Wing Chun - Strong Elbow, Soft Arm (basic concept)

[surfh3r0]

i have a question for you jin:

my arm should be soft as a blade of grass and the elbow strong as steel. Tho when i do bon sao and i try to keep your word in mind, my arms try to pivot around the elbow, so instead of forming tan sao my hand fall down above my elbow and the hand that push me slip down

that's because i try to avoid moving my elbow when the other guy push me... i mean going to bon sao to tan sao means moving my elbow down and arms up against the force... what i'm doing wrong?

[videosdatreta]

This is boring, AND I'LL TELL YU WHY : Because the explanations of Chinaboxer are always the same: Excelent ones. And then, we can never say "oh, today it was different. Today we had a bad explanation, just to be different" So, thats always the same very good teaching, and no bad explanations... Boring :p :)

[jib122]

Wow, small world. I have been enjoying your videos, and I just checked your website, and we have trained in very similar ways - I trained at Paragon in S.B. with Franjinha, The Grill, Sean Apperson, and a lot with Jeff Glover - and my main background is in Wing Chun under Kurt Saenz, a student of Fong, and also a little with Phil Romero, a student of Hawkins. I love the videos, Keep it up!

[chinaboxer]

@jib122 thanks for the words of encouragement! =D

[swisskunk]

nice t shirt

[720logan]

Jin, could you please re-up the video "Wing Chun - Importance of Body Structure (concept)" which stops at 1:17? I would love to see that one! Its not to be found on your website. Its the one with Julius, the tall boxing guy. thank you!

[ila1964]

thanx, this makes total sense, i was taught wrong, that you tense the fist and arm momentarily upon impact

[MrOig2010]

hello Jin

i have a few questions to ask..i've been watching a lot of your videos..and i learned a lot..hahaha..

however i am having trouble about punches and the relax part..if i have to relax my shoulders, rely on the weight of my elbow(and have it strong as steel), and the forearm soft as a grass blade..then should i rely on the flex of my arm? bcuz if i rely on the elbow and the flex to complete the whole punch is there enough force to hurt the opponent? are distance and timing the keys?

[andrexango]

Hi Jin!

Many times my instructor talk to keep my fok-sao down(about in the chest) and to "close the passage" with my hand and fingers when I punch too.

My problem is that in that way I can't relax the ultimate part of my arm..

What's your suggestion about this?

Sorry for my uncorrect english...

[MyRosaryRomance]

thumbs up!

but i just wanna point out the "okay?.." =D 

[Evil5partan]

Where did he get that shirt? I love it lol

You're really good at explaining. :]

[beyb7]

hi i watch all your vids but im just wondering all your drills, basics and concepts, are they applicable with other martial arts?

[danielroussette]

a voir aussi videos full contact et energie full sur le site

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[BlindHaikido]

jin would you happen to know any good wing chun academies near va. beach, virginia?

[chinaboxer]

@BlindHaikido i don't but try asking on the forum at my website at thechinaboxer(dot)com, i'm sure someone might be able to help you out, peace!

[ethanpang]

Sifu Jin,

Watching your videos has inspired me, do you teach Wing Chun as a class? If so where, i'd be honored to meet you in person.

-Ethan

[5764830]

generous effort to expain as clear as possible, very down to earh practical explanations

[Huantalahnmi]

Incredibly interesting explanation.

Congratulations from a kenpo student! :D

[EDAJIREC]

Been watching your videos for a couple of weeks now and i find them so easy to follow and precise, its so much easier to learn the technique when you nderstand the concept behind it so many thanks and your videos have inspired me to learn alot more about this beautiful and majestic discipline.

[notjustastoner]

When your teachings get more advanced do you begin to apply full body concepts and body mechanics? eg absorbing attackers energy into your body, not using a "bong sao" to "block" but moving your entire body around the attack like water?....or do you keep the shapes and tenseness and stay traditional?

[stevejh888]

Sound concept and clear explanation. What linkage are you?

[sparingunz]

1) when i punch, where do i need to put my strength in?

2) when i punch, do i need to relax or flex? and when/which part of my body?

3) when i relax and punch, my wrist bends even if I make my fist the way you showed me

4) do i need to make my fist tight or loose?

