ERIC ORAM
The Man Behind the Iron Mask
By Jack Ratana & Eric Lilleør
Sifu Oram is one of the world’s leading authorities on Traditional Wing Chun, as one of the most senior instructors under Sifu William Cheung. Oram has taught Traditional Wing Chun since 1985, conducting seminars throughout the US, Canada, Bermuda, England and Hong Kong, in addition to founding the Wing Chun Academy & Mind/Body Center in West Los Angeles. Sifu Oram was a Fight Choreographer (along with Richard Ryan, UK) on Sherlock Holmes 1 & 2, starring his long-time student Robert Downey Jr., and likewise served as a Fight Consultant for Iron Man and as a member of the fight team for Iron Man 2. He is currently having fun choreographing the fight sequences for Iron Man 3, which he feels will be “an interesting challenge, and in terms of the scope of the action it will definitely be sort of stepping onto a new plateau, which is both daunting and exciting.”
SECOND NATURE
Beating them with a Stick
Putting the “sticking” back into Chi Sau
By Wayne Belonoha
Subtly redirect heavy incoming attacks by applying superior sticking and sensitivity skills. Use Chi Sau drills to refine your techniques so an opponent can neither hit you nor escape from you.
MOON POINTING FINGER
“Young Ideas”… not small thoughts!
By David Peterson
Many mistakenly think that the Siu Nim Tau is a “basic” form that only contains simple techniques and concepts, which will be superseded with more “advanced” forms down the line. Nothing could be further from the truth.
CHI SIM SHAOLIN WENG CHUN
Is Weng Chun Wing Chun, or vice versa?
By Andreas Hoffmann
Chan Wah Shun, Grandmaster Ip Man’s teacher, called his style Weng Chun and not Wing Chun, and he trained with Weng Chun Grandmaster Tang Shuin. Is there a connection?
THE INNER CIRCLE
Yik Kam Wing Chun (Part 2)
Enter the Siu Lin Tau
By Jim Roselando Jr.
In part 2, we continue to expand on the process, conditioning and dynamics of the 1850s Red Junk boxing. Includes an interview with Sifu Hendrik Santo.
THE INTERCEPTING FIST
The Asking Hand
Gaining Initial Contact with an Opponent
By Lamar M. Davis II
Wing Chun has an entire form dedicated to “Seeking the Bridge”. Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do also has methods of gaining bridge contact with an opponent.
WING CHUN
The Police Officer’s Saving Grace
By Dominick Izzo
Martial Arts and Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics often share similarities in training techniques, but Wing Chun redefines all the standards when it comes to the real needs of police training.
SHAUN RAWCLIFFE
Dedicated
By Kenton Sefsik
23 years with Ip Man’s son Ip Chun, Sifu Rawcliffe is truly dedicated. He has written three books, acted as a CQC bodyguard and has been recognised three times for his efforts in the martial arts world by Combat Magazine.
“SIFU” OR SIFU?
Basics of Effective Teaching
By Carson Lau
Knowing how to employ Wing Chun effectively does not equate to knowing how to teach it effectively. Even though Wing Chun is a science, teaching Wing Chun is an art.
TRAINING IN WING CHUN
A Perspective
By Gregory E. LeBlanc
Sifu LeBlanc shares some of his thoughts and experience on training in Wing Chun and what it’s like training with Sifu Gary Lam.
CREDENTIALS FOR SALE!
Gung Fu Piracy
By Michael Quijano
There are many fake instructors out there selling Wing Chun. They have bought their Gung Fu from “Sifu DVD” or their certifications through eBay. Don’t let these cons fool you. Legitimate Gung Fu is not bought; it’s earned!
DECEPTION AND CRUELTY
The Dark Mindset of a Gung Fu Fighter
By Suki Gosal
Fighting is less about skill and talent, and more about developing a psychological enabling system to inflict violence. Sifu Gosal provides further insight from his training in Red Boat Wing Chun, under the late Sifu Leung Kwok-Keung.
BODY STRUCTURE
On Siu Nim Tao
By Dr. Robert Chu
As a Chinese Medicine practitioner and Classical Chinese Martial Arts practitioner, Dr. Chu offers some different insights into the nature of the first form.
THE INQUISITIVE HAND
Danger Implicit, Injuries Inevitable…
So, Trust is Important
By Alan Gibson
There is always a strong bond between members of a club. Could they have something in common? Looking at it logically, this seems unlikely. What is it then that forms this bond?
THE HIDDEN FORMS
Wu Sau
Watchful Guardian
By Dr. Matthew Mills
Wu Sau is demonstrated in the first form as both a defensive structure in its own right, but also a platform from which to launch offensive techniques. Dr. Mills examines the importance of structure and function in Wu Sau.
IN PRINT
In this issue, Mark Page reviews the following books: Traditional Wooden Dummy: Ip Man’s Wing Chun System by Samuel Kwok & Tony Massengill and Modern Wing Chun Kung Fu: A Practical Guide to Combat and Self-Defense by Eric Oram.
SCREEN FIGHTING
In this issue, David Peterson reviews the following movies: White Vengeance, My Kingdom and Mural.
SCREEN EDUCATIONAL
In this issue, James Woodcock reviews the following educational DVDs: Darrell Jordan’s Home Study Course: Level 1 Set, Austin Goh’s Wing Chun Combat and Chuck O’Neill’s Chi Sau 2: Advanced Techniques.
