Review of Chu Shong Tin's 1998 Wing Chun Seminar 3 Disk Set

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Reviewer: George Hernandez
Date: February 15, 2011
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

DVD Bought on: Everything Wing Chun : http://www.everythingwingchun.com/chu-shong-tin-wing-chun-dvds-books-s/125.htm
This DVD is also available for download on Everything Wing Chun Instant Access

Technical Specifications:
Title: Chu Shong Tin – 1998 Wing Chun Seminar Part 1, Siu Nim Tao
Language: English
Region: All
Format: DVD-R
Number of Disk: 1
Length: approximately three hours (This presentation was converted from VHS for DVD access, the menu will refer to each section of the DVD, as Disk 1, 2,and 3, respectfully). Please note, there is only one disk and that the conversion process from one media type to another, presents the same quality as the original production.
Part one - Siu Nim Tao, 0:59:42
Part two – Siu Nim Tao, 0;59:08
Part three – Siu Nim Tao, 0:59:34

Video Quality: Average
Audio Quality: Poor, 2 out of 5

What It’s About:

This DVD presents an in depth demonstration and discussion regarding the principles of Wing Chun’s first form, Siu Nim Tao.

Comments:

Master Chu, specifically in part 1, devotes his attention to Siu Nim Tao, Wing Chun’s first form. As in his previous series on Wing Chun basics he gives considerable amount of time to talking about and demonstrating the importance it has in building a sound foundation in Wing Chun. He describes the three levels of training from the stance to moving. Those who are knowledgeable about Wing Chun knows what is meant about centerline theory in this system…the benefit of the form’s structure and how the notion of focus and circular motion relates to this form. Many martial artists outside of the Wing Chun practice regard this martial art system as strictly linear…while in principle it is not. Master Chu demonstrates this basic principle of circle motion inherent in the Siu Nim Tao form through example and the use of simple props.

Of critical importance in this presentation, Master Chu’s, demonstration of the use of the “mind force” in rotating the elbow moving from a Tao Sao to a Bong Sao position, while a person is attempting to use pure strength to control movement using a Foot Sao hand…through relaxation, projection of the “Mind Force” and by using one’s body mass effectively, clearly shows that no matter how much force is used it can be neutralized. The use of some of these simple techniques Master Chu gracefully shows the value of literally forgetting about the forearm while focusing on the hand; its target and direct control from the elbow. He says “relax and attack at the same time.”

In demonstrating simple but yet practical techniques, Master Chu, goes into further detail showing how important it is in finding your center of gravity and relaxing your body. He also shows how elbow force is generated with support from the shoulder and the structure of the stance. Again, in this demonstration he emphasizes the application of circular motion in Siu Nim Tao; its forward punch, he says “punching means to expand your circle”, the concept and application of this technique also apples when you withdrawal the arm from the centerline.

This DVD is packed with substantial demonstrations, discussion about technique and employs the use of visual props to get the crucial points across regarding the principles of Siu Nim Tao. The key points in this presentation, is structure of the stance, the use of the body mass and the “mind force.”

For the martial art enthusiast, beginning students and the experienced teacher, this series would be an excellent addition to one’s martial arts DVD collection and is well worth the investment in seeing a real Wing Chun master teach!
 

Reviewer: George Hernandez
Date: February 15, 2011
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Technical Specifications:
Title: Chu Shong Tin – 1998 Wing Chun Seminar Part 2, Chum Kiu
Language: English
Region: All
Format: DVD-R
Number of Disk: 2
Length: approximately three hours (This presentation was converted from VHS for DVD access, the menu will refer to each section of the DVD, as Disk 1, 2,and 3, respectfully). Please note, there is only one disk and that the conversion process from one media type to another, presents the same quality as the original production.
DVD Length:
Part one – Chum Kiu, 0:59:21
Part two – Chum Kiu, 0:59: 46
Part three – Chum Kiu, 0:59:20

Video Quality: Average
Audio Quality: Poor, 2 out of 5

What It’s About:

This DVD explores the basics of the Chum Kiu form through demonstration and discussion with seminar participants in Australia.

Comments:

If you ever had questions about how to describe and demonstrate the principles of the Chum Kiu, this DVD will help you out. As in Master Chu’s previous presentations, he again gives strong emphasis to Siu Num Tao, as the foundation of Chum Kiu, Wing Chun’s second form. He shows elegantly, how the second form is used while coming in contact with a person and the principle of moving to the side, while controlling the center line.

