What is combative Wing Chun?

first, let me tell you what is is not, It's not a a new style of wing chun, its not a style of wing chun that I made up to re invent the system to brand it as my own creation, Wing Chun is Wing chun.

what is it: in a sentence, it is the attitude and goal you decide to apply to your opponent or attacker, the difference? is there just one attacker or three? do they have weapons? these are some key considerations to decide if a self defence methodology will do or a combative one may be best.

It is a way of thinking, defined by your intent. Wing chun at its core seeks the fastest incapacitation of your opponent or opponents. What makes it different from self-defence? It is your attitude toward your opponent; it is the external ferocity you apply on a physical level.

Therefore Classical, self-defence, and combative methodologies or mindsets exist in all martial arts.

Classical

A methodology to apply your martial art in a picture-perfect way, as if you were applying your techniques in a form and being judged on your precision. However, all these techniques are applied against an opponent that is trying to attack you using whatever style they know.

Self-defence

A methodology of doing your style of fighting in a way that is passive. You are not seeking to damage, maim, or kill your opponent. Your goal is simply to ward off your attacker, giving yourself enough time to make your escape.

Combative

A methodology that is usually applied as an aggressor or a person whose goal is to totally dominate and incapacitate the opponent and render them incapable of taking any further action, meaning to damage, maim, or kill your opponent.

It is important to know each methodology and know when you would apply it and why. The "when" and "why" will be personal to each person.

Classical

Classical is almost often used as a way of practicing and a way of teaching others. It outlines the core principles of every movement. Each technique is a movement, each movement is an expression that leads to a desired outcome, and a series of outcomes that lead to an overall end outcome, the most advanced practitioners can successfully apply the classical methodology to an opponent applying a combative methodology.

Key aspects of classical methodology:

• Emphasis on forms and shapes: It emphasizes form, teaching, and developing muscle memory, improving coordination, and instilling discipline.
• Repetition and refinement: Classical methodology emphasizes the importance of repetition and refinement. Practitioners are expected to practice forms and techniques over and over again, gradually refining their movements and developing their skills.
• Emphasis on internal training: Classical methodology places a strong emphasis on internal training. This includes developing mental discipline, the development of internal concepts, and understanding the principles of yin and yang.

The benefits:

• Develops strong fundamentals: Classical methodology provides a solid foundation in the basics of the martial art. This is essential for developing effective fighting skills.
• Promotes mental and physical discipline: The repetitive nature of classical training helps to develop mental and physical discipline. This can be beneficial in all aspects of life.
• Instils a deep understanding of the martial art: Classical methodology helps practitioners to develop a deep understanding of the principles and philosophy of the martial art.

Classical methodology is still used today by many martial arts schools around the world. While some schools have adapted their methods to incorporate modern training techniques, classical methodology remains an essential part of martial arts training.

Self-defence

The practice of self-defence is to protect yourself from harm in a real-world situation. This encompasses a range of strategies and tactics, including:

• Aversion and avoidance: The first and most important principle of self-defence is to avoid dangerous situations whenever possible. Awareness of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, and taking steps to minimize all risk are key.
• De-escalation: If you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, the goal should be to de-escalate the situation and avoid conflict. This may involve using verbal communication, body language, or other non-confrontational methods.
• Escape and evasion: If de-escalation fails and you are faced with an attacker, your primary goal should be to escape or evade the situation. This may involve running away, using obstacles to create distance, or using your martial arts skills to create an opportunity for escape.
• Self-defence techniques: If escape is not possible, you may need to use self-defence techniques to protect yourself from harm. This involves using a variety of martial arts strikes, blocks, and takedowns to neutralize the threat.
• Mental preparedness: Self-defence is not just about physical technique; it is also about mental preparedness. You need to be able to stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and execute your techniques effectively.

Effective self-defence methodology application of martial arts should emphasize:

• Practicality: The techniques should be easy to learn and apply in real-world situations.
• Efficiency: The techniques should be designed to stop an attacker quickly and effectively.
• Adaptability: The techniques should be adaptable to different situations and opponents.
• Safety: The techniques used should be non-lethal and cause no permanent injury. The goal is to preserve your life without injury.

