Wing Chun Kung Fu - More Than Just Chain Punching

by Sifu John Agar

In this article I would like to introduce the reader to a number of different wing Chun hand techniques and their practical use in the art of self defense. Most people have heard of the Wing Chun chain punching techniques also sometimes referred to as the straight blast. Although this method of punching is well known it isn't the only form of hand techniques that Wing Chun utilizes within the system or in combat situations. In this article I would like to introduce you to three other common hand techniques that are used in Wing Chun and which are just as equally important. They are the palm down knife hand strike (Chon Sau), the palm up knife hand strike (Inverted Chon Sau) and the hacking elbow (Pai Jang).

Straight Punch

Palm down Strike

Palm up Strike

Hacking Elbow

In Wing Chun we refer to the common old saying of using the right tool for the right job. By this we mean that certain techniques will work better in certain situations and naturally follow when applied one after the other. Below are a couple of practical examples.

Opponents face off against each other

Attacker attacks with a punch, defender turns off with a bong Sau

Defender does a Lap Sau and Palm down Strike

Defender pulls attackers blocking arm and strikes with a palm up strike

Defender performs a neck pull and hacking elbow strike

In th

In the above sequence the opponents face off against each other in pre fighting positions. The person on the left attacks with a lead hand straight punch. The defender turn off his centre line and executes a right Bong sau (wing arm block) followed by a Lap Sau and Chon Sau (simultaneous pull down and palm down knife hand strike), the person on the left throws up his arm to protect his wind pipe from the on coming strike which is immediately pulled down to allow an opening for the Wing Chun exponent to execute his Inverted Chon Sau (palm up knife hand strike) to the neck. From this point the Wing Chun exponent continues his attack by reaching around the opponent's neck pulling him onto a Pai Jang (hacking elbow). Below is another examle of using the right tool for the right job. This time it is classical Karate against Wing Chung.

Opponents face off against each other

Sifu Agar attacks with a head punch, Karate exponent blocks the on coming attack and gets ready to launch a reverse punch

Karate exponent launches a reverse punch counter, Sifu Agar blocks Di Bong Sau, inverted Chon Sau

Sifu Agar follows up attack with Jut Sau / Chon Sau

Sifu Agar finishes with a rising elbow strike

In the above sequence the two opponents once again face each other in a pre fighting position. Sifu Agar launches a staight head punch attack; this is countered ith an open hand block followed by a reverse punch. the reverse punch is countered by a simultaneous low Wing Arm Block (Di Bong Sau) and a palm up knife hand block (Inverted Chon Sau) this is immediately followed by a pressing down hand and simultaneous palm down knife hand blcok (Jut Sau, chon Sau). Sifu Agar finishes his opponent off with a rising elbow strike (Hay Jang). Key Points When the Karate exponent in the above sequence throws his reverse punch you must think of smothering his punch and at the same time hitting him with your palm up strike, then immediately drop your left hand down to monitor his arm and stirke at the same time, just think drop hit, drop hit! Conclusion These are just three of the common techniques used within Wing Chun system. Each strike should be trained repetitively and their offensive and defensive applications should be drilled to make them second nature just like every other technique you practice. About the Author Sifu John Agar is a professional Wing Chun instructor based in the North East of England. He has been teaching the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu for a period of over 30 years. He has recently formed his own Martial Arts film production company and has to date produced a series of 5 affordable Wing Chun Kung Fu videos. fours of these are aimed at the complete beginner focusing on the First form - Siu Lim Tao and the core techniques of Wing Chun to build a good foundation. He has also recently added a fifth video based around the second form in the system Chum Kiu. These can be downloaded straight to your home computer from his web site: www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk. Sifu Agar can be contacted on 0191 4100613 or by email at sifujohnagar@tiscali.co.uk For further information on sifu Agar or any of his classes / private lessons then please visit: www.johnagarwingchun.co.uk

Hi Everyone

                 Just a Quick line to update you on my new Wing Chun Kung Fu Instructional Video Download web site, I have it on good authority that it will be up and running within the next week or two I will let you know as soon as it goes live . If you would like further information with regard to these instructional videos please feel free to get in touch , here is my E=Mail Address = sifujohnagar@tiscali.co.uk

