BennyMeng
03-16-2004, 07:01 PM
March 13, 2004 Chi Sim Workshop
One of the purposes of the Ving Tsun Museum is to research Wing Chun's true roots and history. Throughout the year, the VTM will be giving the public first-hand experience on the latest theories based on current research. This Chi Sim workshop was the first of these experiences. According to current VTM research Chi Sim Weng Chun appears to be one of the earliest - if not the earliest - version of Wing Chun. This workshop covered the fundamentals of Chi Sim in history, philosophy and technical areas with a focus on introducing this treasure of the martial arts to the public.
The topics covered included: History and Chi Sim connections to other Wing Chun lineages, Chan nature, Wisdoms of Chi Sim, Yi Faat Sau Kung, Heaven/Human/Earth concept, Fundamentals of Body Methods based on Shapes and Forms of Chi Sim, Kiu Sau within Heaven/Human/Earth with a focus on Tiu and Buht, and the first section of Fa Kuen.
The next workshop will be in April with a focus on Chi Sim - but with an aim to experience connections to Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun.
Workshop Comments (15 participants):
The history of Wing Chun was discussed and I personally enjoyed this information because understanding where the science was created helps to connect the relationship of Chan and the philosophy of time/space/energy efficiently through Shaolin life. The time when Wing Chun was created is an amazing accomplishment in my opinion due to the lack of technology and science still reaching perfection of efficiency in time/space/energy.
“Body methods” was a very interesting topic we covered talking about the connection of the entire body to generate power by staying fluid in motion. Several drills helping to express body methods were covered.
Two of the eighteen ways to bridge in Kiu Sau were discussed; buht (out-to-in) and tiu (in-to-out), and drilled with and without partners. Overall I would like to say I enjoyed this workshop and a lot of valuable information was covered.
Brian Gibson
------------------
I feel energized, not tired. Anyone can make a technique work if their partner is standing still. I believe that’s why I feel energized – we were flowing and connected. The seminar moved very well for beginners as well as advanced. It came full circle, as the end summed up the beginning.
Jim Nulsse
------------------
This workshop had a logical flow and ended with the opportunity to experience the training. I have more appreciation of reading/sensing the opponent's energy and position. Also have a better concept of what a bridge / superior position is and am beginning to take some advantage of it.
Mike Walling
------------------
Today’s workshop was very interesting and was a great reality-check. Learning more about the history of Shaolin Weng/Wing Chun. We covered learning the body methods, leg, hip, chest (energy: tun/tou), tiu/buht (in-to-out and out-to-in body methods).
Scott Stapleton
------------------
Today brought a breath of fresh air to confirm the “Shaolin” approach to learning. The logic flow was very clear allowing me to arrive at a deeper connection (or bridge) to all that is Shaolin.
Chango Noaks
------------------
The workshop made me aware of the “feeling” of Chi Sim in reference to Heaven, Human, and Earth to connect and flow with my body. The essence of tan/out (swallow and spit) generating ging invigorates me and I will add it to my daily routine.
In the Fa Kuen form there are movements that now have meaning after experiencing the techniques in the workshop.
Sifu Meng provided many valuable insights into Weng Chun that can be applied to daily life and the Chan influence is evidence in all aspects of the art.
John Lambert
------------------
This was a great opportunity to learn more circular movements and connecting the body. Learning the history was helpful in positioning my understanding of the Chi Sim Weng Chun system and its similarities and differences to Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun. I wish that we had more time in general to learn more, however I was able to at least experience many new ways of understanding positioning, movement, sense, and action vs. reaction. The logic behind the motion that was given was also very helpful.
Azim Quentin
------------------
My experience with the Chi Sim Workshop was phenomenal. I was amazed at the similarities between Chi Sim and Hung Fa Yi, particularly the Chan Buddhism of Time/Space/Energy and the focus of concepts as opposed to fixed, pre-arranged movements. What I took away from this workshop was the three concepts of connection, flow, and change and how change allows you to create new space and time in every moment. It was fantastic!
Bryan Feagin
------------------
I see today’s workshop as very educational. I learned a lot of history and meaning. I also feel a lot of confidence, both in myself and from my teachers. Today’s workshop was very well taught and gave me a better insight ion the complexity of martial arts. Personally, I have poor rhythm and over think my next move. I am glad to be in a school so rooted in martial arts.
