Interview with Linda Baniecki

Today we meet Linda Baniecki, one of the few woman SiFu in the world, leader of Shaolin Jee Shin Wing Chun academy of Melbourne, Australia, with Garry Baniecki.

Can you tell us anything about your life? 

I was born in Albury NSW, Australia, in 1956. Albury is on the Murray river and is the border town between New South Wales and Victoria. I was 18 months old when our family moved to Leeton, NSW. We spent the next ten years living there. I was the only female amongst 1 brother and 6 male cousins, so I definitely grew up with a bit of rough and tumble. Dad became interested in speed boats in the sixties, so I learnt to water ski when I was 8 years old. We were just the average family, but my Father quickly progressed to racing boats and through his prowess and tenacity he ended up with the fastest boat in NSW and Victoria, in his class. Through the summer, every weekend we would go boat racing. He sold his boat in 1968 and then it became the fastest boat in Australia. He is my hero, he taught me anything is possible, you just have to try. My Father was also interested in mining so he would take us into the hot, dry Australian bush. We would spend hours opal mining, in the middle of nowhere, for weeks on end every school holidays. I loved horses and got my first horse when I was ten years old. It was a small black Shetland pony that I loved dearly, but it was an evil creature. In 1969 we sold our house, bought a brand new 30 foot caravan and moved to Coleambally. The Government was building a brand new Town there. The only amenities were a service station and a school. My nearest school friend was 20 kilometres away. This is where I acquired my second horse, a big 14 hand, ex race horse, grey mare. She was to be my companion for the next four years. When I turned 15 we left Coleambally and travelled around Australia for 2 years, only to end up back in Albury, where I was born. I moved to Melbourne in 1976, where I met Garry Baniecki, my future husband and the man whom would introduce me to Wing Chun Kung Fu and martial arts. The wheels of the universe had started turning. 

When did you start with Martial Arts? 

I was a late starter in Martial Arts. I began when I was 35 years young. I had my first full contact fight at 38 years. Which goes to show anyone out there, if you are keen, age is not a barrier. 

 With who did you know Wing Chun style? 

I had never been interested in any kind of martial arts until I moved back to Melbourne to be with Garry. He was training in Wing Chun and asked me to come and try a class. His goal was to become a teacher, so if I wanted to spend some time with him and share an interest, it would be beneficial if I was interested in Wing Chun also. I figured it couldn't hurt to try, but I didn't really think that it would interest me that much. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the activity. I loved its history and how it was developed by a women. I loved how it was mind challenging, not just robotic punching and kicking. It had science and theories behind it that boggled the mind and I was amazed at how much time it occupied my mind out of class. To my surprise, I fell in love with it very quickly and I have never stopped since that first day. 

Who were your Masters in the past? 

I began my training in 1991 and spent 12 months full time at the William Cheung Academy, where the head instructor was Sifu Dana Wong. After six months I was invited into private classes with Grand Master William Cheung. In 1992 I began my training with Master David Cheung, where I spent the next four years full time. David is William's younger brother. He spent 10 years with the infamous Wong Shung Leung. I trained in Escrima with Roland Dante' on the side for six months, while I was still training Wing Chun with Sifu David. I studied Clinical Qigong, Medical Qigong, Shaolin Hard Qigong and Tai Chi privately under Professor Shan Hui Xu for 9 years. I have trained privately with Fung Kuen in Hong Kong from the Kulo clan. His father Grand Master Fung Chun has adopted my husband and I into his wing chun Clan. 

And now? 

My husband Sifu Garry Baniecki and I operate and own an independent association, The Shaolin Jee Shin Wing Chun Academy, which offers Wing Chun and Qigong classes. We run two full time academies, one is located on the Melbourne city fringe and the other in the North Eastern suburb of Greensborough. My school has an affinity with Kulo wing chun and every two years we travel to China and meet with this sister school. While we are there we also visit other lineages and masters for a cultural exchange in Wing Chun Kung Fu. We also work with the community, by teaching Tai Chi to the public for the Living and Learning centre in Diamond creek. 

You are a SiFu. Who had proclaimed you SiFu? 

Master David Cheung proclaimed me Sifu in 1995 after training in his association for four years full time. Professor Shan Hui Xu has certified me to teach Medical Qigong, Tai Chi and Shaolin Hard Qigong. Fung Keun has sanctioned me to teach Pin Sun Kulo wing chun in Australia. 

How someone can become SiFu in your association? 

A student must achieve a Gold Sash (1st Dan Instructor level) under my wing chun system, plus, with the new government regulation on the martial arts industry, a Student must also study martial arts sports coaching with minimum level of certificate 111, if they want to teach wing chun to the public; one can also aspire to a Diploma in sports coaching or sports development. The Jee Shin Wing Chun Association is a Government Accredited Organisation and offers Nationally Recognised Sports Coaching Courses in Martial Arts to the public. 

 

Can you explain us the origin of your Wing Chun family?  

William Cheung studied wing chun under with the legendary Ip Man in Hong Kong during the 50's. William Cheung came from Hong Kong to Australia in the sixties where he resided in Canberra to study Marketing, in the seventies William decided to settle in Melbourne Australia. After Ip Man passed away in 1972, William proclaimed Ip Man had taught him a "secret" system of wing chun. This different expression of wing chun became known as the Leung Bik/Ip Man system. This story is depicted in the movie 'The Legend is Born' with Yip Chun playing Leung Bik. David Cheung studied with Wong Shun Leung in Hong Kong for 10 years. In 1982 David left Hong Kong and came to Australia. He studied William Cheung's wing chun system for the next 2 years and then started teaching at the William Cheung Academy in 1984. Early in 1992 he opened his own academy in Elizabeth St Melbourne. I started learning Pien Sun Kulo Wing Chun in 2007 under Master Fung Keun. Since then, during our visits to China, I have receive some instruction from Sifu Lau at Fung Chun's school in Shapin. Kulo Wing Chun's concepts and ideas are very similar to my system and this confirms to me that my system has a direct link to Leung Jan and the early ideas and concepts of wing chun. Kulo wing chun comes from Yim Wing Chun - Leung Yi Tai - Leung Jan- Wong Wha Sam - Fung Chun Traditional wing chun comes from Yim Wing Chun, Leung Yee Tai and Wong Wha Bo - Leung Jan - Leung Bik - Ip Man. I have also learnt Kulo wooden dummy practise and some Kulo wing chun forms. We were very privileged and honoured to have Master Fung Keun sanction my husband and I to teach his Father's system of Pien Sun wing chun kung fu in Australia and even more honoured and privileged to have Grand Master Fung Chun adopt my husband and I into his wing chun Clan. We introduce Kulo to our students once they have reached a higher level in my system. 

How many hours do you train? 

With two schools I teach 6 days per week and train or teach Wing Chun at least 20 hours per week. I teach Qigong 2 hours per week and Tai Chi 2 hours per week. I do my own personal training some mornings and at least 15 minutes before each class. 

Have you ever fight on a sport's contest? When, where and with which results? 

I entered my first competition when I was 38 years young, in 1994 Melbourne, The Australian Kung Fu Full Contact Championships - 2nd place in a round robin. Over the next ten years I competed in the National All Styles Competition travelling all around Australia. 1996 - 1999. N.A.S. Qualifiers (Vic, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne) - In sparring, forms, weapons and fighting - 1st, 2nd and 3rd placing. 1996 NAS National Championships Perth - Victorian Team 1997 NAS State Champion. Women's Open Black Belt Forms. 1998 NAS State Champions. Synchronized Forms 1999 NAS State Champions. Synchronized Forms 2002 Kung Fu Championships Open Demonstration using the Kwan. I was very pleased with the result as the division was all men. 2005 NAS State Champion in Veteran's Kumite fighting. I have taught many Champions in non contact fighting, forms, demonstrations and weaponry. I have also trained wing chun students to be winners in Kick Boxing, Ring Karate and Muay Thai competitions. 