WING CHUN KUNG FU SECOND INTERMEDIATE       FORM CHUM KIU VIDEO NUMBER FIVE REVIEW

Chum Kiu ( The seeking the bridge form ) is as name implies meaning to seek out the Bridge / Arm of your opponent , this intermediate form is for those who have all ready mastered the first form in the system the Siu Lim Tau ( The little Idea form ) The Chum Kiu form teaches the student the importance of stance turning with upper and lower body unity , the use of stepping techniques in co-ordination with hand movements to learn how to bridge the gap and make contact with your opponent , Kicking techniques are also introduced at this stage along with various movements developed to deal with multiple opponents , How ever it is important not to loose sight of the forms main objective and that is to ultimately to seek out and make contact with your opponent ! This Video teaches you the whole form in detail including many of the forms practical self defence techniques and drills , Bonus material featuring the Wing Chun Chi Sau rattan ring and the Lap sau Drill included ... Over one hour long !

Download this Video now from 


http://www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk/

WING CHUN KUNG FU SIU-LIM-TAU VIDEO NUMBER FOUR REVIEW

There are three empty hand forms in the Wing Chun system the first and most important of the three is called Siu Lim Tau - "The Little Idea" form, this form in normally broken down into three sections, consider the form as the building blocks from which all the succeeding  forms and techniques depend and then expand on.                              

This form teaches the novice student to focus on centre line theory and to build good structure; in this video we shall be covering the whole form in detail plus many of the practical applications, concepts and theories.

Download this video now straight to your home computer from

www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk

Wing Chun

Wing Chun Kung Fu is a Three hundred year old aggressive form of fighting using compact and economical attack and defence methods. It does not pit strength against strength but rather employs it's unique understanding of angles and sensitivity to overcome aggression. Among the Wing Chun specialities are Trapping Hands training, Sticking Hands practice, swift low kicking techniques and very fast hand strikes.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is suitable for both men and women

History of Wing Chun

The founder of the Wing Chun Kung Fu System, Miss Yim Wing Chun was a native of Canton [Kwangtung Province] in China. She was an intelligent and athletic young girl, upstanding and forthright. Her mother died soon after her betrothal to Leung Bok Chau, a salt merchant of Fukien. Her father, Yim Yee, was wrongfully accused of a crime and, rather than risk jail, they slipped away and finally settled down at the foot of Tai Leung Mountain near the border between Yunan and Szechuan provinces. There they earned a living by running a shop that sold bean curd.

During the reign of Emperor K'anghsi of the Ching Dynasty (1662-1722) Kung Fu became very strong in the Siu Lam [Shaolin] Monastery of Mt. Sung, in Honan Province. This aroused the fear of the Manchu government [a non-Chinese people from Manchuria in the North, who ruled China at that time], which sent troops to attack the Monastery. Although they were unsuccessful, a man named Chan Man Wai, a recently appointed civil servant seeking favor with the government, suggested a plan.

He plotted with Siu Lam monk Ma Ning Yee and others who were persuaded to betray their companions by setting fire to the monastery while soldiers attacked it from the outside. Siu Lam was burned down, and the monks and disciples scattered. Buddhist Abbess Ng Mui, Abbot Chi Shin, Abbot Pak Mei, Master Fung To Tak and Master Miu Hin escaped and went their separate ways.

Ng Mui took refuge in the White Crane Temple on Mt. Tai Leung [also known as Mt. Chai Har]. It was there she met Yim Yee and his daughter Wing Chun from whom she often bought bean curd on her way home from the market. At fifteen, with her hair bound up in the custom of those days to show she was of an age to marry, Wing Chun's beauty attracted the attention of a local bully. He tried to force Wing Chun to marry him, and his continuous threats became a source of worry to her and her father. Ng Mui learned of this and took pity on Wing Chun. She agreed to teach Wing Chun fighting techniques so she could protect herself. Wing Chun followed Ng Mui into the mountains, and began to learn Kung Fu. She trained night and day, until she mastered the techniques. Then she challenged the bully to a fight and beat him.

Ng Mui later traveled around the country, but before she left she told Wing Chun to strictly honor the Kung Fu traditions, to develop her Kung Fu after her marriage, and to help the people working to overthrow the Manchu government and restore the Ming Dynasty.

