After presenting the Saam Mouh Kiuh Concept, Sifu Gee discussed the Jung Sin, or Center Line. The Jung Sin, in relation to oneself, refers to both a vertical component traveling down through the center of the body as well as the horizontal component between the hands - the hands should maintain a certain width. The Jung Sin, in relation to one's opponent, is the shortest line between oneself and one's opponent. The hands must cover the Jung Sin at all times.

Sifu Gee used Taan Sau as an example of the Space and Time Concept. He invited several members of the audience to come up and demonstrate their respective understandings on the application of Taan Sau. Each demonstration was different. Sifu Gee then explained workings of Taan Sau in the HFY system. In HFY, there is only one Taan Sau. It is trained consistently from Saan Sau to Forms to Chi Sau to application. If one were to use Taan Sau at the wrong space, one is not in a position to offer an immediate attack. This gives the opponent the chance to offer a challenge. Therefore, only one Taan Sau, in one specific space and at a specific time, would allow one to defend and attack in one motion while the opponent cannot do the same. The use of precise positions in relation to space and time proved to everyone present the reasoning of only one "true" Taan Sau in the HFY system. In HFY lore, this was the reason for Cheung Ng having the nickname of Taan Sau - he used one technique, the Taan Sau, to express the science of HFY Wing Chun. To everyone present this seemed to be the best reason for Taan Sau Ng's nickname - rather than beggar's hands or crippled hands.

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The group was led through the Siu Nihm Tauh form several times. While many details were covered, it is almost impossible for me to express them here. With that in mind, I will explain the first concepts in the SNT form.

For Wing Chun to be a science based on Time and Space, it must have a formula that gives one an understanding of precise structure, three dimensional space, and time relative to the outside world. This formula is called the Wing Chun Formula. Each motion in the Siu Nihm Tauh form demonstrates key points of the Wing Chun Formula.

The first motion exists in most all lineages of Wing Chun. The practitioner stands with feet together and simply brings the hands up to the area around head height with the arms extended. In HFY, this simple motion actually expresses three very important concepts - the Three Dimensional Space, Structure, and Energy.

The placement of the hands describes the vertical, horizontal and depth (range) planes used in application of HFY structure. In HFY SNT, the hands are placed on the high reference point, palms facing down, with the elbows on the yin lines. This gives the practitioner a three dimensional outlook on all hand positions.

Next, the practitioner focuses on the proper energy in the joints. The hands are curled into a fist and brought to the "lock" position. The striking point of the fist is placed between the high reference point and the middle reference point on the centerline. The elbow in on the yin line. This gives rise to the Triangular Theory of HFY - an understanding of the strongest structures of the human body.

Next, the hands are drawn back to the sides of the body by applying Jaang Daai Lihk, or elbow connecting power. This motion also introduces the methods of redirecting energy away from the body.

Following the form, the first four movements of SNT were put into application. Each movement in the HFY forms are designed for application as well as demonstrating concepts and principles.

Kyuhn Jong, or Fist Post, dealt with examining the basic fighting stance of HFY. In addition to learning the body and hand positions relative to the concepts introduced by SNT, the Kyuhn Jong also introduces two additional concepts: the Saam Dim Yat Sin (3 point 1 line) Concept and the Saam Dim Bun Kyuhn (3 1/2 Fist) Concept.

The Saam Dim Yat Sin Concept deals with the relationship of the centerline, elbow, and knee when delivering strikes. HFY never steps to the center of an opponent's feet, but instead, takes a position to the side of the opponent. This angulation allows the practitioner to align the knee, elbow and centerline as the base of a triangle with the striking hand as the tip. Because of this angulation, only the most efficient strikes can be delivered without violating HFY structural laws and maintain the triangle shape in striking.

This gives rise to the Saam Dim Bun Kyuhn Concept. The Saam Dim Bun Kyuhn Concept outlines the three major hand striking tools of HFY: the punch (three points are the knuckle of the fist), the side palm, and the chop (the 1/2 is the half of the palm used in striking with these two techniques).

Once he had covered the Kyuhn Jong and its supplemental concepts, we were given a chance to put it into application. This exercise focused on how to enter into another's boundaries precisely. If any distortions were present, one partner attacking with too wide or too narrow an angle of facing for example, the other partner could offer a challenge - potentially turning the tables and counterattacking in one motion.

The HFY system has Daan Chi Sau, or single stick hand, in two formats. The first is called standard Daan Chi Sau and the other is called crossed Daan Chi Sau. The standard Daan Chi Sau was covered at this workshop. The first stage of training is finding one's own structure in realms of three dimensional space and understanding energy. The second phase deals with a more dynamic form of energy. The Third stage deals with developing structure. Once structure is developed, the fourth stage deals with breaking the structure. This is done through the use of "Initials." Each position in the Daan Chi Sau sequence can be challenged if the structure is not correct. This drilling serves two purposes: 1) it trains the student to recognize structure or lack thereof on contact and 2) the positions trained are the same as those used in fighting. This gives the student reactions that are geared for combat. In HFY, the exact same position in Chi Sau training is used for fighting thus requiring each stage of training to be applicable for combat in addition to preparing the student for more advanced levels of training.

The placement of the legs and the use of footwork also utilizes the Saam Dim Yat Sin Concept using the heel, knee and tailbone for reference points. As footwork is applied, the practitioner must cover the space immediately in front of the body to prevent potential challenge.

outside barbecue after a fun, exciting and informative day's workshop
 

At the end of the workshop, everyone came up and gave testimony as to the impact of the workshop on their perception of Wing Chun. Everyone stated variations on the same theme: their perception of Wing Chun and martial arts have been forever changed by this workshop.

With Sifu Gee's approval, the VTM and Meng's Martial Arts of Arizona are now offering classes on the HFY system. Please call (937) 236-6485 for more information about Museum Classes, or (480) 820-2428 for Arizona class information.

Group photo in front of the Ving Tsun Museum