The Intersection of Modern Self Defense and Wing Chun
In an insightful video recently shared by Jeff Chan from MMAShredded, he spends time training with Sifu Nate, a Wing Chun expert, in Tokyo, Japan, and discusses the similarities and differences between their respective martial arts styles. Constantly seeking to add depth and breadth to his own integrated martial arts approach, Jeff finds there’s much to learn from Wing Chun’s defensive tactics. The Similarities in Blocking and Countering Firstly, the video dives into the technique both fighters use to defend against straight punches. Sifu Nate’s approach, rooted in Wing Chun, begins with a center line guard, deflecting punches through the middle, aimed at the forearms or elbows. It’s crucial to never leave the center line and push energy back into the opponent upon blocking. This smart defense gives birth to a capitalizing attack strategy. Surprisingly, Jeff reveals a very similar technique, albeit slight variations to accommodate his comfort. He prefers to keep his hands outside his eyebrows rather than down towards the sternum. As a result, he finds blocking more efficient as his hand’s already elevated and hence, he doesn’t need to lift before parrying. This difference between the start positions for defense yet congruent end outcomes was profound, aiding both fighters in offering efficient defenses against their opponents.Defending Against Circular Punches
The video then transitions to defensive strategies against circular punches. In Wing Chun, you can intercept the punch, deflect it and land a counter in one fluid motion. Jeff’s technique is quite alike, however, his includes a 360-degree block with a focus on extending the arm rather than the closed position in Wing Chun. Hand Control and Sticky Hands Another interesting similarity arose with hand control or “sticky hands”. Jeff’s approach is to gain control of the top of the opponent’s hand when in close range, allowing him to feel the start of a punch, deflect it and counter-attack. Sifu Nate confirms that Wing Chun has a similar technique where they too seek to control the center, either from the inside or outside while applying pressure. The Importance of Head Movement Though both styles focus on hand control as the first line of defense, Jeff emphasizes the importance of head movement as a second line of defense especially when the initial defense fails. This element is usually missing in traditional Wing Chun which believes that if your hand technique is sufficient, it shouldn’t reach your head. However, both Nate and Jeff agree that implementing more head movement can provide a useful backup plan when the initial defense fails. Countering the Counter Jeff’s keen observation during his sparring session with Sifu’s student highlighted another technique. He observed the use of hand trapping and a swift back fist – a move identical to his own. While techniques may have originated from different styles and vary slightly in execution, the end goal remains the same, highlighting the universality of martial arts as a whole. Conclusion Jeff Chan’s exploration into the world of Wing Chun with Sifu Nate may be seen as a testament to the beauty of martial arts. It demonstrates that even within different styles and forms, there are fundamental similarities and overlapping defensive strategies. Practitioners would do well to learn from specialists of various disciplines to add depth to their own practice. After all, every style has its strengths and learning is a constant journey.MMA Block
MMAShredded, a YouTube channel run by Jeff Chan, provides insight into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Chan, a professional MMA fighter, shares his knowledge and experiences through easy-to-follow tutorials. The channel is celebrated for its effective training guides, workout routines, and Chan’s personal fight analyses.
Jeff Chan Block
I will do one push up for every like and reply this gets combined
How often do you post new videos?👌
This is the best notification i received today !
Long guard is awesome and is particularly useful bareknuckle.
Jeff you are the best martial arts youtuber i learned from a lot from you❤
Is he wing chun proof?
I used to be a Wing Chun hater. But recently, between you, Kevin Lee, and now Sifu Nate, and a few others… really starting to change my mind.
Jeff 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Long guard is superior, which is why all the old school martial arts had long guard stances.
Styles may change, and techniques may vary, but principles are relatively consistent.
Another awesome video, brother. You're the best fighter to come out of Canada since Dave Leduc and GSP
Very nice explanation, oss🙏
Sweet science of striking 👊
От боксера все съест это винчун😂
Great vid Jeff🔥🔥 im kinda curious you ever thought about trying martial art skits?
Cool one 👍😁
Great video guys. I mention this quite often but people tend to take a grandiose idea of what Bruce Lee was saying without his journey. The research of books and learning with various teachers only to come to the conclusion that fighting is fighting. The traditionalist wants preserve movement ignoring the erratic nature of the fight and disregarding sport. The modern tends to ignore the wisdom of the those who left behind the movements in these traditional training methods. Only when you are open to learning do you see that martial arts are essentially the same with the principles of what you are trying to achieve,how you are trying to achieve it and for what purpose. Great video!