How many hours per week should train a student to grow in a serious way? 

Trainees that want to become a Sifu must train 20 hours per week full time or 10 hours per week part time. The general public should do at least 2 to 4 classes (4 to 8 hours) per week to develop an average Wing Chun skill within a reasonable time. More is always better. Sometimes martial arts is not the first thing the general public think of for health and exercise. In general, citizens think of the Gym, aerobics or the latest fad to raise their health. One does not have to be a fighter to get great benefits from training in this martial art. It is such stimulating exercise for the mind and the body, uplifting action reaction time, coordination, flexibility, alertness, nimbleness, hormones for good health, weight loss, muscular definition, stimulation for the brain and the muscles. It is very under rated as far as general exercise goes. Wing Chun is general exercised with a twist, it has the added bonus of learning how to protect oneself. 

What are your thoughts on other SiFu and their methods of teaching, on others associations and Wing Chun's families? 

When living in Australia one is very limited to a variety of Wing Chun and the tendency is to feel that all Wing Chun should be the same and if it is not then it should be questioned. After my first journey to China and meeting with several different masters from different lineages, I soon realized that there is a myriad of variety in Wing Chun. After all, there are 7 different lineages stemming from China. It was wonderful to realize the great diversity of wing chun, and how all the different schools and teachers of wing chun have their own unique ideas and expressions. These different interpretations are all accepted and respected in China. It opens your mind and allows you to welcome a much larger wing chun family into your life. Some schools focused on forms and weapons while doing no Qi sao at all. Others train there forms and Qi sao very hard, while others train very soft. There were variations in Sil Lum Tao, while the basis of the form remained the same. All sword and pole forms varied from one school to the other, as did the Muk Yan Jong (wooden dummy). Even when they were from the same lineage. But in all, the core of the system remained the same. One thing was common amongst all and that was that they all had a very high skill in whatever they did. I personally don't think it matters weather a form is different, so long as it maintains the principles and concepts of the wing chun system. Wing chun is made up of concepts and theories, it is natural that each person's idea will vary, there concept of defence and attack will vary, their interpretations of the concepts will vary, how they impart their knowledge will vary, life experiences will play a big part and all are entitled to their own expression, while sticking to the core principles. Which allows for wing chun to be a very diverse martial art. All the Masters and students we met in China, welcomed us into their schools with open arms, hearts and minds, it was a very warm and unforgettable experience. I have the utmost respect for them all. They have opened my mind. 

Can we know what are the differences between your Jee Shin Wing Chun and others interpretations? 

My Jee shin wing chun originates from the Leung Bik Ip Man system. Two of Ip Man's first students from Foshan, Lon Kai and Kwok fu, state that the Leung Bik/Ip Man system is the true "Attack fighting system of wing chun". My system has an attack entry system that I have not seen in other lineages in Australia, Hong Kong or China. All Wing Chun have the three forms, Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kieu and Bui Gee. My system has an advanced version of Sil Lim Tao, incorporating large rotations and footwork. I have never seen this form in any other lineage. Our Chum Kieu and Bill Gee are very different compared to those in China and Hong Kong. Between all the different schools in China the forms all have slight variations, but ours are completely different. Our Gwun and Dao forms are also different. We use a short (6 foot) pole, instead of the traditional long pole. We tend to move around our Jong and use our footwork for repositioning where other systems will stay in front and not move as much. 

What are the fighting concepts that are focalized on into your School? 

Beginners focus on a balanced stance, basic defence and controlling the centre line, forces, range, using both arms for attack and defence, while having a big emphasis on footwork and positioning due to the fact that we are a central line system. Students need to be competent with interrupt ability while moving in and out with balance when using their wing chun. I have some really big students in my classes and being only five foot nothing, it is impossible for me to fight force on force. So stepping, simultaneous attacks and redirections of forces are key components in my teachings. The Western world has many shapes, sizes and styles of fighting. There are a lot of really big people in society today and students need to understand how to deal with each of them differently (the big and the small), this is covered more in depth at an intermediate level. Intermediate students focus on uplifting sensitivity and reflexes, while being introduced to bridging the gap and basic attacking techniques, this is also when serious development in Qi Sao begins and the Jong is introduced. At the higher levels, the students learn to attack the centre line and control the opponent, while being introduced, to the application and understanding of Dim Mak, or pressure point strikes. At this level much more time is spent on uplifting qi sao skills for close range combat, traditional weapons, advanced defence against knife and gun techniques. The Jee Shin system uses, multiple straight line attacks, single arm straight line attacks from the lead arm, simultaneous attack and defence, front kicks, groin kicks, jams, stomps, sweeps and take downs. 

Have you the 'Luk Dim Poon Kwan' form? Can you tell us something about? 

Yes we have the Kwan. I was taught Luk Dim Boon Kwan, 6 and a half point dragon pole form, from Master David Cheung. It is our long range traditional weapon, roughly 6 feet long and utilises Qi Sao concepts. I must add, that it is one of my favourite weapons. Mine is a dynamic form, using a combination of straight line attacks, deflections and defence strategies; very different again from all the pole forms I have seen in China and Hong Kong, where they use the Sarm Dim Boon Gwun - 3 and a half point long dragon pole. 

Have you the 'Bart Cham Dao' form? Can you tell us something about? 

We also have the Bart Jarm Dao and what a wonderful weapon it is. How clever were the developers to create a weapon using the same techniques from the wing chun empty hand system. Absolutely marvellous. I have been taught two forms, one from GM William Cheung and one from Master David Cheung. Even though they both have their differences, they are still quite similar and both maintain all the basic techniques and principles of the wing chun system. In my system we have adopted some of the movements from each form, making our Bart Jarm Dao, unique to Jee Shin Wing Chun system. The blending of the two forms has created a very unique dynamic form, with a good mix of attack and defence techniques. 

How does it feel to be one of the few woman SiFu in the world? 

I'm not sure how many female Sifu's are out there in the world, but I am very proud to be a part of this elite group. It took many hours of hard work, discipline and dedication to get to the place I am at now and I would not change it for anything, I feel truly blessed. I am elated to have succeeded in my art. To be one of the only woman Sifu's in the world; well, I find it quite amazing. I love my job with a great passion and it feeds my heart and soul when I transform an individual from being unconfident with no coordination, into a skilful martial artist. My goal when we first went to China (the home of Wing Chun) was to test myself and do some Qi sao with the Chinese. I figured this would give me a good idea of my own skill. To my surprise, I found myself to be a bit of a novelty because I was a female practitioner and a female Sifu. I had not thought much about this before then. A lot of the practitioners that we met on our visits to other schools, unfortunately didn't actually want to touch hands with me, because I was a woman and a woman Sifu. They did not want to be beaten by a woman. I found this to be very amusing. I did manage however to get some challengers on the journey and found I was more than capable of holding my own. I have been training for 21 years, my love for the art of Wing Chun just keeps growing and growing and I still have so much to work on. I have been working on a book for a few years now, titled 'An Expose' on Wing Chun Kung Fu'. It covers concepts and principles on the wing chun system. I am in the final stages of having it published. Hopefully in the next couple of months it will be on the shelves for sale, so keep an eye out for it. I will keep you posted.

Interview with Garry Baniecki

Today we meet Garry Baniecki, Founder of Shaolin Jee Shin Wing Chun academy of Melbourne, Australia.

Can you tell us anything about your life?

I was born in 1954. My parents were repatriated to Australia after the second world war. A lot of Europeans were resettled in Australia in the early 50's. My father was Polish and my Mother was born in Germany. My mother was a teenager during Hitler's reign and my Father fought the War.

