Have you ever missed that magical class and training session? Now, imagine that special class was caught on tape. That’s the case with this recording from back in 1996 with the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung and his students at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association in Hong Kong. Sifu Wong delivers a special moment where he covers the fundamental concepts of the Sil Lum Tao with passion in his native Cantonese language, kindly translated to English by a young Philip Ng. The tone for the impromptu seminar is how to be able to use your Ving Tsun in its highest application—“combat skill.” Getting the boxing mindset into one’s practice of the system from one of Ip Man’s most celebrated fighters.
The class footage is a concise overview of the “Young Idea” form and its concepts. Starting from the ground up with an understanding of how to get your stance working in concept, structure, and practical application, to the next step of facing off and squaring up to your opponent. Then there is some further explaining how Facing the opponent and centreline is supported by one’s stance and footwork.
Sifu Wong explores the mechanics of the form and offers a unique insight into the concept and behaviour of Lat Sau Jik Chung (or “Hand Shooting Forward”). This enables you to get practising the reflex reaction to chase a target—rather than the hands of the opponent. Demonstrating how to have the Taan Sau or Fook Sau structures come alive through the elbows to always directly pursue the target. Then, you’ll see how to evolve the basic triangle structures that are played in the form into controlled striking actions that build a foundation for one’s drills: Chi Sau, and fighting application. Sifu Wong devotes some quality time into breaking down the first section of Sil Lum Tao.
Common situations call for simple responses, and this is where Sifu Wong breaks down the second section of the form. How to recover from an attacker or opponent where anyone find themselves in a day-to-day life experience; from being grabbed to bear-hugged, pulled or smothered—it’s all covered. The resources to find a way to use controlled responses over being caught in a force against force battle when one may find themselves in a desperate position.
The Hong Kong heat doesn’t break the passion of the master, as he rolls right along and digs deeper into the form to introduce the concepts behind the third section. Reminding the class of the structure and behaviour that are the building blocks to a live fighting scenario, the focus shifts towards making them work efficiently. Simple, direct, and efficient applications to work in combat.
A moment in time that just doesn’t look into the Sil Lum Tao and its workings; but instead, into the moments of time that developed the fighting mind of Sifu Wong Shun Leung. And a moment to be a part of that special class you’ll never miss attending again.
Wong Shun Leung – 1996 VTAA Seminar – Sil Lum Tao
Buy now from Everything Wing Chun Instant Access
Language: English
Running Time: Approx. 58 min.
Format: NTSC
Region: 0
Number of Discs: 1
Availability: EWC Instant Access Download
Review by: Dwight Hennings
