This may be a different type of article about Wing Chun effectiveness. For starters let’s start this off by saying there isn’t one example anywhere of any style being superior to any other style. What you do see however is one human being superior to another human.
What this really means that the idea that someone is wondering if wing chun is the real deal or not. They won’t actually find the answer they are looking for. They will however find thousands of people’s opinions.
What Is Wing Chun?
A simple google search and you can quickly find the answer to that. Or better yet you can read our article on ” The Wing Chun History “.
With that said, simply put Ving Tsun as some call it is a close-quarter combat fighting system with a focus on the economy of movement. The answer to this question will also vary from different wing chun students around the world.
The main reason for this is that over the years there has been much infighting among the different families (lineages). The effectiveness of wing chun has been up for debate for years. And till this day there has not actually been a clear-cut answer.
Wing Chun is designed for street Self-Defense
Wing Chun is a traditional southern Chinese martial art with its roots in China. The art is a highly sophisticated self-defense system with a focus on internal and external development. It draws on anatomy and physiology to develop natural movements and emphasizes aggressive tactics, the economy of motion, and realistic training.
Wing Chun training improves your physical strength and your ability to focus your attention. It also helps you develop extraordinary sensitivity, balance, endurance, and coordination. You will also learn to quiet your mind, concentrate your attention, and unwind tension in your body. In addition, Wing Chun emphasizes structural stability and intrinsic strength, so even a normal-sized person can defend themselves against a larger, stronger attacker.
Unlike some martial arts, Wing Chun was developed for survival fighting. It is designed to be learned quickly, so regular practice is enough to master the core system in two years. While Wing Chun is a very advanced art, it can be learned by anyone of any age or size. It is also very accessible because it emphasizes speed, timing, and flexibility. Because the artist draws on the natural human anatomy, you don’t need to be a super athlete or flexible to learn it.
To be a good Wing Chun practitioner, you should first find a legitimate kwoon or dojo and practice Chi Sao and sparring. A legitimate kwoon is important as it will teach you real fighting techniques that can be useful in the real world. Otherwise, you’ll be training for fun and not for survival
Is Wing Chun Dangerous?
I would argue that every legitimate martial art has the potential to be dangerous. Because martial art styles don’t win fights. MMA fighter don’t win fights, Muay Thai boxers don’t win fights, traditional martial arts don’t win fights, hybrid styles like krav maga don’t win fights and the list could go on and on.
The reason is simple. A gun doesn’t shoot anyone. However, the person holding the gun is the one pulling the trigger. The same idea applies to martial arts. It’s not the style that wins fights. The better fighter is the person winning the fight. And that fighter can come from any background because much of winning a fight has to do with a person’s attitude and dedication to what they do.
How good is Wing Chun for self defense?
As Mr. Miyagi says “Done Right No Can Defend”. This is another universal truth that can apply to wing tsun. When wing chun fighters understand how and when to use their skillset they become very hard to beat. In a situation where a person doesn’t know what you know, you stand a good chance of taking them by surprise and creating enough time to create enough damage to either finish the fight or getaway.
It focuses on occupying strategic space
In Wing Chun, the number one concept is efficiency. Every other concept follows from this goal. The more efficient you are, the better you will be at your fights. The center line theory and occupying strategic space are central to the effectiveness of Wing Chun training.
When you can intercept your opponent’s attack line, you can be in a better position to strike back immediately. You can also limit your opponent’s ability to initiate second and third attacks. This can lead to a fight that you win.
One of the ways that you learn to take up your opponent’s space is through practicing sensitivity games like Chi Sao. This exercise teaches you to feel what to do when you make contact with your opponent.
Once you create space you can get ready to counter attack. You have perhaps heard the saying good self defense is having a good offense. And we agree it’s better to be on the offensive rather than on the defense.
It relies on a well-balanced body
A well-balanced body is one of the most important components of Wing Chun effectiveness. Wing Chun training involves moving around with ease and flexibility. It is a self-defense style and requires no special equipment. However, students should dress comfortably. They should wear loose-fitting jogging pants or t-shirts and flat-soled shoes.
The central nervous system regulates balance. Its various processes, including the somatosensory and visual systems, all play a critical role in maintaining a normal standing position. In addition, the vestibular system also contributes to maintaining the body’s balance. It is important to understand the connection between these systems so that you can develop proper stance biomechanics.
The form of Wing Chun works the body in a variety of positions and movements to teach students how to relax and engage their inner muscles. In addition, the movements work to increase flexibility and mobility. Muscular imbalance is one of the main causes of lack of flexibility, so a balanced body allows for greater freedom of movement.
Wing Chun training relies on a well-balance body. Because the aim of this style is to create unbalance in the center of the opponent’s body, a well-balanced body is a key component of Wing Chun effectiveness. While practicing Wing Chun, students should be careful to avoid leaning their torso, shifting their weight, or twisting their hips. In short, a well-balanced body will enable them to perform all of the techniques that the art has to offer.
Practical Wing Chun has a unique centerline theory
The Wing Chun centerline theory focuses on controlling one’s opponent’s center. While it may not be as effective against highly mobile assailants, it allows the exponent to generate powerful force even when the opponent is relaxed. The centreline theory applies to both kicking and defense against kicks.
The centerline is a very dynamic location, and a practitioner can shift from his or her center of mass to his or her opponent’s body position with ease. This technique allows the practitioner to defend himself or herself even if his or her opponent strays off center.
Train With An Open Mind
You have seen components of wing chun In MMA matches you have seen law enforcement agencies use aspects of it and this is because of its close combat tactics. There are a ton of practical applications within the wing chun concepts. From understanding the straight line approach to understanding all the different hand techniques.
You will find concepts of wing chun in many martial art systems. Does that mean that other styles stole from wing chun? No, I think at this point in history all different styles are branches of the same tree. The truth is found within the personal experience and hard work of the individual.
We become enlightened to the truth once we start seeking it. That truth has taught me that no style is better than any other style. The even bigger truth is there is a Univeral truth that all martial arts share. And the answer is found in the energy.
Ngo Dac Na and Wing Chun
I am guessing you have heard about our family system Ngo Dac Na. Pure wing chun is devastating in the right hands. There has never really been a question about wing chun effectiveness. Just people’s opinions. We are here at Enter Shaolin stay out of Wing Chun politics. We incorporate elements of wing chun into our own training.
At the end of the day, Wing Chun is as effective as you are. I think it was Williams Shakespeare who said ” to thine own self be true”
People don’t realize that the most important element to a Beautiful Springtime is a Suitable Summer. When I practice Wing Chun I always focus on getting a very Plentiful Fall so that I can survive many more Bitter Winters.
Winter Is Coming!!!!
I know, I probably won’t make it into the Nei Kung lessons before its too late!
DOH!