After her marriage Wing Chun taught Kung Fu to her husband Leung Bok Chau. He in turn passed these techniques on to Leung Lan Kwai. Leung Lan Kwai then passed them on to Wong Wah Bo. Wong Wah Bo was a member of an opera troupe on board a junk, known to Chinese as the Red Junk. Wong worked on the Red Junk with Leung Yee Tei. It so happened that Abbot Chi Shin, who fled from Siu Lam, had disguised himself as a cook and was then working on the Red Junk. Chi Shin taught the Six-and-a-half-point Long Pole techniques to Leung Yee Tei. Wong Wah Bo was close to Leung Yee Tei, and they shared what they knew about Kung Fu. Together they shared and improved their techniques, and thus the Six-and-a-half-point Long Pole was incorporated into Wing Chun Kung Fu. Leung Yee Tei passed his Kung Fu on to Leung Jan, a well known herbal Doctor in Fat Shan. Leung Jan grasped the innermost secrets of Wing Chun, attaining the highest level of proficiency. Many Kung Fu masters came to challenge him, but all were defeated. Leung Jan became very famous. Later he passed his Kung Fu on to Chan Wah Shan, who took me and my elder Kung Fu brothers, such as Ng Siu Lo, Ng Chung So, Chan Yu Min and Lui Yu Jai, as his students many decades ago.

It can thus be said that the Wing Chun System was passed on to us in a direct line of succession from its origin. I write this history of the Wing Chun System in respectful memory of my forerunners. I am eternally grateful to them for passing to me the skills I now possess. A man should always think of the source of the water as he drinks it; it is this shared feeling that keeps our Kung Fu brothers together.

Is this not the way to promote Kung Fu, and to project the image of our country?

Yip Man 

                  Wing Chun Kung Fu Instructional Video Downloads

In 2008 I had a Idea to try and put on video to share with the rest of the world a series of learn at home Instructional step by step wing chun lessons , this has proved to be very popular over the years with sales coming world wide , I have a total of five videos available at the moment , here are some  of my customer comments and testomonials below 

Testimonials
_
I really enjoyed this video. The visuals are really clear & every move
is well explained. This video has allowed me to continue to make
progress with my forms even though I can't get to class regularly.
I have found John's videos to be among the best martial arts
instructional videos I have seen. They are a great help in my
training. His explanations make it easy to see how the techniques can
be effective even without using muscular strength. They are a great
reflection of the wing chun theory of maximum effect with minimum
effort.

Dr. John Howe
Hartlepool

Dear Sifu John Agar,
Thank you for pointing out the technical glitch. I've now been able to open
the files and I must say they are just as good as the first set - Siu 
Nim Tau.
You really bring the viewers into the training sessions as if they are 
really part of the class.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Please keep up the good 
work. Once I've finished
the set I'm sure I'll be the first to ask for the next treat from you.

Best regards,
Zainal
Brunei

Hey Sifu,

just wanted to drop you a note to say how much i've enjoyed watching 
over the Videos (again!) -
  they really help me concentrate on? the finer points and the 
explanations of the theories behind
  the system is *very* interesting!
keep up the hard work! :o)

                    Keith Loose
                   London

I think you've really hit upon a good idea in recording the sessions in 
the style of a class.
I like the way you seem to talk to me (the viewer) as the student. You 
also look and sound
really comfortable doing this as I guess it is just like giving a? 
class. The chapters are logically set out,
easy to follow and just the right length. It would be easy for somebody 
trying to learn from them to
  perfect each sequence before moving on.

All in all, a great piece of work! Well done.

Matt Somers
Sunderland

Hi Sifu,

Just been watching your Video Download, which is great. It gives so much 
clear detail of real Wing Chun,
and did it? in perfectionism as a true master. I have bought quite a lot 
of dvds from the UK and Hong Kong,
most of them are really disappointing to watch. Looking forward to 
seeing the next video.Your toe dai (student).

T.Kwai Wong
Washington

Below is a video Interview with Sifu John Agar discussing his wing chun instructional Videos in two parts

Please Visit my New Web Site at www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk

to download your new Instructional videos straight to your home computer

Defend yourself with Wing Chun Kung Fu

By Sifu John Agar

I wrote this article as a valuable insight into just how practical the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu is, especially with regards to its practical and straight forward application for self defence.

It is therefore my intention to show you, the reader, a sequence of practical self defence movements that can be learned and mastered in a relatively short period of time.  I recommend that the movements be repeated over and over again to the left and the right side until they become second nature.  To further enhance the drill the attacker could be wearing focus mitts for the defender to hit to fully apply and develop their punches.