5) what is the most and least important in fighting in your opinion? experience, speed, strength, size. (who's most likely to win in a fight? a person with speed, size, experience and strength?)

thanks for answering

[chinaboxer]

1) the ground

2) relax but not lazy, stretch but not tense, extend and not contract the muscles

3) you need to "smell the wrist"

4) go back to #2

5) confidence and strong spirit

[sparingunz]

ahhhh thanks, but i dont get how u put strength on the ground, and what u mean by smell the wrist

[kotekotekitty]

@sparingunz Imagine if you are trying to push someone , to make the person move you have to put your strength into the ground to make them move but if you lean on the person you might fall if they move so you have to remain balanced while using the ground to put the weight behind your punch instead of leaning into the punch

[JALPORTE]

This makes a lot of sence. Thanks for giving some good ideas.

Jalporte

[chinaboxer]

no problemo. peace!

[MegaHelloutube]

@chinaboxer Hey, so i was invited to join a sparring club on campus, the dudes that go have a youtube video, can you watch it and give me any pointers? search "sparring moments" it is the first one that pops up. I watch all your videos but the guys are boxers and i'm not sure how to deal with them.. Thanks.

[chinaboxer]

@MegaHelloutube it's not them that i need to see, it's you.

[sild123]

hmm, i see. i also thought that if i contract the muscle when someone punching, then the force we apply to the enemy will come back to the puncher, since there's a saying "to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction" which you may have heard. i still try to get the feeling of the "stretching" when im punching, not literally but you know what i mean. Thanks for your kind answers and your video. regards

[sild123]

i have watched your video 'power of the stretch' when i ask the question before, i just wondering is using fajin wrong? i know you are reluctant to answer this, but im just curious. thanks jin!

[chinaboxer]

the term "fajin" can be misunderstood which is why it's hard to answer. all i'm saying is that if you focus on "contracting" your muscles at the end of your strike, then that is not correct "fajin". but if you maintain a relaxed structure and strike with your body while keeping your "third stick" relaxed and focusing on stretching, at the point of impact, then that is correct "fajin".

[sild123]

before i watched some of your videos, i learned that one is to use "fa-jin" in one's punch/ attack. so that means contracting the muscle at the very end of the attack. some WC school used this concept. is it wrong? or it's just different? what would you prefer to use? i know u have already got a lot of question like this, im just curious. regards. peace!

[chinaboxer]

focus on the "extension" or stretch versus focusing on the contraction of the muscle. there are many reasons for this. try taking a look at my video "wing chun - power of the stretch (basic concept)" which might help answer your question. peace!

[Khenz1001]

i've read some jkd and wc articles which hav taked about heaviness in the hand. I understand this, i think it's trying to explain the ball and chain effect in wc punches. Is this true or should i just concentrate on strong elbow postioning?

[chinaboxer]

"heavy hands" are a result of a solid relaxed structure, so i would just focus on that and allow everything else to naturally fall into place. peace!

[sonnenschein33]

Your videos are great...full of important wing chun knowledge, which is shown very clearly, so people can really understand it well... and the videos are also entertaining.

Although my teacher (Ving Tsun, Wong Shun Leung lineage) told me quite a few times, what you tell in this video, I'm just watching it the second time...because it's never wrong to be reminded of the real important basics...and Johns shirt and your cap are really cool ;-) rock on...greets from Munich

[chinaboxer]

glad you're enjoying the videos. take care and peace!

[sandeorsandeor]

this is excellent.

when are you coming to serbia?

[chinaboxer]

wish i had the money to travel to serbia. sounds like fun! =D

[RoaringTiger281]

Jin this was a great lesson! Just curious it has always been said to clench your fist at the moment of impact. How is your view that you should not? Just curious because when hitting the face or hard surface seems like the hard impact won't be there or risk to injury if you do not clench at least at the end. This is not a critisism to you just a curious question. You lessons are top notch many thanks!

[chinaboxer]

good question. i'll work on a video to help explain the fists impact, since i get this question alot. take care and peace!

[lytwielder]

lol, does that shirt say go fuck yourself?

[chinaboxer]

it says "go huckurself" i think it has something to do with bikes. lol..not sure.

[mohbob]

MAN !! THIS IS THE BEST WING CHUN VID ON THE NET !!!! excellent explation for elbow energy!!

[chinaboxer]

thanks for the words of encouragement. keep growing, keep practicing and take care!

