Along with the many concepts and movements we learn, Wing Chun also imparts lessons on “how” to learn. These ten principles will assist your training and keep you on track.

1. Desire and willingness equals understanding.
2. You must develop a sense of purpose about why you are studying Wing Chun. Having a sense of purpose creates a passion for it, and having that passion will broaden your concept. Without passion, you will only get more of what you already have.
3. Do not have limiting beliefs. Do not preconceive a concept, theory or application. This preconception will limit your understanding. You reap what you sow, but you never reap in the same season that you sow. Slow down, explore, and learn.
4. Understand strategy. Understand the progressive path you are on. If you do not know where you are going, you will take any road to get there – even the wrong one.
5. Interest does not equal commitment.
6. Master the fundamentals. Without understanding of the rudimentary basics, comprehension will never be yours.
7. What gets practiced gets perfected. Half-hearted training yields half-hearted results.
8. Develop energy by mastering your communications. When you can correctly verbalize your thoughts, you are on the path to understanding them.
9. Take the adversities of life and reshape them to positively affect an outcome. If you never heard the word “can’t,” imagine what you could accomplish!
10. Wing Chun is an educated martial art. It is “concept in motion.” Apply the concept, not just the application.

It is not enough to learn only the movements of Wing Chun; instead, we need to learn and understand the principles “behind” what we are doing, to know how to make it as effective as possible.

These ten simple principles took me many years to fully appreciate. I hope you will take them to heart and use them to their fullest.

Principles for Success in Wing Chun

For the many new members we have to our Distance Learning Program, the feedback so far is very encouraging. With our program now online vs. DVD, a member can now review all of the material either online or download it for offline viewing.

One of the best features of any program is versatility, and with the latest enhancements of the AWCA Distance Learning Program, versatility was a key factor in its re-design.

What I personally like best with the new program is that all videos are now viewable online, as well as downloadable for offline viewing. This means that you can view them on your PC, a tablet, or a smart phone. You can also download them for offline viewing, as well as store them on a DVD or flash drive and take them with you wherever you go.

Instant training 24x7x365. That’s today’s AWCA DLP, and so far the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Another feature is that I have introduced a weekly training program and fitness training programs for the various levels. Not only do the study guides take you through each lesson phase, but the weekly training programs give you a clear direction for staying on track with your studies.

If you are new to fitness, our Phase I, II, and III programs take you from beginning to advanced so that you get in great shape while taking your Wing Chun as far as it can go.

There are still a few enhancements I am introducing along the way, so all of our members are in for even more intuitive resources as we continue developing and pushing the boundaries of what this program is really designed for.

As for now, though, I am happy to say that our re-designed program is being received positively. I am looking forward to seeing how far everyone can take it.

DLP Is a Hit

Our AWCA Distance Learning Program is now available again, and you can read more about it here. Being available since 2003 (VHS) and moving to DVD in 2008, we have just finished moving the program to a full online environment.

Our Distance Learning Program is unlike any other program currently available. Some are good, some not so good. But what sets us apart from everyone else is that:

• We have been providing online training programs and eBooks since 2003.
• We remain current in today’s growing distance learning architecture.
• We consult with professionally-certified distance educators for feedback and program guidance.
• Our curriculum is progressive and rank-by-rank vs. a hodge-podge of materials thrown together.
• We have worked with over 800 members world-wide in reaching their goals of training.
• We have a real gym with real members and continue to push your training as far as it can go.

If you are tired of searching the Internet for resources and want to learn real Wing Chun Kuen, then the AWCA’s Distance Learning Program is what you have been looking for.

DLP Now Available

After months of working to move our videos to an acceptable online format (MP4), I am happy to announce that I will be making the program available again on Monday, May 7. All who asked to be placed on the notice list will be receiving an email shortly with how to enroll.

My students are taking this weekend to run it through its paces one last time so that Sunday evening I can correct any issues they encounter. I am not expecting any because I have worked through them already; still, you never know with so many users and different platforms being used. That is why I am waiting for their feedback vs. jumping in and going right now. A few more days and we will be good to go.

The great thing with our program moving fully online vs. DVD delivery is that I can add new videos on-the-fly or make updates without distributing new DVDs. Additionally, our program being online means that all members can access their training resources from any PC without the need for a DVD player or special plugin. That in itself is a landmark achievement for programs such as this.