The power and concept of the circle in his demonstration, becomes quite evident as the “body mass” rotates showing the effectiveness of the Chum Kiu form. The idea of the circle and understanding its purpose in the movement of Chum Kui, is so crucial. Master Chu describes and demonstrates, how powerful the second form becomes in changing direction while defending and attacking at the same time. Master Chu demonstrates how technique from the second form, in just using one arm is capable of controlling the two arms of the other person while creating an opening exposing the person’s head and chest region. He states that Chum Kiu provides the fundamentals in learning how to change your movement with the situation.

For those interested in kicking techniques, Master Chu provides ample demonstration of how the legs should be used. He tells his students, that one must learn how to use their body mass and project it into the striking leg…while rotating or pivoting within the structure of the form. It is obvious that in leg techniques, one must also use the “mind force” for kicks to be effective.

This DVD provides the viewer with excellent instruction in the second form, its applications using the hands and feet, was well as the essential principles that make it all work. You would be wise to add this edition to your collection of Master Chu’s DVD Wing Chun series.

 

Reviewer: George Hernandez
Date: February 15, 2011
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Technical Specifications:
Title: Chu Shong Tin – 1998 Wing Chun Seminar Part 3. Chi Sao
Language: English
Region: All
Format: DVD-R
Number of Disk: 3
Length: approximately three hours (This presentation was converted from VHS for DVD access, the menu will refer to each section of the DVD, as Disk 1, 2,and 3, respectfully). Please note, there is only one disk and that the conversion process from one media type to another, presents the same quality as the original production.
Part one – Chi Sao, Q/A, 0:59:26
Part two – Double Chi Sao, Q/A 0:59:04
Part three – Focusing, Rolling Hands, Q/A, 0:58:39

Video Quality: Average
Audio Quality: Poor, 2 out of 5

What It’s About:

Chi Sao is perhaps one of the most advance methods to train for very close fighting situations. Instruction starts off with basic first form hand techniques and advances to more complex applications which include the legs. Master Chu provides a thorough explanation and demonstration of Chi Sao principles in single and double hand training. And shows how applications are done within the context of movement with persons different in size and strength.

Comments:

Master Chu points out that in real fighting you do not want to stick with the hand and that maintaining one’s focus and structure will allow your hand to get to where it needs to go…that is to its target. Chi Sao practice will provide you with the training to develop this skill. He further states, that Chi Sao is designed to help you discover your strongest point and use it against the other person’s weakest point.

The practice of Chi Sao provides the experience of developing strength in your stance and where to place your hands at the best contact point of the other person. Applying the “mind force” is crucial in this practice and how to counter incoming movements. “Mind Force”, does not mean applying muscle! He demonstrates the principle of the “mind force” in showing how muscular force alone from someone using a strong fook Sao hand can be easily overcome by changing the Tan Sao hand to a Bong Sao position in a circular fashion using the body mass while the Bong Sao hand moves toward the person’s center.

It you attempt to do this by using shoulder strength, alone, it just won’t work! The key to success in this technique is to relax, he said, which is to use one’s natural movement which is quite capable in moving the person off balance and away from their centerline. Remember, in Chi Sao practice the focus is always forward and during training with a partner you want to find each other’s weakest point.

Master Chu stresses, that one should be able to use the Chi Sao without any muscular strength! Again to do so, you’re working against the principles of the Wing Chun system. Using just muscle will essentially allow you to attack in only one direction; this is such a beautiful statement he makes in describing the power of natural movement.

There is so much good information and demonstrations on this DVD; where you’re shown how to train properly in the Chi Sao…it’s filled with real gems throughout. I’ve only touched on a few salient points to show the immense depth of the concepts and principles Master Chu provides in this excellent DVD series.

Critical Notes:
As we had discussed the sound quality on these DVDs, is generally poor. You can however, figure out what’s being said if you listen very carefully with earphones. But, it’s really a chore and one has to be awfully diligent, if you want to understand the dialogue. The real instructional value of these DVDs often is not what is said, but what is demonstrated by Master Chu. Consequently, you’ll benefit if you attended these seminars or if you’re an experienced practitioner or Wing Chun instructor. Also I found it tremendously difficult to describe in a narrative outline what was on these DVDs. Essentially, these DVD’s were not presented in a scripted instructional format. They are actually a transcript of what went on during the seminar and therefore the presentation style and material covered is somewhat random in nature.
 

