Our Blog
Everything you need to know about training Martial Arts. Articles range from 'How to train specific Techniques' to important News & Events.
Use this Headlock Defence and Stop Punches to Your Face A common move in most street fights is the headlock followed by a punch to the face. Grabbing and squeezing the neck is natural and instinctive in any street fight let alone in grappling. That’s why it’s important to know a good headlock defence. Unfortunately, most people rely on the idea that you could simply the guy applying the headlock in the groin. Sounds simple, but this doesn’t always work. […]
KEY SIGNS OF ATTACK… PRE-ATTACK INDICATORS The KEY signs of ATTACK are not what you may think. People often say you can tell when the attack is coming by the way someone stands. But is that true? In this article we look at the REAL Pre Attack Indicators of an impending attack. Take these seriously points seriously as there are many myths in what to look for. Most of the commonly cited Pre-Attack Indicators are simply unrealistic in a high […]
3 Things to Survive & Escape the Mounted Position in Street Fights Every violent encounter has a significant psychological factor. Someone sitting on your chest, while punching you in the face will strike fear in anyone. That’s why it’s called Ground and Pound. So, this week we are going to look at 3 IMPORTANT Details on How to Escape the Mounted Position. This article isn’t about Brazilian Jui Jitsu training. Rather how to Defend Against Punches When Mounted in a […]
How to Face Fear and Intimidation in a Fight If you wan to know how to face fear and intimidation in a fight, then read our three top tips for improving your self defence. These tips may even help you avoid a street fight. Make sure you watch the above video as well. Imagine someone standing in your face threatening you with violence. what would you do? Your body language is vital to dealing with this form of physical intimidation. […]
How to Protect yourself Physically: Why TIME is KEY in Self Defence Offenders need a moment in time to commit their crime. Especially in public spaces. So, time is an important variable in criminal behaviour. An offender has to commit the crime and exit the scene without being caught. This means the longer the duration, the greater the risk to the offender. Therefore, delaying or frustrating an attack could be an effect weapon in knowing how to protect yourself physically. […]
How do You Escape the Headlock in BJJ? A common move in most street fights is the headlock followed by a punch to the face. In fact, people grabbing your head is especially common in every white belt that starts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Grabbing and squeezing the neck is natural and instinctive when grappling. That’s why it’s important to know how you escape the headlock in BJJ. In this article and video we look at the simplest method in […]
Why Weapon Defence is Pointless without Situational Awareness People often learn to defend themselves against edged weapons. Yet, have you ever considered being attacked with an improvised tool? Logically you are more likely to be attacked with an item that is easily accessible in heat of the moment. This is why people are often stabbed in kitchens. So you need to have a sense of Weapon Situational Awareness. Knowing what objects can be used as a weapon against you will […]
How to Defend Yourself – Managing Emerging Threats When you consider how to defend yourself, do you understand the importance of identifying threats to your safety? Especially if you are in an argument with a stranger in the street. How do you know if this person is dangerous enough to pull a weapon on you? What happens if the person attacks you with empty hands, but then decides to escalate with a knife? Well, this article will help you identify […]
Situational Awareness Training: Case Study Surprise and Panic are two factors that make the average person freeze when suddenly attacked. Good Situational Awareness is key to Self Defence. In fact, the best self defence is prevention, rather than cure. Ultimately, you don’t want to fight or be put in a position where you have to defend yourself. That’s why situational awareness training is key. Today we look at how poor situational awareness lead to this man being choked unconscious and […]
What do Attackers Look for in a Victim? It takes a predatory individual less than seven seconds to select a victim. This makes the decision process practically automatic. Why is this important for you to know? Well, it’s important to know what makes you a target for violence. In other words, to see through the eyes of the predator. What do potential attackers look for in a victim? So What Do Attackers Look for in a Victim Your body language […]
How to Defend Yourself Against a Weapon? You are strolling back to your car. There are two guys standing nearby. As you reach to open your car door, one of them puts a gun to your head. What do you do? How do you defend yourself against this weapon? You can practice knife and gun defence as much as possible in the Dojo, but to truly defend yourself against a weapon you must understand the psychology of the situation. If […]
Is Judo Good for Self Defence? Judo is effective for self defence for a number of reasons. Watch our video to see how effective Judo can be in a real life situation. However, this defensive encounter teaches us when is the right time to take action to defend yourself. As well as setting personal boundaries for self defence. Watch the video case study to learn how to see pre attack indicators that signal a violent attack. Let me know in […]
MMA vs traditional Martial Arts Why do Chinese martial arts keep losing in challenge fights with MMA rules? This is an interesting question since Chinese martial arts have a long historic tradition of challenge fighting. MMA vs traditional Martial Arts is a debate that exposes Chinese martial arts like Wing Chun to ridicule. Which also leads to the question: if it is so good, then why are Chinese martial arts not used in MMA? In this article I am going […]
Can You Block a Punch in Street Fight? Is action faster than reaction? The point is can you block a punch in a street fight. Here’s the problem. You’ve got to see and react to a punch. Unfortunately, most people’s natural reactions are simply too slow to respond. However, there is a solution in how to block a punch. Keep reading and I will highlight the best way to defend against punches in a street fight. Make sure to watch […]
Is MMA as REAL as it Gets for Self Defence The UFC uses the tagline ‘As Real as it Gets’. Meaning that MMA is as real as it gets to fighting in the real world. Is that really true? The degree of violence in an MMA contest is often compared to a street fight or violent encounter. People think it’s the same and by default that MMA is best for self defence. However, the issue is not as simple as you […]
How To Find A Good Martial Arts School How do you know the person you’ve entrusted to teach you how to defend yourself is the right person for you? You see sometimes people don’t know any different. So this leads to the question: how to find a good martial arts school? People join their local martial art school in the hope that they’re going to learn how to defend themselves. Unfortunately, just because the school is local, it doesn’t mean that […]