While it may not seem like much to the average Internet user, those who know what actually goes into full-scale learning programs such as this will appreciate the work involved. It is more than just a handful of videos; instead, over 2 years of work has gone into the planning, development and building stages of our updated program. A small fortune has been spent to ensure that everything meets my very high standards of information delivery, and we are finally there.

Stay tuned Monday when I announce that the program is available again. Thanks to all of my students in Phoenix and around the world for their continued support and feedback, and also to everyone in the Wing Chun/Ving Tsun communities for their well wishes as we kick of f the next stage of online Wing Chun training!

DLP Availability

The Canon Vixia HF200 HD flash memory camcorder was my first hi-def camcorder, and it was a good choice. The price being approximately USD$800.00 (but as of this writing you can find it for about USD$500.00) and enjoying it so much, I bought two more to use in our videos. I have found that multiple cameras at different angles during every shot keeps us from having to re-shoot the same sequence with another camera from another angle. A multi-camera setup is always best if you can swing it.

The first thing you will find with this camera are the myriad of features, so let’s delve into what I feel are the most important for our uses.

Ease of Use

Regardless of whatever make, model or version of camera you use, you should become familiar with every feature it has. Although “Auto” mode is what most rely on, you limit yourself to the potential that your camera contains if you do not learn to use the manual features.

The HF200 includes most everything you need right out of the box and sets up quickly in Auto mode. The Manual features will glean better results once you learn them, but most of the Auto mode features still work very well. If you choose to stick with Auto mode, however, you will still want to learn about manually setting the white balance.

The white balancing pre-sets give you a few options, but experiment with the Custom option so that you can set it yourself. I use warm cards, which are various colored cards for manipulating the color that the camera sees based on the lighting available. The set I use is the WarmCards.com 3.0 set but naturally you can find others. What I like most about this set is that there are various colors included for the lighting I want vs only white and grey. You also get the full set of cards plus the “junior” cards.

Features

One of the better features I enjoy about the HF200 is the weight. Midrange camcorders are somewhat bulky but the HF200 weighs less than 14 ounces. It is still a bit bulky in your hand and does take a bit to get used to, but once you do, you are good to go.

The zoom control on the back is easy to get to and I have read in some reviews that the motor noise is noticable on videos. After hundreds of hours of filming, though, I have yet to hear it.

Most controls reside on the LCD selection, and with a small camera, that is the only place to put them. The LCD itself is 2.7 inches and is sufficient, but the biggest annoyance is that it does not capture the entire scope of what you are filming.

For example, if you have your subject completely in the LCD screen and then view the recording, you will see more space around the subject than you did when filming. Keep this in mind if using a backdrop because if it is panned too wide, you will end up with the edges of the backdrop visible.

To correct this, I took a Sharpie and outlined the screen with a dotted line to remind me. This has kept it from happening ever since and allows me to frame the shot appropriately.

Although the HF200 does capture JPEG images, 2.7 megapixels may be less than what you are used to. That being said, 2.7 megapixels is not a bad photo. Everyone is just used to higher resolution (even my smart phone captures 8 megapixels). If you print the photos that the HF200 takes, you will be pleasantly surprised. While I still prefer a digital camera to control the shot, the HF200 still works in a pinch.

Software

Forget about it. The HF200 comes with basic software that is a complete waste of time. Instead, head for something actually worth it like Vegas Home Studio, Pinnacle Studio, Roxio Creator or other software editing choices. Everyone has their favorites but I prefer Vegas Home Studio and Pinnacle Studio (a future review will show the pros and cons of each).

Light Levels

The one drawback I have found with the HF200 is that it is a poor performer in low light. Therefore, you will want a 3-point light setup for your shots, as well as an overhead light if you can swing it. Because of this, you will then want to ensure that your white balance is adjusted properly. Anytime you have a lighting change, check your white balance and adjust as needed.

Remember that once you have your lighting set up, adjust the white balance accordingly. If not, it will appear too dark, too blue, or even too bright.

Audio

If “professional” is your goal, you will not be satisfied with the HF200′s onboard audio (or any camera’s onboard audio, for that matter). That is why I always use a wireless lavalier microphone. The HF200 supports a min-jack for this purpose so get yourself a good wireless microphone setup.

