Sifu Vik Hothi: Issue 80

Wing Chun Illustrated Issue 80, featuring Sifu Vik Hothi, is available in print and digital editions.

"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 Vik Hothi Cover Feature

VIK HOTHI
Wing Chun’s Warrior Scholar
By Eric Lilleør
Sifu Vik Hothi’s martial arts journey began in 1988, sparked by the iconic film The Karate Kid. Initially training in Shotokan Karate, he quickly moved on to WTF Taekwondo, earning another Black Belt and competing at the regional level before joining the British squad. Dissatisfied with the evolving competition rules and driven by the high crime rates in his area, Vik sought a more practical self-defence system. His admiration for Bruce Lee led him to Wing Tsun in 1995, where he trained under a former Special Forces operative. Today, he’s one of the longest-serving Wing Tsun practitioners in the UK, with expertise in Escrima Concepts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo and Muay Thai.

Columns

THE MAGIC OF CHI SAU
Chi Sau Strategies
Defining Our Goals in Close Combat
By Keith R Kernspecht
How does Sifu Kernspecht approach Chi Sau? By focusing on strategic force application and prioritising function over form in close combat.

TALKING HANDS
Heir Raising
Young Ideas for the Next Generation
By Glenn Landers
With rising bullying, knife crime and gang violence, it’s no wonder we want our children to protect themselves. However, balancing innocence with violence is a tricky task for a Wing Chun coach.

THE MARTIAL MIND
Unlocking Wing Chun’s Potential
From Technique to Adaptability
By Kyle and Ted Ritter
Explore how to distinguish between learning techniques and developing adaptable thinking, and how critical thinking enhances martial skills and transforms practitioners into versatile martial artists in combat and life.

THE INNER CIRCLE
Master Hon Gwong Gau
The “Missing” Parts of Wing Chun
By Jim Roselando Jr & Zhang Tianyu
Master Hon Gwong Gau reveals the “missing” elements of Wing Chun, sharing insights into his rare lineage, training experiences and the techniques he preserved.

THE STRAIGHT LEAD
Shut Him Down!
The Jeet Kune Do Stop-Hit
By Jason Korol
Don’t leave your interception game to chance. Jeet Kune Do has two invaluable and brilliantly simple drills to ensure you can do it in a fight.

Features

SLOW IS SMOOTH
A Jazz-Inspired Approach to Wing Tsun
By Allan Horton
Sifu Barry Cooper and his partner, Antonio Hart, from Element Wing Tsun, discuss how their jazz backgrounds influence their Wing Tsun approach. Learn about the parallels between musical and martial arts mastery, highlighting unique philosophies and personal insights.

ADAPTIVE MARTIAL ARTS
Embracing Change and Uncertainty in Combat and Life
By Harinder Singh
How do martial arts teachings equip us to navigate life’s uncertainties? Sifu Singh answers this by showing how training fosters resilience in combat and everyday situations.

THE 108 RED BOAT WOODEN DUMMY SET
A Treasure of the Cantonese Opera Martial Arts
By Zhang Tianyu
Explore the origins of the 108 Red Boat Wooden Dummy form in Cantonese Opera, its cultural significance and Master Chan Ji Chiu’s ongoing dedication to preserving this unique martial arts tradition.

WING CHUN SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING GUIDE
Tips and Drills for Practical Application
By Derek G Chan
Are you serious about mastering self-defence and applying Wing Chun in real-life situations? Sifu Chan provides valuable tips on practising effectively to enhance your skills and readiness.

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF THE WOODEN DUMMY
Mastering Movement and Control
By Samuel Lutz
Sifu Lutz shows how to unlock the full potential of the Wooden Dummy, and how shifting focus and setting new goals can reveal deeper insights.

Departments

STRUCTURE AND APPLICATION
Biu Jee Techniques, Targets and Consequences
By Dr Robert Chu
Sifu Chu uncovers the potent techniques of Wing Chun’s third form, examining its target points and the consequences of strikes, and highlighting its importance in combat and human anatomy.

THE SMARTER FIGHTER
The Importance of Siu Nim Tau
By Martin Brogaard
Do you aspire to master Wing Chun? Sifu Brogaard explains the critical role of Siu Nim Tau, outlining essential training methods to elevate your skills and understanding.

WALKING THE WALK
Why You Shouldn’t Teach Wing Chun
By Michael Speights
There’s a common misconception that becoming a Sifu is the pinnacle of success in Wing Chun. Sifu Speights expounds on why it’s not the best path forward for most students of the art.

Reviews

IN PRINT
Lafayette Harris reviews The History of Wing Chun & The Six Core Elements (Revised Third Edition) by Sergio Pascal Iadarola, and Biu Jee: Wing Chun Mastery by Jason Korol.

SCREEN EDUCATIONAL
Alex Danos reviews the educational DVD Close-Range Combat Techniques – Part 1: Combat Principles by Randy Williams.