Can You Be To Old to Learn Martial Arts? There’s a common saying in boxing, “An old boxer never loses his punch”. His reflexes may be slower. His cardio and recovery may be weaker, but his power output should be similar to his youth. Except he may be a little slow in pulling that trigger. This may be true, but what is the Best Martial Arts for an Older Person? And can you be to old to learn martial arts? […]
Major Signs of Dominance You Must Pay Attention in Self Defence Displays of aggression can come in many forms. The most obvious are acts or signs of dominance. What some call a Monkey Dance. Having some understanding of the nonverbal communication behaviour of people trying to exert dominant can help you defend yourself. What is the Monkey Dance? Essentially, it’s an aggressive confrontation characterised by nonverbal communication intend as a display of dominance. So what do I mean when I […]
How Do Criminals Choose their Victims? Looking at a crowd of people walking on a busy street, how would you choose a victim for a crime? Who would standout to a predatory individual? Well, in this article we’re going to discuss at the issue of victim selection. How criminals choose their victims. Why some people are more likely selected as a victim of crime. So keep reading. Make sure you watch the video above for real self defence examples. Predatory […]
Why Are Some People Targeted for Bullying or Violent Crime Psychologists have known for years that human predators select their prey based on signals given off by their potential victims. In a matter of seconds, the predator acquires a sense of who is and isn’t a suitable target. For every victim that is attacked, many more are past over. Knowing how Bad Guys target victims will help your self defence. So, read on to understand how you can avoid being […]
The Truth About Violent Attackers and Self Defence Violence in the street (Transitional Spaces) can occur for many reasons. Random acts of violence are rare. Bad guys often think that they’re the heroes of their own story. It’s their narrative that justifies violence. In their mind, they are the victim, and therefore the good guy. Your role in their drama has been defined. Especially when committing a crime. Fighting back may elicit higher degree of violent retaliation. In this article […]
How to Defend Yourself: The 3 P RULE to SURVIVE Street Fights This week we look at the best approach to defend yourself when someone is squaring off to you in an argument in the street fight. Here are 3 simple self defence techniques that could make a difference to your personal safety. Watch our video to learn how to deal with someone trying to intimidate you for a fight in 3 simple rules. We discuss the importance of correct […]
How to Overcome Fear in Street Fights Most people train martial arts because they don’t want to be hit. In fact, they spend most of their time training against pretend punches in the hope that they will never be hit in the real world. Then how do you overcome fear in street fights? Does this approach help your self defence? I often say to my students, “You must expect to get hit in a real fight. If you think it’s […]
There are many people that feel that the best form of self defence is to get angry in a fight. Just watch our video and see for yourself. So this week we ask… Does anger help in a fight? I remember meeting someone who held this view. He said, “I don’t need to learn how to defend myself. I just get angry.” Of course, that’s the worst method of all to defend yourself, getting angry, doesn’t lead to emotional control. […]
People always say the Best Self Defence technique is to run away. Some even call it “Run Fu”. But is it really true? Telling people to run away to protect themselves is an easy answer to an often complicated question of self defence. Just watch the video to see for yourself. While it is easy to tell someone to run away there are a few things that you should consider. Surprise Attacks are Often Criminal Events (e.g. Robbery) Firstly […]
Announcing our NEW Beginners Induction Course, 10th August 2020. If you have been thinking about getting in shape, taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill this year, come along to our new Beginners course. Designed exclusively for Beginners, this course will teach you realistic self-defence for the real world, whilst improving your fitness and confidence. Our approach is simple, professional, and unique to our Academy. Duration: 4 Weeks Class times: Mondays @ 7 – 8:15pm Price: £60 […]
How do you train martial arts alone? In fact, how do you train martial arts at home? Well, let’s not be misleading with title of this video. I don’t believe that you can learn a martial art on your own. You do need instruction. You need coaching, you need supervision. But you can train on your own. And you can train to improve your martial art. So, if you’re going to train alone, here’s my three top tips to improve […]
Most people telegraph their punches by winding their hands and shoulders back. The problem with this is that the bad guy can then see the strike coming. When this happens, there’s almost no chance that you’ll land that punch. Given notice, they will be able to move out of the way, block or deflect it. So, how do you fix this problem and HIDE your punches?! The idea is simple: Hit from where your hands lie. What does this mean? Wherever […]
Fighting, and self defence, is as much a psychological matter as a physical one. When defending yourself in, say, an attack on the street, what are your aims? This may seem like an odd question with an obvious answer, but believe it or not this varies from person to person. 1. INTENTION In order to effectively defend yourself you have GOT to mean it, and want to fight. This does not mean picking a fight and assailing an innocent person. […]
One idea in self-defence is to hit from where your hands are, as this makes any follow-up more efficient and likely to land. It is a very simple Wing Chun concept. The idea is two-fold: It avoids telegraphing your punch It maximises efficiency of both the punch AND the follow-up Pulling your hands back when punching telegraphs your movement, the bad guy can literally see your punch or strike. Knowing how to throw a punch is crucial in any street […]
Nothing is more frightening than facing an opponent who makes quiet, controlled, and purposeful movements in a fight. Especially when you can’t read what they are thinking or what they are capable of doing next. Creating a calm and intimidating presence can affect the even the most experienced fighters. Number 1 Don’t let your opponent lead the fight or make you rush. Set your own pace and make them work to your rate. This has a massive effect on the […]
Motivation is your ability to begin and continue action. It’s what makes you wake up and want to train day in and day out. But how do we maintain our motivation when training becomes mundane? The Reality of Learning Martial Arts Before we discuss the simple steps to improve your motivation for martial arts training, let’s first briefly examine the reality of learning any skill. What day- to- day training is really about. “The Grind” appears when the new and exciting […]