I use two types of microphones. First is Audio-Technica’s Pro88W-R35 wireless microphone system (approx. USD$130.00 from Amazon), and the second is the Pyle-Pro PMEM1 Head-worn Omni-directional microphone (approx. USD$21.00). Rather than using the Audio-Technica lavalier mic, I use the transmitter and receiver in combination with the Pyle-Pro mic. This way I do not have to worry about fixing the lavalier mic to t-shirts; instead, simply slip the Pyle-Pro mic over your ear and you are ready to go.

Motor Noise

I have read some reviews about the HF200 sporting a slight hum when zooming in and out, but after three years of consistent used, I have never heard it in any of our cameras. I have even tried to make it happen but have been unsuccessful. That is not to say you will not experience, but for myself, I have to hear anything that other reviewers have stated.

Adaptability

When working with any camera, it is always a good idea to know what it can and cannot do. With the HF200, I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that it can do a few things that even the manual said it is not intended for.

For example, many of my shots are with a crane and jib. The problem is that the HF200 does not come with an remote to accomplish that. So, I purchased the Canon Remote Control Adaptor RA-V1 LANC and it works like a dream (even though they say it is not built for it). In fact, the two shots on Amazon of the camera rig with the backdrop is mine and originally taken for the HF20 forum.

Summary

If you are in the market for a nice camera that does the job without breaking your bank account, Canon’s HF200 will definitely do the trick. As with all cameras, it takes a bit to learn the features. And there are a couple of things to pay attention to when framing your shots and working with the audio. Beyond that, I highly recommend it.

Specifications

Now for the specs. Boring at times, yes, but necessary so that you can see what this little gem is all about.

General

• 1080p
• Camcorder Sensor Resolution – 3.89 megapixels
• Effective Video Resolution – 2.99 megapixels
• Digital Zoom – 300 x
• Effective Photo Resolution – 2.76 megapixels
• Effective Sensor Resolution – 2.99 megapixels
• Total Pixels – 3.89 megapixels
• Camcorder Media Type – Flash card
• Optical Sensor Size – ¼
• Optical Sensor Type – CMOS
• Minimum Illumination – 0.4 lux
• Analog video format – PAL
• Digital Video Format – AVCHD
• Special Effects – Skin Detail, Neutral, Vivid, Low Sharpening
• Image Stabilizer – Optical (SuperRange)
• Image Processor – DIGIC DV III
• Minimum Shutter Speed – ½ sec
• Maximum Shutter Speed – 1/2000 sec
• Shooting modes – Digital photo mode
• Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty – 9
• Shooting Programs – Snow, Beach, Sports mode, Night mode, Sunset, Spotlight, Fireworks, Portait mode
• White Balance – Automatic, Presets, Cusom
• White Balance Presets – Cloudy, Daylight, Fluorescent light (warm white), Fluorescent light (cool white), Tungsten light, Shade
• Exposure Modes – Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Manual, Aperture-priority
• Image Recording Format – JPEG
• Camera Flash – Built-in flash
• Flash Modes – Fill-in mode, Auto mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
• Features – AF illuminator
• Widescreen Video Capture – Yes
• AV Interfaces – HDMI, Composite video/audio

Exposure & White Balance

• Auto Exposure Bracketing – 3 steps

Lens System

• Type 15 x x Zoom lens – 4.1 mm – 61.5 mm – F/1.8-3.2
• Lens Construction – 9 groups / 11 elements
• Lens aperture – F/1.8-3.2
• Features – Aspherical lens, Built-in lens shield
• Optical zoom – 15 x
• Lens system type – Zoom lens
• Minimum focal length – 4.1 mm
• Maximum focal length – 61.5 mm
• Auto Focus – TTL contrast detection
• Filter Size – 37 mm
• Focus Adjustment – Manual, Automatic
• Minimum Focus Range – 0.4 in
• Zoom Adjustment – Motorized drive

Additional Features

• Self Timer Delay – 2 sec, 10 sec
• Built-in Light – Yes
• Low Lux/Night Mode – Yes
• Additional Features – Exif Print support, Accessories hot shoe, RGB primary color filter, Brightness control, Built-in speaker, Progressive scanning, Backlight compensation, Dolby Digital AC-3 (2 channel) recording, Saturation control, Histogram display, 25p Cinema Mode
• Remote control – Remote control – Infrared
• Software – Pixela ImageMixer 3SE, Drivers & Utilities
• Included Accessories – IR remote control, Component video cable, Wrist strap, USB cable, Power adapter, Audio/video cable

