Review - Eddie Chong's Pan Nam (Faht Shan Wing Chun) 3 DVD Set

Customer/3rd Party Review: This review was done by a customer/3rd party and is listed here for you reference only. The views and opinions of the reviewer are not those of Everything Wing Chun and do not necessarily reflect EWC's views or opinions on the subject matter. It is posted, like all customer reviews, to give you more info on the product and to give you different opinions on a product so that you can make the best decision for yourself about it's content. The review is NOT by an EWC employee or contractor and EWC cannot stand by anything said in any customer/3rd party review. Enjoy!

This is a 3 DVD set. Each DVD in the set is reviewed in detail here.

What Disk 1 is about:

Master Sifu Eddie Chong, of the Fushan White Eyebrow-Fushan Wing Chun Kung Fu Association presents a demonstration of all the classic forms of Grandmaster Pan Nam, of the “Faht Shan” Wing Chun Tradition. The three forms shown in this DVD are, Sil Nim Tao, Chum Kiu and Bil Gee.

Comments on Disk 1:

“Faht Shan Wing Chun”, is considered the official lineage of the Wing Chun system recognized by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China and therefore is referred as the “Chinese System” of Wing Chun as it relates to the Ip Man WC system and is referred to as the “Hong Kong system” of Wing Chun Kung Fu. I am sure there’s lots of debate among WC factions in Shanghai and Hong Kong, who would feel quite differently regarding this official sanction by mainland China. However, this review will discuss the instructional content and value of Eddie Chong’s WC DVDs, and will leave the matter of which system is considered the official lineage of WC to martial art historians.  However, I will say this…martial art institutions are just as much a political animal in China as the two party political systems in America.  Enough said.

Master Sifu Eddie Chong gives a demonstration of all three characteristic forms of “Faht Shan” Wing Chun passed down by former Grandmaster Pan Nam, who died in 1995, near the age of 100! Obviously, there are characteristic or stylistic differences between the Chinese and Hong Kong systems. For example, one can readily see in the WC forms demonstrated by William Cheung and other subsequent lineage holders of Grandmaster Ip Man, such as Chu Shong Tin, expressing a different approach in teaching and the execution of WC technique.

In that being said, however, one should look for the common thread which runs through all of three styles of WC.  So which system is better?  I strongly feel this is a foolish and misplaced question!  I have news for you…”it’s all good.”

In principle the differences which one might observe in movement, is one of degree not of kind. For example, in the Sli Nam Tao of the Faht Shan system, the Chuan Sao Hand (fist) does not move forward and up through the centerline, but slightly off from the center of heart line.  The Fook Sao and Wu Sao hand movement is done from the lower Tan Tien and not from the middle Tan Tien or heart line position. These movements are done slowly, as you would expect in Chi Kung practice for the development of power….proper breathing technique, is also emphasized during training of the first form – Sli Nam Tao.

However, there are basic hand techniques, which are emphasized in the “Faht Shan” system, that would not necessary be observed in Ip Man’s, Hong Kong system…that is the use of the “Tiger” and “Leopard” hand, which are movements so common in Hung Gar Kung Fu. It is said by Master Sifu Chong, that the Butterfly Knifes of Wing Chun evolved out of Hung Gar…from my experience all Chinese Wu Shu styles have incorporated movements and techniques from older systems…what works seems to be the general rule…Sifu Chong fortunately, does not hold anything back and his demonstration of technique is quite effective. Some schools in the US, particularly among the commercialized Shaolin martial art establishments…will not show a student such techniques using the “leopard” hand, because it’s considered a secret teaching!  Be aware, you could end up paying big bucks for all the so called secret techniques by such martial art institutions.

Besides the Sli Nam Tao form, Master Sifu Chong also demonstrates the last two forms of Wing Chun in this DVD, they are Chum Kiu and Bil Gee…again their expression, is quite different in what you would normally see from observing the “Hong Kong” style of WC Kung Fu. Some may even regard the movements in Chum Kiu, of Chong’s demonstration as almost appearing robotic…but, don’t let that fool you…there is definitely, subtlety in what he does! If you are truly a Wing Chun enthusiast the purchase of Chong’s DVDs are a must see and a worthwhile addition to any one’s collection demonstrating this martial art.

