Sifu Yuri Morelli: Issue 77

Wing Chun Illustrated Issue 77, featuring Sifu Yuri Morelli, 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 Yuri Morelli Cover Feature

YURI MORELLI
A Life Shared Between Two Sibling Arts
By Kleber Battaglia
Following in his family’s footsteps, Sifu Yuri Morelli began his martial arts journey at age 13 with Kickboxing. In his late teens, he transitioned to the ancient discipline of Kung Fu, leading him to explore the diverse lineages of Wing Chun and to expand his expertise to Weng Chun, a sister style, under the guidance of the Tang family. Through his Traditional Wing Chun Association, Sifu Morelli passionately promotes these two arts worldwide, blending martial prowess with philosophical depth.

Columns

THE MAGIC OF CHI SAU
Chi Sau
Exercise or Training for Combat?
By Keith R. Kernspecht
Sifu Kernspecht views Chi Sau as a reductionistic approach to combat training, advocating for a realistic approach in training, aiming at effective self-defence and preparing for real fight scenarios.

TALKING HANDS
No Going Back
The Art and Sole of WSLVT Footwork
By Glenn Landers
Footwork is certainly the “Cinderella” of the Wing Chun system, always at work but rarely in the spotlight. It’s time to “talk the walk” regarding the importance of our often “forgotten limbs”.

THE MARTIAL MIND
Friend or Foe?
Nine Reasons Partners Prevail Over Opponents
By Kyle and Ted Ritter
Can a cooperative approach to training accelerate skill enhancement? Seeing your fellow practitioners as allies rather than adversaries can transform your training.

THE INNER CIRCLE
Weng Chun White Crane
The Crane Influence on Wing Chun
By Zhang Tianyu and Jim Roselando Jr
Grandmaster Li Kong is one of the foremost experts on Fujian’s White Crane Kung Fu, and unravels its historical connections to Wing Chun.

THE STRAIGHT LEAD
The Overhand
Power from Above
By Jason Korol
Jeet Kune Do isn’t just about the Straight Lead. Learn how angled blows, such as the Overhand Punch, can make you a devastating fighter.

Features

THEN AND NOW
Kung Fu in Hong Kong
By Henry Chan Sze Lok
Ever wondered how Kung Fu transformed in Hong Kong? Sifu Henry Chan Sze Lok shares his personal journey through the art’s cinematic highs, modern-day challenges, and its profound impact on culture and community.

GUARDIANS OF TRADITION
The Kung Fu Legacy of Leung Saam Fuhk
By Zhang Tianyu
Thanks to the elders of the Hum Tou village, we are thrilled to present some interesting information about their village Kung Fu, Ban Chung Siulam Kung Fu, as transmitted by opera performer Leung Saam Fuhk.

LEANNE GREENWOOD
Fighting Crime with Wing Chun
By Donna Yap
Sifu Greenwood shares her Wing Chun journey, which started at age 11. Now a police detective, she discusses how Wing Chun’s principles aid her in law enforcement, emphasising the art’s suitability regardless of strength, and the critical role of consistent training.

BAT CHE KUEN
Part 2: Perception of Force
By Choi Yan Shing
In the last issue, we explored Bat Che Kuen’s foundational techniques, Mai Jaan Kuen and Fei Jaan Kuen. This issue delves into the six subsequent punches that build upon that foundation.

THE X-FACTOR OF WING CHUN
Harnessing the Close-Combat Advantage
By Martin Brogaard
What makes Wing Chun effective in close combat? Sifu Brogaard shares insights on Wing Chun’s “X-factor” and core principles, emphasising its close-range combat superiority, strategic footwork and psychological impact.

Departments

STRUCTURE AND APPLICATION
The Wing Chun Companion
By Dr Robert Chu
Have you recently acquired a Wooden Dummy? Sifu Chu shares insights on setup, care and revitalisation, ensuring your dummy remains a steadfast ally in your martial arts journey.

THE KUNG FU GENIUS
Phases to Mastery
By Alex Richter
Sifu Richter applies Robert Greene’s fantastic “three-phase” journey to mastery, using martial arts as the subject.

WALKING THE WALK
Finding Value in Every Lesson
By Michael Speights
Significant insights can be garnered by watching Wing Chun videos, provided you approach them with the right mindset.

Reviews

IN PRINT
Lafayette Harris reviews the following books: Research of Martial Arts by Jonathan Bluestein, and Tao of Wing Chun Do: Volume 2 by James W. DeMile.

SCREEN EDUCATIONAL
Alex Danos reviews the following educational DVD: Jon Rister: Joint Locks 2.