Display

• Type – 2.7 in LCD display

Connections

• Connector Type – 1 x Component video output, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Microphone, 1 x USB, 1 x Headphones
• Memory Card Slot – SD card

Viewfinder

• Viewfinder Type – None

Memory/Storage

• Media type – Flash card
• Supported Memory Cards – SD Memory Card
• Image Storage – JPEG 2304 x 1296, JPEG 2100 x 1575, JPEG 1600 x 1200, JPEG 640 x 480
• Video Recording Modes – LP, SP, XP+, FXP, MXP, XP

System Requirements for PC Connection

• Peripheral Devices – USB port, CD-ROM drive

Battery

• Supported Battery – Canon BP-809
• Supported Battery – 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery – 890 mAh ( Included )

Audio Input

• Audio input type – Microphone
• Microphone type – Built-in
• Microphone Operation Mode – Stereo
• Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] – Electret condenser

Power

• Battery type – Lithium ion

Viewfinder/Display

• Display Features – Rotating
• Resolution – 211,000 pixels

Manufacturer Warranty

• Service & Support – 1 year parts and labor, limited warranty

Physical Characteristics

• Width – 2.8 in
• Depth – 4.9 in
• Height – 2.4 in
• Weight – 12 oz

Review: Canon Vixia HF200 HD

Due to popular demand, I am beginning work on making all eBooks available in a printed format. All eBooks will remain available for download with their accompanying videos, but there will also be an option to purchase the printed book format, too.

Our eBooks are very popular world-wide but there are some who have voiced their preference to have a pre-printed book available, too. Enough of you have asked for printed manuals vs. solely the eBooks, so because of that, I know it will be worth the effort to make it available for you.

The outlines have already been created and once the DLP and Volume 4: Biu-Tze currently have priority and it is important to get those finished up first. After that, I will convert all eBooks to a printed format and make them available as options on the eBook pages.

Enhancement to Media

Thank you to those who have expressed an interest in our Distance Learning Program. I am positive that when it becomes available again, you will find exactly what you have been looking for.

Speaking of which, I wanted to give you a quick update as to what the current status is.

To open the program again requires completion of the Student Grade 1 section, which encompasses all step-by-step videos, the SG01 study guide (online and PDF), the SG01 weekly training program (online and PDF) and the basic fitness training program (online and PDF). The online guides are completed and are being converted to PDF. Most videos are completed and going through the final edits and renders, so hopefully in another couple of weeks the Student Grade 1 section will be completed. At that time I will open up the DLP for enrollment.

During this, I will also be continuing work on the remaining sections so that all rank levels are completed and available. Until then, all current members are still receiving their DVDs so that their training can continue.

It sounds like a lot of work, and trust me it is! What you are seeing (and will be seeing with the advent of the new program) is the culmination of almost 3 years of work, including writing the guides, all of the video and photo shoots, continuous upgrades to the delivery methods, and finishing things up so that it is deliverable on multiple platforms.

Anyone attempting this type of project generally hires a media company, but that means passing the price tag on to you. Since we already have the technical skill sets to do it ourselves, we can fashion the program exactly as we want it to be, while also ensuring that is available for far less than you would expect.

The AWCA Distance Learning Program has evolved over the years to the point that it is now the most efficient and effective that any online training program can possibly be. Once our new program is deployed, I think you will immediately see that it was worth the wait. My standards are quite high and I would be first in line to work with this program. I dig it that much!

So just another couple of weeks and you should be seeing the announcements that we are ready to go again.

DLP Update

Bad days, car problems, work problems, family problems, and every other “problem” that is too numerous to list will always creep into everyone’s life. It is what life does. Still, a lot of good things happen, too, and sometimes it is easy to overlook that.

No matter how bad your life is, chances are that it is not as bad as this young man lived. And even in his world, he still chose to make the most of what was available to him, to make his life more than what it had become.

Imagine what we could accomplish if only all of us could have this kind of outlook.