What Disk 2 is About:

Master Sifu Eddie Chong, of the Fushan White Eyebrow-Fushan Wing Chun Kung Fu Association presents Grandmaster Pan Nam’s, Chi Sau practice of the “Faht Shan” Wing Chun Kung fu system.

Comments on Disk 2:

In this DVD, Master Sifu Chong presents the basics behind Chi Sau practice. In his introduction of Chi Sau, he shows how one should stand and where the position of the hands should be for proper execution of Chi Sau technique. He especially emphasizes that one should not raise their shoulders nor should one place their arms and hands to high, while engaging their partner in Chi Sau practice. Care is taken in showing the proper use of the double Bong and Fook Sau throughout the “rolling” process in changing the arms and hands from one position to another with a partner.

Sifu makes the whole sequence look easy; however, without diligent and consistent training the opportunity to make the technique work in practice could be missed.  Chi Sau practice is a critical aspect in Wing Chun training in developing skill as well as speed in making technique effective. This DVD gives you what you need to know in developing sound practical skills in WC.

Of interest, in Chong’s demonstration of Chi Sau, Sifu shows technique and then tells you what happens if the position of your arms, are not in the right place during a techniques execution, this is an important cautionary point…one does not want to attempt a technique and be hit at the same time.  Also, second form practitioners would be pleased to see how Chum Kiu movements can be achieved during Chi Sau practice; for example using the double “Lan Sau” Hands with a shifting horse.

Chong shows diversity in his demonstration of technique using a variety of WC hand applications, such as from a Tan Sau, Fook Sau sequence…counter techniques are demonstrated against various attacks, which are then followed up by a counter-attack sequence thwarting an invading hand.  The training benefit in observing, a series of attacks and counter attacks offers the practitioner the opportunity to clearly see the flow of movement during an exchange on both sides of a fight. Granted Chi Sau practice is primarily a simulation, but, it’s a real opportunity to develop, as well as to test your understanding and skill of WC technique.  Keep in mind that the purpose of Chi Sau practice is to sharpen one’s sensitivity and perfect skill…it is not an “I hit you “and “you hit me” – “Rock’em, Sock’em” exercise!  If Chi Sau training is approached with this purpose in mind, all of its training value is lost.

Often DVDs, of lesser caliber in Chi Sau instruction; the simultaneous use of the Double Fist as a counter and attacking hand are not usually shown. And what do you do if someone attempts to push you while you’re in a Chi Sau situation? There are plenty of examples of what to do and what not to do, while stepping in and out during an attack or counter attack. This Chi Sau DVD goes beyond, what you normally would have the opportunity to see and utilize in your practice.  It’s loaded with lots of stuff! This series would be a great investment for any Pan Nam or Ip Man WC practitioner; certainly it’s a must see for anyone who is unfamiliar with the “Faht Shan Wing Chun Kung Fu” system.  The true value of Master Sifu Eddie Chong’s Wing Chun Chi Sau DVD, is in its content, not in terms of a superficial production using flashy stage sets, scripted narrated prose or costly musical sound tracks.

What Disk 3 is About:

Master Sifu Eddie Chong, of the Fushan White Eyebrow-Fushan Wing Chun Kung Fu Association presents Grandmaster Pan Nam’s, classic Wooden Dummy and WC Weapons training of the “Faht Shan” Wing Chun Kung fu system.

Comments on Disk 3:

This DVD covers the basics regarding the forms associated with the Wooden dummy, the six and a half point staff and the Bakt Juam Doe weapons or Butterfly knifes. One of the best known training apparatus in Chinese martial arts is the wooden dummy or Mook Jong.  This device is characteristic of the Wing Chun system and is considered as a crucial tool in developing skill in the WC fighting system.  This is a general rule that holds true for any WC style a student is perusing.

