sifu chow's integrating wing chun

Q1: Why did you develop different fighting ranges for Wing Chun, is it necessary?
Sifu Chow: It is absolutely necessary. Traditional Wing Chun is a stand-up style. Sticky Hands is only good for the hand range. Master William Chueng could fight a lot better when his opponent took him down to the ground. There was no hand range fighting but ground range fighting. That's why I cry out all Wing Chun can do better by training in ground range.

Q2: In the August 2004 issue of Inside Kung Fu magazine, "9 Wing Chun Misconceptions" by Benny Meng and Steve Rudnicki. The article started with "Chi Sim Wing Chun is a complete system that it deals with all ranges of combat through its concepts of Heaven, Man and Earth". How do you relate IWC with Chi Sim Wing Chun??
Sifu Chow: First, I support Sifu Meng's and Steve Rudnicki's hardwork. IWC and Chi Sim Wing Chun share the same concept probably the same theories and applications. The result of their reseach ensures IWC's stature.

Q3: What do you think about cage fightings like the UFC, Pride etc. How do they influence your IWC?
Sifu Chow: I try to watch as many as I can. Such competitions reflex the closest of martial arts can be. In early nineties, Brazalian JJJ had dominated. Then, it was good to see some strikers came back. Then, it was the wrestlers. From time to time, we are learning from each others. We try to map out the pro and con of different styles. Today, MMA is the key to win. A striker needs to train ground grappling in order to escape or avoid take down while a ground grappler needs to train striking in order to avoid being strike out.

Q4: How do you train your student to cover all of the fighting ranges?
Sifu Chow: After a year of Sticky Hands training, I will teach them how to execute long range entry moves with bigger footwork and distraction . Entry moves bring them to close range. In close range, I teach them how to use Sticky Hands but going deeper to their opponents for take down. My IWC take down is executed in control manner, so they can mount their opponents on the ground. After the mounting, joint locks, chokes or strikes would be used in order to make a submission.

Q5: What are the training tasks in IWC?
Sifu Chow: IWC is divided into 3 major training tasks which come in this order: structure, coordination, and sensitivity. Correct body structure gives you proper leverage to generate power. Second is coordination, it allows the use of the whole structure ( body, footwork, and hands) to execute simultaneous techniques. Then, the last is the sensitivity which enables you to feel your opponent and allow you to execute the techniques in better timing.

Q6: I am a beginner in Wing Chun, I know Sil-Lim-Tau is the most important form in Wing Chun. How do I train the Sil-Lim-Tau form correctly?
Sifu Chow: First, Sil-Lim-Tau means small idea. It is a structural training of the basic body mechanics which let you sense the energy within you, both physical and mental. Then, energy flow in Wing Chun is about building energy and releasing energy. Sil-Lim-Tau form has 3 sections. The first section should be soft and slow, in order to build up the CHI (circulation). The second section should be releasing the energy that you just built in the first section. The third section should be building more energy so you can releasing more energy. Proper energy flow can speed up the grasp of your basic techniques.

Q7: In your Chum-Kiu Video tape, you introduce a 45 degree shifting. I tried it and I felt I have better balance, is there any other benefits for making this change?
Sifu Chow: Well, Less angle takes less time and that's all you need. Even the Legend Wong Shon Leung recommended 45 degree of shiftingangle in his Chum-Kiu. Another benefit is if your opponent took a side step in order to cut you from the side he can only step 45 degree or less at a time. Your subtle 45 degree shift is enough. Now, I also have a video on Siu Lim Tau in 45 degree shifting. (Please click VideoSale for more details)

Q8: In your Wing Chun 8 Theories poster, can you explain a little more about the "SILENT IS GOLDEN"?
Sifu Chow: It is a strategy that also links into how you execute techniques. In any fighting situation, a fighter must cut down the telegraphic signs both physically and mentally. Physically is to smooth out the techniques. Mentally is to keep cool and concentrate.

