Lee Man Hung is a master of the Ving Tsun system under Tommy Yuen Yim Keung’s lineage. Sifu Yuen was one of Wong Shun Leung’s four eldest disciples.
At the start of the DVD, we get a quiet demonstration of some Ving Tsun methods. And, quiet is the first thing that I can say about this video. There is no annoying music, no posh English narration—nothing. Just Lee Man Hung talking you through each exercise (in Cantonese with English subtitles). This is a good thing—sort of.
The first few sections focus on how to apply Taan, Bong and Fook Sau, but what is missing is the detail. For example, in one section you are instructed to use Lat Sau Jik Chung, but there is no explanation of what this actually is. Also, the subtitles tend to be on the bare side too. Lee Man Hung can sometimes talk for 20 to 30 seconds on a subject and all we get is a one-sentence translation. The DVD continues with a structure in which we get a solo demo of the technique in question and then a demo of the drill with a partner. This sounds good in theory, but it is very hard to learn from, mainly because there is little or no explanation of the forces and applications involved, which is sad because there is plenty to be learnt here.
Chi Sau, Fun Sau, turning footwork, and other concepts are given the same treatment and it is when we reach the later sections that we finally get some insight and theory behind the earlier demos. Unfortunately, it is far too short, but at least it’s something. The final section, Wisdom & Skills, is much better, but would have served the student better if it were placed at the beginning of the DVD.
This is a good DVD with lots to offer, but some simple editing could have made it much better.
Lee Man Hung’s Ving Tsun Kung Fu
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Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 60 min.
Format: PAL (or Digital Download)
Region: 0
Number of Discs: 1
Availability: DVD or EWC Instant Access Download
Review by: James Woodcock
