Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun Kuen Hok: An Overview in the Form of Essays
I first met David Peterson in his former hometown of Melbourne. David encouraged me to travel to Hong Kong and gave me my letter of introduction to Wong Shun Leung. I have found David to be a dear friend over the years, and I have always marvelled at not only his journalistic talents but also of his knowledge of WSLVT. I can forthrightly say there is no other person that can transmit Wong Shun Leung’s teachings as accurately as David. His new book is a testament to the sincere love and devotion he has given his teacher. This book is a must-have for all of those within the Wing Chun Clan.
SIFU JOHN SMITH
Principle Instructor of the Illawarra Ving Tsun School
If you are able to learn from this man, personally, I envy you; you not only have one of the very best martial educators on the planet as your teacher, but also one of the kindest and most decent of men as your guide to the art of Ving Tsun. If you are taking your instruction in the art via the written word, such as this book, you are still most fortunate, for one can’t spend time in the company of such a man, and not be left a little finer by the company one has kept.
JOHN LITTLE
Author, Filmmaker and Bruce Lee Historian
Sihing David Peterson’s completely thorough and precise understanding of my Sifu’s combat methods is well-known, as are his effective teaching abilities. If this book is your first introduction to the ideas of Ving Tsun Gung Fu Master Wong Shun Leung, you are very fortunate, as you are about to find wisdom in a simple, direct, and efficient approach to combat. For those who are already a disciple of the WSLVT method, I am certain this book will bring further inspiration and clarity.
SIFU PHILIP NG
WSLVT instructor and star of the Bruce Lee biopic BIRTH OF THE DRAGON
I have always felt that Ving Tsun Kuen is “easy to learn and difficult to master” and the use of writing and language to teach it, more often than not, makes it even more difficult to understand; however, Sihing David Peterson’s writing style and the way he illustrates things are extremely clear and easy to understand. You can truly sense the painstaking effort and amount of time he has put into training and teaching Ving Tsun Kuen, and in his promotion of WSLVT, he has spared no effort over many, many years. I hope his new book and the concepts of Ving Tsun Gung Fu are successfully shared with lovers of Ving Tsun everywhere!
SIFU JOHN WONG HONG CHUNG
Son of the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung
Throughout nearly two decades of working in magazine publishing, I have worked with many professional writers, and Sifu David Peterson is truly one of the most naturally gifted writers and communicators with whom I have ever had the pleasure of working. His writing is like a razor sharp knife that cuts through the complexity of a topic and explains it in easy to understand segments; often creating “aha” moments for the reader—“WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok: An Overview in the Form of Essays” is no different!
SIFU ERIC LILLEØR
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Wing Chun Illustrated Magazine
Mui Fa Publishing proudly present world-renowned WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok teacher and author Sifu David Peterson’s new MUST-HAVE book! A whopping 336 pages, fully illustrated with rare and never-before-published photos, in both colour and black-and-white!
Title: WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok: An Overview in the Form of Essays aka "The Brick" Publisher: Mui Fa Publishing, the publisher of Wing Chun Illustrated Author: David Peterson Edited by: Eric Lilleør Printed by: Lulu Press Number of Pages: 336 pages
WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok is the legacy of the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung, one of the most famous and formidable students of Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) Gung Fu patriarch, Grandmaster Ip Man. In the 1950s and 1960s, Wong Shun Leung almost single-handedly brought the fighting system of Ip Man to prominence in Hong Kong through his challenge matches, or Beimo, earning himself the nickname, Gong Sau Wong, the “King of Talking Hands”, such was his prowess as a fighter. However, Wong Shun Leung was far more than just a “scrapper” with an unbeaten record. He was also a Ving Tsun scientist, philosopher, outstanding teacher, and creator of an approach to combat that is now recognised as one of the most simple, direct, and efficient fighting methods ever devised, Ving Tsun Kuen Hok (Ving Tsun Combat Science).
In this volume, Sifu David Peterson, author and student of the late Wong Shun Leung, presents a detailed overview of the entire WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok method in the form of individual essays that explore the forms, concepts, techniques, and drills that comprise the legacy of his teacher, as well as an exclusive look at the life of Sifu Wong Shun Leung and his teacher, Grandmaster Ip Man. The book also discusses the very important connection between Wong Shun Leung and the late Bruce Lee, to whom he was a mentor, teacher, and friend. Fully illustrated, in both colour and black-and-white, with never-before-published photos, along with an extensive appendix containing extra references for the reader, WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok: An Overview in the Form of Essays is a book that all practitioners of Ving Tsun, regardless of lineage or experience, should have in their reference collection.
In this inspiring, comprehensive and knowledge packed new book, Sifu Peterson offers a unique and detailed insight into the entire WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok method, exploring the forms, concepts, techniques, and drills as taught by the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung.