When you watch this, I challenge you not to be moved. It is people like this young man that continues to keep our egos and attitudes in check with the world around us and what it really means to be thankful for what we have.

Homeless Boy Steals the Talent Show

Think You Have It Tough?

Yesterday was day 3 of the Tapout XT program. You would think that 3 days would see little – if any – progress. After all, what can 3 days do, especially since I haven not been able to even get through a complete program yet?

However, I have already lost 3 lbs and am starting to feel that “good” stiffness throughout my entire body.

Besides finding a renewed sense of pushing myself again, this program is also showing me that anything is possible when you have a bit of fortitude and dedication. Mike Karpenko is unlike any other trainer I have seen. He is motivating, energetic, and the mere fact that everything is applicable to Wing Chun (at least as I have seen so far), that in itself keeps me going.

Make no mistake about it, this program is tough. It is the real deal and you have to approach it with the most positive attitude you can muster. Like you have read already, the programs are about 50 minutes and I am still only able to complete maybe 30 minutes so far.

But I deserve it. I deserve to be healthy both physically and mentally. Tapout XT delivers that and I am going to make the most of it. Right now I can barely move so that’s a bit of a bummer, especially when I have class tomorrow. That will prove interesting, to say the least.

Still, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in class after a couple of weeks being on Tapout XT. For my students reading this, get ready for a new me because I’m coming in faster and harder.

Well, once I can move again, that is.

I will make periodic updates with my progress as we go along with the program. I want everyone to see if Tapout XT really lives up to its claims. I am more than under the impression that it will, but you will be going with me on this journey.

Now I am going to lay down and take a nap. Maybe cry myself to sleep.

Tapout XT Day 3

Talk about fast delivery, the Tapout XT program arrived today. Like a kid at Christmas, it’s been a long time since I’ve been excited to wear myself out. But when you know you are doing something that will make a positive life-changing event happen, it really ramps you up.

While the packaging naturally says to read through everything before beginning, I gave it a glance then put it back in the box. I took a couple of “before” photos and did all the measurements, and that immediately showed me that I have a lot more work to do than I thought!

But first, let’s unbox it to see what’s inside, shall we?

Arrival. The UPS truck is one of my best friends.

After opening, you immediately get inspired.

I can feel it: Good things await inside.

The Tapout XT program. DVDs, a workout calendar, a 30-day meal plan, exercise band, towel, decal, and bonus Strike Force DVD.

Starting with Cross Core Combat, program creator Mike Karpenko wasn’t kidding when he said it would be tough. Being 53 minutes long, I barely made it to 35 minutes and had to quit. I was even pacing myself quite a bit because I know how these programs are. You bust your hump keeping up but then die out not even half way through it.

At barely 28 minutes, I was slowing down a lot. Resting a few seconds then jumping back in helped but at the 35 minute mark, I was toast. I reached a point where I simply could not keep going, and it was still the best workout I have had in over a year.

After laying on the floor in a semi-delusional state, I could swear the Care Bears were hovering over me. I think they were laughing but that’s ok. My heart was pounding, and although I couldn’t feel my feet, I’m sure they were still there. This was the best workout in a long, long time and it was all worth it.

The movements varied from ground work to standing, from more ground work to kicks and punches. Everything I did was not only excellent fitness, but it also has a fighting quality, too. My Wing Chun ground work will definitely improve, that much is certain. And fitness-wise, I am quite confident that I am going to see some seriously positive results, and all without weights.

The nutritional plan looks very promising, too. Most nutritional guides are really nothing more than a basic outline as to what and what not to eat, etc., but with Tapout XT’s 10-Day Slim Down Guide, there are 10 full days of breakfast, lunch and dinner plans. With the additional inclusion of the Food Plan & Nutritional Guide’s 20-day program, that’s a full 30 days of hold-you-by-the-hand meal plans to take the guess work out of things.

Nutrition is such an important part of any program. I do eat fairly well most of the time, but definitely not like I should. My eating habits have gotten out of control far too often so I am really looking forward to getting back on track and making some positive changes for 2012 (and especially to get ready for Oahu in October).

I will continue to post more as I get deeper into the program, and hopefully it will not be long before I can complete a whole workout. Yoga XT seems promising but I have a feeling it is going to be just as tough as today. We’ll see so stay tuned as this program unfolds.

Tapout XT Arrived