Growing up in the 50's and 60's with a non Australia background was very hard. Melbourne was a tough place to live, full of racism, against the Italians, Greeks and Germans.

During the seventies, I became of age to drive a vehicle, which exposed me to more of Melbourne's sub culture of gangs and violence.

In the 50's we had the Mods and Rockers. In the sixties we had Sharpies and in the seventies we had Skin Heads. 

After the Vietnam war finished in 1972 for Australia, the Government repatriated the Vietnamese into our Society and Vietnamese gangs started to proliferate.

It was easy to avoid these Gangs. You just had to stay at home and not venture out. Being a teenager, I wasn't about to stay at home as there were dances to attend and girls to meet.

Being exposed to a lot of street violence led me to start martial arts at an early age.

Before I started my wing chun training, I had attempted various styles of martial arts, including, Goju Kai karate, Taekwondo, Escrima, and JKA (shotokan).

I trained these styles in the sixties and seventies.

When the eighties began, my martial arts took a back seat and in 1980, I started the first motorcycle courier business in Melbourne, which I operated for 10 years and sold the business in 1991. By 1988, my passion for wing chun started to engulf me and my absence at work was starting to take its toll. By 1989, I would leave work at 11am and return around 6pm. Wing chun was now my preoccupation.

When did you start with Martial Arts?

I started my first foray into Martial Arts when I was 12 years old. I started training in Ju Jitsu and Korean Karate. That was in the mid sixties. I trained for about 3 years, but only once per week, on the weekends.

With who did you know Wing Chun style?

In the mid sixties, the Bruce Lee mania came to Australia, and he became my Idol. Wing chun was not in Melbourne until William Cheung introduced it here.

Wing Chun made its debut in the late seventies with William Cheung, but I did not start wing chun until the mid 80's.

Who were your Masters in the past?

Rolland Dante (escrima) and Tino Cebrano (goju kai) were my teachers in the early days.

William Cheung, David Cheung, Professor Shan Hui Xu, Master Fung Keun from China.

I studied medical qigong and shaolin hard qigong with Professor Shan Hui Xu for nine years.

And now?

I own and operate an independent association, named shaolin jee shin wing chun.

At present I have an afinity with Kulo wing chun.

You are a SiFu. Who had proclaimed you SiFu?

I studied wing chun with William Cheung sifu for 6 years, the last 2 years full time and then spent 4 years full time and graduated to Instructor level under David Cheung sifu.

In 2007, after learning Sup Yi Lo with Master Fung Keun, he gave me permission and endorsed me to teach Pien Sun Kulo wing chun in Australia.

His father, GM Fung Chun also has adopted us into his wing chun family.

 How someone can become SiFu in your association?

A student must achieve a Gold Sash (1st Dan Instructor level) under my wing chun system, plus, with the new government regulation on the martial arts industry, a Student must also study martial arts sports coaching with minimum level of certificate 111, but one can aspire to a Diploma in sports coaching or sports development.

Can you explain us the origin of your Wing Chun family?

William Cheung studied wing chun under Ip Man in Hong Kong during the 50's. William Cheung came from Hong Kong to Australia in the sixties and went to Canberra and studied Marketing. In the seventies William decided to settle in Melbourne Australia. When Ip Man passed away in 1972, William proclaimed Ip Man had taught him a "secret" system of wing chun. This different expression of wing chun became known as the Leung Bik/Ip Man system.

David Cheung studied with Wong Shun Leung in Hong Kong for 10 years. In 1982 David came to Australia and studied William Cheung's wing chun system for the next 2 years and then started teaching at the William Cheung Academy in 1984.

I started learning Pien Sun Kulo Wing Chun in 2007 under Master Fung Keun and since then I receive some instruction from Sifu Lau at Fung Chun's school in Shapin, during our stays.

I have also learnt Kulo wooden dummy practise and some Kulo wing chun forms.

Master Fung Keun sanctioned my wife and I to teach his Father's system of Pien Sun wing chun kung fu in Australia.

Grand Master Fung Chun has also adopted my wife and I into his wing chun Clan.

How many hours do you train?

I have 2 school and teach 6 days per week. I train or teach at least 20 hours per week.

I teach Qigong 2 hours per week and teach Tai Chi for 2 hours per week.

Have you ever fight on a sport's contest? When, where and with which results?

Fung Chun and Garry Baniecki

In the seventies i got involved with underground bare knuckles fighting. I had many fights and remained undefeated. During my wing chun days, I became a Trainer for the fight team but never competed. In the nineties I became wing chun forms State Champion with Chum Kiu form.

As I started my wing chun at 30 years old, I found it more productive coaching and training athletes. I have trained many state and australian champions in sparring, forms and weaponry since 1995..

How many hours per week should train a student to grow in a serious way?

Trainees that want to become a sifu must train 20 hours per week full time or 10 hours per week part time.

The general public should do at least 2 to 4 classes (4 to 8 hours) per week to develop an average wing chun skill.

What are your thoughts on other SiFu and their methods of teaching, on others associations and Wing Chun's families?

When one starts wing chun, one will assume that all wing chun is the same. Eventually, the practitioner realizes not all wing chun is the same.

There are 7 different lineages stemming from China.

The main influences that shaped wing chun in China are;

Leung Jan - Yuan Kah San - Chan Wah Shun. Most stem from these three Masters.

Some Sifus teach hard wing chun, some teach soft wing chun, and some teach hard and soft wing chun.

The stances vary a lot from system to system.

There are many different families of wing chun around Hong Kong, China and Australia. I have touched hands with many practitioners and sifus. I have found that all wing chun schools have one thing in common; All have a very high skill of wing chun kung fu. Chi Sao among the various systems and schools are of a very high standard, as well.

Due to my trips to Kulo, I have realized that Pien Sun has many similar principles to Traditional wing chun kung fu. This leads me to believe that my lineage has its place in early wing chun ideas and concepts.

Kulo wing chun comes from Yim Wing Chun - Leung Yi Tai - Leung Jan

Traditional wing chun comes from Leung Jan - Leung Bik - Ip Man.

Can we know what are the differences between your Jee Shin Wing Chun and others interpretations?

My Jee shin wing chun originates from the Leung Bik Ip Man system. Lun Kai and Kwok fu, 2 of Ip Man's first students in Foshan, state that the Leung Bik/Ip Man system is the true "Attack fighting system of wing chun"

We have high kicks in our system and an attack entry system that I haven't seen in China or Hong Kong.

Most wing chun systems have the 3 empty hand forms but we have 4 forms. The fourth is called advanced SLT.

Our other 2 empty hand forms, chum kiu and biu gee are very different from what you see in China and Hong Kong.

Most forms are similar with slight variations, but our forms a totally different.

Our weapons forms are very different also. Our Jong form is very different as well.

The Chan Wah Shun legacy of wing chun in Shunde, China is the most unusual style of wing chun. It also differs greatly from the mainstream wing chun.

What are the fighting concepts that are focalized on into your School?

Our fighting concepts concentrate on Attack method. In Australia, due to multi culture, there are a lot of "big" people, Africans, middle Easterners and Europeans, so we spend more time on learning techniques against charging, boxer attacks, muay thai fighters, kicking and defenses against attacks with sticks and knives.

Chi Sao also plays an important role in developing close range fighting skills.

Initially the practitioner will learn all the basic skills in self defense and then the system turns to attack and control to dim mak targets.

Have you the 'Luk Dim Poon Kwan' form? Can you tell us something about?

6 1/2 point dragon pole. I have been taught a version from William which is different to the dragon pole that David Cheung taught me. It does not matter as long as the wing chun concepts are covered in the form.

Have you the 'Bart Cham Dao' form? Can you tell us something about?

