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Complete Wing Chun.

           One surprise about writing this blog is that I have written many less book reviews that I expected.
A few weeks back I did come across an interesting trilogy of books on Wing Chun by Joseph Wayne Smith. Many martial arts have a degree of secrecy, mystery and mythos. Historically there was sometimes good reason for information control. In the modern world, however, such practices can be counterproductive. Smith is very interested in the biomechanics of Wing Chun and why somethings may work better than others.
Those of you that have read my first book will know that I endeavoured to explain the mechanics behind a number of martial arts and self-defence techniques. There was not room to teach every Judo throw so instead I taught the concepts that are common to the majority of such throws. Smith’s books concentrate on Wing Chun and are aimed more at the student who has some familiarity with the basics. It is not a “how to do it” book, more a “why this works” book
The three volumes give a detailed analysis of the various forms including those for the weapons of Wing Chun. There are sections on such techniques as pushing hands and sticky leg.
The second volume has an interesting discussion of how the techniques of Wing Chun might be complimented by those of Muay Thai and White Crane (Pak Hok Pai) kung fu. I hope to expand a little on some of these concepts in later blogs.
Word to the wise: The three volumes are collected together as “Wing Chun Kung Fu a Complete Guide”. Naturally I did not notice this until I had brought all three volumes separately. Buying the collected version will save you a few pennies so you can buy one of my books as well.