Wing Chun vs Boxing: Testing Wing Chun Chi Sao Skills on a PRO Boxer Watch the video below for a simple analysis about what happened. About John McDermott John McDermott is an English heavyweight boxer from England. He is a two-time challenger for the British Heavyweight title and is the current English Heavyweight title holder. On 18 April 2008, McDermott won the vacant English heavyweight title, knocking out Pele Reid in the second round. He had fought for the […]
Here’s a great alternative to punching that will end a Fight in Seconds. It’s taken from Jiu Jitsu and relies on throwing or slamming a bad guy to the concrete floor! The technique is to clinch and throw; that’s the knockout strike. The fall in itself can injure and disorientate your attacker. This gives you another option for Self Defence. There are 2 main ways to set up this throw: 1) To counter their punches Cover up and close the […]
In the actual moment of a fight, how can you improve your performance? How can you fight better during the event itself? Surprisingly, the answer has little to do with fighting technique or fitness, but more to do with your motivational psychology. Fighting performance can be seen as the sum of 3 components: The First component is the sum of your fighting abilities, your mental, physical, and technical skills. To a certain extent these are fixed when you enter a contest […]
Why Oblique kick the knees in MMA? Stomp kicks are effective in Self Defence as well as in mixed martial arts (MMA). You only have to look at any Jon Jones fight to see the effectiveness of his famous oblique (stomp) kick at his opponents’ knees. In fact, this is a key kicking attack in Wing Chun, and often underestimated by many in the martial arts or self defence community. Better yet it’s legal to use in MMA today. It […]
The London Wing Chun Academy CODE OF CONDUCT For the Parents and Guardians of Little Dragons, Under 12s and Under 16s. This code of conduct applies to all parents/carers of the young students at our Academy. The purpose of it is to promote an ambient environment, positive training experience and longevity of training for students. Furthermore, it is to protect students, parents and LWCA staff from unpleasant experiences at our Academy. We expect all parents to adhere to the guidelines […]
The fear of being punched is a common problem, particularly for beginners. After all, how can you fight well if you’re afraid of getting hit? Here are 3 KEY TIPS to overcome it.
*Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to train with one of the leading Wing Chun practitioners in New York on 23rd September 2017*
A big thank you to Professor Lovato Jr. and our students and visitors for making this such a fantastic night.
It doesn’t matter what Martial Art you practice, what you need to know is that power comes from the ground. Get this right and you can deliver knockout punches or strikes in seconds. Regardless of how small you are.
Is Traditional Kung Fu Fantasy or Reality? It is important to note that within the Chinese martial arts there is a wide spectrum of approaches to fighting. Style vs style challenge fights can be credited with many of the modern adaptions of traditional martial arts today; most importantly they dispell Fantasy over Reality.
Chicken, Loser, Clown, you can say much worse to provoke a fight. We touched on the power of words in our video on Trash Talking in MMA. We call is the Psychological Warfare of Intimidation.
The London Wing Chun Academy is pleased to be hosting a seminar from Professor Rafael Lovato Jr. in August 2017.
It may seem all too obvious, but one MAJOR MISTAKE most people make in a fight is failing to stand up properly. This is where a fight will go from bad to worse, but is easily avoided by following these easy steps. Read on and check out the video to find out.
What often fascinates people is whether bodybuilders can fight. People always debate who would do better in a street fight: a bodybuilder or a skinny guy.
How is it that sometimes you don’t see a punch coming? Or that when you do, you can’t move out of the way in time?
The problem Imagine you’re in an enclosed space, a lift for example, with somebody and they attack you. The attacker is likely to start either pushing you, punching & kicking you, or wrestling you. Probably a mixture of all three. How would you defend yourself in this close-quarters situation, while trapped? The solution What you most certainly don’t want is to now fight with them for an indefinite amount of time, trading punches and burning energy, and increasing your chances […]
Sifu Mark Phillips will be teaching Wing Chun seminar in Boston, on Saturday the 20th of May. It will be a full day of Wing Chun training, with two other world recognised Sifus also teaching on the day: Philip Romero of New Mexico and Jim Roselando of Boston. During the much anticipated event, Mark has been asked to teach his unique approach to live Wing Chun training. This will include developing skills for Gwor Sao (Wing Chun Sparring), Wing Chun […]
We’ve all come across situations in public where a person is behaving aggressively and antagonising those around them, seemingly looking for a fight!
When it comes to street fights and self-defence, what would you say is the best distance to stand from your opponent?
You may learn how to fight or even how to defend yourself against someone bigger or stronger than you, but is that realistic? In fact, what type of fight do you think you are prepared for?
How to Get Out of a Headlock: 4 EASY STEPS TO ESCAPE HEADLOCKS Headlocks are very common in street fights. These attacks can feel strong and powerful when someone is squeezing your neck. So you must know how to get out of a headlock if you want to learn to defend yourself properly. Here is the simplest way to escape a headlock in 4 easy steps without you getting punched in the face in the process. Check out the video […]
Sifu Mark Phillips was recently interviewed on The Sifu’s Stories, a new Wing Chun podcast founded by Bogdan Rosu. His website, Addicted2WingChun.com, provides training resources and inspiration for Martial Artists who want to become the strongest version of themselves. During the interview, Sifu Phillips discusses finding Wing Chun as a teenager, the harmonies and conflicts between different Martial Arts philosophies, and how to overcome training plateaus. “You have days where you don’t want to train because you’re exhausted or you’re […]
How do you defend yourself against a knife attack? Well common sense bids that you should never willing face a person holding a knife. The consequences of getting it wrong are dire. However, if you are put in a situation of where you have no choice then here are a couple of key ideas that you should be aware. The first is The Best Knife Defence strategy requires a basic understanding of the psychology of knife attacks. Although we have […]
Let’s say that you are checking your mobile phone when someone suddenly grabs hold of your arms to drag you to a secluded area in order to attack you. How do you defend yourself? What are the best self defence moves or techniques for that moment of time? Now you only have a split second to react to his attack. Here are 3 things you must do to prevent being abducted or dragged to another location. WHAT’S THE REAL […]
How to increase your punching power in 3 simple steps. Watch our video below to get the best method of delivering unstoppable power.
