A fast defense is a fast offense, but in Wing Chun,
Taiji Quan and Bagua Zhang both offense and defense
are one movement.We know that to reach our opponent we
must move into their space, thus making it our space.
It is only possible to move in successfully if one
has proper Tui Fa (Leg Methods, or Foot Work). What
does this mean? It means to succeed in closing the gap
between you and the opponent, you must have a strong
cultivation of Foot Work (Tui Fa).
If one's Foot WOrk is developed properly, their Shou
Fa ( Hand Methods, Hand Techniques) will also be
successful.Strong bridge will result in a strong
victory, but not to kill the opponent, as one would
think. THis is just virtue, not to kill the opponent.
A fast defense means to close the gap and redirect
the opponent's hand, arm, technique. A fast offense is
a result of redirection. Therefore if there is nothing
in your path, you can proceed freely.
What would be a useful def./off.?
Any method that is simple and ot the point. Of course
body position must be observed, we all recognize this
fact.
At times one will not need to redirect any attack,
but only to step in and ocupy space. This is a result
of Foot Work and Timing. In a two partner exercise one
can observe the other person's movent of shoulder and
head. THis will allow an awareness of which hand will
strike, and where it will leave from the body.
Wing CHun, Taiji QUan and Bagua Zhang provide both
methods of redirection and attack within the unity of
movement. THis means you may utilize several
techniques, but the movement of your body is unified.
THis is what it means to be simple, "economic".
This is a concept often understood intellectually,
but seldom applied successfully. In the case of not
being clear on the position of the opponent's body,
for example; they continuosly move up, down, side to
side. THis causes an obstruction of perception and can
confuse one.
We say in WIng Chun, On the first sight of movement,
close the gap. It is wise to position oneself in a
manner which is appropriate for a successful ending.
THis ending would be no one is hurt, badly, or killed.

Another saying in Wing CHun, You must keep your eyes
stern, your aggressiveness calm and focused as to not
telegraph and give hint to your opponent.
This and many other methods of practice result in an
outcome of a fast defense/offense. Both in the same
motion, both without a distinguishing factor of them
being separate.


Peace,
Lin Ai Wei




LAU WAI WING CHUN TONG
Shandong - China










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