Q9: What's your weight distribution in Wing Chun Stance?
Sifu Chow: Well, Sil-Lim-Tau tells us the best weight distribution is 50/50. This allow you to recognize your centerline and to fight equally with both sides of your body. From the mutual position 50/50, therefore, you can go to different weight distributions easily. Example: 70 back/30 front, 70 right/30 left and 70 left/30 right. Just remember never use 70 front/30 back in Wing Chun. As you front leg will become a heavy target.

Q10: How do you describe your WIng Chun footwork?
Sifu Chow: Footwork should be as easy as walking. First take the Sil-Lim-Tau's Kim Yeung Ma, but make the base wider than the width of your shoulders. Then, take one step up about half of the width of the base. This way you are standing on the diagonal line of your feet, now you base out left and right as well as front and back. That means you are on an square base. Your weight distribution is 50/50 left and right, 50/50 front and back. That means your gravity remains in the center. When you step up you should feel comfortable in either advancing or retreating.

Q11: You had mentioned before that you designed some new training methods which allow training at a faster rate, can you give some examples?
Sifu Chow: I designed a free-flow single sticky hand sparring which allows a practitioner to focus on sticky hand sparring, on the same side or the cross side. This training improves your sensitivity before you work on double sticky hand. Another example is about your body structure and footwork. I designed the Identical-hand sticky hand training. You are only allowed to use same techniques on both hands. You will need to concentrate on your balance and footwork rather than getting too greedy on striking. One more example is in double sticky hands. You divide your opponent's arm into 3 phases (phase 1 is the wrist, phase 2 the elbow, phase 3 the shoulder). Now you have a better perspective of what you need to work on.

Q12: What about the Wooden Dummy training? What's the right measurement of Wooden Dummy?
Sifu Chow: Originally, Wooden Dummy was set in the middle of court yard. It was made to be work on 360 degree. When Yip Man introduced the Wooden Dummy to Hong Kong. Sifu Koo Sun made him one but could noly be mounted against the wall in an apartment. Ideally, the size of Wooden Dummy should be customized to an individual. Most important is the arm's height should be the same height as your shoulders. Traditionally, the arms were too short, they should be a little bit longer. If it is durable, it should be planted in the center of the floor or ground. That way you can practice 360 degree around the Wooden Dummy.

Q13: What do you think about the Wing Chun weapons?
Sifu Chow: Lok Dim Boon Kwun (6 1/2 techniques Pole) was a pole that the opera performers used for paddling the Red Boat. They used them in the fight between boats. The 8 to 9 foot pole which is not very practical on the land. The long pole can be side-trapped easily and it is too heavy to handle. That's why today a lot of Wing Chun practitioners practice on something shorter and lighter. But, the original Lok Dim Kwun gives you good workout. Bart Cham Dao (8 chopping butterfly swords) is my favorite weapon. It is like the extension of my hands. The application and coordination are very much like the hand techniques, except they are more powerful and deadly.

Q14: How do you integrate Wing Chun Sticky Hand to a Take Down?
Sifu Chow: First I train my students to work on phase 1 (wrist), then, phase 2 (elbow). After that, phase 3 (shoulder/neck) comes natural. In phase 3, they are able to execute take downs. They even go to phase 4 (behind) with rear neck choke.

Q15: After take down, how do you get into ground fighting?
Sifu Chow: If your opponent is a ground fighter who might trick you then take you down, he is going to take care of the business on the ground. That's why you need to follow through the take down to control your opponent by mounting him. In this position you need to find a position to strike him out either with fists or elbows.

Q16: Most people have problems doing high kicks, do you use it in your IWC?
Sifu Chow: Yes, I do. I mainly use low kicks for entry. The high kick is not always effective but it is a good technique to surprise your opponent. To me it works like a jab. It could open up your opponent's guard and distract his or her focus. Or use it when you dominate the opponent. Over use is not recommended.