14/11/2019
Dear students, friends and WC family.
Some of you may not be aware that I have undertaken no less than 4 major surgeries over the last few years which has resulted in a quieter and more reflective approach to my Wing Chun training.
Being a personal trainer, student and teacher of this art for over 20 years I feel that I have a reasonable insight into human physiology and how we as humans generally respond to a physical threat.
I am currently studying the effects of adrenaline on the human body and how it affects us in real life situations as practitioners of this amazing martial art.
If you’ve ever been involved in “ real life “ combat ie: a “ REAL “ street fight, then you will understand why this component of your training is so important. I’m not talking about sparing or fights in the ring with rules and regulations but more so an impromptu altercation that can escalate in a few seconds without any prior warning and lead to a full on fight. Unfortunately I speak from experience having had more street fights than I can actually recall.* In NO way do I condone the use of violence but unfortunately there are times when you may not be able to turn the other cheek or walk away.
RELAX RELAX RELAX I’ve been taught and told whilst training and in a controlled situation this is certainly achievable. Let’s face it.. without skeletal alignment, structure, open joints, mental intention, relaxation etc.., our CST Wing Chun would not be nearly as effective at generating enormous power. This isn’t the issue here as we all have seen and many of us have felt the results of that amazing force. ( special thanks to Sifu Jim Fung, Sigung CST, Sisuk Gung Peter Wong, Sifu Nima King. Chief Instructor Ivan Howe and my Hong Kong families amongst others ).
I’m talking about how your body reacts when you have absolutely no warning and zero time to prepare.
Recently I was forced into a situation where it was necessary for “me” to use my fighting skills in a totally unprovoked situation and was surprised at how much adrenaline effected my ability to relax my body. ( imagine walking around a corner and seeing a bear or a lion. Your body goes into overdrive and your response mechanisms kick in ). Do you fight ! Do you run or do you freeze ? ) Much the same thing happens when confronted with an attacker. Do they carry a weapon ? Are they high on ICE or some other substances ? Are they a skilled fighter ? Well unless you’ve been in this situation, unfortunately you just don’t know !
So many teachers and students think that their WC skill set will win the day. Time for a reality check guys ! Never enter into combat if you think you won’t get hit ! EXPECT TO BE HIT !! Everything you think you know goes out the window when it all gets real. All you have is reaction, intention and instinct.
I have always endeavoured to instruct my students from a real life situation perspective and have begun to focus more on roll plays and realism.
In the past my apparent strict guidelines and training format have distanced other CST WC teachers and their students and have no doubt left others thinking that I’m to hard. Guess what ? Fights are hard and if you think any different then your being misled. I do not apologise for my strict approach and wish that more schools would add more realism to their training. In saying that, I have never intentionally hurt another student and those of you who know me understand that my teaching methods are never hostile. Do I expect respect in class ? Of course but no more than the respect that we show to each other. I have several students who have trained with me for well over 10 years so I guess I must be doing something right. My competency and that of my students have been assessed by the best CST practitioners in HK and i am always pleased with the reaffirmation and encouragement I receive from my piers.
Actions will always speak louder than words because unfortunately words are so easily manipulated.
Sifu James.