Master Sifu Eddie Chong explains why the Wooden Dummy is so essential ones practice. There are four basic attributes associated with training in the wooden dummy set which incorporates the movements of all three forms of the Wing Chun System. And therefore the wooden dummy training promotes the following:

1) The correct Placement of one’s arms and Legs
2) Toughing and strengthening the arms and Legs
3) The developing the correct flow of energy
4) Developing accuracy in WC fighting techniques

For those persons who have practiced the Wooden Dummy Set, particularly in the sequence familiar to the “Hong Kong” System of Wing Chun, they will find the movements and the sequence of techniques demonstrated by Chong, are somewhat different, however, in principle they are the same.  Because of the postures and some of the hands associated with the “Faht Shan” Wing Chun style, Ip practitioners should find what is shown could definitely contribute to any Wing Chun stylist repertoire of techniques.  The DVD also shows the set demonstrated from different angles of view and in particular shows the movements in the set from above the Mook Jong. If one watches closely, it can be seen that using the dummy for development sill in technique is more than hitting a large sculptured block of wood with arms and legs.  One feels the dummy in the technique as if it’s a person. Several basic applications from the wooden dummy set are also shown as part of this DVD.

In addition to the wooden dummy form, the DVD also provides basic instruction in the form of the Butterfly knifes and the “Six & a Half Point Staff.” Practical warm ups are provided to prevent injury and to develop the appropriate skills associated with the staff. In Chong’s demonstration of the weapons forms breakdown the sequences in each for more care analysis of the movements.  Frankly, there is not much that is different from what is shown in this part of the DVD on weapons which is radically different from the other systems of WC.  It’s beneficial, however, to see how a skilled teacher expresses his sense of movement in any of these weapon forms. Butterfly knife practitioners will find the detailed breakdown of the weapons set into six sections as a useful method in organizing and learning the sequence of movements as practical and effective pedagogy.

Technical Specifications Disk 1:
Title: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Sli Nim Tao Tao, Chum Kiu, Bil Jee (Chong Pan Nam Faht Shan Wing Chun 3 DVD)
Presenters: Eddie Chong
Region:  all
Number of disc:  3
Length:  00:56:04
Language:  English

DVD rating: 3.5 /5
Production Quality: 3.5 /5
Sound Quality: 3.5 /5
Video Quality: 3 /5
Material covered: 4 /5
Instructional qualities: 3.5 /5

Technical Specifications Disk 2:

Title: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Chi Sau (Sticky Hands) (Chong Pan Nam Faht Shan Wing Chun 3 DVD)
Presenters: Eddie Chong
Region:  all
Number of disc:  3
Length:  00:42:23
Language:  English

Rating scale 1-5:
DVD rating: 3.5 out of 5
Production Quality: 3
Sound Quality: 3.5
Video Quality: 3
Material covered: 5
Instructional qualities: 4

Technical Specifications Disk 3:

Title: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Wooden Dummy, Six & Half Point Staff, Bakt Juam Doe  (Chong Pan Nam Faht Shan Wing Chun 3 DVD)
Presenters: Eddie Chong
Region:  all
Number of disc:  3
Length:  00:36:10
Language:  English

Rating scale 1-5:
DVD rating: 3.5 out of 5
Production Quality: 3
Sound Quality: 3
Video Quality: 3
Material covered: 3
Instructional qualities: 3

Content Overview Disk 1: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Sil Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, Bil Gee