If you are thinking of starting a new martial art in order to get fit or to learn how to defend yourself then look no further. As one of the leading martial arts schools in the UK, we have some of the very best facilities and instruction to get you started. Unlike other martial arts schools we will not throw you in with more experienced Wing Chun students. Getting started in our academy does not require a high level of […]
How to defend yourself is hard enough, but made worst when you have two people confronting you in a street fight. Often you may be distracted by one attacker, while the other person throws a punch from nowhere.
The London Wing Chun Academy adopts traditional martial arts values of discipline, dignity, and integrity. However, it is a Wing Chun school in every sense of the word. The academy is a unique martial arts & fitness gym a range of specialised classes in Wing Chun, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Yoga, and Fitness.
Punches to the body are just as effective as aiming for your attacker’s head. In fact you could say destroy the body and the head will follow and drop. A well placed punch to the body can instantly drop a person or wear them down. Here is a simple guide to body punching. In this week’s video we follow on in our series of videos examining how to protect your personal space in a street confrontation. We examine how to […]
In this week’s video we discuss some simple ideas of how to fight and knock someone out with one punch. Wing Chun is a practical open handed martial art that that is perfect for self defence. As a multi strike style of fighting there is little risk of seriously damaging your hands in a fight.
How to Face Fear and Intimidation in a Fight Imagine someone standing in front of your face threatening you with violence, what would you do? What would you say? Or where would you look? Here are 3 simple self defence techniques taken from Wing Chun that could make a difference to your personal safety. Watch our video to see the 3 things that you must do to fight fear and intimidation in self defence. How to fight fear and intimidation […]
There are four phases that combine to create a training cycle when preparing for Beimo. These involve the physical and psychological preparation of the athlete, factors crucial to Beimo preparation. Phase 1. Core Skills and Conditioning The first phase is the Core Skills and Conditioning Phase which should last up to 16 weeks. This is the foundation period in which you are developing your aerobic conditioning in addition to acquiring new fighting skills or addressing any technical weaknesses in […]
How to avoid being kicked in the face when trying to stand up from the ground is an important skill for self defence training. As simple as it may sound, it is difficult to stand up safely when pushed to the ground during a fight.
How to Fight with One Arm There are aspects of Wing Chun that focus on training with one arm. For example Dan (Single) Chi Sao or even certain Gwor Sao drills. Why do Wing Chun students practice so often with one arm and is it really practical for fighting? Does it teach you how to fight to with one arm? The answer is simple. Training with one arm allows you to develop your ability equally without having dominance with one […]
In this week’s video instalment we take a break from Wing Chun to look at some simple Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Self Defence concepts of how to defend against punches to your face when you’ve been unexpectedly thrown to the ground. The term ‘Ground and pound’ is normally associated with Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but refers to the attack in which someone throws you to the ground, mounts you, and then punches you in the face. As brutal as it […]
Wing Chun is a highly conceptual martial art. A fighting system based on a number of key concepts that make Wing Chun an effective combat system. Central to these concepts is the principle of Economy of Motion, an idea of the moving as efficiently and directly as possible when fighting or in self defence.
How to fight well when you are being attacked from behind depends on two key factors. Firstly, that you move in the correct direction when being attacked. Secondly, and this is important, that you can see what’s happening behind you in your fight for survival. We teach a very simple system of self defence when attacked from behind. Of course, you can’t fight or defend yourself if you can’t see the punch in the first place. This means that self […]
Can you do takedowns in Wing Chun? Well, here are 2 of the best takedowns that can easily be added to your Wing Chun or Chi Sao training. We use them in our regular San Da (San Shou Kickboxing) classes run at the London Wing Chun Academy, but they can easily be used with a range of Wing Chun techniques in sparring, Chi Sao, or even in Self Defence. The technique simply relies on leverage to knock your opponent or […]
New students to any martial art, especially beginners in Wing Chun should punch focus pads as part of their self defence training. However, there are 5 common mistakes often made by beginners at the London Wing Chun Academy. Here is everything a beginner at our gym needs to know to improve their punching power, accuracy and timing in our classes. Many Wing Chun students underestimate the importance of pad work drills for their personal training. Yet, pad work training is […]
Being pushed against a wall is difficult enough to deal with, but worse when your attacker is stronger than you and intent on punching you in the face. This week’s video discusses the best self defence tactics when you are pushed against a wall. Of course this is a dangerous and intimidating self defence situation, but the first thing to remember is not to panic. Leaning against a wall is a blessing in disguise, as your attacker no matter how […]
Wing Chun Illustrated is the world’s only magazine dedicated to Wing Chun regardless of lineage making it an unbiased peer credited publication and a leading voice of the Wing Chun community. The magazine features articles by and about the world’s greatest exponents of the art. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that our head Instructor Dr Mark Phillips is being featured on the front cover of issue 25 (which is currently on sale). While this confirms his […]
While the concept of sensitivity training is not unique within the various martial arts, the form and complexity that it takes in Wing Chun is unique. Known as Chi Sao, this exercise distinguishes Wing Chun from Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and even other forms of Kung Fu. Here are some simple questions and answers that will help you understand why Chi Sao training in Wing Chun is considered important. What is Chi Sao? Chi Sao roughly translates […]
How do you stop someone using a choke to drag you off to another location? In fact, how do you defend the rear naked choke, while stopping your attacker from pulling you backwards and away? Well our short self defence video will explain everything you need to know for your complete self defence.