[xReverseRoundHousex]

havent been on in a minute got to catch up

[mywingchunsucks]

I don't know if you viewers realize this but what Sifu Young is demonstrating is very solid advice that many martial arts sifu's do not normally disclose to their students either because they don't know or are (continued)

[chinaboxer]

thanks for your kind words and if i'm ever in your area, i'm always up for good tea and conversation. your sign in name made me laugh..=D take care and peace!

[mywingchunsucks]

(continued) "holding back" information. Sifu Young you have a very solid understanding of Wing Chun and Tai Chi principles and i just want to let you know that this video has made me have a new found respect for you. if you ever in the NYC/NJ/PA area please let me know. I would love to have a cup of tea or maybe even some Yum Cha with you and talk about martial arts. Keep up the good work.

[jorgearenas]

Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend. -Bruce Lee

[chinaboxer]

one of my favorite quotes by Bruce Lee

[mk23666]

"The Tao of Martial Tao" by Jin Young

"Simplified Complexity" by Jin Young

"I Can Show You, But Can You Do It" by Jin Young

"Technique Versus Movement" by Jin Young

"Turn Off Those Shoulders ... WHAM! and Other Various Musings" by Jin Young

"Right? Okay?" by Jin Young

[chinaboxer]

HAHAHA..that just made my week, thanks!

[dmoney69696969]

@mk23666 What are you talking about?

[mk23666]

@dmoney69696969 Don't worry it's an inside joke with Jin. He understood it.

[dmoney69696969]

@mk23666 Oh ok.

[moltenthoughts]

china boxer your videos are very educational you give good and thorough explainations of wing chun concepts. can you apply wing chun effectively in sparring with a partner ? if so then you should post a video in which you do so. great video as always

[chinaboxer]

thanks for your words of encouragement. i will be getting into sparring strategies in the near future. i'm trying to get the basics covered to lay a strong foundation for future material.

[khelonium]

I bet that at 2:15 you corrected his hand involuntary. It would be a very nice thing if you can share some of your experience on wing chun specific workouts , like what do you recommend , what not , when to stop , etc.

And thank you , your videos are really helpful .

[khelonium]

make that 2:13

[chinaboxer]

lol...i see what you are saying about correcting his other hand. that made me laugh cause you're right, i didn't even know i did that.

i'm working on a video on exercises that i do to enhance my wing chun. it's just difficult to do everything due to work, teaching, training, writing and finding the time to get the videos done as well. i'm doin my best! -_o

[khelonium]

are you writing a wing chun book?

[chinaboxer]

not at the moment, but i am creating a website.

[1wun]

Nice one Jin, this is class. Don't stop your stuff, your a G!

[chinaboxer]

thanks!

[moy4you2]

Mon Sao tells you what is happening.

I allways depend on the second reaction the other player. Sorry for the miss spelling of drooping of letters . anyway I hope you get the gest of what I'm saying..

[moy4you2]

keep it relaxed. you can to the point of impact , or you can use a Bil Sao to work-in a Mon Sao then the Mon Sao and the reaction of your pardner.

I don't depend on the punch. Or you can blast thouht then you lost out on the Mon Sao " what gonig on so you can make up your mind. I like to use lop then Dim Jerm, or lop and sweep.

[cheesecheesecheese99]

Firstly, can I just say I am a huge fan of youre videos. They are easily the best ones on the internet, and theyve been a great help to my understanding.

I do however want to ask about the fist. When we punch, we are tought to tense just before impact to brace the wrist, but the video says to keep it relaxed.

Am I understadning that correctly, because if so, doesnt that risk injury to your wrist? Any help or input (from anyone) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[chinaboxer]

i get this question quite a bit, i'll try and explain it in an upcoming video. thanks for the kind words, peace!

[JayDeLart]

I've been practicing a lot lately. I can't take formal training at the moment due to some complications, but my understanding of the concepts is slowly becoming more clear as I continue to practice. I'm developing a better feel for the art through your videos.

Once again, I'd like to Thank You -- and also Bryan and Jon (and the others who've helped make these videos).

[chinaboxer]

we appreciate your comment. take care and keep practicing!

[shadowminer2]

Great Video! Very detailed as usual : D.

I always thought about what move to do next, but know I do not have to! Thanks again for the video!

[chinaboxer]

"don't think, feeeeeeeel, it is like a finger pointing to the moon; (slap to the top of your head) don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory!" - Bruce Lee

[1wun]

haha nice

[anthonyr1]

does John's shirt sat Go Frack Yourself?? lol

[chinaboxer]

lol..no it says "go huck yourself".