Traditional Training Sequence

Pic 1A – Standing in the on guard stance (Yee Chi Kim Yang Ma) 

Pic 1B – Turn, simultaneous block and strike (Tan Da)

  

 Pic 1C – Step forward right leg with a left straight line punch

  

Self Defence Sequence Two

Pic 4A - attacker and defender square up opposite each other

Pic 4B - attacker throws a left hook punch – defender blocks the punch with Tan Sau and simultaneously punches attacker straight down the centre line

Pic 4C – instead of launching a second punch this time the defender throws a groin kick to help incapacitate attacker. 

Pic 4 D – defender follows up the kick with a left centre line punch

Pic 4E - attacker has been rendered unable to continue to be a threat, defender can now retreat to a safe position.

Alternative Shots

Pics 5A – traditional front view of the groin kick

Pics 5B – traditional side view of the groin kick

This is just once sequence that could be used to defend against the hook or swinging punch.   Wing Chun has many more applications that could be used in this situation.  

A4

4B

4C

4D

4E

5A

5B

Points to focus on

As you step and punch both the step and punch want to land together thereby transferring body weight behind the punch

Exactly the same thing when you slide and punch, both slide and punch want to land together to transfer body weight behind the punch

All punches to run down the centreline, less chance of your opponent being able to ‘ride’ a punch

Simultaneous attack and defence – not block and then counter

 About the author – Sifu John Agar is a professional Wing Chun instructor based in the North East of England.  He has been teaching the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu for a period of over 30 years.  He has recently formed his own Martial Arts film production company and has to date produced a series of 4 affordable Wing Chun Kung Fu for the complete beginner.  These can be downloaded straight to your home computer from = www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk. 

Sifu Agar can be contacted on 0191 4100613 or by e-mail at sifujohnagar@tiscali.co.uk  .

For further information on Sifu Agar or any of his classes/private lessons then please visit –

www.johnagarwingchun.co.uk

Wing Chun Kicking Techniques

Wing Chun Kung Fu Kicking Techniques

By Sifu John Agar

It is a misconception of many to think that the Wing Chun style of Kung Fu to depend primarily on the use of hand techniques, this of course could not be further from the truth.  A good Wing Chun practitioner relies on a good balance of both the use of hand and food techniques to be at their most effective.  These can be used separately of course utilising either hand or foot techniques depending on the circumstances but can also be used together.  It is therefore not uncommon to see a Wing Chun Practitioner to perform a simultaneous pull kick and punch all at the same time.

We have a saying in Wing Chun with regards to our kicks – ‘Mo Ying Gurk’ which can be translated as ‘Invisible Kicks’ in English.  The meaning of this is that our opponent should only feel the kick and never even see it coming.  The invisible kick can be achieved in two different ways.  The first way is to distract your opponent with a high line attack using your hands and then use a kicking technique from close range so they don’t see it coming.  The second method is a simultaneous kick and punch.  Please refer to pics 1, 2 and 3 below as an example of this.
 Invisible Kick Application

Pic 1a – Sifu Agar and defender square up opposite each other

Pic 1b – Sifu Agar throws a straight punch, his opponent throws up his hands to defend himself

Pic 1c – Sifu Agar pulls down on his opponents guard hand performing a simultaneous kick and punch, the opponent doesn’t see the kick coming due to being distracted by the high line attack.  Even if he manages to block the punch he still gets hit with the kick!

Wing Chun Kicks

There are several ways in Wing Chun in which you can apply your kicking techniques.  You can perform them from long range with your rear leg as an attacking technique, from close range using your lead leg using a pull on at the same time to increase the power of your kick and you can also use the lead lead in a more defensive, counter attacking method.

We use these counter attacking techniques in Wing Chun in the method of a very practical stop kick.  The beauty of the stop kick is that you use the combination of a simultaneous block and kick at the same time.  Please note that once the stop kick has been performed that you would quickly follow it up with another attacking technique to help finish your opponent.  Below is a series of 3 stop kicks as an example of the simultaneous block and kick principle.

Stop Kicks

Pic 2a – Pak Sau (slapping block) and low line shin kick

Pic 2b – Tan Sau (palm up block) and mid level front kick

Pic 2c – Bong Sau (wing arm block) and low level side kick

 

Stop Kicks Practical Application

Pic 4a – Pak Sau – Shin Kick

pic 4b – Tan Sau – Front Kick

pic 4c- Bong Sau- side kick

The photo’s above show the correct way to execute the simultaneous block and kick principle.  In photo’s 4a the Pak Sau should block across the body from shoulder to shoulder at a forward angle and the low kick should go straight forward striking just above the knee.  In photo’s 4b the Tan Sau should thrust forward turning the palm up on contact with the oncoming punch and the kick should be directed straight to the stomach.  In photo’s 4c the Bong Sau should be used as if you were leaning away from the oncoming punch spot your target and kick anywhere from above the knee to hip level.  The Bong Sau if there as extra insurance to protect you.  

