Andrew Smith <andrew@andrewsmith.com.au> 7 January 2003
One of the fundamental underpinnings of Wing Chun is to develop a continual forward momentum that is expressed in both structure and movement. Far from being an expression of strength, the forwardness has its genesis from one's Ch'i; that is, from an internal expression of power. In reality, the development of forwardness is an expression of the integration of power and strength, both having their roots within the communication occurring between the integrative dynamic of Yin and Yang.
Various exercises in Wing Chun, including practicing the Sil Lim Tao, develop a consciousness of forwardness. Hence the notion of stepping backwards while under attack can be a confusing issue that contradicts our training principals of forwardness. Some instructors suggest we need to learn strategies for retreating, particularly when faced with an opponent who is physically larger and stronger. After a number of years learning the principals of forwardness with Sifu Allan Graham, it is the author's contention that continually retreating, particularly against a larger and stronger opponent, is fraught with danger and should be avoided at all costs. In this article, we examine the issue of retreating while under attack, and discuss some of the movement principals that assist us in 'retreating in a forward direction'.
The Wing Chun pivot allows the initial deflection of excessive forward movement by an aggressor. Correct footwork while pivoting, coupled with correct weighting of one's centre of gravity, is fundamental to effective pivoting. Additionally, locking of the pelvis enables the Ch'i of the defender to be directed forward, thus allowing the Wing Chun practitioner to dominate the centre-line of the aggressor.
The author contends that continually retreating backwards is contrary to Wing Chun principals of controlling the opponent's centre and directing forces forward. Moreover, it can lead to a total loss of balance by the defender, and quickly contribute to the aggressor dominating the centre-line of the defender. Additionally, it is easy for a retreating defender to:
- trip over an object
- trip over a person kneeling behind the person retreating
- lean backwards and lose their centre of gravity making the strike from the aggressor much more effective
- lose power in any strikes or kicks the retreating person may want to execute
- lose power when executing various deflections such as Taan Sao or Dai Sao
- develop a psychology of dis-empowerment when confronted by another person
- lose initiative in the confrontation
- become overpowered by multiple attackers
- lose structure and forwardness, thereby causing the defender to execute ineffective techniques in response to the attack
- cause the defender to become reactive in defence, rather than proactive in attack
Nevertheless, there are times when one may need to step back. For example, an attacker may suddenly push the defender while he is looking the other way, causing the defender to step backwards under the weight of attach. Once the defender feels the sensation and direction of force, he should respond with forwardness. One of the possibilities is by executing a Toi Ma as soon as possible, preferably within one or two paces of being forced backward. In executing Toi Ma, emphasis should be placed on the following:
- lowering one's centre of gravity by sinking slightly, while keeping the pelvis locked forward
- maintaining correct balance and alignment of the head with the pelvis
- redirecting the opponent's forces by stepping slightly to one side and adjusting the relative weighting on the feet
- after stepping to the side, immediately executing a Tok Ma or Tsen Ma by stepping toward the opponent's centre-line, thereby redirecting his forces and dominating his centre
- not leaning forward from the waist when applying Tok Ma or Tsen Ma
The extent and direction of the Toi Ma is in accordance with the strength and direction of the attack. The greater the forces applied by the attacker, the more the defender may need to redirect those forces by stepping in a half-circle. It is important to move the whole body back toward the opponent's centre once the forces have been redirected even if only fractionally, as doing so will generate an enormous amount of power to apply to the counter.
Another effective response to being forced backward is to execute a Toi Ma followed by a pivot. This is a powerful manoeuvre and can result in the defender creating an immediate opening for an aggressive counter. Once again it is important for the pivot to be executed in a way that fulfills the principals of forwardness. The pivot should be directed at the opponent's centre, rather than simply spun in a random direction.
As with most principals of Wing Chun, there are rules but no rules. Understanding the essence of Wing Chun, rather than rigidly learning a set manoeuvre without questioning its validity in real situations will generate the flexibility and sensitivity required to execute Wing Chun effectively. Understanding the nature of Ch'i projection in applying forwardness will enable the structures of stance, pivoting and footwork to act as a foundation for the application of sound and efficient techniques. Recognising the power that can be generated by Toi Ma, along with the fundamentals of pivoting, will enable one to "retreat in a forward direction" using minimum strength, yet with maximum force. In Wing Chun, less is more.