Kung Fu Explainer: Hitting the right angle

In a perfect world, the shortest distance to a target is a straight line. Wing Chun practitioners bank on this. But as Sifu Barry Pang explains, we don’t live in a perfect world.

In this 3-part discussion, which highlights just a few minutes from a much longer seminar, Barry unpacks the pros and cons of straight-line fighting.

Part 1: Wing Chun’s use of angles

Centreline theory combined with the use of angles is a hallmark of Wing Chun Kung Fu. Practitioners strike with optimal efficiency along angles that improve advantage, using Fuk Sao and Tan Sao to clear the path.

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But theories arenʼt foolproof. See part 2.

Part 2: Lung Ying’s defeat of angles

Some strikes in Lung Ying Kung Fu follow an arc, or curve, negating the straight line angles of Wing Chun, whilst exploiting angles of their own. Boi Gim (forearm strike) and Kao Pat (hammer fist strike) are key examples and are very difficult to defend.

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But will all of this work outside of your training hall or dojo?

Part 3: Reality strikes

When taking Wing Chun (or any other martial art) into a real situation, donʼt expect an exchange of straight-line punches, or easy ways to contact the hands and activate Chi Sao. Barry explains what to expect in self defence – wild, aggressive swinging punches – and how to prepare for that.

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In summary, if you are a Wing Chun practitioner be aware of circular techniques and their potential to break through centreline theory. Practice your defence against them and don’t bank on landing an emphatic first punch, stopping the fight. It’s not a perfect world. We suggest rounding out your skills with Lung Ying techniques.

Contact us about combined Wing Chun and Lung Ying training