THIS PART OF THE FORM IS FOR THIS APPLICATION.....
Hey All,
I've had some interesting conversations with a few people about the Sil Lim tao form. For some reason the conversation got directed to what the application of particular parts of the form was for.
The basic conversation went like this:
Person 1: 'I think this part of the form (insert movement) is for (insert application)'.
Person 2: 'Sifu (Insert popular Wing Chun instructor) said this part of the form is for (insert different application).'
Person 3: 'I don't think so, I think Sifu (Insert different popular Wing Chun instructor) has it right, and that this part of the form is for (insert different application from Person 1 or 2).'
So you can get the idea. It now becomes a debate of what a particular movement is used for. Now don't get me wrong, it is good to look at the possible applications of movements in a form, but it's not good to ONLY focus on the applications. I have found that it is more important to look at the principles and mechanics within the movement, so that you can derive variations of an application, and not be limited to one way of thought.
I find it interesting in seeing the different interpretations of the form movements by different practitioners of Wing Chun (Ving Tsun, Wheng Cheung, etc). These interpretations are not necessarily right or wrong, just different. But if you look at the principles behind the motion, you will be able to see if it is Wing Chun, or something other than Wing Chun.
But what really concerns me most is the ,'So and so said this.....'. This blind belief that this is the only way to apply a movement is not only wrong, but shortsighted. Any movement should be viewed and tested, much like Bruce Lee said, 'not to follow blindly' or the Apostle Paul in the Bible, 'Test everything'. With that being said, I appreciate a person's view point and respect it, along with the person who made it. This is more important than proving who is right and who is wrong. Because sometimes it is better to be kind, than right.
Wing Chun is a lifelong study in body mechanics, application of force, sensitivity, etc. That as one progresses in the art, one's viewpoint and understand will also change, develop and grow. So that what their understanding of the art today will be different 20 years from now. Man I love this art.
So keep an open mind, an open heart, and always use kindness, respect and understanding with others, not just in Wing Chun but in all martial arts and in life!
Keep Training,
Keep Learning!
