Recently, the local news group 2City News conducted a three-part interview with Sifu Matt Johnson. Here is part one, in which Sifu gives the audience a basic grounding in what ving tsun is and why it’s so effective for self defense.
The article focuses as well on the problem of understaffed, under-served urban areas in which residents often feel they must fend for themselves:
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So, yesterday, we were talking about your ving tsun tool box. You might feel like, I’ve been in ving tsun awhile, I already have a couple of good tools. Why do I need to add more? 
Let me ask you this…what will you do, if someone really attacks you – where ever – at home, on the street, outside your local sandwich or burger joint…and that technique you always use, which seems to work so well, doesn’t work this time and the guy’s still coming at you?Â
Or, maybe, you’re going to be in a chi sao tournament soon and you could have the same problem. Maybe that pak sao just isn’t going to do all the heavy lifting for you. Maybe you already experienced this – if so speak up now! Tell us about it.
Whether you want to save your life or prevail in a tournament, you need more than one tool in your box and ready to use. That way, when one thing doesn’t work, you stil have an answer and live to tell the tale another day.
Local students, take a clear, honest look at your own chi sao and ask yourself a few questions…Â
Do I do the same techniques over and over again in my chi sao just out of habit? (We all do sometimes, but it’s up to us to bust ourselves on our own ineffective habits.)Â
Do I have all I need to be really sure that if the chips were down I could handle it? Do you do the same techniques over and over again in your chi sao just out of habit?
If you answer yes to any of those, then this seminar is your chance to create more effective tools for yourself. RSVP now, and click the link to formally reserve your spot and pay the tuition.
https://mjvingtsun.org/pay-your-tuition/
See you on the 21st! If you have questions, contact Sifu Matt Johnson Ving Tsun. 773-301-6257. Questions about tuition payments for the seminar, contact Hillary Johnson. 312-714-4563
Regarding the upcoming seminar at the VTSDA, it’s all about building your ving tsun toolbox. In the morning, Sifu Matt Johnson will help you inventory the many tools available to us as outlined in the three empty-handed forms (siu lim tau, chum kiu, biu jee). In the afternoon, we’ll consider, in-depth, how to extract several of those tools from the form and put them into practical use for very serious self-defense and for use in chi sau tournaments. Space is limited so register now! https://mjvingtsun.org/pay-your-tuition/
This was especially true this evening when Donald got started this evening. Donald’s uncle is the owner of the  Chi Cafe in Chinatown, one of our very favorite spots to eat. They have terrific Hong Kong style food and are open till all hours. That means you can get late night congee any time you want!
Donald said he’s wanted to study for a while but between work and school, he had to wait until today.
Here’s what his first lesson looked like. (Pretty relaxed and friendly atmosphere, just like at the VTAA in Hong Kong.
First Sifu Matt taught him the opening to Siu Lim Tau…
Step by step, making little adjustments along the way.
Donald was focused all night and worked really hard.
It was easy to see how much he was enjoying learning at last.
The other students were glad to help of course. Humberto worked on punching with him.
Finally! Time to relax before heading out. Welcome to Ving Tsun, Donald! Glad to have you in the Matt Johnson Ving Tsun family.
Maybe you might want to try Ving Tsun too?
Everyone trained hard tonight. Watch it unfold here – some of it in slow motion!
To get good results, you need to train a lot. Even when you don’t feel so great. These photos and video were taken right after Sifu Matt’s encounter with a wicked intestinal virus.
Make your training something you just do. Every day.
Then your ving tsun will be strong and ready if you need it.
Thanks for watching and keep on training.
Matt Johnson Ving Tsun/Chicago 