Again, I have learnt two "8 slash butterfly sword" forms, one from william and one from David, and they do vary again.

The butterfly sword forms in China are very different and the pole form is usually Sarm Dim Boon Gwun - 3 1/2 point Dragon pole.

Interview with Donald Mak

 Today we meet Donald Mak, Grand Master and Founder of International Wing Chun Organization of Hong Kong.

 

When did you start Martial Arts? And why? 

I started martial arts in 1979 when I was 17. Like most of the teenagers in Hong Kong, we were influenced by the Chinese kung fu movies in the 70’s in which of course including Bruce Lee’s movies. My martial arts background is quite pure. I only practice Wing Chun throughout my kung fu life in the past 32 years. Even though Hong Kong is a mecca of Kung Fu, I have not practiced any other Kung Fu style other than Wing Chun. 

Why I chose Wing Chun, firstly, it is because of Wing Chun’s characteristics of directness, economy of motion, using opponent’s force to against its own force, flexibility, close range of combat … etc which is more suitable to my size. I am only five feet and six inches height. 

Secondly, I have such a good luck that I can study under my sifu Chow Tze Chuen. Chow sifu is such a respected master that I have ever met. 

With whom did you start to study Wing Chun? 

My Wing Chun was learnt from Chow Tze Chuen whom is one of the early students of Yip Man. 

Who were your teachers in the past? 

If you mention “teacher” here means SiFu (literally means Teacher and Father), Chow Tze Chuen is my only SiFu (SiFu is different from Sifu, SiFu means Teacher and Father, Sifu means someone who use certain skills as his/her profession who may not have teacher/student relationship). SiFu in Chinese Kung Fu concept is quite different from teacher in the sense of western concept. However, if your mentioned “teacher” is one who have inspired you, or have taught you certain techniques, then I have several teachers including peers, senior masters of other kung fu style or other Wing Chun lineages. 

Now with who you study Wing Chun?

I am still meeting with my SiFu, Chow Tze Chuen quite often although I have my own school for more than 10 years. My SiFu is already 86 but he still practices Wing Chun every day. We still discuss about kung fu and even practice a little bit when we meet. 

Have you ever joined a match as an amateur or a professional fighter?

No. However, I encourage my students to join competition. 

How many hours do you train a day? Could you describe one of your normal weekly routine of training? 

I have my day time job working as a chief executive in a Multi-national company which requires a lot of my time and effort. I teach Wing Chun after work on a part time basis. Having said that I still spare time to train on my own every day. My weekly routine training is to have all the Wing Chun curriculum practiced at least once. 

What do you think about traditional methods of training (dummy, Weapons, Chi Sau, etc.)? 

My view on the Wing Chun traditional training methods of empty hand forms, Chi Sao and wooden dummy is as follows: Basically, the three empty hand forms are a sort of “Kuen Chung” (Seeds of Fist) which mainly for conceptual training. Applications need to be learned from Chi Sao and wooden dummy form. 

Siu Nim Tau trains a Wing Chun practitioner’s concept of relaxation, Jee Ng Seen, Chung Seen, body-squaring and static elbow. It also introduces the basic Wing Chun stance, Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma and Wing Chun’s basic defending and attacking techniques. Most importantly, it gives the practitioner the concept of Jee Ng Seen. It is mainly on front body and straight line fighting approach. 

Chum Kiu further trains one’s concept of shoulder path, single weighted stance and Yiu Ma Hop Yat (concurrent waist and stance). It introduces 2 more Wing Chun stances, Pien Sun Ma and Ching Sun Ma which are evolved from Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma. Footwork like Biu Bo, Tor Bo, wing chun kicks and body pivoting techniques are introduced in this form. Apart from that side body fighting approach is taught in this form. 

Biu Jee gives you the proactive fighting concept with much more aggressiveness. Thus, more deadly attacking techniques like Kup Jarn/Gwai Jarn, Man Sao, High-low Gaun Sao, Biu Sao and double Lap Sao and Chap Kuen are taught. Long bridge power and the other footwork technique, Huen Bo (Circular step) are trained. It teaches the circular fighting approach on top of the straight line fighting approach learnt in Siu Nim Tau and Chum Kiu. One cannot fight by just learning the 3 forms.

Chi Sao has to get into place to bridge the empty hand forms with real combat situation. The training of Chi Sau is divided into 2 stages, namely Pun Sao (means double hand Chi Sao or rolling hand) and Guo Sao (literal means exchange of techniques, kind of sparring but maintain the hand-to-hand contact). 

During Pun Sao (also termed as Sheung Chi Sao or Luk Sao), emphasis should be directed towards: Developing sensitivity of the hands. Listening to your partner’s energy (Listening in the traditional Wing Chun sense of the word means feeling or sensing your opponent’s force or movements in a certain direction). Proper use of 3 fundamental techniques: Bong Sao, Tan Sao and Fook Sao. Training spiral force, which can be employed to offset your opponent’s equilibrium and allow you to take control of the centerline. The 12 hand to hand situations and follow up (combination) situations. There are 12 basic scenarios that one may come across, these techniques teach you how to react and counter. 

There are no fixed drills, as Wing Chun techniques should ultimately reflect an individual’s personality, although several techniques characteristic to our lineage exist as a reference point. The idea is that you can never know how your opponent is going to react before he actually does, so to commit to a preset configuration would place you at a disadvantage against an experienced fighter. The concept of relaxation, centerline, static elbow (down and in), body squaring, and facing. 

During Guo Sao, focus should be placed on: The practice of simultaneous defense and attack: This is the most efficient way to strike your opponent. The same time you defend an attack you simultaneously deliver a counter strike which will disturb your opponent’s equilibrium and enable you to follow up by exploiting any openings. 

The use of distraction when attacking: By applying this tactic, the opponent will be easier to hit. Stickiness and control: Good stickiness and control can minimize the chance of being counter attacked. 

Practice of Lut Sao Jik Chung: This is an important concept to internalize as it is a practical application. Lut Sao Jik Chung literally means “without contact, thrust out straight”. This is a proactive state through which the intention is there for your hand to strike out at your opponent when you instinctively sense an opening free from obstruction. 

Structure and Footwork: The training and use of correct structure and footwork allow you to maintain good form under stress while remaining in a position to be able neutralize / dissolve your opponents force. The fact that you don’t counter force with direct force is core to Wing Chun theory. 

Chi Kiu Chi Da (sticky strike): This is the concept of first establishing contact and then building up to a strike. It is important to train under someone who can “bring out your hands” in order to correct technique and to align your senses with the Wing Chun system. 

Coming to the wooden dummy training, the overall purpose is to reinforce the concepts and techniques that you have learnt in the 3 empty hand forms. Specifically, it can train one with: 1.better coordination of waist and stance; 2.strengthen the concepts of facing, body square, relaxation… etc; 3.agility of footwork; 4.power development; and 5.proficient application of Wing Chun techniques in different fighting scenarios All in all, I found the design of Wing Chun system is very scientific and logical. 

What do you think of the other SiFu and their teaching methods, other associations and Families of Wing or Weng Chun?  

Different people have different interpretation. It is not a matter of different lineages, Wing Chun or Weng Chun. The differences are bound to happen because of people. It is good because it can have wider variety. The most important is to understand what is the difference and why it is different, what are the pro and cons and how to cover the cons. 

How anyone could be SiFu in your Association? 

One has to complete the whole system, teach for certain years and have contribution to both Wing Chun and our organization. 

What are the fighting concepts that are focalized on into your School? 

Directness and economy of motion. If your opponent is stronger than you , use soft approach. If you are stronger and bigger than your opponent, just go straight and direct. 

Can you tell us anything else on Long Pole form and training and on Baat Cham Dao? 

