Minimal Movement for Maximum Effect

One of the beautiful aspects of Wing Chun Kung Fu is that it functions on concepts rather than on techniques alone.

One of the concepts for self defense in the Wing Chun systems is moving as little as possible to get the job done.

In a short example we look at the nature of the Tan Sau. Tan Sau (palm up block) is a wedging block which is thrust forward from the centerline to intercept a mid-level straight attack. The effective-ness of Tan Sau lies in it being straight forward from the center, the position of the elbow and the fact that it is "moved" by the shift. We do not chase the incoming energy away from the body, it is wedged off and assisted by the shift.

In a visual picture driving your car and simply changing lanes in traffic...do you slightly turn the wheel to change or do you make three rotations of it in order to get your car into the other lane?

Same idea...we do as little as needed to get the job done.

Dominick Izzo
Self Defense Advocate/ Self Defense Instructor

Izzo Training Systems
www.izzo-training.com

Wing Chun Self Defense Chicago classes are held every Thursday night.