2003, June 28-29

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Dates: June 28-22, 2003
Location: Saginaw, MI
Speaker: Sifu Benny Meng
Topic: Ip Man Wing Chun

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

1) Ving Tsun fighting
This session will cover the ranges of combat and why Wing Chun focuses on close distance, so close you can touch your opponent with both hands at the same time.

2) Chi Sau
Learn the bridge between training and fighting, with emphasis on structure and energy. This session will also cover the relationship between Chi Sau and the forms.

3) Biu Ji
The third form in Ip Man Ving Tsun, this form teaches explosive power and emergency hands. This session will cover the sequence of the form and relate it fighting.

For all workshop participants, post your comments/reactions/thoughts and feedback for all to read and share.

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As a relatively new student to Chi Sau, I developed a keen awareness of important areas of technique, including the importance of a properly postured fuk, and the demand for consistent rolling with energy throughout. The variety of activities and “hands-on” also added to my abilities and perspective.

In another sense, I began to understand the real and practice use of Chi Sau in a combat situation, which is to serve as an intermediate step between facing and flanking.

Of course, the honor of socializing and eating dinner with my Sigung and Sibaak was one of the many “heights” of the days.

Tactics and fighting strategy were the highlights of day two. Biu Ji was informational, yet the form itself is difficult to learn as I face the teacher. This seems to be a difficulty that I have, which others are not saddled with during the learning process. I often wonder if it would be disrespectful to ask that I stand behind the teacher or demonstrator so that I could see the movements from the same left/right perspective. Excellent, however, was day two in practical application. I will certainly better understand Biu Ji when Sifu allows me the opportunity to further learn the form.

Overall, the weekend was phenomenal in both the unstructured aspect, as well as the kung fu family aspect. Jeremy is understanding in his help and high expectations, as well as his intellect and detailed articulation. Sifu’s willingness to serve as a student alongside us, his students, demonstrates that he is a lifelong learner seeking the truth about the system. Thank you for the opportunity Sigung - I am proud and honored to be one of your kung fu grandchildren

Ryan D.

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I believe this weekend was highly informational in realms of structure problems as well as mental awareness of energy placement, energy dispersion and structural unity. Just overall problems on my behalf as far as body mechanics and Chi Sau body unity. So this was a very nicely laid out seminar especially dealing with fighting angles and ways of dissecting weaknesses within other’s structures and weaknesses within my own.

Thank you for your time and help.

Zack

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Throughout the weekend the details that were explained to me began to clarify each aspect of my training. Although the details were always where, without clarity I may only hope to stumble upon them. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have towards my Sifu, Sigung and Sibaak, as well as my kung fu brothers. As they always say, “it’s the details that count.” And now I hope to begin to express those details that were brought to my attention.

Joshua

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This weekend’s seminar of Chi Sau and Biu Ji was a positive and beneficial experience. The in-depth explanation of the Chi Sau structure and energy answered many questions I had in a simplistic manner. I no longer had to ask questions directly, the basic explanation and breakdown of Chi Sau had already answered them. The lecture on Biu Ji introduced me to several concepts and explained others to me that were unclear. I especially enjoyed the relation to time, space, and energy in both Chi Sau and Biu Ji. The most important aspect of the seminar was the clear and simple explanations. The only regret would have to be the lack of time that is really needed to be able to drill the techniques under the eyes of Sigung Meng and Sibaak Jeremy

Thank you.

Gabe