On Grappling
Guest Contributor, November 21st, 2007
I think the problem with the “Wing Chun has no grappling” argument is in the interpretations of the art people have been taught by many of the current Sifu’s (this century). Much of it concentrates on superficial “striking” and landing hits, with controlling and manipulation taking a side line supportive nature. Controlling (holds, locks, manipulations, etc) and uprooting - “grappling” is certainly at the heart of the art, or any combative art for that matter. The problem again, is there are certain pop-culture (yes, martial arts does have a pop-culture) views that relate “grappling” to a “wrestling” ala Greco-Roman, etc. separate art view.
With regards to ground fighting in particular, that again is a view that is subject to interpretation. Many of the interpretations taught have taken certain drills and drill formats as a gospel - i.e. the application, rather than the general principles, timing, and general coordination they are meant to teach. Similarly with the forms (whatever forms your branch has).
The reason these all take the format often seen is because you need a starting point - a frame of reference to begin with. However, somewhere along the line people have forgotten that the starting point is not the goal. You learn the principles, energies, etc of the art in it’s physical format as a starting point. To understand this, think of it in this way - if you’re cross-training to learn a specific art that specializes in a specific positioning (such as ground fighting) where do you stop? Are you going to try and find an art that specializes in fighting from a chair? Running on a beach? Leaning to the side on a counter? The key is that if you truly understand your art - if it truly is complete and adaptable - are its principles and concepts applicable at all times? Or do you see your system as just a collection of a bunch of physical techniques? Think a second as to why there are so many physical interpretations of this art to begin with, yet all seem to derive from/follow the same core principles and energies. When thinking of this, the next important concept comes to mind - can YOU apply them at any and all times, or just from specific starting points (ala class type drills and static stances)?
As far as cross-training or even working with people from other arts is concerned, it certainly is a valuable source of reference - approaching from the idea of principles (positioning, motion, timing, etc) and energy, you can understand and see how to apply and get similar results from your own frame of reference without actually adopting a specific physical technique. Some physical techniques however are certainly universal - a standard choke with the arms for example. How you get to or manipulate in to such a technique or positioning is art/interpretation dependant.
Just some food for thought based on my own experiences and understanding.
Marty Goldberg started training in Kenpo Karate in 1981, at the age of 10. Through the years he continued furthering his love of the arts through studies of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Ninpo, Western Boxing and Wrestling, and Thai Boxing. In 1992, he made the choice to study the Wing Chun system of grandmaster William Cheung, and soon decided to follow the Wing Chun way permanently. In 1993, Goldberg was appointed the offical internet represntative of grandmaster Cheung. Goldberg also founded and continues to co-administer the Wing Chun Mailing list. In 1998, he co-founded the International Wing Chun Kung Fu Federation, the first organization dedicated to the promotion of all wing chun, all branches, across the world
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