When I started learning Wing Chun, there wasn’t any Wing Chun online training available. I remember finding a photocopy of the Wing Chun first form which had a series of images in it to explain the first form of Siu Lim Tao (first form – little idea form).
I used these alongside the classes to learn the form and commit it to memory. Nowadays, there’s many online resources which can help you learn alongside a class. However, one problem with this is the different variations in which the form is taught. Forms vary from one lineage to another, so it’s important to choose the right set of videos for the particular lineage that you are studying.
Wing Chun Online Training – How Useful Is It?
I first thought about building an online resource to help my own students learn Wing Chun online, alongside the regular classes I teach in Bradford, UK. Since I had used books to help me remember the forms as a beginner myself, I knew that videos would be of huge benefit for anyone studying the Wing Chun system. It has definitely helped people learn the forms too. I’ve seen students come on in leaps and bounds because of the resources I’ve put in the members area to help them – (and of course their hard work in drilling and learning the forms). But as to the effectiveness of Wing Chun online training as a whole, I definitely had my doubts.
I still doubt the effectiveness of a martial art learned without the guidance of a proper Sifu who has spent years practicing techniques and principles with time served martial artists. But I’m curious as to what someone could actually learn without the benefit of a qualified instructor.
Of course the ideal scenario is a Wing Chun Master living on your doorstep and offering classes locally. After that, you could use an online resource and group together with Wing Chun practitioner/s who have learned Chi Sau and had some experience.
Without having anyone with some experience or “hands on” contact with a Wing Chun school of any kind it becomes more difficult to learn. But with the benefit of clear instructional videos, the right attitude and a good work ethic towards your training, you could definitely learn some simple drills and strategies and build towards gaining some knowledge.
Using A Wooden Dummy As A Training “Partner”
I was 19 years old when I started my Wing Chun training. I can remember the excitement I had for the style at the time too, and the love I had for my Sifu. My friend and I clubbed together and found a local wood merchant who helped us build our own wooden dummy. I had got hold of the plans from my Sifu, I think. Of course nowadays, anyone can find them easily on the internet.
I spent many hours practicing moves on the dummy, even before I had learned the proper wooden dummy form. I would drill for hours and it didn’t matter that the dummy smelled distinctly of Creosote – the weather proof layer we had painted it, so it could be kept outside. Since then I’ve found several professionally made dummies on eBay and bought some second hand. So if you’re serious about learning wing chun online, and you haven’t any local clubs nearby, I would definitely recommend purchasing a dummy if you can afford it. Or, make one of your own!
Wing Chun Online Training – Get A Training Partner
A martial art is not really something you can learn well by yourself. After all, you are learning how to fight. Attackers rarely stand still with their arms out, waiting for you to counter attack them! So, one of the best ways to benefit from wing chun online training is to get yourself a training partner who you can learn with. Start with repetition of some basics and learn the basic drills. Sign up to my FREE video series and take the free videos which will help you learn the first form – Siu Lim Tao.
That’s not to say you can’t benefit from learning some basic Wing Chun moves and drills without a training partner. Get a wooden dummy and practice on the dummy. You can even learn the dummy form without having ever linked arms with an instructor. This will give you some wing chun basics which will serve you later if you manage to find a school.
Wing Chun Online Training – What’s Missing?
Of course there’s a few important elements missing from martial arts training if your wing chun online training is done without a regular class and instruction to compliment it. One of the main elements is feedback. In a class you get feedback in terms of help and advice, but you also get feedback in terms of getting hit, or your techniques working/not working properly. You get feedback in terms of testing yourself against senior students, other beginners and of course instructors and Sifu’s too. This gives you a much more realistic interpretation of your standards, or lack of them.
It’s also entirely possible to completely deceive yourself in your training if you are doing it a “vacuum” – that is, without the help of a qualified instructor, or a more senior student. Even in a well organised class, students have conflicts and disagreements about techniques and who “won” in a bout. So, if you do have the opportunity to train at a Wing Chun school, make the effort, because not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated instructor, who turns up regularly to classes.
If you haven’t already accessed the FREE VIDEO series I offer on this website, sign up here and get started with Siu Lim Tao. Happy training!
