There are four basic essentials you need to ensure are present to be successful in defending yourself. These are: speed; stance stability; correct technique; and, power.
I have commented previously on speed so I won’t over elaborate here. I will note, however, that there are several types of speed pertinent to successful self defence. We have to develop our speed and understanding of speed. I want to counter those people who perform their Wing Chun at a slower pace than they would employ in combat. These people clutch to the structural speed advantages of our art - and there are several - and argue that speed isn’t essential. This is foolish and incorrect. We have to develop our speed and understanding of speed.
Stance stability is important to avoid being off-balanced and in order to deliver fast, accurate, relaxed and powerful strikes. Students in my gwoon, as in all traditional gung fu gwoons, will be familiar with the instruction to “sink” and “root”. I also won’t elaborate on these in this short article, other than to note that we must understand what they mean, be able to sink and root and be able to put these attributes into the matrix of our gung fu effectiveness.
Correct technique is possibly more controversial than stance stability as a factor because there are a number of opinions as to what constitutes correct technique across the Wing Chun world. On the one hand we have large, open techniques. On another we have technique that is flat and lacking replicable precision. On yet another we have bizarre imported techniques that are contrary to the principles of Wing Chun. All I can say in a general beginner level article is to ensure that your technique works reliably and effortlessly in accordance with Wing Chun principles. If I were to attempt to say more I would have to launch into a veritable book describing the checking points of each and every technique and motion.
Power is the final ingredient required for success. Power has to be in accordance with Wing Chun principles. It never ceases to amaze me to see and hear Wing Chun practitioners extolling the virtues of relaxation but, in execution of their art, to be either floppy or utilise tension. With respect to the former they’re deluded that their “wet noodle” Wing Chun will be effective and not result in them being injured. With respect to the latter their tension is breaking a core principle and inhibiting their expression of genuine internal power. I occasionally hear Wing Chun teachers advising students to tense on impact. This, too, is tension. And, this too, is incorrect. These people, although they may be considered knowledgeable and skilful practitioners - and may even be “famous”, having written books, magazine articles, done DVDs et cetera - are nonetheless in error! If your technique, your stance, your speed and especially your alignment and body integration is correct then there is absolutely no need to add the poison of tension. I can generate more than sufficient power by tensing - as in karate - or by tensing on impact. However, it is far more efficient and simpler to develop your skill to the point where there is no need to tense.