9 Shapes Southern Chinese Boxing
What is your approach to Wing Chun?
I don't teach or represent any specific lineage. My knowledge comes from the understanding of Wing Chun that I have acquired over the years, from many different people. Both in the Wing Chun and JKD community. Spanning both Hong Kong and mainland systems. As well as from my training and research into other Cantonese and Hakka arts, that contains similar concepts.
Have you created a modern version of Wing Chun?
It's not my intention to create a modern version of Wing Chun. Because Wing Chun is such a practical tradition that already contains many timeless and valuable self protection lessons, commonly not found in other systems.
It's not a primitive fighting system, but a highly sophisticated and intelligent combat system. With a very profound and refined knowledge, shaped by generations of unknown and very clever teachers.
So continuing along the path of this "Small Idea" that is found in Wing Chun. There is so much unparalleled knowledge, that I really don't need to add any non Wing Chun material to the syllabus. But merely continue to uncover the vast intelligence already hidden in the principles, and then spend the time improving my skill level and learning to apply them in combat.
What makes 9 Shapes Wing Chun different?
Mainly because of the amazing Pin San strategy, our training deviates from most other branches of Wing Chun. Simply by placing a much higher emphasis on motion, movement, stepping, shifting and angulation. All while still maintaining the core elements of economy of motion and economy of energy. We also teach several unique footwork patterns, and the development of Duan Ging 短勁, Short Power, is a significant part of our training.
What is Pin San?
Pin San 偏身 Side Body, is rarely taught today. It is a very essential combat strategy that Dr. Leung Jan shared with his Wing Chun students, in the latter part of his life. Which was shortly before the beginning of the 20th century. In this period of his life after his time in Foshan, he also taught his art in separate motions instead of teaching forms.
Pin San is not only a huge game changer when it comes to freedom of movement and it also offers a much higher chance of adaptability while fighting multiple opponents. But more significantly, the Pin San formula is also the primary idea, that the original Wing Chun system was founded on.
How do you teach Wing Chun?
My approach is identical to the way Wing Chun has been taught for centuries in China. I teach a small individually based curriculum through private tuition or small group training. In this private, non commercial setting I maintain a friendly, family like and very informal training environment.
My Wing Chun teaching is solely performance based. Students progress when they satisfactory can apply the current section of the system that they are working on, under pressure. Learning Wing Chun is not just about fighting. It is also a small piece of Chinese culture, with a history and philosophy behind it. Ultimately Wing Chun training is about self improvement.
"In combat: Eyes, mind, hands, feet and waist must coordinate"
- Gau Jing Wing Chun Kuen Kuit, on the 5 essentials.