What Makes Wing Chun Effective? The answer lies in the strategy of Wing Chun fighting. What distinguishes Wing Chun from most martial art styles is the attention to detail. The focus on correct structural integrity, efficiency of movement, and the development of short distance power. These are the concepts that we should be seeking to improve by scientifically testing against a resisting opponent with no knowledge of Wing Chun. If these concepts are valid then they would hold up to […]
Wing Chun vs Boxing: What is all the fuss? On searching YouTube you’ll find lots of Wing Chun videos on the subject of Wing Chun vs Boxing. Of course, it is a childish pursuit agreeing which is a better fighting system as both has its merits. Perhaps the fascination of comparing the two combat styles is in the similarity between them. Both forms of combat rely on close quarter hand fighting and are effective for self defence. However, boxing is […]
Surprisingly there are some people outside of the Wing Chun community that have the opinion that Wing Chun does not work well in a fight. Of course defining a real fight is difficult, as the term can mean different things to different people. This is where the misconceptions about Wing Chun begin. If you are interested in learning Wing Chun, then don’t get caught up in all the hype. Essentially all martial arts are effective in their own right. The […]
Trapping hands is a popular aspect of Wing Chun. By definition this classical Wing Chun technique can be described as the action of crossing and therefore trapping your attacker’s arms. That said, Wing Chun trapping may be more effective and relative to a self defence confrontation than a boxing, kickboxing, or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) match. So, why is trapping trained extensively within the Wing Chun community?
Avoiding a wrestling shoot or takedown in San Shou Kickboxing or even MMA is challenging at best especially when a takedown or wresting throw is combined with punches and kicks. There are strategies in Wing Chun that can help prevent and even avoid being forced or throw to the ground. This video shows 3 simple Wing Chun strategies that may help your takedown defence. These techniques are commonly taught here at the London Wing Chun Academy as we think they […]
Wing Chun is a martial art that is well known for the concept of Seeking the Bridge. There are many different ways in which to interpret the concept of seeking a bridge. Here is just one interpretation that works effectively for self defence.
Is traditional Wing Chun technique useful for training in San Shou Kickboxing or Mixed Martial Arts? Well we say yes. In fact, we strongly believe that Wing Chun has a lot of effective martial art techniques that could contribute too many combat sports. One Wing Chun technique in particular is the High Low Gaan Sao which is often seen in the Wooden Dummy form of Wing Chun. This technique is highly versatile and can be used effectively to counter a […]
The Wing Chun system uses the idea of Man Sao for self defence. The term literally translates as ‘Questioning’ arm, but is often referred to as the ‘Inquisitive’ arm of Wing Chun. It is simply a sophisticated method for self defence.
When you visit a beginner Wing Chun class you will see what could be considered a strange looking exercise. Understandably the sight may be confusing, especially if you come from a Boxing, Kickboxing, or even Brazilian Jiu Jitsu background. Here are three reasons why Lok Sao training is better for you than Kickboxing or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) sparring.
Testing your fighting ability is natural when learning any martial art especially in combat styles such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts. So why would it be any different for Wing Chun practitioners?
Elbow Strikes are great for Self Defence. In fact, these weapons are probably the most sophisticated compared to most martial arts, including Krav Maga, Thai Boxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
The Chain Punch (also known as a Battle Punch) is a common characteristic of the Wing Chun martial arts system. Yet, the question remains as to how effective this style of punching is for self defence. A common saying in Wing Chun is to “hit from where the hands lie”. This literally directs a Wing Chun practitioner to punch in a direct manner without withdrawing the fist. In this sense, the punch moves directly while efficiently and this is consistent […]
Boxing, Kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts rely on a competitive sparring. This develops many fighting skills, but what really wins a fight? How does the answer to this question relate to self defence?
Kicking in a Self Defence confrontation should be avoided, but if the opportunity arises then there are some basic rules that you should follow when kicking in self defence. Here are the do’s and don’ts of kicking in a street fight. Don’t Kick Above Waist Height Do not kick above waist height towards your attackers head, especially at close range. We’ve all seen martial arts films in which the star kicks their way through a cast of willing stunt […]
HOW TO FIGHT MULTIPLE ATTACKERS – 5 Rules to Survive There are 5 golden rules that may help you survive an attack by multiple attackers. Self defence is not easy and even harder when faced with a gang of attackers. This is a simple self defence strategy for managing a confrontation with a group of multiple attackers. Although if you want to know how to fight multiple attackers then you should consider that you can only fight one person at […]
It is undeniable that the ability to punch hard in self defence is important. Logically, if you can throw a powerful punch then you should have the stopping power. However, all of this means nothing if your hands are not conditioned enough to absorb the impact. Poorly conditioned hands will result in injury or worse if caught in a self defence situation. In fact, the harder your hands the more dangerous your punches will be. So Why Do You […]
Ever since the classic scene in ‘Enter the Dragon’ the Pak Da movement has been iconic of Wing Chun. What is the real purpose of this drill? And why do we practice it? The answer is simple. Pak Da teaches the concept of clearing an obstruction in order to punch a person. However, when you examine this iconic Wing Chun drill there is much more to this idea. Here are 3 reasons to train the Pak Da drill. 1) […]
In Boxing and Kickboxing shadow sparring is used to develop practical fighting skills. This approach is effective and valuable because it relies on repetition of movement and technique to develop muscle memory (see The Importance of Shadow Sparring for Wing Chun). In a similar fashion, the forms of Wing Chun are vital to improve your martial arts skills, while giving you an understanding of physical structure and your use of energy (see How Forms Improve Chi Sao). Yet, very few people practice […]
One of the most common questions we often get is how long will it take to be good at Wing Chun? The answer relates to how much time and effort that you are willing to put in to practicing this martial art. In general the more you practice the better you will get. So here is our advice on what to practice in order to get better at Wing Chun quickly. The secret of a quick improvement in Wing Chun […]
Some martial arts, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, have no structured approach for training specific techniques without a partner. Granted, Boxing and Kickboxing have the method of shadow sparring, but this is still simplistic when trying to develop an understanding of what you should be doing when someone is pushing your arm (or punch) away. How does it teach you how to respond to physical contact? In fact, the training methods often found in kickboxing lack clear conceptual guidelines that could […]
The head of our school Dr Mark Phillips was recently invited to coach the Crete San Shou Kickboxing team in preparation for future competitions in Greece. Haing taught San Da throws and takedowns on day 1, How to use Wing Chun against common Boxing combinations on day 2, and finally traditional aspects of Wing Chun kicking and Chi Gerk (Stick with Legs) on the final seminar. We are pleased to say that his 3 day seminar tour was a complete sucess. So […]
Good footwork is key to any martial art. Whether you are Boxing, Kickboxing, or practicing Wing Chun excellent footwork will make all the difference. Without good footwork you will never be able to deliver those powerful punches and kicks that you have learned in the gym.