 

Combative Methodology

Combative methodology application of martial arts refers to the utilization of martial arts techniques and principles in a combative or fighting context. This encompasses a wide range of approaches, from unarmed combat to the use of weapons, with the primary goal of gaining control of an adversary or neutralizing a threat.

Key aspects of combative methodology include:

• Emphasis on effectiveness: Combative methodology prioritizes techniques and strategies that are proven to be effective in real-world fighting situations. This involves studying and practicing techniques that are designed to incapacitate an opponent quickly and efficiently.
• Adaptability to different scenarios: Combative methodology trains practitioners to adapt their techniques and strategies to various fighting scenarios, including striking, grappling, and weapons-based encounters.
• Emphasis on timing, distance, and leverage: Combative methodology highlights the importance of timing, distance, and leverage in combat. Practitioners learn to exploit their opponent's weaknesses, control the tempo of the fight, and use their body mechanics effectively to gain an advantage.
• Mental conditioning and situational awareness: Combative methodology emphasizes the importance of mental conditioning and situational awareness. Practitioners develop the ability to remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and assess threats effectively.

Applications of combative methodology in martial arts:

• Military and law enforcement: Combative methodology is an integral part of training for military personnel and law enforcement officers, who need to be prepared to defend themselves and others in high-stakes situations.
• Self-defence: Combative methodology provides a foundation for self-defence, equipping individuals with the skills and techniques to protect themselves against potential threats.
• Martial arts competitions: Combative methodology is also applied in martial arts competitions, where practitioners spar or fight against trained opponents in controlled settings.
• Mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports: Mixed martial arts (MMA) and other combat sports heavily rely on combative methodology, as practitioners draw from various martial arts disciplines to develop a well-rounded fighting style.

Examples of martial arts that emphasize combative methodology:

• Muay Thai: Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a striking-based martial art that incorporates punches, kicks, elbows, and clinching techniques.
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ focuses on grappling and ground fighting, emphasizing joint locks, chokeholds, and submission techniques.
• Krav Maga: Krav Maga is a self-defence system developed for the Israeli military, incorporating techniques from various martial arts and combat disciplines.
• MMA: MMA blends striking, grappling, and wrestling techniques, creating a versatile and effective combative style.
• Jeet Kune Do: Jeet Kune Do, founded by Bruce Lee, emphasizes adaptability, fluidity, and directness in combat, drawing from various martial arts concepts.

Why adapt Wing Chun to combativemethedology?

Well to a point Wing chun has a very combative way about how it achieves its goal, however, in this day and age, applying a combative attitude will create issues that will get you arrested for using excesive force. Classical, self defence, and combative methodologies all exists in all Martial arts, there is no adaptation to the Wing Chun system, but there is a personal aspect to it. To fight with an opponent with a combative methodology is very different to a classical or self-defence methodology. The combative methodology usually means that you and your opponent want to achieve the same thing against the other, a self-defence methodology means you want to get away safe and unharmed, but the opponent wants to do you harm, the classical methodology means you are not fearful, you are practicing, exploring your own curiosity and application of the opponents movements and your responses to their movements.

Be aware that if your opponent uses a classical methodology to stop your combative attack and they are highly successful? Know that you are probably outmatched in every way, discipline opens the minds eye, just know that the eyes in your head are useless when the mind is blind.  

"From the very outset of teaching, I noticed a widespread sense of disillusionment within the Wing Chun community. Too many instructors and schools prioritize financial gain over genuine instruction, resulting in a lack of pressure testing and practical application of techniques. My very first instructor, Sifu Simon Lau, instilled in me the importance of rigorous training, incorporating intense sparring sessions with frequent partner changes. Pressure testing is an indispensable element of all combative sports and martial arts, as it allows individuals to hone their skills under realistic conditions and adapt their movements to the intended environment."

-Raymond Rodriguez