Dean Marlow
------------------
Today's workshop flowed well and presented a lot of information: history, concepts, strategy, bridging, body methods training, footwork/armwork, and partner drills. The focus on Heaven (Time/Space), Human (Energy) and Earth (Gravity/Identity) goes a long way toward helping to focus the chaos of fighting. With a progressive format - each piece of the workshop building to the next - I think the coverage of the first two bridges of the 18 Kiu Sau combined with body work, arm work and footwork really established a frame of reference to analyze fighting in terms of the whole body in all ranges of combat. Personally, I find the wisdom of Heaven, Human, Earth reaffirmed in all aspects of life such as gravitating towards some things and away from others, being mindful of where I spend my energy and aware of my time and space in the moment.
Today we shared the Chi Sim system with a lot of people new to the system. It was exciting and gratifying to see people start to realize the new information in both their minds and in their bodies.
Jeremy Roadruck
------------------
In the seminar today, I got to see the relationship between Chan Buddhism and Wing Chun. It began with the development of martial arts in China - the Wing Chun system grew out of the rebellion against the Qing. The seminar also exposed the fact that style is an illusion - the person's expression is the style. True fighting is based on the concept of time/space/energy. The Chi Sim Weng Chun deals with more circular shapes and motions while the Hung Fa Yi deals more with the triangle but you can see the connections between the two. All of them deal with time/space/energy. They call it Heaven, Man and Earth. The exercises brought the concept out a lot better. (Chi Sim) also expresses soft (as opposed to) hard energy. The workshop allows the forms to become more easy to grip because you have experienced the movement. The partner drills give you a chance to see and feel the energy where you find out about the right space and time.
Jeff Ramsey
------------------
This workshop helped me to stop looking at the surface (skin of a system) and look deeper into the meat of the Kung Fu system. The relationship between Chi Sim and Hung Fa Yi also became clearer to me. If you just look at body structure or the forms you may miss the connection. But, because Sifu Meng took the time to look past the surface of both systems and look into the history and Shaolin influence of both systems he was able to make this connection. My favorite part of the workshop was The Da Saam Sing and how Chi Sim trained this unique part of their system.
Joel Pryor
-------------------
The day began with a very thorough lecture by Jeremy R. regarding the history of Chi Sim and its development throughout the history of the Shaolin Temple. He also touched on the introduction of Chan into China as Buddhism combined with both Taoism and Confucianism. He made a very interesting point that the language of Buddhism is one of blending. It makes use of the present cultures’ identity and adapts to fit it rather than forcing the new culture to adapt to it.
Sifu Meng also had us analyze some photos from the latest Black Belt magazine to determine whether or not proper positioning and facing were even taken into consideration. He used this lesson to make the point that we can take the HFY formula and use it to break down any martial art to determine the practitoner's awareness and body structures.
After the history lesson, Sifu Meng began the day’s activities with the body methods of Chi Sim. The group warmed up with an intense session of up and down, side to side and front to back movements, learning how to connect our bodies with wave-like flow. Once warmed up, Sifu went into more details on the 18 Kiu Sau, touching specifically on the Tiu and Buht concepts. We practiced these concepts with some 3 Hitting Star (Da Saam Sing) exercises with partners, developing the energy flow and unity of the body with a partner, as well as finding and taking proper angles of entry. Further more Sifu also made mention of covering being sure to maintain awareness of our Heaven, Man and, Earth position as we drilled, not leaving any holes in our postures. This was also a central theme throughout the day's activities, using flow to connect our Heaven, Man, and Earth during the body method exercises.
After lunch, we began drilling the Waan and Kit footwork, focusing on more of the turning aspects of it to flank the opponenet (tiu), individually in the air, then with partners. Eventually some Cat Washing Face was added to the mix as we worked on flanking our partners using both footwork concepts. Throughout the day, Sifu stressed the importance of both natural reactions & movements and keeping safe be maintaining one’s space. Overall, the day was very informative and enjoyable, lots of flow throughout the day and lots of positive energy left me feeling energized after the workshop!
