There are many different types of courage. Recently I wrote about an incident that I witnessed many years ago when Chu Shong Tin put his reputation on the line in front of a large packed hall of admirers. After being challenged by another Sifu he invited the man onto the stage to test his ability….
If you have the skill – everything works
Most people consider that reflex training in martial arts deals with assigning the correct response to whichever attack may come your way. The skill is seen to be in choosing the right defence from the arsenal at one’s disposal. Speed comes from making the movement automatic through repetitive drilling of said technique and counter. A…
“It’s not that kind of concentration”
During an interview about his discovery of the Nim Tau point, Chu Shong Tin said a quite remarkable thing. He claimed that when he accessed this point in his brain he did not have to think about how to do the Wing Chun movements correctly. His body would naturally move that way. This is an…
“I don’t do Tai Chi, but my Tai Chi is better than yours.”
– Chu Shong Tin and the Tai Chi Master – Chu Shong Tin possessed exceptional humility. This charming quality arose from an absolute confidence in his ability. He did not need to prove himself or impress others. However, when the occasion demanded he could meet a challenge calmly and coolly. Many years ago I witnessed…
Training with Sigung Chu Shong Tin
On the intersection of two major roads in Hong Kong, there is an old apartment block. The traffic is constant and the air is thick with pollution. Down a narrow corridor, one of two decrepit lifts leads to the centre of the Wing Chun world. It…
Ranking Systems in Martial Arts
Recently, a student at my school met with his friend, whom he had trained with previously at another school. When my student mentioned that at his new school, (Chi Sau Club), there was no grading system, his friend, who trains at a very rank orientated kwoon, asked “How do you know how good you are…