The Sung Wing Chun European Gathering 2021

It’s been a couple of weeks now since I attended the three day Sung Wing Chun European gathering in Hathersage. You’ll have heard me excitedly relaying the experience in class, but having reflected on it I thought I’d share some specific thoughts on what in the UK is probably a little-known lineage of Wing Chun.  

First of all, I have to say that in 25 year of practicing Wing Chun I have attended many seminars and gatherings of every variety, both at home and abroad. At this gathering, I have never met a more open, friendly and egoless group of people. Both instructors and students alike were more than happy at sharing their knowledge and experience with an apparent outsider (I had only met Dan previously from my private lessons and some of the other instructors / students virtually via Zoom sessions during lockdown). No one was trying to explain why this lineage was the ‘best’ or tried to assert any sort ego driven opinions. Everyone I touched hands with was simply happy to practice and share their knowledge. That knowledge, especially from the three main teachers Dan, Mark and Jon, was second to none.

On the Friday afternoon, after being taken through the Siu Nim Tao form by Jon Jones, Mark very graciously offered for me to chi sau with him. The only way I can describe the experience is that I was powerless. Mark told me that I could test him, and I did try, but it seemed that Mark was able to connect to me in a way that most Wing Chun practitioners won’t have experienced. That connection allowed him to easily absorb my force, whilst he continuously controlled my balance. The usual tricks of applying speedy hand techniques or trying to align my ‘structure’ were instantly nullified and I found myself off balance or with shoulders and back burning from the strain of trying to deal with Mark whilst he was in this state. I would also like to add that Mark is smaller than me and older. I say this with the greatest respect and only to point out that when you can tap into this way of being, age and size seem to be irrelevant, something that Mark exhibits exceptionally well.

Mark also gave a talk on some of the principles of the Chu Shong Tin methodology, and then the following day took a smaller group on what ended up being fabulous a two-hour session on standing practice as done within the Chu Shong Tin method, incorporating topics such as Yi Sik and the elusive and often misunderstood concept Tai Gong.

Daniel Parr also took small groups of students for sessions on a couple of key subjects. The first was on going ‘up’ and how this idea frees the body from restrictive holding and allows space and freedom in the joints. The effects of this ‘lengthening’ and allowing for stretch or ‘tone’, as Dan puts it, are quite remarkable when you get it right. This perfectly complimented the second session on feet and how to effectively step. It sounds basic I know, but most Wing Chun practitioners will push off the back leg or attempt to utilise the most unnatural and unrealistic ways of stepping or pivoting. The two sessions complimented each other so well and the information was coupled with practical demonstrations and partner exercises. I came away from both sessions with not only with a reinforcement of the ideas from previous training sessions with Dan, but also a better understanding of how the body can move more naturally, and therefore more effortlessly and powerfully under pressure. Dan is a thoughtful instructor, and I think has worked hard to find ways of explaining concepts that could be easily mystified into terms we can all understand and relate to.

Dan also led the larger group sessions over the three days where we tested the movements of Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu and Biu Jee under pressure as we often attempt in class, again effectively displaying that effortless power that seems to be a hallmark of this lineage. It amazed me how at one moment I can be struggling, and then with some adjustments from one of the instructors, be able to do the movement with ease against a reasonable amount of force. This is testament again to the skill and dept of knowledge of the instructors at Sung Wing Chun.
I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Jon Jones, but in the time I did get with Jon is was clear to see, or more accurately feel, that he is a highly skilled individual. Jon graciously guided me with an open sharing of his knowledge in an effort to get me to achieve some of that state which makes him so effective. Jon also guided the group through the forms with clarity and a humble honesty, using some of the relatable descriptions of movements you’ll have heard me unashamedly borrow when teaching in class. 

Another thing worth noting is that the abilities of Dan, Mark and Jon are clearly seen in their students. Even those that have been attending classes for only a few months already display some of that effortless power that comes from this process. One notable student was Kirsty, whom I mention because although much smaller than me in stature, was like trying to move a brick wall once she connected with my arms in chi sau. I say this because to me it’s evidence that this method truly works regardless of size or shape. A lot of schools say this, but in all honesty it’s not always the case in my experience. Again, a testament the teachers at Sung Wing Chun and their knowledge and processes.
​
I could write so much more, but I’ll finish by saying that I feel like I came away from the gathering not only with more quality information, but also with crucial understanding in how I can better achieve this skill that can only be gained from the experience. These three days showed me that this process is learnable and repeatable with dedicated training, guidance and understanding.