To me, any old style weaponry in Chinese martial arts like spear, pole, knives, long bench… are no way to compare with today’s fire weapons. The value of weapon training in Wing Chun is more to supplement our empty hand techniques in the way of stance, positioning and power than the original value of weapon fighting. It is not practical to carry the Baat Cham Dao or a 9.5 feet long pole for self defense. Having said that, if apply the long pole techniques with a shorter staff, it works extremely well in self defense. All in all, both the Baat Cham Dao and Long Pole form are excellent forms to supplement our empty hand fighting techniques.

Interview with Tsui Sheung Tin - Part 2

SiFu Sergio ha intervistato il Maestro Tsui Sheung Tin per la comunità marziale interenazionale del Wing Chun Kuen. Lo ringrazio a nome di tutti, perché ci permette di conoscere meglio uno dei più grandi Maestri attualmente in vita, soprannominato "Re della Siu Nim Tau". L'intervista è stata realizzata in lingua inglese. Se qualcuno avesse voglia di tradurla e trascriverla, lo ringrazieremmo tutti...Quella che segue è la seconda parte.

Interview with Tsui Sheung Tin - Part 1

SiFu Sergio ha intervistato il Maestro Tsui Sheung Tin per la comunità marziale interenazionale del Wing Chun Kuen. Lo ringrazio a nome di tutti, perché ci permette di conoscere meglio uno dei più grandi Maestri attualmente in vita, soprannominato "Re della Siu Nim Tau". L'intervista è stata realizzata in lingua inglese. Se qualcuno avesse voglia di tradurla e trascriverla, lo ringrazieremmo tutti...

Interview with Shawn Obasi

Today we meet Shawn Obasi, a Master of Wing Chun, SiFu Jose Grados' ToDai and founder of Wing-Jitsu, who write on his Facebook: "I am here to assist, benifit, promote, support and encourage the cultivation of Wing Chun Kung Fu. My intentions are to simply convey to the world that Wing Chun can be applied in the ring, cage and the streets". [Ringrazio Fabio Ciolli per avermi aiutato nel formulare le domande]

 When did you start Martial Arts and why?

I stared training martial arts when I was 19. The main reason why I started martial arts was for self defense. Since I was a child I found martial artist to be the most admirable people.

Who were your teachers in the past?

I have studied with Sifu Grados, Randy Williams, Raul Ortiz [the man whom is responsible for starting me off by teaching me Kung Fu] and Gerald Doxen.

With who do you study Wing Chun with now?

I study with Sifu Grados privately, however recently I have been given the blessing of my Sifu for me to open my own school. I am now focusing on my way of fighting Wing-Jitsu which stems from Wing Chun and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I am currently an active student at Alliance Jiu Jitsu where I study under professors Fabio Clemente, Babs Olusanmokun and Lucas Lepri. I will also take time to meand train with various Wing Chun Masters around the world in order to add to the knowledge I have already attained.

When did you decide to start fighting in mma match? What were your incentives?

I first stepped into an mma match in 2004. At the time there were no monetary incentves since I was fighting for free. The only incentives I could say would b knowing if what I had learned could be applied in actual combat.

You are one of the few practitioners of Wing Chun in the world that has decided to compete in mma. Why do you think so few Wing Chun practioners want to engage in a fight?

I can't speak for everyone but fear could be one of the reason. Fear of losing fear of realizing that all they have learnt was not applicable against other styles. Fear of being hurt...etc I think most of Wing Chun  practitioners don't learn Wing Chun for mma. Some for self-defence, some for exercising, and other reasons but to fight in mma. I see elder practitioners who learn Wing Chun and they are in great shape. I dont expect them to fight in mma, you know.

Tell us about your record, the match as amatuer and a proffesional and those upcoming events?

As an amatuer I have a record 6-2 both as mma grappling matches. I lost my first 2 matches in 2004 and early 2005 but have not lost a fight since then both within controlled events or in the streets. As a proffesional I am going to make my pro debut fighting for the light heavy weight championship belt of Brick City Fighting Championships. Shortly to be announced.

How many hours do you train a day? Would you describe one of your normal weekly routine of training in preparation for a match? 


Varies on a day to day basis but I try to train at 6-8 hrs a day. If I can 10-12 hrs. I tran at Alliance Jiu Jitsu twice a day morning and night. In between I also go to the gym and work of cardio and some strength and conditioning. In my home gym I work on the wooden dummy, perform iron training of the limbs as well as practice ope hand forms. Now I try to have fighters from various styles to work with depending on the style of the opponent I will face.

In view of an mma match how much time do you devote to traditional (dummy, weapons, chi sau) and the integration with oher methods of combat?

In prepration for a match I focus more on cardio and grappling because these are most important to survive in an mma match especially since most fighters don't want to excange blows standing with me so they resort to grappling.

What methods of training and sparring do you think might be useful to those Wing Chun practitioners not intending to fight in a cage?

I think the methods of Wing Chun training and sparring are fine if they only look to fight other Wing Chun practitioners or styles of Kung Fu. However in reality the issue of take down defence needs to be focused on in more detail so that the style won't become obsolete.

We know that many practitioners of Wing Chun focus their goals on defense. Do you think that there are difference between a cage fight and a street fight?

Of course. In a real fight anything goes. I have bever been in a real fight that has lasted more than 2 minutes. With bare knuckles the effects are devastating.

What do you think the statements of Joe Rogan's argument that the traditional Wing Chun and other styles simply doesn't work?

I somewhat agree with him. Until someone proves him wrong it will be forever looked down upon by the more dominate striking style of mma such as Boxing and Muay Thai.

What do you think of other Sifu's and their teaching methods, other associations and families of Wing Chun?

I was a member of Randy Williams CRCA for a short period however due to the long distance I wasn't able to continue training with him. In that short period of time I learnt a lot about Wing Chun but more so I learnt about myself as a martial artist. I am open and respect the teachings of various Wing Chun Sifus. However I realize many Sifus are extremely egotisticle and filled with fear and this is why out of all martial art styles the Wing Chun community is most divided.

Different Kwoons battling each other with hateful words. It really is sad. To each his own; why can't this concept be followed while still sharing among each other. We must end the wars. We must strive for peace.

What are the fighting concepts that are focalized on in your School?

I am currently in the process of building my own organization to be called Obasi Wing-Jitsu association of mixed martial arts. The fighting concepts are that of Wing Chun standing and the submissions of BJJ on the ground. The style will also focus on wrestling and take down defense.

Interview with SiFu Cheung Yung [Yuen Kay San's lineage]

Vi invito a leggere questa nuova interessante intervista realizzata da Sergio Iadarola a SiFu Cheung Yung del lineage Yuen Kay San. 

Sifu Cheung Yung, how long have you been studying Wing Chun ?

More than 20 years.

Could you tell us a little bit abut the background of the Yuen Kay San Wing Chun Lineage ?

Yuen Kay San Wing Chun was passed down by Fung Siu Ching. Fung Siu Ching learnt the art from Dai Fa Min Kam (aka Look Kam) from the Red Boats. The lineage descended further back from Ng Mui Si Tai (the nun). It has been passed down by Ng Mui Si Tai.

Who was your Sifu ?

Sum Nung.

Can you tell us a little bit about him ?

What kind of person he was, what was he like as a teacher ?

I started learning from Sifu Sum Nung in 1987, and stayed with him till he passed away in 2002. I studied under him for 15 years. He taught me not only Kung Fu, he also taught me Chinese medicine. I am actually a bone doctor, he was too. We had the same interest, so he taught me Kung Fu and bone setting. He was a very kind and humble person, and that is why we learnt a lot from him. Even till now, the way we are is how he taught us to be. His Kung Fu was very good, especially short-range techniques. He was known as “Iron arm” and “lighting hands”. His hands were extremely fast.