[anthonyr1]

ahhh, alright. Thought it was a Battlestar Galactica reference haha, excellent video, as always

[moy4you2]

gung sau closer to your face and passing your groin going into Po Pi jung. I too learned this two years ago from one of my Si Suk's students . I love whiching other Sihing, Si Suk Gung. and so on. They is a lot of Gung-fu behind closed doors,It a mater on where you are timeing and being on good terms with other,

[moy4you2]

As for RyzER617 ( how due you place tension in your elbows via the triceps? the elbow is a joint ?

[moy4you2]

Free bee !

try playing gung sau passing your face at the sometime using a gung sau .this guards the face and turn to your left or right then goin to Po Pi. A it from the jung and from the Siu Nim Tao

gung sau, Fuk Sao also sounds good as long as you end up w / Po Pi jung.

[moy4you2]

Yes differentiate that every school plays the forms the same, but But ... from, time details crop up . For example the part before bung sau .Tan Sao, gung sau to Tan sau near the shoulder gung sau back up to the center line Tan then Huen Sao then hit. The sau near the shoulder is kinder squared off. You don't want to due Tan on the side then bring it back to you shoulder this will give you a bad habbit the other guy's hand to yor face when playing Chi sao .

[RicHimself]

I reallyreally love your videos...eventhough our first form is different, basicly we follow all the same idea

[chinaboxer]

thanks for supporting my videos. take care and peace!

[moy4you2]

Jin Nice video. Would you say that the elbow is like a VW. you know that the motor is in the back.

and in Sui Nim Tao at first the hand is not making any commitment the fist is hard for some time, then over time you losen it.

just lose ,but not danging the fingers .

[chinaboxer]

i like the Volkswagon motor in the back analogy. take care and peace!

[moy4you2]

5715 Brandt Pike

Dayton, Oh 45424

(937) 236-6485

I where I got the Yip Man System Student Manual

Levels 1-9

I find this complementary to all learning "check out the back . In the book look for the in formation that Sifu Jin is sharing .

Gung-Fu life

[moy4you2]

Yes check out the back of the book,This book explains evey thing that all the video.what ever school you belong to ..

[moy4you2]

rhetorical question. "Would you think Jip Sau, Jau Daan. Luk Sau Teui Mah" Good book , Yip Man System Student Manual Levels 1-9

I love this book even though I'v been in the Moyyat school for 17 yrs I find it complementary to all way learning "check you the back ou the book pages .

[chinaboxer]

never seen the book, but i'm always looking to expand my knowledge, so i'll take a look at it. thanks for the tip.

[industrial6824]

Great vid chinaboxer...as always.

Please keep making them!

[chinaboxer]

thanks for supporting my videos!

[davidhlee]

This is really good explanation, spot on! proper understanding of wing chun unlike alot of clips here on youtube that are simply rubbish!

[chinaboxer]

thanks for the compliment. take care and peace!

[RyzER617]

Jin -

I Suck at Chi sao (hey only been doing this almost three months[and I wasnt supposed to learn C/S until 6 months haha]. A question?

You mention 2 stick like iron. Indeed wouldnt that imply to place tension in your elbows via the triceps?

To make it worse-my Asst. Intructor blasted me across the Dojo with the Full Range of Wing Chun techniques during chi sao--and I'm tellin you--out of like 50 moves i detected only 1!-my arms were totally relaxed elbows in and down (believe me). HELP!

[RyzER617]

Also I'm not trying to imply that my training is being rushed (I feel like I'm being drowned in a barrel of molasses for that matter)--theyre tryin to work me into it since my basics are pretty good (ie Tan/Fook/Tan/Jut/ root/etc.).

Five Stars man (as usual for you these days ;o)

[chinaboxer]

i understand what you mean, sometimes it's the new guys with "talent" that get the most grief.

[chinaboxer]

it's hard to say what you need to focus on without being there to see you move. but keep focusing on the concepts and principles and you'll get it with practice.

[angelsonx]

Jon's shirt is pretty funny. :)

[chinaboxer]

lol..yea. that's pretty much his motto "go huckurself" -_o

[sirhighlanderdude]

do you have a class where you teach wing chun?

[chinaboxer]

i only teach privately here in los angeles. take care!