Robert and Sifu Matt in a little fun chi sau
It was only the beginning of class and already the arms were flying and the chi sau and laughs were erupting. Robert started it off by asking some questions about differences between the second and third forms and next thing you know, Sifu says,”Okay, let’s take a look in the lab.”
One of the great things about Ving Tsun is that you get to examine everything in your lab of chi sau (sticking hands) practice. Ip Man always used to say that Ving Tsun was a thinking man’s art because practicing made you smarter.
“But I thought you said, we shouldn’t think so much when we chi sau!”
Well yes, Gautam, that’s true but if you think and analyze while you do your forms then give full attention to what you’re sensing in chi sau – it all comes together. The trick is lots of training and training with concentration and focus.
On a side note, look who was in the school today…yes, that’s Theresa Bragado. Glad to have you back Theresa!
Come closer… that’s right. Closer. I want to make sure you can hear me.
Are you ready?
This is very important.
… this slide show gives you a hint…
Okay… the secret to good ving tsun (or good anything for that matter, piano playing, writing, carpentry what ever) is lots and lots of diligent practice without any delusions.
What else?
More practice.
Do it 1,000 times, 2,000, 3,000 times till your ving tsun is part of you.
You may start off trying to make your kung fu look just like your teacher’s, but in the end you must make it your own, find out how it works in your body, your mind. Train and train and ask questions. Challenge your yourself, your training, your techniques.
See you in the school.
Looking for a previous article about some aspect of training? Use the calendar archive on every page to find what you’re looking for! It’ll be just like talking to Sifu!
Matt Johnson Ving Tsun/Chicago 