What forms are there in the Sum Nung (Yuen Kay San) Wing Chun system ?

Yuen Kay San had two teachers. The first sifu was Fok Bo Chuen. After Fok Bo Chuen taught Yuen Kay San all his Wing Chun skills, he introduced Yuen Kay San to Fung Siu Ching. The three forms, Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Tze were most probably formulated and developed by Fung Siu Ching and taught to Yuen Kay San. Siu Nim Tau trains mainly wrist power. Chum Kiu trains mainly the bridging of the gap from long distance to short distance. Biu Tze trains mainly the bridging of the gap from short distance to long distance. As well, the style has kept intact the old and ancient Sub Yee San Sik (the twelve separate techniques). One of the first things we also have to learn when starting is Sun Hei Gwai Yuen, a form of chi kung which is for foundation training. We also must learn Siu Lam-based tit da (bone-setting techniques) i.e. Chinese medical bone-setting skills. There is also the Sub Yee Fart Moon (twelve methodology) which includes: darb, Tseed, Chum, Biu, Chi, Mor, Tong, dong, Tun, Cheet, Tau, Lap, as well as other key principles and verbal teachings which one has to grasp and understand in the art.

Could you tell us the meaning of Sub Yee San Sik ?

Sub Yee San Sik represents the most basic form of training, and offers a person the quickest way to learn Wing Chun techniques which can be used effectively in combat against other styles of kung fu. This is mainly Wing Chun skills to be learnt for use in combat against techniques from other kung fu styles.

I heard that the Late GM Yip Man was a friend of the late GM Yuen Kay San, is that true ?

Yip Man and Yuen Kay San were good friends in Fat Shan initially. Yip Man learn Siu Lam Weng Chun which was descended from Chau Chin Wah (Chan Wah Shun). Yuen Kay San learnt Wing Chun which was descended from the nun Ng Mui Si Tai. Accordingly, the three forms Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Tze are from the lineage as passed down from Ng Mui Siu Tai. Chan Wah Shun’s side learn Southern Shaolin. They practiced forms such as Sei Moon (four doors) and Fook Fu (subduing the tiger) which had no connection with the three Wing Chun forms. But because this Yip Man was initially friendly with Yuen Kay San, he regularly and persistently visited Yuen Kay San to ask questions on these three Wing Chun forms ! As a result, Yuen Kay San provided Yip Man with guidance and instructions on these three Wing Chun forms: Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Biu Tze. Moreover, it should be noted that even the most fundamental chi-sao postures and methodology (luk sao and seung sao) were all taught to Yip Man by Yuen Kay San.

You researched quite a lot yourself. Can you elaborate on that? Can you explain something about your research ?

My opinion is that Sum Nung Wing Chun is more refined, focuses on the release of short-range power and is good with close range combat. Each and every joint can be well utilized, and with a strong emphasis on stance and waist coordination. Utilizing the concept of “Yee Siu Sing Dai” i.e. using the small to gain victory over the big. Hence, a small person can, therefore, win in combat against a much bigger person using this art. The art is, according, suitable for southern Chinese people, especially those from Fat Shan who are small in stature. It is also suitable for Chinese people, who are generally smaller in stature when compared with westerners. Utilizing the concept of “Yi Yau Chai Gong” i.e. using the soft to subdue the hard, and having an advantage in close range combat. That is why it is different from other styles of kung fu. It is also extremely fast, relying upon the feelings in the hands, and does not involve thought. It is a simple, straightforward and realistic form of Kung Fu.

In your opinion how is Yip Man’s Wing Chun created ?

What Yip Man learnt in the early years was Chau Chin Wah’s Weng Chun, which was Southern Shaolin based and passed down from Chi Sim’s lineage. The techniques are less close and tight, and are more extended and open. After having obtained the three Wing Chun forms from Yuen Kay San, however, Yip Man modified his art, which, thereafter, included both Luk-sau skills and close-range combat techniques, and became much more comprehensive and well rounded. (It is now spread and promoted very effectively) After that, he most probably obtained both jong (wooden dummy) techniques and gwun (pole) techniques at a place called Dai Duk Lan in Hong Kong. Dai Duk Lan was the place where Tang Yik’s line of Weng Chun, which is also descended from Nam Siu Lam (Southern Shaolin), was taught and practiced.

Can you tell me the relationship between Fung Siu Ching and Yuen Kay San ?

Fung Siu Ching learnt Wing Chun from Dai Fa Min Kam. He also learnt from both Wong Wah Bo and Leung Yi Tai, which is why his kung fu is comprehensive and well-rounded. He was a famous bodyguard, and only returned to Fat Shan when he was old. He was in Guangdong when he was young, and Wing Chun was made famous there mainly because of him. Most Wing Chun branches prevalent today descended from his lineage and acknowledge him as their style’s ancestor and predecessor. He influenced greatly traditional Wing Chun culture in the Guangdong region. This person was, indeed, our Great-Grandmaster.

We heard that your Sifu Sum Nung won many bare knuckle fights. Can you tell us a little bit about that? Were you witness to some of the fights ?

There were several periods in Fat Shan’s Wing Chun history. The first was Fung Siu Ching’s period. The second was Dr. Leung Jan’s period. The third was Yuen Kay San’s period - he was the best in Wing Chun in Fat Shan back in those days. And after that, it was Sum Nung, who was ranked first and remained undefeated in Fat Shan back then. Sum Nung then went to Guangzhou to spread his art. Hence Guangzhou Wing Chun was developed and made famous by him.

Are there some fights of Sum Nung you still remember ?

There were many styles of Kung Fu back then, and he had fought with challengers from every one of them. He had learnt from Yuen Kay San when he was young. He once went for a haircut at a hair salon. The boss of the salon, who was known as “Hairdresser Ho”, practiced Tibetan Lama White Crane Kung Fu and was very strong. He asked Sum Nung when Sum Nung was there for a haircut if the ‘chi chi mor mor” techniques (i.e. “stick stick feel feel” techniques which rely on sticking and feeling) he had learnt from Yuen Kay San were effective or not ? Sum Nung responded by saying : “well, you can always try it out”. Hairdressor Ho then said to Sum Nung that if Sum Nung can defend himself successfully against one of this pow chui (an effective uppercut technique), then he will not be charged for the haircut. At the time, Hairdresser Ho was very famous for his kung fu skills in Fat Shan. After Sum Nung had finished his haircut, he came downstairs to accept Hairdresser Ho’s challenge. At which time Hairdresser Ho indicated to Sum Nung that he was just joking. Sum Nung, however, responded by saying that he was very serious. Hairdresser Ho then made the first move by advancing his stance forward and, simultaneously, executing his uppercut technique. Sum Nung responded by executing a short-range kuw sao which immediately immobilized Hairdresser Ho. Sum Nung naturally won the challenge fight. When Yuen Kay San heard about the incident, he was very proud and happy, since Sum Nung had only just started learning Wing Chun from him for a short time. This is just one of the stories.

Video-intervista a Cheng Kwong

SiFu Cheng Kwong è stato intervistato da Sergio Iadarola. Racconta cose molto interessanti, nonché il suo punto di vista su Wing Chun, Weng Chun, Dai Dak Lan, etc. Per chi ricerca la storia del nostro sistema è un cult! Ricordo a tutti i miei amici che intervistai SiFu Cheng Kwong su questo blog ad aprile. Trovate tutto qui!

Interview with Lin Xiang Fuk

Today we meet the Black Flag Wing Chun's (or 'hek ki boen eng chun') SiFu Lin Xiang Fuk.

Can you tell us anything about your life? When did you start with Martial Arts?