The footwork of Wing Chun is very simple, direct, efficient and not much different to the directness of boxing or kickboxing footwork. Although there are major differences to boxing or kickboxing in the triangulation of the feet, knees, and hips. It is key in Wing Chun footwork to focus on triangulation these joints to gain a good structure in the body when driving forward towards an attacker in self defence. Wing Chun footwork is derived from the basic stance training […]
We’ve all been in the position where we want to practice our martial art, but we don’t have a training partner to hand. Of course, practice makes perfect. So, how do you train a martial art when on you are on your own? Here is our advice in a two part article on ‘How to Train on Your Own’. The first article will briefly outline what you should practice in the gym for Boxing, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, while […]
Shadow boxing is a great tool to improve your martial arts ability and skills. In any boxing or kickboxing gym you will find many fighters spending hours shadow boxing in front of a mirror or in the middle of a boxing ring. What are the benefits of shadow boxing and is there any value for Wing Chun practitioners in this popular training method? There are many benefits of shadow boxing in the gym. The main benefit is the ability to […]
Of course it is important to warm up properly for any training session at the gym. A Martial Arts class is no different, but should your warm up be specifically related to Wing Chun, San Da Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or should it be functional for self defence? We believe that a warm up for any martial arts class should be short but practical in order to build the basics for functional strength, fitness, and conditioning. However, different styles of […]
In the past, Kung Fu schools would fight bare hand on a Lei Tai (a raised platform) to see which was the better fighting art. San Da as the modern development of traditional Lei Tai contests used to test the fighting arts of Kung Fu, but governed by rules to reduce the risk of injury.
Fitness training in a group is very different from training on your own in a gym because you are motivated by the group of people you’re training with. When you go to a gym, you have to be self motivated unless you have a gym partner, someone who is going to spot or shout at you, and encourage you when your training gets hard.
Of course it is important to warm up properly for any training session at the gym. A Wing Chun class is no different, but should your warm up be specifically related to Wing Chun or should it be functional for self defence? Although, we believe that a warm up for a Wing Chun class should be short, it should also be practical in order to build the basics of functional strength, fitness, and conditioning for self defence. A warm up in […]
As a woman, choosing the right martial art for you can take time, especially while exploring many different types of classes. Before settling with Wing Chun, I trained Kyokushin and Go Kan Ryu karate. Having seen and practice different martial arts made me more aware of what I was looking for and needed from my training as a woman looking for a good approach to self defence. Part of the reason I chose to train Wing Chun instead of the […]
Ask any new student why they wish to train martial arts, and they will invariably reply “To get fit, and learn how to defend myself”. But how fit do you have to be in the first place to defend yourself? Is there a relationship between fitness and self defence and should you take it seriously?
Our success does indicate that we are different from the typical Wing Chun school. We are effective, dynamic, and capable of fighting in arenas out of our comfort zone. Most importantly our training methods and approach differs by far too many Wing Chun schools in London.
Good fitness training is essential for well rounded self defence ability. By focusing on functional fitness requirements rather than simple gym exercises you can build a better body, but more importantly a fighters mind.
Are you interested in getting fit, and staying healthy while learning to defend yourself? Then consider joining our unique 4 week martial arts and fitness course for new starters. You don’t need to be fit or have any experience in martial arts or Wing Chun. We will motivate and inspire you to train to improve your fitness and your self defence capability. In light of our next Beginners Martial Arts & Fitness course we are holding an Open Day for […]
The format of the competition was simple. Three 2 minute rounds, the winner is decided by knock out, or points accumulated by clean strikes, throws, takedowns, or push outs. Under these rules, three fighter’s from the London Wing Chun Academy won one gold and two silver medals.
Training martial arts is fraught with challenges. There will always be people bigger, better, stronger than you. So, the question remains: Are these challenges greater for women, and does it affect their ability to learn a martial art?
We have been creating the complete martial artist since 1989. Our approach is simple, professional, and unique to our gym. Regardless of who you are we have something for everyone, whether you wish to train for pure self defence, to improve your fitness, or even competitive fighting. The London Wing Chun Academy is a professional centre of martial arts excellence in London. Our approach is a blend of traditional martial arts and modern fitness training methods that won’t be found […]
Wing Chun weapons may have been a practical form of combat in the old days, but do these weapons truly relate to modern fitness training for martial arts? The simple answer is yes they do.
Baat Jaam Dao means eight cutting knives. Although, the weapon is a short Broadsword with a guard. The name of the form refers to the number of different angles the blade cuts through. This martial arts form represents the highest pinnacle of Wing Chun study, where only the chosen few are taught this unique approach to fighting. However, what makes this weapon form so special and can it really make you a great empty hand fighter?
