Sifu Benno Wai: Issue 81

Wing Chun Illustrated Issue 81, featuring Sifu Benno Wai, is now available worldwide on Amazon and in digital formats.

"Always excellently done, always thought-provoking, always interesting content, very well balanced, and always presented with grace and respect for all. I wish that all our Wing Chun brothers and sisters were as mindful in their day-to-day interactions with each other."

LARRY BUTLER

United States

The simple and profound truth about Wing Chun Illustrated is that it delivers! In a world where bias is omnipresent, hagiography widespread, and superficiality the norm, Wing Chun Illustrated truly does provide a forum for many perspectives and approaches, always with depth and content—meaning that it’s impossible to pick up an issue without gaining new, worthwhile insight into our beloved art. Truly, if one is serious about understanding Wing Chun, regardless of spelling tradition, Wing Chun Illustrated is de rigueur. Consequently, never settle for “just” present and future issues, but do get the full package, including all the back issues!

CHRISTIAN A. STEWART-FERRER

Denmark

This is an impressive magazine and I am set back with each issue by its quality of appearance and content. Clearly, this has the potential to overshadow many other national martial arts publications. Stay the course and always protect the line. Excellent job. As always, thanks and continued success.

MOSES McCLENDON

United States

I have purchased Wing Chun Illustrated in printed format and I have to say that it is simply the highest quality magazine I have ever owned! Beyond the quality paper and printing techniques utilised, the articles themselves are thorough and true to the Wing Chun system. I really appreciate owning a piece of history and I look forward to future issues!

JAMES BUMPAS

United States

I have looked forward to this magazine for months and was not at all disappointed. The articles are well written, nonbiased, and most importantly very informative. This is the first magazine that I have ever read from cover to cover. I’m encouraging all of my Wing Chun brothers and students to subscribe. I’m very much looking forward to the next issue!

WIZE SHABAZZ

United States

I have been practising Wing Chun for the best part of 30 years. In my time, I have read a huge amount of material on the art; however, I can honestly say that your magazine is by a long, long way the finest collection of articles I have come across. The fact that all views (and you and I both know there are so many) on the art of Wing Chun are made readily available in one place, without prejudice, is really inspirational and will hopefully serve as a guiding light and a template for dialogue within the art itself.

CHRIS HARVEY

United Kingdom

Sifu Benno Wai Cover Feature

BENNO WAI
Balancing Tradition and Adaptability in Modern Martial Arts
By Eric Lilleør
With 45 years of martial arts experience, Sifu Benno Wai is currently the Regional Director of Practical Wing Chun in the Netherlands and the UK. As the head of 12 UCT International schools in the Netherlands, one in Spain and three in the UK, Sifu Benno also oversees a highly successful kids’ programme that nurtures the next generation of martial artists. In this in-depth interview, he shares his insights into balancing tradition with adaptability in Wing Chun, and the significance of structure and mindset in contemporary practice. His exposure to various internal arts has led to subtle adjustments in the execution of the forms, all while preserving the core principles shared across Wing Chun lineages.

Columns

THE MAGIC OF CHI SAU
The Essence of Adaptability
Exploring Movement, Perception and Technique
By Keith R Kernspecht
Chi Sau cultivates adaptability, emphasising interconnectedness over fixed techniques. Sifu Kernspecht explores the application of perception, function, awareness and the “Big Seven” Abilities.

TALKING HANDS
The Laap Sau Drill
Is the Clue in the Title?
By Glenn Landers
A staple of most branches of Wing Chun, the Laap Sau Drill (aka Bong Laap), is an expected part of the syllabus. However, this often overlooked form holds more than its name would imply.

THE MARTIAL MIND
To Bong Sau or Not to Bong Sau?
Evaluating Its True Effectiveness
By Kyle and Ted Ritter
Bong Sau, an iconic Wing Chun technique, captivates with its distinctive posture. But should Bong Sau be the first line of defence?

THE INNER CIRCLE
Gu Zhi Wing
Preserving Leung Jan Gulao Wing Chun
By Jim Roselando Jr & Zhang Tianyu
Sifu Gu Zhi Wing delves into the comprehensive curriculum of his family’s Gulao Wing Chun, and discusses their transmission of Leung Jan’s teachings, sharing insights on training methods.

THE STRAIGHT LEAD
The Jeet Kune Do Fighting Measure
By Jason Korol
Without the fighting measure, there is no Jeet Kune Do. Learn how the entire system relies on the art and science of precise distance control.

Features

AARON BAUM
Drawing From Experience
By Glenn Landers
Starting over 30 years ago at Manchester’s “Champ’s Camp”, Sifu Aaron Baum advanced through the ranks of various disciplines, now standing as a proud student of Sifu Alan Orr, and an accomplished coach in the Chu Sau Lei Wing Chun Kuen system.

WING CHUN’S ORIGINS
Challenging Traditional Narratives
By Sergio Pascal Iadarola
What is the authentic history behind the creation of Wing Chun? Sifu Sergio delves into the significance of the “Secret Note”, and unveils new research that clarifies the art’s evolution and purpose.

MASTER CHEUNG YUNG
Championing the Legacy of Wing Chun
By Zhang Tianyu
Master Cheung Yung shares insights into his Wing Chun journey, the knowledge passed down to him by Grandmaster Sum Nung, challenges with public misinformation about his lineage, and his vision for its global future.

EVERYBODY WAS BRUCE LEE FIGHTING
The Rise of Bruceploitation
By Alex Richter
For anyone interested in the Bruceploitation genre, The Game of Clones: Bruceploitation Collection Vol 1 is a must-have. Released by Severin Films, this Blu-ray box set sheds new light on the genre’s origins, key players and its legacy within Hong Kong cinema.

ROOT TO FUNCTION
Mastering Wing Chun Stance and Footwork
By Carina Cirrincione
Sifu Cirrincione discusses how and why the Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma stance, combined with Wing Chun’s quick dynamic footwork, is vital to developing a strong Wing Chun foundation.

Departments

STRUCTURE AND APPLICATION
Categorising Wing Chun: Part 1
By Dr Robert Chu
Sifu Chu explores the origins of Wing Chun, from White Crane influences to Cantonese Opera ties, revealing the complexity of separating history from legend.

THE SMARTER FIGHTER
Debunking the Wing Chun vs Boxing Myths
By Martin Brogaard
Can Wing Chun and boxing complement each other, enhancing martial versatility? Sifu Brogaard debunks misconceptions about them by exploring their distinct objectives.

WALKING THE WALK
The Responsibility of Weapons Training
By Michael Speights
When training with weapons, we must always keep in mind the potentially grave consequences of mistakes or incompetence. Sifu Speights sheds light on key aspects of practical training needed to successfully wield a weapon.

Reviews

IN PRINT
Lafayette Harris reviews The Fearless Harry Greb: Biography of a Tragic Hero of Boxing by Bill Paxton, and Bruce Lee: Letters of the Dragon by Bruce Lee (edited by John Little).

SCREEN EDUCATIONAL
Alex Danos reviews the educational DVD Close-Range Combat Techniques – Part 2: Straight Punches & Kicks by Randy Williams.