The wooden dummy is probably the most recognized training tool of the Wing Chun system. Although very popular today, this apparatus was practically unknown in the west until it was made famous by Bruce Lee, kung fu superstar and disciple of Wing Chun’s Great Grandmaster Ip Man. The history of the wooden dummy form can be traced back to the Shaolin Temple in Southern China. Legend has it that the monks would have to pass a test by fighting their way down a hall of 108 wooden men. In his Wooden Dummy video, Sifu Sam Chan teaches the traditional wooden dummy form as it is taught in the Ip Man Lineage of Wing Chun Kung Fu.
Sifu Chan demonstrations the form in three manners — first slow and controlled, then section by section, and finally fast with full speed and power. Now, when I say fast, I mean fast and with control and good technique. I have seen so many guys try to demonstrate their “mastery” of Wing Chun by performing the wooden dummy at superfast speed, only to end up looking sloppy, week, and for lack of a better word – terrible. Sifu Chan’s performance is inspiring; his use of footwork and Yiu Ma (waste turning energy) are fantastic. It is very obvious he has spent a very long time training in this form. The application sections are very well done as well. Each of the wooden dummy techniques is broken down and demonstrated with a live partner during Chi Sau practice, first slow and controlled so you can see the movement, then fast so you can get a feel of the timing, sensitivity, and energy release required to pull them off. Overall I would say this is one of the best DVDs I have seen yet on traditional wooden dummy training.
Technical Review:
- DVD Length: 40 Minutes
- Display: NTSC
- Region: 0
- Type: DVD
- Language: English (No Subtitles)
- Video Quality: High (Professional Production)
- Audio Quality: High (Professional Production)
Content Review:
- Introduction
- Wooden Dummy Form (Section by Section)
The Mook Yan Jong Faat (Wooden Dummy Form) as taught by Sifu Chan and the International Wing Chun Martial Arts Association (IWCMAA) is divided into seven sections to aid the student in learning.
- Section One (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Two (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Three (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Four (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Five (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Six (Right and Left Angle Views)
- Section Seven(Right and Left Angle Views)
- Footwork and Kicks
- Applications
- Section One (Theory and Applications)
- Section Two (Theory and Applications)
- Section Three (Theory and Applications)
- Section Four (Theory and Applications)
- Section Five (Theory and Applications)
- Section Six (Theory and Applications)
- Section Seven (Theory and Applications)
- Mook Yan Jong Faat Demonstrated by Sifu Chan (Right and Left Angle Views)
The traditional Wooden Dummy form is performed by Sifu Sam Chan with full speed and power.
Review by: Todd Taganashi
DVD Bought on: Everything Wing Chun
This DVD is also available for download on Everything Wing Chun Instant Access