We picked up a Wing Chun Wooden man and preceded to snap off the arms in a few weeks. We replaced them with lodge pole pine logs, thicker and stronger. A month or two later, they also snapped off. Our Wooden man mutated into a cyborg of steel and pipe. These held up very well. What I wasn't taught, was that the wooden arms are for positioning. Necessary Information, espicially when we trained in the Iron Shirt system and Iron Bone.
Now, I had heard that Wing Chun was "watered down". I can see where folk may get this impression when Wing Chun offers only six forms (two are weapons). I prefer to think of this as distilled down to its bare essence.
I had trained with another chap by the name of Si, an Arnis practioner. He only knew three hand combos and the twelve knife attacks. That is all he knew, all he trained and all he ever needed. We had three duels which I "won". When I do spar or fight, the outcome is not about "winning" but how much effort it takes to face an opponent without injuring them. Si took an incredible amount of effort to duel.
I figure if someone can push me to the limits of the my skill, they have a great deal to offer. It doesn't matter to me if there system is "watered down". My training is about challenging myself, not my greatness. I create workouts that are designed to highlight my flaws, weaknesses and bring body awareness.
I guess I have been lucky in demostrating my greatness. Anytime, I have tried has met with catastrophe. Putting that much effort into proving how great I am not, kinda lacks any sense. Effort is for gaining that next millimeter of skill. Once you realize this, you have made your first payment on greatness.I look forward to my next Wing Chun encounter and will relish each bruise, bump and fat lip in the mirror.
C
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