Review – Ving Tsun Musuem’s Trapping Hands

VTM Wing Chun Series #10 Trapping Hands By Sifu Benny Meng
The first three videos of the VTM Wing Chun Series focused on the “Bread and Butter” of the Wing Chun Gung Fu system through the teachings of the Sil Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Ji levels of training. In this last video of the series, Sifu Meng puts everything together based on the attributes and techniques learned from the previous DVDs. Trapping Hands is probably the most well know (and feared) aspects of the Wing Chun fighters arsenal, but Sifu Meng is quick to point out that trapping an opponent’s hands is not something you should look for during a fight. Trapping is all based upon the energy and manner in which your opponent reacts. The instruction in this video focusing primarily on the three main techniques of Jow Sau (Running Hand), Paak Sau (Slapping Hand), and Laap Sau (Jerking Hand). These three movements are then put together in the Kau Sau (Trapping Hand) segment. In his usual manner Sifu Meng describes in great detail what it takes to effectively apply these movements based on reading your opponents energy, using your own forward energy, dominating the centerline, and taking the superior position. The thing that really stands out about the VTH Wing Chun Series DVDs is the straightforward and highly efficient teaching style of Sifu Meng. These videos are more than just a video demonstration of Wing Chun forms and close range fighting concepts; each is a well thought out and organized lesson geared towards teaching.

A last note about the VTM Wing Chun Series DVDs — I really liked the way each video was produced in the same manner with a clear progression of learning. It is very obvious that Sifu Meng put a lot of time and effort into the planning of these videos and the end result is a jewel of knowledge. These DVDs not only serve to present and teach the Ip Man Wing Chun System; they do so in an excellent manner and serve as a standards benchmark for the world of instructional martial art videos.

Technical Review:

• DVD Length: 58 Minutes
• Display: NTSC
• Region: 0
• Type: DVD-R
• Language: English (No Subtitles)
• Video Quality: High (Professional Production)
• Audio Quality: High (Professional Production)

Content Review:

• Introduction
  • Opening the DVD is a very nice short historical segment introducing Sifu Meng, detailing his journey in the art of Wing Chun, and paying homage to the many great masters under whom he studied.
• 2. Energy
  • Sifu Meng describes the different energies involved during trapping.
  • Dead vs Live (Forward) Energy
• 3. Running Hand (Jow Sau)
  • Using Forward Energy and Jow Sau to Flow Around an Obstruction
  • Partner Drills
• 4. Slapping Hand (Paak Sau)
  • Occupying Center and Forward Energy
  • Crossed Hand Outside
  • Crossed Hand Inside
  • Parallel Hand Outside
  • Parallel Hand Inside
  • Partner Drills
• 7. Jerking Hand (Laap Sau)
  • Hand Grips for Laap Sau
  • Laap Da Crossed Hand Outside
  • Laap Da Parallel Hand Inside
  • Partner Drills
• 8. Locking Hand (Kau Sau)
  • When to Trap and When Not to Trap
  • Using the Superior Position
• 9. Review by Jeremy Roadruck
  • VTM instructor Jeremy Roadruck goes over the Wing Chun concepts and techniques taught in this DVD. This is meant to approach things from another angle by giving a different instructors point of view and style of teaching.
    • Running Hand (Jow Sau)
    • Slapping Hand (Paak Sau)
    • Jerking Hand (Laap Sau)
• 10. Bonus Feature
  • The last segment of this DVD features 17 minutes of bonus material featuring Sifu Meng teaching Wing Chun trapping techniques in a classroom environment.

Review by: Todd Taganashi
DVD Bought on: Everything Wing Chun
This DVD is also available for download on Everything Wing Chun Instant Access