Instructor profile

                                                 Wing Chun Kung Fu - Instructor profile.

My name is john Agar, I am a full time professional martial arts Instructor with 40 years of training/teaching experience. I teach classes in the north East of England, I teach Wing Chun Kung Fu which is a 300 year old southern chinese martial art.

Instructor

Sifu John Agar

Name: John Agar
Date of Birth: 19/12/1955
Date of Birth: Married with two children
Occupation: Professional Martial Arts Instructor
Years Training: 40
Main Style: Wing Chun
Other Styles Practiced:
Wado-Ryu Karate, Aikido, Shaolin Kung Fu, Police Arrest Techniques i.e. Locking and Throwing. John has also  trained privately in the Choy Lee Fut system of Kung Fu under Gordon Wilson, the 1995 overall British Kung Fu Champion.
Weapon Skills:
Wing Chun Long Pole and Butterfly Knives, Shaolin Pole, Nunchaku, Philippine Escrima stick and knife techniques and various weapons used in the Choy Lee Fut system. Chinese Broad sword
Instructors:
Ron Balsam in Wado-Ryu Karate, Lee and Beryl Crow in Aikido, Sifu's Alan Lamb and Alick Au in Wing Chun, Gordon Wilson in Choy Lee Fut.

Achievements

1980

In July, after a full day's assessment at the British wing chun headquarters in Preston, under the associations chief instructor Sifu John Darwen, Sifu's John and Alan agar were given the honour of being chosen to be the officially approved instructors for the B.W.C.A. for the North East of England.
At the end of September john and Alan were chosen by Sifu Alan lamb on his return from the U.S.A. to help him with an eight week intensive course in wing chun kung fu, long pole training and the Philippine martial art of Escrima. John and Alan took full advantage of Sifu lamb's return to the UK by training with him several hours each day, most days of the week until his return to the U.S.A.

1988

Sifu john agar won first place in the men's advanced Kata/forms division in the 1988 Sukodo Karate championships for his Shaolin forms Tun-da and Moi-fa.

1992

Sifu john agar was accepted for membership within the yip man martial arts association, Hong Kong.

1996

Sifu john agar was awarded the rank of 5th degree black sash by the amateur martial arts association, London.

1997

A team of wing chun students from the john agar school of self defence took part in the prestigious UK internal arts competition held in Newcastle upon Tyne, which was hosted by Sifu Peter Yeung. The competition attracted students and kung fu masters from Hong Kong, France, Sweden, Greece and the U.S.A.
Sifu john agar's students won all the wing chun events they entered and brought home all the gold medals.

1999

Sifu john agar was accepted for membership within the national register of martial arts instructors, and the Ving Tsun athletic association in Hong Kong.
In June 1999 Sifu John Agar made a life changing decision to take voluntary redundancy from his job of twenty three years as a machine operator at the Royal Ordinance factory in Birtley, to become a full time professional martial arts instructor.
Six years since that decision, Sifu John Agar has built up a number of successful Wing Chun Schools throughout the area, all of which have produced a total of six new Black sash students, Sharon Breadin, John McNulty, Matt and James Laing, Nigel Pilmore and Paul Allison.
Sifu John Agar is also in demand to give one on one private lessons and has been approached on several occasions to teach privately a number of the professional football players and staff from the premiership football club, Sunderland A.F.C john has taught stefan schwartz ,Matt piper , David Bellion , Kevin Ball and Stan Varga (See Photos Page)

 2008 

 New Venture this year starting to produce a number of wing chun kung fu instructional videos from beginner to advanced level , I am hoping to have my first three videos up and running by May ? once I have my new Internet shop open and selling my down loadable videos on line i can then concentrate on adding further videos , I just need to get every thing set up first of all .www.martialartsinstructionalvideos.co.uk

 present day !

Gained a three year first Aid Certificate , been C.R.B. checked and approved , took part in a live local radio  

show with over 7000 listener's talking about and promoting the Art of Wing Chun .