1. Introduction
   1. Master Sifu Eddie Chong
   2. Faht Shan Wing Chun Lineage : Grand Master Pan Nam
2. Sil Nam Tao: Little Idea.
   1. Full demonstration of first form
   2. Breakdown of major sections of form
   3. Breakdown details e.g.:
      1. Opening sequence
         1. Leg movements
         2. Basic hand positions
   4. Breakdown details
      1. Opening sequence – right angle
      2. Form demonstrated through closing hands.
3. Chum Kiu: Searching for the Bridge.
   1. Full demonstration of second form
   2. Breakdown of major sections of from
   3. Breakdown details e.g.:
      1. Opening sequence
         1. Frontal hand movements
         2. Turning movements
         3. Striking to the left and the right
         4. Centering moving to the next section
         5. Kicking movements – right and left side
         6. Closing sequence.
4. Bil Gee: Thrusting Fingers (attacking form)
   1. Full demonstration of form
   2. Breakdown  of major sections of form
   3. Breakdown details, e.g.:
      1. Opening sequence
         1. Frontal hand movements
         2. Elbow and Bil Gee hands
         3. Elbow, Bil Gee hand combinations
            1. Forward movements right/left sides
            2. High, middle and low elbow strikes
            3. Closing sequence of form

Content Overview Disk 2: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Chi Sau – Sticky Hands

1. Introduction
2. Chi Sau Basics
   1. Position of Arms/Hands
   2. “Rolling” hands
   3. Stance and Stability
3. Basic Techniques
   1. Double Fook/Double Bong movement
   2. Rolling Exchange
   3. Tan/Fook exchange
   4. Striking the opponents Elbow
4. Basic stepping with technique
   1. Tan Sau, fook Sau and lan Sau hand
   2. Stepping, right and left side of the body
   3. Pulling arm techniques
   4. Angles and striking
   5. The  problem in over extending the movement
   6. Using the double lan sau
   7. Using points of intercept
5. Techniques and hitting vital points
   1. Slap block and elbow strikes
   2. Rolling the wrist with Lan sau
   3. Tan Sau and the tapping point
   4. Various hand techniques and Tapping Point
   5. Tan Sau and elbow strike
   6. Bil Gee application, Double hand pull
6. Double palm strikes
   1. Tan, Fook, stepping in with double palm strike.
   2. Tan, double palm/forearm and shoulder strike
   3. Dealing with the counter to a double palm technique
   4. Countering the grab
   5. Stepping, Wu Sau Hand and Palm Strike
   6. Gong Sau, Wu Sau Hand and stepping in.
   7. Tan Sau Hand and Fingers.
7. Pulling techniques and Kicks – Chum Kiu
   1. Pull, turn and kicking the Knee
   2. Pulling, stepping, using the back heel of the foot
   3. Following up with a kick to the back of the knee
   4. Pulling and kicking inside or outside of knee
   5. Techniques attacking the groin area
   6. Techniques using the “Tiger” palm

Content Overview Disk 3: Faht Shan Wing Chun: Wooden Dummy, Six & half Point Staff and Bakt Juam Do

1. Introduction
   1. A fast demonstration of the Wooden Dummy “Faht Shan” set
   2. Description of the “Faht Shan” Wooden Dummy construction
2. Breakdown of the “Faht Shan” Wooden Dummy set
   1. Beginning and ending sequence
   2. Form demonstrated from a different angle
      1. Above the dummy
      2. Right angle view – left side
   3. Basic applications from the Wooden Dummy set
      1. Fingers to the eye and solarplex
      2. Gum Sau with a hammer fist
      3. Tiger palm
      4. Bil Gee movement, block and Kick
3. Historical description of WC classical weapons
   1. The Hun Gar influence
   2. The purpose of the Staff or pole training
   3. The purpose of the Butterfly knife training
4. Luk Dim Boon Gwun: “Six & A Half Point Staff”
   1. The Practice form
      1. The warm up sequence
   2. The Form – Demo
      1. The full sequence
   3. Breakdown details
      1. Section one – angle one
      2. Section two –angle two
5. Bak Jaum Doe: Butterfly knives.
   1. Determining the right length of the knives
   2. Warming up with the knives
   3. The Butterfly knives-form
      1. The  full sequence
      2. Breakdown details
         1. Part one
         2. Part two
         3. Part three
         4. Part four
         5. Part five
         6. Part six
   4. Butterfly knives applications
      1. Knives against the staff
         1. Several application sequences

Reviewer: George Hernandez
Date: 12/15/2011
Bought the Eddie Chong DVDs on Everything Wing Chun