Content Overview: Siu Nim Tao, Disc 1

• Introduction
  • The purpose of the Siu Nim Tao form.
  • The three stages of Learning.
    • Establishing Structure
    • Focusing
    • “The Mind force”
• Centerline
  • The basic Ma Bo Stance of Siu Nim Tao
  • The Triangle of Siu Nim Tao
  • The circular motion of Suit Nib Tao.
  • Developing personal power.
  • The circular motion in Suit Nib Tao.
  • Using both hands and arms in Suit Nib Tao.
  • Using the “Mind force” in maintaining structure.
• Demonstration in using the” Mind Force”
  • Bong Sao- Rolling forward.
  • Fook Sao and Tan Sao application.
  • Using your center of gravity.
  • Using your structure in stopping the other person’s force.
  • Forget about the using the forearm.
  • Learn how to relax to attack at the same time using the shoulder.
  • Remember the mind generates the “Mind Force.”
• Demonstration of generating power through relaxation
  • First two methods.
    • Elbow force supported by your shoulder.
    • Support from the use of the proper stance, don’t tense your form.
  • The circular movement.
    • Punching means to expand your circle
    • Using the circle in punching forward and bringing it back.
    • Bring the person’s force down to the floor.
    • Proper position in two hand rotation.
  • Demonstration of using the circle.
  • Bong Sao – application of the inside circle using the shoulder
    • To move to the outside circle
    • Using your strongest points against the persons weakest points.
    • Learning how to change your point of focus.
• Demonstration of the Siu Nim Tao form
  • Master Chu demonstrates the full form at normal speed.

Content Overview, Chi Sao, 1998 Seminar, Disc 2

• Introduction
  • The Purpose of the Second Form- chum Kiu
  • Chum Kiu, based on Siu Nim Tao
  • Rotation, the frist stage in learning Chum Kiu.
• The Dynamics of Chum Kiu
  • The Two Way Force in the second form.
  • Pushing from the side.
    • Moving force to the side.
    • Emphasis on the rotation of the body-mass.
    • Rotation generates power without tension or using muscle.
    • Using the center of gravity.
    • Learning how to properly rotate before doing the application.
    • Applying force from two different directions-attaching with the same force.
    • Using the sloping elbow downward motion.
    • The method of sinking the elbow.
    • Chum Kiu has several types of rotation.
    • The axis of the body, brining the body mass to the contact point.
    • Moving the axis to the front of the body.
    • Using the “Mind Force” at the contact point to stop the persons power.
• Chum Kiu Essentials.
  • The purpose of the side stepping movement.
  • Using the body mass to control the other person’s sense of balance.
  • Disabling the person’s centerline defense.
  • Maintaining the integrity of the circle is the key to success.
  • Learning how to change one’s movement with the situation.
  • Stepping pattern is used to redirect the person’s force.
  • Applying the body mass and projecting it into the legs.
  • The height of the knee determines the placement of the kick or point of impact.
  • The importance of concentrating the body mass at the contact point either by the hand or leg.

Content Overview, Chi Sao, 1998 Seminar, Disc 3

• Introduction – Chi Sao Basics.
  • Sticky hands or Chi Sao, how to maintain focus and structure.
  • Know the weakest points through observation and feel.
  • Attacking at the weakest points.
  • Using chi Sao to find the best contact point of the other person.
  • Using Chi Sao to find your strongest point in relationship to your stance.
  • Use the Chi Sao practice to learn finding each other’s weak points.
  • Chi Sao is not you hit me, I hit you exercise. Don’t fight each other.
  • Learn how to relax and feel the other person.
  • f. The application of force is always forward.
  • Using the proper stance and focus of the “Mind Force.”
  • The purpose of the Single Chi Sao is in finding the weak and strong points.
  • Using the4 body to be at the contact point at all times.
• Chi Sao and the Tan Sao and Huen Sao hand
  • The circle and how it’s connected to the shoulder.
  • Changing from Tan Sao to a Bong Sao hand…rolling toward the center.
  • When moving to a Bong Sao hand use no muscular force, but roll the circle outward.
  • Controlling the person’s center from the Tan Sao hand while moving to the side for a punch.
  • The concept of chasing the center.
• Demonstration of Double Rolling or Double Chi Sao Basics
  • Keeping the circular structure, which is maintained constantly through
  • The body mass is always in contact don’t attempt to use forearm force or muscle.
  • One hand moves downward while rotating and the other hand attacks the center.
• The Bong Sao Hand in Chi Sao
  • Its forward /downward movements and maintaining focus.
  • Using the “Mind Force” depends on the movement of the other person.
  • In preparing for attack, any movement can be used.
  • All movements can be used for defense and attack.
  • Relax! Remember that muscle force only allows the person to attack in one direction.
• Crucial Chi Sao objectives
  • Concentrate on the practice of rolling, rather than sparring.
  • Learning to control your center.
  • Learning how to use rotation to redirect the person’s force.
  • Chasing the circle.
• Master Chu demonstrates various Wing Chun hands in Chi Sao
  • The Kuen Sao hand
  • The Bong Sao Hand
  • The Gum Sao Hand
  • The bil Jee Hand
  • Bending the elbow to create relaxed force.