Historically the Wing Chun Pole form is thought to have been modelled on the Dragon style of Kung Fu. However, what is the significance of the Wing Chun Pole form in modern practice, and would learning it really make a difference to applying your Wing Chun in today’s world?
The Centre Line Theory of Wing Chun is considered a major component of this martial art style, but why is it so important to understand? On a simplistic level, the centre line theory provides a guide to inflict damage on the human body. Yet on a conceptual level, the centre line theory offers a strategy for fighting and even self defence.
We are pleased to announce that the head of our team Dr Mark Phillips has been invited to Chania, Crete to teach a two day seminar on Wing Chun and San Shou (San Da) Kickboxing on behalf of the Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy of Chania. During the much anticipated event, Mark has been asked to teach his unique approach to live Wing Chun training. This will include developing skills for Gwor Sao (Wing Chun Sparring), Wing Chun Trapping, as […]
San Shou (also known as San Da) Kickboxing could be considered the modern application of traditional Chinese martial arts. San Shou (San Da) Kickboxing is not a martial art in itself, rather a format of fighting that combines striking with punches, kicks, elbows and knees for professional fighters, with wrestling, takedowns, throws, and leg catches. This style of fighting truly encapsulates all ranges of stand up combat, which transfers nicely to self defence application. Yet, San Shou Kickboxing is derived […]
Martial arts training teaches true values for living a well rounded and healthy life. Not only does practicing a martial art instils the right values and attitudes that are conducive to Self Defence, but you’ll improve your fitness and well-being. Through struggle and adversity a martial arts student builds character and the ability to overcome hardships that are placed in front of them. Some may think that only competitive martial arts, such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, […]
Often underutilised in self defence, the basic Turning Punch in Wing Chun combines a number of essential concepts for this martial art. Not only is this movement very effective in self a defence, but if applied correctly it is extremely powerful, even for small people. The turning stance is referred to as “Jun Ma” in Wing Chun (literally translates as ‘Jun’ meaning turning and ‘Ma’ meaning stance). This method of punching is a perfect example of how a small person […]
Is it necessary to understand the differences between a Boxing or Karate style punch and a Wing Chun punch? The simple answer is yes. Think of each type of martial art punch as a different tool for self defence. Regardless of the style of martial art, straight punches offer an opportunity to strike directly at a target in self defence. Hence the Wing Chun punch is not unique. However, there is a major difference in the physical structure and the […]
Correct fist formation is essential for self defence in any martial art. After all, if you cannot form a proper fist you will have a less effective weapon to defend yourself with. Correct formation of your fist will develop the muscularity and strength of your forearms, which not only improves Lap Sao in Wing Chun, but also makes your punch heavier on impact.
Training your martial arts skills on focus pads offers a realistic form of target practice for martial arts, self defence, or even fitness training. Hitting the pads and heavy bags offers not only a great martial arts workout that improves your fitness, but also develops co ordination, timing, and long distance power for martial arts students.
In Wing Chun physical speed of movement is emphasised in order to develop power. The simple analogy being that a dead weight travelling at high speed will cause a tremendous amount of damage on impact. Bare in mind that Wing Chun is a traditional bare fist style of Chinese martial arts.
The Wooden Dummy form in Wing Chun is simply an extension of the empty hand forms of the Wing Chun system. It relates more so to the concepts of the Siu Nim Tao (1st form) and Chum Kiu (2nd form). In this sense, you could consider training on the Wooden Dummy as an alternative method of developing the physical attributes of the Wing Chun forms.
In Wing Chun, Wu Sao is the rear protective hand within the self defence position or fighting stance of this martial art. In essence, it is the defensive hand of Wing Chun within the structure of Man Sao. Wu Sao could be considered a Wing Chun guard hand. In this context, its function is versatile as it can be moved to protect the face and cover the lower part of the chest, sternum.
To a certain extend Wing Chun could be considered an ambidextrous fighting style. Although, this sounds hard to learn, the benefits of being versatile enough to use both sides of your body will be of great advantage in a self defence confrontation.
Wing Chun is not a combat sport style of martial art. Wing Chun is a simple style of Self Defence for the ordinary person against the ordinary person.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of always facing forward in comparison to being side facing? There are advantages and disadvantages for both. If you are relatively square, the manner in which you generate power is not the same as if your hips and shoulders were slightly turned. When your hips are fully rotated as in a sideways stance, it is possible to generate a tremendous amount of power in a punch or a kick by rotating the hips 90 […]
The fighting or self defence stance in Wing Chun is simply a variation of the basic Ma practiced in the basics of this martial art. In this version the leg is placed forward to protect the groin.
Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma is the foundation stance from which all variations and the Wing Chun fighting stances and footwork are derived. It is essentially this position that influences the footwork of how a Wing Chun fighter moves and generates power. The Concept Behind the Name The Cantonese name of the basic stance is Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma, this describes the appearance and feel of the stance. It is the stance from which all three empty hand […]
Wing Chun is a perfect martial art for learning self defence. Its simplicity makes it an effective martial art for close range fighting because it offers a small range of martial art techniques that work well against the majority of people in the majority of self defence situations. Meaning it works well against the ordinary person who may attack you in the street. Wing Chun is science in motion that is pure and simple and adaptable to any self defence […]
Sifu Mark Phillips was interviewed for the podcast Wing Chun Geeks. Wing Chun Geeks interviews some the world’s leading authorities and recognised Sifus from the different corners of the globe. So we are proud that our Sifu has been asked to contribute to such a noble forum.
The London Wing Chun Academy is pleased to announce that we have added a new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class to our range of martial arts classes. This class now meets every Sunday at 2pm. This class is ideal for new beginners interested training in this fun active martial art.
