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Events 2006 AWCA Training Camp
2006 AWCA Training Camp
AWCA Gym, Phoenix, AZ
The annual AWCA Training Camp was held this year at the AWCA on October 27-29. This 22-hour event worked through the Siu-Nim-Tau, Chum-Kiu, and Chi-sau sections, with the focus being on quality and precision of movement. Naturally all of the elements that these curriculums cover could not be addressed in such a short time span, but it was a lot of fun trying.
Day 1: Siu-Nim-Tau
Kicking off the event started with a step-by-step progression through the Siu-Nim-Tau, or "Little-Idea" form. As each movement was performed, the basic concept and fighting application was related, which spanned from 8:00am to approximately 5:00pm.
Examples that shed new light on the Siu-Nim-Tau included discussions such as the importance of Hoi-ma and why we open the stance in this manner, why the center of gravity is dropped from the chest to the waist, and why our punching methods use vertical fists vs. horizontal fists as seen in other martial arts.
Other areas that were very eye-opening to participants included Tan-sau, Gaun-sau, Kwun-sau, and their relationship to each other from a fighting perspective. We then delved into the slow Tan-sau/ Fook-sau/ Wu-sau cycle for 20 minutes on each side. This internal type of training not only develops leg strength, a strong back, and proper breathing, but it also trains the intrinsic musculature of the arm.
Slow Tan-sau/ Fook-sau/ Wu-sau Cycle (3.77 MB | 2 min. 7 sec. | WMV format)
The Slow Tan-sau/ Fook-sau/ Wu-sau Cycle |
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To begin, the hand opens and you can either bring it to the front and go slow from that point on, or open the hand and go slow right then.
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Powered by the elbow, the wrist remains on your centerline and ever-so-slowly move Tan-sau forward. |
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The arms stops when the elbow is one fist-width distance from the body. Periodically use your other fist to check the distance. Maintain your breathing (in the nose, out the mouth), keep your back straight and head level, and keep the hips tucked in so as to pivot the pelvis forward (which drives your force into your adductor muscles and keeps your rooted). |
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Section 1 should always be trained for at least 20 minutes on each side when training at home in order to explore the "Immovable Movement" concept. The arm is moving, but it is moving so slowly that you cannot "see" it moving. You can only feel it, and even then, just barely.
During this slow cycle, we focus on adduction of the knees, maintaining a good body structure, and breathing.
Following this, we explored the concept of Pak-sau (Slap-hand) and how it is one of the more effective defenses in Wing Chun's arsenal. In fact, it is so effective that the entire Lat-sau fighting curriculum was created around it as an opening movement.
Discussion of Pak-sau |
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Examining Pak-sau, such as where it is most effective... |
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... how it translates to actions after its completion, and |
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... how driving it too far is detrimental to realistic defense. |
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Throughout the day we examined concepts from all three sections, plus turning, advancing, side-stepping, and withdrawing when being pressed so quickly and powerfully that it is driving you backwards (and you cannot move forward or to the side).
Even though the Siu-Nim-Tau is the first curriculum that a practitioner is exposed to, it is also the most important. Without a solid understanding of what the Siu-Nim-Tau relates, everything that follows it will be of little to no use. And this is why the Siu-Nim-Tau is so efficient and effective to begin with, because there is nothing flashy about it. It is logical, efficient, and practical to realistic fighting, even in today's world.
Day 2: Chum-Kiu
Day 2 revolved around the Chum-Kiu, or "Arm-Seeking" form. As with the Siu-Nim-Tau, each movement of the Chum-Kiu was performed, followed by a discussion of the concept and a fighting drill to illustrate it.
The interesting aspect of Chum-Kiu training is that while the overall premise is to "seek out" the opponent's bridge arms, we also "sink" or "leak" through his/her defenses in order to locate the holes in which to attack through. And if a hole does not exist, then we create one.
Chum-Kiu Section 1 |
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Pie-jarn (Horizontal Hacking-elbow).
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Yan-cheung, or "Stamping-palm." This action is trained as Pak-sau by some. |
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Jing-cheung (Erect-palm). |
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The Chum-Kiu introduces Wing Chun's three primary kicks of front, side, and slant-thrusting. I introduced the participants to some of my favorite strength training drills geared for Wing Chun kicking, and needless to say that by the time the drills were done, we had to take a break to rest our legs.
After the break, we jumped into various drills that see Siu-Nim-Tau and Chum-Kiu "overlapping." Throughout the system, it is not that each form includes new applications from start-to-finish; instead, many of the actions in the forms are introducing enhanced concepts "with" the new movements.
From trapping, kicking, and intermediate stepping drills to leg conditioning, close-quarters combat, and anti-grappling/ anti-takedown concepts, day 2 saw a marked improvement in everyone's understanding. After barely 16 hours of training, there was improvement being seen from the highest-ranked student on down.
So far, the event was a success. But we still had to rest up for the final day: Chi-sau.
Day 3: Chi-sau
Our third and final day of training for this year's Training Camp entailed four hours of intense Chi-sau. All students were familiar with Chi-dan-sau, but four of them had not learned Poon-sau or Luk-sau yet.
That ended today.
After explaining the purpose of double-arm rolling, we took things step-by-step to provide a good foundation. While newer students were learning basic Luk-sau, everyone else began working on sections 1 - 7 of the core Chi-sau curriculum.
The entire weekend was very enlightening for all of us, and we all walked away with a deeper appreciation for the art we love. Thanks to everyone for your hard work, dedication, and perseverance over the past 3 days to make the 2006 Training Camp so enjoyable!
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Updated: 09.22.2009 4:57PM MST
