The hardest part of any martial art is getting started. Everything is new and exciting and from not knowing anything to suddenly becoming a lethal weapon is very exciting. Then sometime into your training you hit a rut. A plateau. Here are some quick tips to get you going.
1) Practicing on the wing chun dummy enhances your skill timing and hand technique. You practice your body positioning in relation to your opponent. For extra points, and this is a biggie, practice the actual wing Chun dummy moves on a real life opponent. The dummy moves are not just some random sticks. They represent a sequence of attacks on an actual opponent. Learn that moves on the dummy, apply the principles on an opponent
2) Chi sao can’t state enough the importance of chi sao. I may write a quick hit list on this alone Chi sao teaches improves your reflexes. It allows you to see and feel openings in your opponents defences and sharpens ALL of your wing Chun techniques. A free style chi sao session not only enhances your wing Chun its also a great teacher on how to handle actual sparring situations. Although chi sao is not sparring.
3) Takedowns I’m a bit reluctant to include this one, but it’s mainly good to stroke the ego. When learning techniques the mote senior you get the greater the expectation of skill you are to have. Take downs are quite flowery and bit grandiose, however require a bit of skill to execute. It requires finesse at times and builds confidence, which is always a good thing. It shows a greater level of skill in the practitioner.
4) Forms truth be known it all starts with the forms… though not very sexy in wing chun, the whole system can be found there, if you learn what each move means how it should feel, you will gain more from the system, Learn to do it right, otherwise you will develop bad habits and keep those habits with you. It’s important to identify errors early. I found myself making some basic mistakes and did not fix them early on. It took some time to relearn. So get it right first up.
5) Train with senior students. This way you can always learn more and more. In fact you will accelerate your learning. You may see that you are traveling and progressing, until you train with a senior student sees where their skill level is. Keep in mind these students may not want to train with you depending on how your classes are structured. Nothing personal but they are there to learn not teach so be respectful of their time and experience.
6) Practice during your off times. As I have said before your learning does not stop when your class finishes. Practicing away from class is important. Class is for learning all the other times are for perfecting and review, Time permitting of course. See if you can get together with some classmates to try or revised what is learnt. This also helps build a closer bond with your classmates and friendships are formed. This can be straight after class or when time suits.
Although not exhaustive these are some tips to help with your skills and get the most out of you’re wing Chun training.
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