Despite the widespread familiarity with "Kung Fu," few friends and acquaintances know I train in the lesser-known Chinese martial art of Wing Tsun. Mentioning it as a hobby typically evokes two distinct reactions:
For those with some martial arts background, the questions often revolve around Wing Tsun's real-world self-defense efficacy, its standing against other styles in the UFC-dominated landscape, and a skepticism regarding close-range punching power. The notion of generating significant knockout force at such close quarters often seems counterintuitive to them.
Conversely, those with minimal martial arts exposure usually default to the "black belt" inquiry. More amusing, and sometimes tiresome, are the encounters with defensive "macho men" who offer dismissive pronouncements like "You can't stop a bullet" or "I could still take you." These I generally ignore. However, years ago, one particularly cocky prospective student required a gentle, controlled demonstration of Wing Tsun's practicality – a few well-placed jams against a wall swiftly adjusted his attitude, without injury.
My dedication to Wing Tsun stems from a confluence of factors: enhanced self-confidence, practical self-defense skills, improved health, and a long-held fascination with Bruce Lee. Like many, my martial arts journey began with his influence, discovering his foundational training in Hong Kong Wing Tsun and how its principles informed his Jeet Kune Do. While other Chinese arts share certain concepts, I believe Wing Tsun uniquely excels in efficient, direct offense.
After a brief foray into other martial arts, I found a Wing Tsun school in Texas. Following an initial experience with an unreliable instructor, I found a more established one a year later. Since then, my training has been consistent, fueled by a genuine appreciation for what I consider the most ingenious, practical, efficient, and logically sound martial art. It provides ongoing mental acuity, physical fitness, and flexibility, and its practicality lends itself well to sustained practice over time. The Chi Sau training is particularly captivating, continually revealing surprisingly simple yet effective solutions to complex offensive and defensive scenarios, often hidden in plain sight until illuminated by a more experienced instructor. This inherent simplicity is a key element of my continued dedication. Furthermore, I deeply value the camaraderie and lasting friendships forged through years of training, including unexpected connections like meeting Tim Duncan. While I've been teaching since the early 90s, I remain a perpetual student, constantly striving to refine my instructional abilities. My journey with Wing Tsun is a lifelong commitment.