My Journey with HKB Eng Chun started when I was a child. Every time I got into trouble, my dad would punish me by making me perform kungfu exercises, such as Nji Ci Bhok Yang Bhe (HKB’s Chinese Character of “2” clamping Yang Stance), Im Tiong Kun (Yin Punch), Goan Jiu (Circling hand), Cam Jiu (Chopping hand), Yang Cin Po footwork, as well as some movements that I didn’t recognize as Eng Chun movements back then. In the beginning, my parents did not approve of me learning martial arts formally, because they wanted me to focus on my academics. Since my parents had forbid me from going to martial art school, I would save most of the money they gave me to buy food/snacks, and instead purchased martial arts books. After seeing my strong interest and persistence towards martial arts, my parents were eventually convinced to allow me to study kungfu.

In 1985, when I was 10 years old, my dad finally took me to visit a restaurant where he introduced me to my first HKB Eng Chun Suhu (Sifu), Senior GM (Grandmaster) The Kang Hay, who was the restaurant owner. From then on, as soon as I finished school for the day, I went straight to the 2nd floor of his restaurant, which is his bukoan (training place). Later on, I found out that my dad had also learned HKB Eng Chun Kun under senior GM The Kang Hay who is Sutjo King Yang’s grandson. Soon afterward, I found out that all of those exercises and weird movements that my dad had me do as punishment, were the foundation of the HKB system. As the time went by, I was more impressed with this art, not just from the combat perspective, but also how it ended up helping me become the best person I can be.

With who did you know Wing Chun style?

I started HKB Eng Chun(Wing Chun) under Senior GM The Kang Hay in 1985.

Who were your Masters in the past?

I also had the privilege of being introduced to and instructed by other students of Sutjo King Yang. Some of them were my sucek (Senior GM The Kang Hay’s younger kungfu brothers) as well as Supek (Sibak= Senior GM The Kang Hay’s older kungfu brother). Although GM Tio and GM Xing Yen both received instruction from my main Suhu (Sifu), Senior GM The Kang Hay, I never saw them as Suheng (kungfu brother). Instead, GM Tio and GM Xing Yen are both my Suhu(s) as well. In total, I had the opportunity to learn from seven Suhus(Sifus) of HKB, but I received most of my learning from Senior GM The Kang Hay and GM Tio.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to train with seven grandmasters of HKB Eng Chun. Fundamentally, they all teach the exact same movements, positions, and reference points because of the HKB formula. However, there are differences in expression. Just like when a master painter teaches their students to paint a landscape, although all the students have the same theory, understanding, and even ‘painting-style’, the outcome of those paintings still differ. This is because it is an art, not a science. This applies to kungfu as well.

Having the opportunity to be study under seven grandmasters of HKB Eng Chun has given me the advantage to be able see what is beyond “personal interpretation” and better understand the essence of HKB. I was also fortunate to learn their individual ‘specialty’ skills that are unique to each Suhu. (Special skills could be either a certain favorite technique/approach/concept or even skill that is outside the syllabus that was developed intentionally or unintentionally as one goes deeper within the system.)

I am also grateful to have been given the opportunity to be introduced and exposed to different lineages and styles of Wing Chun. Though HKB Wing Chun has always been my main identity, the different lineages have allowed me to expand my horizons and appreciate other styles.

And now?

Once a Suhu, always a Suhu for life. Although I’ve completed the system, I always regard them as my Suhus.

You are a Sifu/Suhu. Who had proclaimed you Suhu?

After I completed my training, both Senior GM The Kang Hay and GM Tio instructed me to start teaching in 1997. They both also appointed me to be one of their successors, and gave me full responsibility to spread and preserve the system, as well as to nourish the name of Eng Chun and Sutjo King Yang. In 2000, I finally started teaching in my house. Then I moved to the United States in 2005. Senior GM The Kang Hay and GM Tio then instructed me to spread and preserve HKB internationally. I was appointed to be the Suhu(Sifu) in charge of HKB expansion overseas outside Indonesia.

In all of my teaching experience, my students, disciples, their family, as well as the public address me as a Suhu. In traditional Chinese culture, a person who teaches is addressed as Suhu by their students and disciples. Grand students call their instructor’s teacher “Sukong” which is similar to the idea of ‘grandfather-instructor’. When I took my students to Indonesia in March 2010 to visit our HKB Eng Chun Family, they addressed all of my suhus(Sifus) as Sukong. Kungfu culture is based on Chinese family structure relationship. So they’re not just teacher-student relationships. A Suhu is not just developing a student or disciples martial art skill, but a Suhu is like a father figure that is also responsible for their students’ lives, which includes their physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well being as well as their life success in the future.

How someone can become Suhu in your association?

A person becomes a Suhu once both of these conditions are met:

1. Finish the First Level Instructor Track curriculum of HKB Engchun and become certified by HKB Headquarters. There are five levels of instructors.

2. Start teaching and have a student base.

Can you explain us the origin of your Wing Chun family?

Please refer to this page in HKB Eng Chun Pai’s official website; http://engchunkun.com/history.html

How many hours do you train?

During my childhood, as soon as I finished school and ate my lunch, I brought all of my homework to my Suhu’s bukoan. My Suhu always had me finish all of my homework first before I started training. I trained and participated in classes from afternoon until evening time. On Saturdays, sometimes we didn’t finish until 11pm and, with my parents consent, I often ended up staying over at my Suhu’s place to sleep.

Currently, I do physical HKB practice about 2-3 hours every day. On Sunday, I train for about 5-6 hours with my students as well as personal training.

Mentally, HKB Eng Chun is way of life for me. Kungfu happens in my everyday life. Every moment, every second. It exists in the way I think, the way I speak, and in everything that I do. It is an integral part of my life.

Have you ever fight on a sport's contest? When, where and with which results?

Growing up as a Chinese born in Indonesia, there was never an open professional kungfu contest. Most Chinese Kungfu was taught traditionally. Usually a student learned at the Suhu’s house. This is due to an Indonesian Anti-Chinese policy that was declared in the 60’s. Anything to do with Chinese culture was banned. This included speaking the language, Chinese writing, kungfu, and many other Chinese cultural practices. Public kungfu competions were a big no no. Back then, only Karate, Tae Kwon Do and Indonesian Silat were the martial arts that had professional schools open to the public. Those arts were not forbidden. When Karate associations held their contests, they did not accept outside people. This also applied with Tae Kwon Do, as well as Indonesian Silat.

There was of course secret underground fighting between styles only among the Chinese martial art community. Sometimes this tradition caused challenges among different Chinese communities. During my youth, when I was still learning under HKB Grandmasters, I had many experiences ‘touching-hands’ with other Chinese martial artists from different styles. I did this in the more respectful way, which is not through an official challenge. It did always end up surprising/impressing many masters and practitioners of other Chinese Martial Arts back then. I never wanted to disrespect other styles; I only wanted to evaluate my skills in HKB against other styles without flipping their bowl of rice. (Meaning not damaging to their school or business)

When I first started teaching, before I got better in handling challenge requests, I received a couple of challenges. I found this very disrespectful, especially if the challengers were not my generation. I did end up accepting some of the challenges and gave them ‘something’ to remember for life. But when looking back, I regret this. Kungfu Suhu(Sifu) should know how to control themselves and not be controlled by others through their emotions. And they should have the ability to control opponents without hurting them. I have learned a lot since those early years of teaching.

How many hours per week should train a student to grow in a serious way? 

It really depends on conditions such as age, fitness, and the student’s goals.

As a beginner, I would expect them to train at least half an hour daily outside of class. Once they become a full-time student, they can train 1-2 hours every day.

I personally put the biggest emphasis on consistency rather than how long or how many hours they should train. Even if it’s only half an hour, if you do it every day, it’s worth more than training 4-6 hours for one or two days and then taking a break for a week.

