say one is less effective vs. another is rubbish. The fact of the matter is that you need to adapt Wing Chun to you. You shouldn’t adapt to Wing Chun. What is natural for someone else may not be natural for you.
What we do is based on the Science of movement. We don’t do techniques just because someone said should. We do techniques, because it can proven scientifically. What I like about learning from Sifu Phu, is he teaches you how to listen to and read energy. To me, that is the most important skill to master.
What I found to be profound in the Wing Chun style is the ability to learn how to have a conversation with your hands. On the surface it looks like people are just cycling and trying to hit each other… However, internally a conversation is going on between two people. One person is asking a question and the other person is answering.
Neither Traditional nor modified is better than the other. Both styles at the end of the day take you to the same place. I will point out however, that there are bad teachers and good teachers in both groups.
The best tip of advice I can give you, is do what works for you, do it well and find a great teacher to help you get there.
Watch Below to Hear Sifu Phu Ngo’s Thoughts About Traditional vs. Modified Wing Chun:
What are your thoughts about traditional vs. modified Wing Chun? Chime in below!
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Jacob Fisher says
June 23, 2014 at 2:26 amHey Sifu, me again. Your biggest fan. 😉
I was wondering, with your background in multiple styles…is there a good way or guidelines to follow if you’re interested in learning more than one style? Should you give one style your whole attention for a certain amount of time then switch or can you basically learn as much as you want at the same time? Or does it depend on the person?
Sifu Phu Ngo says
June 23, 2014 at 1:32 pmHey Jacob, to me training is all the same, it’s about learning to control your body movements and how to project that out whether it be striking, locking, or building up your energy. Really it’s all based on what you can handle. Whether you can absorb the different types of techniques, how much time you have to train and how quickly your body (muscle memory) can get it down. In terms of style, like I said, don’t look at it as different systems, but as approaches on how to deal with different situations. Hope this helps. Thanks and thanks for being my biggest fan. 🙂
Jamie Pelaez says
June 24, 2014 at 6:36 pmTo add what to Sifu Phu said… To give you an idea of what he is talking about…
Sifu Larry has me practicing my Sil Lum Tao form, Tai Chi, Qigong and also learning elements of Chin Na and Wing Chun while working on C.O.R.E. exercises.
I don’t work on these all in one day, though, if you have the time you absolutely could!
Next week I will be releasing my training schedule God willing! It differs each week, however… Each thing builds on itself.
I’m releasing it, in hopes it will help you and other beginners like myself be able to have a better idea of how to train.
James says
February 13, 2015 at 8:10 amOut of all the styles that you have learned which was your favourite one. Also what similarities have you found between the styles that have helped you to be able to blend together the techniques you would most frequently need to use if needed?
Sifu Phu Ngo says
February 13, 2015 at 2:15 pmHi James. Of all the styles that I have learned I can’t say that I love one more than the other cause they all seem to blend in cause they all work on energy to me now. Half the time my favorite would be what style I am focusing on that month. But to kinda answer your question as to which I find that I improved my control and energy would be Tai Chi. I learned how to develop a lot of my energy control through it. But it’s not to say that the other systems didn’t help, in fact they helped me become more rounded over all. It is through the Ngo Dac Na System that I was able to break down and teach energy principles and techniques through all my training. Hope this answers your question.
Chad N says
February 21, 2015 at 7:23 ami absolutely agree!!! thank you Sifu Phu and Jami for this nice interview.
In our mental attitude, i think we often tend to constantly seek a lineage or a so called, ‘style’ we belong to. That way, we find metal comfort in it, feels like i belong to something powerful. I did too. still doing it. But, when i really ponder, it’s wrong, i know. So this particular lesson is really valuable to me. Thank you!
Jamie Pelaez says
February 24, 2015 at 3:08 pmYou are very welcome Chad! For me, I feel extremely blessed I didn’t start with thinking lineage or style matters. Because in reality it does not. I think it seriously limits us, not only that but some people think they are better than others because of this need for lineage or style dominance. This causes a lot of flame wars and just bad blood inside the martial arts world, that just does not need to be there.
Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Melani W says
March 6, 2015 at 3:34 pmYou guys were talking about vertical versus horizontal punches and Sifu Phu said the vertical creates a better connection. I was discussing this with someone last night and I see the advantage for a high or center punch. But what about a low punch? Wouldn’t the angle of the wrist be awkward if you used a vertical fist in a low punch?
Pete R says
March 8, 2015 at 6:44 pmI agree, and like they say in the Marine urhhhhhh raaaaa!
Pete Rios
Larry says
September 12, 2015 at 7:36 pmI agree it is all about energy in whatever style you are in and in the physical makeup of the individual .
Steven G says
March 23, 2017 at 11:27 amCompletely agree with Sifu. Love how he commented that he can adjust his training techniques based on the student – the mark of a great instructor. There are many different body styles out there, based on genetics, not necessarily fat or slim. Different shapes and proportions will lead to different strengths and weaknesses. The key is to understand how the laws of physics apply to your particular body and exploit the strengths.
Sije Jamie Pelaez says
March 23, 2017 at 1:43 pmAbsolutely brother! I have an extra fun time getting my elbows not to flare out as I am partially double jointed. It makes it a wee bit extra challenging, however over time it gets easier and easier. And yes the mark of a great teacher is the ability to adapt to not just the individuals physical challenges but also their learning style.
Stanley R says
June 19, 2017 at 1:57 amI join the Enter Shaolin Family back in Oct of 2016 as a lifetime member after seeing you on YouTube giving a lesson on the Muk Jong. I sign up for your ebook and 5 video lessons and was so impress that I decided to be one of your students.
I have look at different schools and online teaching, they’ve all (or most of them) taught the same form (just a little different) of training with the Muk Jong.
I need something different to make me feel different when I was training… your teaching has done that.
I feel that styles are constantly changing to suit each individual, so that they can adapt to what is being taught to them.
It is something that you have done because of the science you have put forth to make it simple to comprehend.
When you explain your reasons and demonstrate why… now that’s teaching.
My thanks for you insight.
Sifu Phu Ngo says
June 19, 2017 at 9:05 amYour welcome, we are so glad you joined. The Ngo Dac Na is very unique and I was blessed to have learned it and am honored to pass it to those who would want to learn it.