This is the Bible for WSLVT practitioners or anyone interested in Ving Tsun/Wing Chun! Sifu David Peterson’s knowledge in WSLVT is second to none and he is more than capable to “walk the walk”, not just talking VT. His communications skills are also fantastic, serious but always with a smile. All this shines through in this masterpiece of a book. Although not a how-to book, you really get a deeper insight into the WSLVT system and the Man himself, Wong Shun Leung. The book is so great I will buy the softcover version when it’s ready, for taking notes, etc. Of course, I also have to mention my friend Sifu Eric Lilleør’s publishing skills—a great book became even greater with the cooperation between him and Sifu David Peterson. I know Grandmaster Wong Shun Leung would be very proud if he saw what they have accomplished together. I hope all my students and anyone else interested in VT/WC/WT buys a copy of this book and supports such a fantastic project.
SIFU FRODE STRØM
Norway
My copy just arrived! I just skimmed through the pages, and I have to say that I’m looking forward to reading it. The book looks well made (I work in printing myself) and as far as value goes, for the full-colour case wrap, I think it’s definitely worth it. I’m not a huge fan of case wrap, but one will find high-res photos at least every two pages. They seem to support the contents, instead of just being thrown in there. I also like the formatting and, especially, the spacing of the text. Nothing was crammed together to avoid using more paper. This is a high-quality print and a big one at that—wouldn’t stick it into your training bag! Every page really conveys the hard work that went into this book, and I think this will be a damn good read.
STEFAN PLÖTZ
Germany
As I paged through the book, I kept seeing topics that are at the heart of our system. As always, Sibak’s ability in explaining WSLVT theory in an effective and thorough manner is captured in this book. The book itself is laid out as a piece of art thanks to Eric Lilleør’s publishing skills. A great way to pay tribute and memorialise Sigung’s wonderful scientific method. It is inspiring to me in continuing to coach our system and is a great reference source. Thanks again to Sibak David Peterson and Eric Lilleør.
OSCAR RUIZ
United States
A nice piece of craft came out of real effort and appreciation, which one can notice through this wonderful tribute to the great master Wong Shun Leung. This is an elegant book with worthy information and historical pictures. Worthy!
SIFU JEREMIAS ZAGHIS
Argentina
All I can say about this book is, “Oh wow!” The wait was definitely worth it, and the book exceeded my expectation! Great colour pictures with clear straightforward explanations, well written, easy to understand and follow, especially for explaining drills and the Ving Tsun technique applications and principle. Contains tons of precious information. One of the best Wing Chun books out there!
EILEEN SMITN
United States
A must-have book for those training or have interest in the Wong Shun Leung Ving Tsun lineage!
MARK ANDERSON
United Kingdom
The book is not meant as a technical encyclopaedia; though, if you read and understand it deeply enough, you will find that information, but it serves as a guiding force to better understand the technical aspects. You will not be disappointed. You can’t go wrong with anything put out by Sifu David Peterson!
REHAN MALICK
Pakistan
My book arrived yesterday, and no surprise, it looks amazing! David Peterson put together what simply could be the best book I’ve ever seen on Ving Tsun (Wing Chun). The photos are mostly in colour, the pages feel of a high-quality, and the information is priceless. I bought the hardcover, full-colour version to save, and I will also buy the paperback version (once it comes out), so I can highlight and mark it up freely when I’m reading and re-reading it. This is exceptional work from an exceptional man.
SIFU SEAN P. MADIGAN
United States
The first thing a savvy reader will notice about this book, besides its beautiful layout and design, are the multiple Forewords written by great men in their own right. In the martial art world, it’s rare for so many to step forward to proclaim the greatness of character and skill of another but, hey, this is David Peterson we’re discussing! My only regret about this volume is that I couldn’t join in the Foreword parade and publicly declare how great a communicator, how humble a man, gifted a teacher, and what a master of WSLVT David Peterson truly is. He is that endangered species among martial art teachers because he has no ego and earnestly desires his students to surpass him. His sole purpose is to honour his Sifu, the great Wong Shun Leung, not to sing his own praises—and for that, I gladly sing them for him. Next, it was in my opinion, a thankless task to follow up the greatest Wing Chun book ever written, “Look Beyond the Pointing Finger: The Combat Philosophy of Wong Shun Leung”, but he has done it! The essays are masterpieces, one after the other, covering the combat science, from the forms to the drills, to Chi Sau, to the weapons, and to fighting, with singular clarity and comprehensiveness. No book will ever teach Wing Chun successfully, but this one will give you the guidance we all sorely need by giving a clear presentation of the heart of the system, which is its core concepts. This book is an absolute and utter must for every serious Wing Chun student.