Stephen Rudnicki
One of the purposes of the Ving Tsun Museum is to research Wing Chun's true roots and history. Throughout the year, the VTM will be giving the public first-hand experience on the latest theories based on current research. This Chi Sim workshop was the first of these experiences. According to current VTM research Chi Sim Weng Chun appears to be one of the earliest - if not the earliest - version of Wing Chun. This workshop covered the fundamentals of Chi Sim in history, philosophy and technical areas with a focus on introducing this treasure of the martial arts to the public.
The topics covered included: History and Chi Sim connections to other Wing Chun lineages, Chan nature, Wisdoms of Chi Sim, Yi Faat Sau Kung, Heaven/Human/Earth concept, Fundamentals of Body Methods based on Shapes and Forms of Chi Sim, Kiu Sau within Heaven/Human/Earth with a focus on Tiu and Buht, and the first section of Fa Kuen.
The next workshop will be in April with a focus on Chi Sim - but with an aim to experience connections to Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun.
Workshop Comments (15 participants):
The history of Wing Chun was discussed and I personally enjoyed this information because understanding where the science was created helps to connect the relationship of Chan and the philosophy of time/space/energy efficiently through Shaolin life. The time when Wing Chun was created is an amazing accomplishment in my opinion due to the lack of technology and science still reaching perfection of efficiency in time/space/energy.
“Body methods” was a very interesting topic we covered talking about the connection of the entire body to generate power by staying fluid in motion. Several drills helping to express body methods were covered.
Two of the eighteen ways to bridge in Kiu Sau were discussed; buht (out-to-in) and tiu (in-to-out), and drilled with and without partners. Overall I would like to say I enjoyed this workshop and a lot of valuable information was covered.
Brian Gibson
------------------
I feel energized, not tired. Anyone can make a technique work if their partner is standing still. I believe that’s why I feel energized – we were flowing and connected. The seminar moved very well for beginners as well as advanced. It came full circle, as the end summed up the beginning.
Jim Nulsse
------------------
This workshop had a logical flow and ended with the opportunity to experience the training. I have more appreciation of reading/sensing the opponent's energy and position. Also have a better concept of what a bridge / superior position is and am beginning to take some advantage of it.
Mike Walling
------------------
Today’s workshop was very interesting and was a great reality-check. Learning more about the history of Shaolin Weng/Wing Chun. We covered learning the body methods, leg, hip, chest (energy: tun/tou), tiu/buht (in-to-out and out-to-in body methods).
Scott Stapleton
------------------
Today brought a breath of fresh air to confirm the “Shaolin” approach to learning. The logic flow was very clear allowing me to arrive at a deeper connection (or bridge) to all that is Shaolin.
Chango Noaks
------------------
The workshop made me aware of the “feeling” of Chi Sim in reference to Heaven, Human, and Earth to connect and flow with my body. The essence of tan/out (swallow and spit) generating ging invigorates me and I will add it to my daily routine.
In the Fa Kuen form there are movements that now have meaning after experiencing the techniques in the workshop.
Sifu Meng provided many valuable insights into Weng Chun that can be applied to daily life and the Chan influence is evidence in all aspects of the art.
John Lambert
------------------
This was a great opportunity to learn more circular movements and connecting the body. Learning the history was helpful in positioning my understanding of the Chi Sim Weng Chun system and its similarities and differences to Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun. I wish that we had more time in general to learn more, however I was able to at least experience many new ways of understanding positioning, movement, sense, and action vs. reaction. The logic behind the motion that was given was also very helpful.
Azim Quentin
------------------
My experience with the Chi Sim Workshop was phenomenal. I was amazed at the similarities between Chi Sim and Hung Fa Yi, particularly the Chan Buddhism of Time/Space/Energy and the focus of concepts as opposed to fixed, pre-arranged movements. What I took away from this workshop was the three concepts of connection, flow, and change and how change allows you to create new space and time in every moment. It was fantastic!
Bryan Feagin
------------------
I see today’s workshop as very educational. I learned a lot of history and meaning. I also feel a lot of confidence, both in myself and from my teachers. Today’s workshop was very well taught and gave me a better insight ion the complexity of martial arts. Personally, I have poor rhythm and over think my next move. I am glad to be in a school so rooted in martial arts.
