Robert Hannon - Grand Champion!

[passing_through]

Robert Hannon, leader of the Saginaw Ving Tsun Club in Michigan, recently earned his third Grand Championship in Wing Chun Kung Fu.

To understand the significance of the Wing Chun Grand Champion status, competitors must participate in a total of 4 events: Forms, Wooden Dummy, Chi Sau and Sparring - this combination of events demonstrates skills in all aspects of Wing Chun.

Forms are sequences of movements linked together that express certain fighting concepts or fighting principles. The Wooden Dummy is a famous training tool used in the Wing Chun style of martial arts. It is used to develop a sense of proper angles for offense and defense in close-range fighting. Chi Sau is similar in purpose to the Wooden Dummy, except doing Chi Sau, which means “stick hands”, is performed with another person. In training Chi Sau a practitioner learns to control and limit an opponent’s ability to attack within mere inches, learning to find proper angles instinctively and automatically. Practitioners of Wing Chun with a high standard of skill can even perform Chi Sau blindfolded. Sparring is the free exchange of techniques, both punches and kicks, for several rounds.

In each of these four events first place earns 10 points, second place earns 7 points and third place earns 5 points. All the points are added together to calculate the Grand Championship. Robert swept the Wing Chun Division with 3 first places, dominating his competition.

Robert has been lighting up the competition circuit the last few years and is showing consistent success in all his events. Congratulations to Robert!

[Jim]

Which event was this? Also, how are these things scored (forms, dummy, chi sau, sparring)? I can't seem to find any info on the web....

[passing_through]

Jim,

It was the Taiji Legacy in Dallas, TX

As for scoring... lessee...

Forms/Dummy - generally scores are:
6.0-7.0 Beginner
7.0-8.0 Intermediate
8.0-9.0 Advanced
9+-10.0 for really, really good Advanced people

Scoring for forms generally are the most subjective in terms of scoring. Generally, Beginners should know the sequences of the form and have a sense of flow. Intermediate competitors should not only flow but also express power, alternating tempo (fast/slow movements), and have a sense of focus about themselves. Advanced competitors should be better than the Intermediate ones, while also displaying more precise details, use of hip for power, connection between breath and limbs.

For the Wooden Dummy, the movements on and off the dummy count as much as the power and flow expressed in each movement.

For Chi Sau, all techniques must occur with control of one or both arms of the opponent. You can't just flail at each other and expect to score any points. The rounds are set up so that one person attacks and one defends for the first round. They switch roles for the second round and then both are free to attack/defend on the third round. In all rounds, points are awarded for successful attack or defense. There are half-point deductions for swearing, illegal attacks (throat, direct to the face to hard the head whips back and others) and being forced out of the ring. Grabs are not allowed - and neither is shoving.

Sparring - depends on the format, light contact or San Shou.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Jeremy R.

[Cang Long]

Thanks for the info Sisuk Jeremy, sounds interesting and Congratulations are definately in order here for Mr. Hannon.