Considering the young age of this cohort, we believe that rank advancements should be based on attendance. Hence, all students will receive a certificate of completion of each training phase and the appropriate new rank. We wish to develop ‘Goal Setting’ behaviour from an early stage. Hence, a Patch Program will accompany rank promotions, in order to develop additional early life, safety and Martial Arts skills.
Please see below a general list of rules and practical safety guidelines for appropriate behaviour within the London Wing Chun Academy. We ask parents to read through and where necessary explain appropriate guidelines for behaviour to their children:
We believe that Martial Arts should raise a child’s self esteem and build character and confidence. In order to achieve these qualities we have developed a range of training programs that address the different needs of children at different developmental stages (i.e. ages) of their early lives. Our training programs promote additional life and interpersonal skills, as well as traditional Martial Arts values and success. Your child will be exposed to many positive traits and values of Martial Arts: Self […]
Next in the lineage was Leung Lan Kwai, a herbalist by profession, who introduced the Iron Palm training into the system. Leung Lan Kwai passed his knowledge to Leung Lee Tai, who then passed it on to Leung Jan, a famous herbal doctor in Fatshan. Leung Jan was famous for his Iron Palm technique. Leung Jan had chosen his sons, Leung Bak and Leung Chuen, as his successors. However, a neighbouring money changer, Chan Wa Soon, was greatly interested in […]
Shortly thereafter, a salt (or silk) merchant from Shangxi named Leung Bok Cho visited the area. Leung Bok Cho had been a student of Kung Fu at the Honan Shaolin Temple. He stayed at an inn next to Yim Yee’s shop, and witnessed Wing Chun practising her Kung Fu beside the tofu grinders. He fell in love with this beautiful and skilful young woman, and soon, with Yim Yee’s approval, they were married. Wing Chun passed on her skills to […]
Ng Mui was the principal contributor in the restructuring of Shoalin Kung Fu in terms of simplifying it to accommodate the minimal time span in which they had to train proficient fighters for the revolution. Her ideas of close quarter combat were completely different from those around at the time. Discarding many of the animal forms (although it is thought she was partly influenced in developing Wing Chun after watching a battle between a crane and a snake) she began […]
The Wing Chun system of martial arts was developed in southern China approx. 250-300 years ago. Wing Chun Kung fu is just one of many martial arts whose origins are to be found in Southern China. Compared with other arts it is a relatively new style. Often interpreted as a soft style, Wing Chun is in fact a blend of both hard and soft techniques, owing to the fact that it was developed by a woman and refined in the […]
The Wing Chun weapons may have been a practical for combat in the old days, but in modern times training with weapons lends to a more sophisticated method of training and developing Wing Chun skills. Training with the Wing Chun weapons can enhance a practitioners empty hand skills by developing power through the weight training aspect of the practice, and even develop further timing and speed through the freestyle sparing aspect. The knife has direct parallels in the empty hand […]
The third form of Wing Chun is called “Bil Jee” or “Biu Jee” in Cantonese. It literally means “Thrusting or Poking fingers.” Often referred to as the emergency form of the Wing Chun Martial Arts system, the form is unique in that it allows the student to practice what to do when things go wrong in combat or self defence situation.
The second martial arts form of Wing Chun is called “Chum Kiu” in Cantonese. It literally means ‘Sinking the Bridge’. Conceptually the concept is to create a bridge with an attackers arm, allowing a Wing Chun practitioner the ability to stick, trap and follow up with counter attacks. More importantly, the second form is a logical extension of the first form. Now that the Wing Chun student has developed the necessary ability for strength and focus from a static position, […]
The first martial arts training form of Wing Chun is called “Sui Nim Tao” (in Cantonese) which literally translates as “Little Idea”. The concept behind this form is to keep your training simple! Conceptually the form teaches the Wing Chun practitioner not only the basic tools, structures, and shapes of this martial art, but also the correct energy and focus of these shapes.
Within the martial arts systems there are many that focus on fighting at extreme close range. In fact, the majority of different cultures around the world have their own particular histories that relate to the practice of close quarter martial arts combat. Variations in close quater fighting include martial arts such as: Muay Thai, Wrestling, boxing, Jujitsu, and of course the infamous Wing Chun Kung Fu fighting system.
As in any martial art balance is an important aspect of the Wing Chun fighting system. The Chum Kiu Form (2nd form) of the Wing Chun system has a great emphasis on structure, balance and Speed. An alternative way of looking at this is combination is that a well balanced body can move quicker and response to pressure more effectively. When applying Wing Chun or practicing the 2nd form, the trunk of the body is always kept upright to improve speed. […]
The centreline punch is the defining martial arts technique of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Punches are delivered in fast successive flurries, with the elbow pulled in and close to the body for support and structure. Indeed, the Wing Chun punch is a structure supported by the weight of the practitioner.
On first sight of the Chum Kiu Form (2nd form), one will notice that the practitioner spends a considerable amount of time turning on the spot. Indeed, the Chuen Ma, or Turning Stance, is another unique and vital element in the Wing Chun Kung Fu system. Normally, Chuen Ma is applied in response to an attacker pressing in towards the fighter’s Centre Line. The effect is that the attacker is deflected to the side. As a rule Chuen Ma should […]
Wing Chun is not simply just a collection of unrelated ideas and martial arts techniques. It has a core set of guiding principles. This keeps this martial art a pure and integrated fighting system, while allowing direction for refinement during training that is consistent with its principles. These guiding principles are maintained with practice of the Wing Chun forms and are part of the reason for Wing Chun ‘s uniquely scientific and logical approach to martial arts and self defence. […]
There are Four Reasons why Every Adult should be enrolled in the London Wing Chun Martial Arts Academy.
The London Wing Chun Academy is pleased to announce that Proffessor Marc Walder will be joining the teach staff at our academy. Hence we will be running a new 4 week Beginners Course in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Bjj) starting Thursday 21st March at 8.30pm.