The main learning outcomes for Wing Chun Kung Fu at Internal Kung Fu Australia are:
Power:
This is one of the main learning outcomes for Wing Chun Kung Fu. Without power, strikes will have little effect on an opponent. Strikes are taught to be heavy and powerful, utilising the internal power of the body - This is learning to punch well above your body weight.
Many styles teach that using the ground as a source of power. This may work when one is fit and healthy, however it is limited to the strength of ones legs and aging. Also, if the opponent can take the ground away from the practitioner, they will be left with nothing. At Internal Kung Fu Australia, we teach how to effectively use your mass, joints and balance without relying on muscular force, or transfering force to the ground.
Speed:
Along with power comes speed. Strikes need to be able to be initiated before an opponent has time to react to them. While also delivering the full power of the body. This means that strikes should be fast enough to hit an opponent before they realise you have initiated your strike.
When people try to strike faster, they lose their power. This is true of muscular force, where the faster you strike the lighter the effect. When combined with body structure, a fast strike will not lose the body weight behind it.
In defence the opposite is true. A significant learning outcome is to learn how to defend against a faster opponent. Learning how to defend against fast strikes is neccessary for self defence.
Balance
Balance is extrememly important in self defence. If the practitioner has poor balance, they will easily be overcome. Balance combines with speed and power, as without it neither of these will be effective. Chi Sau is a major training tool for balance in Wing Chun. Balance is needed to stop powerful strikes from the opponent, to stay upright in a confrontation, and to deliver force in striking.
Body Structure
Body structure is another important aspect of Wing Chun. This allows for balance, speed and power.
When a practitioner has good body structure, when someone presses on any part of that person, that part will be no weaker than any other part. This is a whole body feeling of power or strength. It allows for forearms that feel like steel, which allows for strong offence and defence.
Relaxation
One must not be stiff in martial arts. If tension occurs in the body, then that allows for force to enter the body. Relaxation allows for incoming force to be kept out of the body, allowing for freedom of movement from all the joints. This allows for the above to be true. If a muscle or joint is tense, it decreases body structure, which decreases balance and therefore speed and power.
Overall
Overall WIng Chun teaches you to use your body much more efficiently than you thouught possible. Imagine if you could strike like someone double your size, yet still be as quick as someone smaller than you. These are the possibilites that Wing Chun bring with training.