Dean Marlow
------------------
Today's workshop flowed well and presented a lot of information: history, concepts, strategy, bridging, body methods training, footwork/armwork, and partner drills. The focus on Heaven (Time/Space), Human (Energy) and Earth (Gravity/Identity) goes a long way toward helping to focus the chaos of fighting. With a progressive format - each piece of the workshop building to the next - I think the coverage of the first two bridges of the 18 Kiu Sau combined with body work, arm work and footwork really established a frame of reference to analyze fighting in terms of the whole body in all ranges of combat. Personally, I find the wisdom of Heaven, Human, Earth reaffirmed in all aspects of life such as gravitating towards some things and away from others, being mindful of where I spend my energy and aware of my time and space in the moment.
Today we shared the Chi Sim system with a lot of people new to the system. It was exciting and gratifying to see people start to realize the new information in both their minds and in their bodies.
Jeremy Roadruck
------------------
In the seminar today, I got to see the relationship between Chan Buddhism and Wing Chun. It began with the development of martial arts in China - the Wing Chun system grew out of the rebellion against the Qing. The seminar also exposed the fact that style is an illusion - the person's expression is the style. True fighting is based on the concept of time/space/energy. The Chi Sim Weng Chun deals with more circular shapes and motions while the Hung Fa Yi deals more with the triangle but you can see the connections between the two. All of them deal with time/space/energy. They call it Heaven, Man and Earth. The exercises brought the concept out a lot better. (Chi Sim) also expresses soft (as opposed to) hard energy. The workshop allows the forms to become more easy to grip because you have experienced the movement. The partner drills give you a chance to see and feel the energy where you find out about the right space and time.
Jeff Ramsey
------------------
This workshop helped me to stop looking at the surface (skin of a system) and look deeper into the meat of the Kung Fu system. The relationship between Chi Sim and Hung Fa Yi also became clearer to me. If you just look at body structure or the forms you may miss the connection. But, because Sifu Meng took the time to look past the surface of both systems and look into the history and Shaolin influence of both systems he was able to make this connection. My favorite part of the workshop was The Da Saam Sing and how Chi Sim trained this unique part of their system.
Joel Pryor
-------------------
The day began with a very thorough lecture by Jeremy R. regarding the history of Chi Sim and its development throughout the history of the Shaolin Temple. He also touched on the introduction of Chan into China as Buddhism combined with both Taoism and Confucianism. He made a very interesting point that the language of Buddhism is one of blending. It makes use of the present cultures’ identity and adapts to fit it rather than forcing the new culture to adapt to it.
Sifu Meng also had us analyze some photos from the latest Black Belt magazine to determine whether or not proper positioning and facing were even taken into consideration. He used this lesson to make the point that we can take the HFY formula and use it to break down any martial art to determine the practitoner's awareness and body structures.
After the history lesson, Sifu Meng began the day’s activities with the body methods of Chi Sim. The group warmed up with an intense session of up and down, side to side and front to back movements, learning how to connect our bodies with wave-like flow. Once warmed up, Sifu went into more details on the 18 Kiu Sau, touching specifically on the Tiu and Buht concepts. We practiced these concepts with some 3 Hitting Star (Da Saam Sing) exercises with partners, developing the energy flow and unity of the body with a partner, as well as finding and taking proper angles of entry. Further more Sifu also made mention of covering being sure to maintain awareness of our Heaven, Man and, Earth position as we drilled, not leaving any holes in our postures. This was also a central theme throughout the day's activities, using flow to connect our Heaven, Man, and Earth during the body method exercises.
After lunch, we began drilling the Waan and Kit footwork, focusing on more of the turning aspects of it to flank the opponenet (tiu), individually in the air, then with partners. Eventually some Cat Washing Face was added to the mix as we worked on flanking our partners using both footwork concepts. Throughout the day, Sifu stressed the importance of both natural reactions & movements and keeping safe be maintaining one’s space. Overall, the day was very informative and enjoyable, lots of flow throughout the day and lots of positive energy left me feeling energized after the workshop!
Stephen Rudnicki