Kung Fu Relaxation

Here is another great article from my late Sifu Master Ron Heimberger 
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Relaxation

Grandmaster Ip Ching speaks of several benefits from mastering the principle of relaxation.  The first and possibly most important benefit of relaxation is that is sets the pattern for learning and eventually mastering the techniques of Wing Chun.

The goal of training is to build correct muscle and tendon memory.  Once you have drilled incorrect body memory they become a habit.  Your body must learn how to move on the correct line of force.  Just drilling punches or movements will not do it.  You have to force your body to become proficient in these movements.  For example:  Drilling punches concentrating on the correct line of power.  Keep your elbow on line.  The wrist, elbow and shoulder must align correctly with the stance.  Paying particular attention to the exact standards of the movement.  This concept remains true in all of Wing Chun whether in stepping, kicking or any techniques.

Again step-by-step is the key for a correct technique.   Illustrated here is another example of a direct line of force demonstrated with a kick.  First, you must keep your foundation leg directly behind your kicking leg.  Second, make sure that the foundation leg remains bent during application.

This principle also applies to defensive techniques.  In advanced stages you must learn to develop your defensive movements.  When attacked try to concentrate on the fastest possible defense.  For example:  When you are attacked with a Lop Sao technique there are several options for defense.  You might utilize a correct Bong Sao, Pak Sao or Tan Sao.  The option will depend on the speed and mastery of the technique you choose.  These skills are developed through consistent Chi Sao practice.

The second reason you should practice relaxation is that it will help you develop explosive power.  An equation taken from Newton’s Second Law of Motion states that one half mass times acceleration equals power.  When you relax, your muscles seem to have more mass.  When your arm is tense the antagonist muscles do not stretch hold the weight of the arm decreasing the mass potential of the movement.  Relaxation also increases your power by increasing your speed.  When your muscles are tense they pull against each other and hold each other back.  Fighting with tension in your muscles is like driving a car with one foot on the accelerator and one foot on the brake.  When your muscles are relaxed your movements will have much greater speed, and therefore much greater power.

Finally, staying relaxed in a fighting situation will help to avoid injury.  When muscles and joints are tense they are more prone to injury.  This situation is often seen in sporting events where athletes are struck during a flexed activity.  Severe injury is often the inevitable result.  When you stay relaxed your body will be able to move with the force of the attack.  Fighters often call this ability, “Rolling with the punch.”

When your ability to relax becomes intrinsic you will have found the key that Wing Chun has given you to unlock your potential. 

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The Wing Chun Fighting Mentality

The Wing Chun

Fighting Mentality

By Ron Heimberger

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“The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.”

—Kung Fu Tze

To understand and fully utilize self defense principles you must understand the fighting mentality.  When two people of equal skill fight, what is it that pushes one past the other to victory?  The answer is the fighting mentality.  The fighting mentality is a combination of several principles that allow you to survive an encounter.  Now, don't misunderstand this concept to imply that you should be cruel or mean.  However, you must use a certain level of intensity and focus to win a fight. 

We call the first principle of this concept the fighting spirit.  Simply stated, when you fight, you must be willing to go one step above whatever level your opponent is using.  You simply must not try to fight at a lower level of intensity then your attacker.  If your attacker means to simply hurt you; you must be willing to injure him.   If he is seeking to do serious bodily injury or even kill you; you must be willing to do the same to him.  The problem is, determining at what level your attacker is at.  The only true answer is that you don't know.  Therefore, you must fight at the highest level and then use your best judgment to determine when your attacker is no longer a threat to you.

Although, most fights end with someone quitting before serious injury occurs you cannot rely on this response when your life is threatened.  There is too much at stake.  It can be understood that there are three ways in which a fight can be ended.  They are:  You can take your opponent's air or ability to breathe.  You can cause your attacker to lose his consciousness.  Finally, you can take his life.

You can accomplish this end by aiming your attacks primarily at your attacker's throat.  When you attack the throat with a strike it causes an involuntary choking reaction.  Your attacker will try to ease this choking response by grasping for his throat.  This would provide you with an opportunity to escape.  Moreover, if his airway is not cleared he will lose consciousness and might even die.

Although, the throat is clearly the weakest spot on the body, it might not be immediately open to attack or other targets might be more vulnerable based upon the situation.  You might also choose to attack the eyes, which would make it very difficult for your opponent to continue an assault.  Also, you can attack the knees with a kick that would drop your opponent to the ground and allow you to escape without the danger of pursuit.  Finally, you can attack the groin which can cause considerable pain.  However, remember that pain alone does not guarantee that your attacker will stop.

Now, I have defined the fighting mentality or the mentality that you need in order to successfully defend yourself.  I must leave you with a strong warning.  The fighting mentality is only used in a violent confrontation that is forced upon you.  You must never use this mentality outside of that situation.  If you did so it would cause you to be overly aggressive and you might even wind up in jail.  However, when you are attacked and you have no other means of escape the fighting mentality might offer the final key to your survival.

About the Author:

Master Ron Heimberger was a direct disciple of Grandmaster Ip Ching, he was one of the Directors of the Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) Ip Ching Athletic Association. Sifu Terry Estcourt represents Master Heimberger in the UK, anyone interested in learning and training Ip Ching Ving Tsun may contact Sifu Estcourt terry@wingchunuk.com or visit us on the internet at www.wingchunuk.com