Me personally, I train for 2-3 hours every day and about 5-6 hours every Sunday. I don’t expect this kind of training dedication from all my students, but I expect my disciples and Instructor level students to share the same commitment.

What are your thoughts on other SiFu and their methods of teaching, on others associations and Wing Chun's families?

Chinese Kungfu is not a science; it is an art Therefore, each Sifu has their own expression and interpretation based on their own experiences. In my opinion, a good Sifu, must know what is best to teach an individual based on that student’s condition, character, mindset, and skill. This is why teaching and learning kungfu requires physical one-on-one interaction and an understanding of the student’s level, strengths, and weaknesses. This is why there is a saying in Chinese about the mouth talking and the body receiving/understanding. I personally do not agree with the idea of mass production martial arts.

As for other associations/Wing Chun families, we are like a big tree. HKB Eng Chun, as well as other lineages, are the branches of the big Wing Chun tree. Although Wing Chun has started to become more popular and well known, there is still a lot of work to do like putting aside politics and power struggles. Wing Chun, as one of the traditional Chinese martial art systems, does not enjoy the same successes (in number of students and popularity) when compared to many Japanese and Korean Martial Arts. It is easily visible that there are many Japanese or Korean schools in most cities around the world. I really hope Wing Chun will continue to grow and change people’s lives and bring more positive benefits. I would like to see Wing Chun schools in as many cities as there are Japanese or Korean schools, to give the public an option to compare what’s best for them.

I feel that it is our collective responsibility to work together to promote, spread, and preserve the system for the next generation without trying to one up each other just to prove which lineage is better, older, more original, etc.

There are many unknown lineages that simply want to introduce their system to the world and promote Chinese martial arts. HKB Eng Chun is one such system. It should be and is the choice of the student to decide which lineage is best for his or her goals in life. I, all my Suhu, and my students have no interest in participating in political feuds among the traditional Chinese martial arts community. We teach, we learn, we promote traditional Chinese martial arts. We are all one big Kungfu family on four seas and six continents.

Can we know what are the differences between your Eng Chun and others interpretations?

There are big differences in the multi-layer approach. We cannot say one is better or more original than the other, etc.

If we speak from the technical and conceptual points of view, there are many differences such as the stance; Nji Ji Bhok Yang Bhe, which translated as Chinese Character Two (Knee is the top, foot is the bottom) Clamping “Yang” (As Im-Yang) Stance rather than clamping a ‘goat’ stance. Footwork, punches and everything else is also different. HKB Focus is about occupying the time and becoming the space as the true expression of Here and Now(Chinese Chan/Dhyana Buddism)..

Aside from the “Technical Shape” and Concept differences, there also many other key factors that are unique to HKB Eng Chun. For Example:

A. Chan Detachment Principles within Sam Chin Sam Tue Principles, that are:

Micro Cosmos (Siauw Im Siauw Yang): freeing oneself from the attachment of oneself by separating the Mind, Body and Qi. To know ourselves.

Macro Cosmos (Thay Kek Im Yang):To Free oneself from illusion of attachment of Changes of Im Yang (Heaven=Time, Earth=Space).

Emptiness (Bu Kek): to free oneself from attachment of any forms/shape/theory.

These principles are the true DNA of Chan Buddhism of “Here” and “Now” where time

and space no longer exist.

B. Formula; acting as the reference point that govern exact position of every part in the body such as elbow, knee, leg, hand, position, etc. The goal of the formula is give the practitioner the ability to occupy the opponent’s time and become the space as a true condition of Here and Now (Detached). Another benefit of the formula is that it help preserve the system when it is being passed down. Regardless who taught whom, the reference point will always be the same. So the system can be passed down based on the formula rather than personal interpretation which could lead to different shape and position of certain movements. Although each Sifu has a different way to express their body, the exact reference points of their hand, elbow, knee, and other parts of the body are always the same. For example, let’s use one technique called “Tan Jiu”. Although each HKB Suhu (Sifu) has a different expression depending on their skill level, the exact height, elbow, wrist, tip of finger, shoulder, length are all exactly the same based on HKB’s formula. This can minimize the changes which could water down the system based on personal interpretation.

C. Power Generation Method; Other lineages may focus on how to generate more, using body weight, structure, position, stepping, etc.

In HKB, we do not focus on Power Generation; instead we focus on using Power Transfer Method. In HKB Eng Chun, Power is a byproduct of the detachment of Microcosm (Body, Mind and Breathing). Instead of linking and using the whole body at once, we separate them as individual units and detach them from relying on each other. The result will be very surprising regardless their size, age, distance/space, position, structure, condition, etc. This also includes the breathing method as well, the breathing must also be separated independently, which is what we call natural breathing that is slow and deep regardless how much power you try to transfer to the tip. Transferring explosive impulse power to the tip of contact point during bridging regardless of the position of the body, with/without structure, any movement, any distance(space), or even the breathing condition (whether is inhaling or exhaling) is something very crucial in HKB. This Impulse power method is called Hoat Keng. HKB’s Hoat Keng (Impulse Power) is very unique and this has attracted much attention and interest from many well known master level instructors from different lineages and styles.

These three points are just the surface-level explanation of some of HKB Uniqueness; of course it will be impossible to explain more in-depth or even other important keys in here, because it requires experiencing it.

What are the fighting concepts that are focalized on into your School?

Wing Chun can be seen as a scientific fighting method in the beginning, but once you become advanced, it is no longer a science. It is an art of expressing yourself in the most efficient way of time, space, and energy.

As an art, Wing Chun should flow and adapt to any situation. It is not fixed, if it is fixed, then it goes against HKB Eng Chun principles of detachment.

The main expression in HKB Eng Chun is based on Maximum Efficiency of Time, Space and Energy. Sometimes you even have to avoid the shortest distance to be more efficient with your time and effort. The shortest distance is assumed to be the most economical; this does not apply if it requires you to take down a wall to get to a different room.

Maximum Efficiency is not a style, but it is an expression based on a certain skill set and mindset. Maximum Efficiency is not a collection of techniques that resemble Wing Chun movements. The expression of Maximum Efficiency applies in kungfu as well as in our daily life. How efficient have we been with our time, space and energy yesterday, today, and even tomorrow?

Have you the 'Luk Dim Poon Kwan' form? Can you tell us something about?

We don’t have 'Luk Dim Poon Kwan' Form. What we do have is the pole form called Pat Mui Khun Huat (Eight Directional Staff). Our pole length is the height of the practitioner between their eyebrows to 1 fist above their head. We hold the staff almost in the middle with one hand facing down, and the other hand facing up. We use both sides of the pole. One very important point is that the power must be transferred to the tip of the pole. This is why one must be accomplished in their open hand skills first before they start learning weapons. If they cannot transfer power to the tip of their hand when it is empty, there is no way it can be done with the pole.

Have you the 'Bart Cham Dao' form? Can you tell us something about?

This form is known as “Sang To” in HKB Eng Chun. That means double butterfly Sword. For mainstream Wing Chun practitioners, they are more familiar with the terminology of “Bat Cham Dao”. The shape of the sword is also different compared to most other Wing Chun lineages. The HKB-Butterfly-Sword-tip is concaved in. “Sang To” is nothing more than an extension tool of the hand and arm. All of the open hand principles apply and remain the same.

Have you ever think to come to Italy?

I have always been curious to try Italian food in its country of origin. I like seeing beautiful places and meeting wonderful people, especially Kungfu enthusiasts. At the moment, I have not really thought about going to Italy. I am still preparing for Amsterdam and Brazil projects to run seminars and workshops. Eventually in the future, I may have the opportunity to come to Italy.

Thank you!

You are welcome. Thank you for the Interview.