Good morning
I would like to mention a few words about seminars in general. I have written on this topic before, about 5/6 months ago, but with the ‘season’ of seminars having started again I will discuss some of the main points again. There is also a
webpage on this topic which gives an overview of what can be expected from the seminars.
However, before I come on to this I would like to first discuss a separate point. Last week I heard from the instructors that a few students claimed they were not aware that they would miss out if they did not attend. As all readers of my blog will know I have absolutely no complaints personally; indeed the turn out for the seminar was one of the best so far (and on the Saturday it would not have been possible to fit any more students in the training hall). However, I mention these comments as this attitude is rather indicative of human nature as a whole: people very rarely appreciate what they have until it is too late to do anything about it. On a personal note I think this is rather sad, and has always been one of my aims never to miss out for this exact reason unless it was beyond my control. As a student in Wing Tsun one of things that everyone could depend upon was that I would never miss a seminar… I even took two of my Technician exams (at different times of course) with temperatures over 102F (incidentally one of the biggest differences that Chinese Wing Tsun made to me was to improve both my health and immune system dramatically). It is also rather sad from the perspective of a teacher when students miss training – in particular seminars. Wing Tsun is not the same as studying law or other such subjects (although it has its similarities) because it is based on the personal correction of individuals. This means that while you have the particular material and information that needs to be covered, each seminar is inevitably different. A good teacher always tailors the lesson to the students that attend, with the focus and training itself depending on the strengths and mistakes of the students. I can honesty tell you it is impossible to recreate or teach the same seminar; even if you teach the identical information it will never be in the same way or have the same effect.
The situation, therefore, illustrates another important principle of both life and Wing Tsun; the responsibility is yours and yours alone for the choices you make and ensuing consequences. In this particular instance I’m not sure that there was anything more that my instructors could have done to rectify the situation – the seminar was mentioned on here, in classes and brochures were sent out. As masters have been teaching from centuries, it is only possible for a teacher to show you the way, it for to you to decide what to do with it…
With regard to the actual purpose of seminars, they are essentially specialist training on areas of martial arts and Wing Tsun that it is not possible to cover in general class. Each seminar covers a wide range of teaching, from the practical skills and strategy to the spiritual understanding and philosophical meanings. In addition some seminars give an overview and chance to train exclusive material that would otherwise not be learnt for many years, if at all; the topic of Chi-Gerk in September this year is an apt illustration.
The seminars can also go into great depth on certain parts of the Wing Tsun system, enabling students to understand the exact purpose behind it and its place in the Wing Tsun system. An example of this is the last Chum Kiu seminar, which despite being four days long only covered the 1st half of the form (see an earlier post for more details). It is also intensive training, allowing you to push yourself and your body in ways that you would never otherwise do, allowing you to find the correct body mechanics and break habits. It is builds up both your stamina and determination to succeed, particularly if you grade afterwards as you will be so tired mentally and physically that you have no option but to rely on instinct.
These are simply some of the main principles underlying the seminars, but I will also point out that the students that have broken records for achieving advanced level in unprecedented time attended every seminar…
And finally, with regard to the forthcoming Chum Kiu seminar, it is an essential training for all those that wish to understand the art more than just surface level. In particular, it is crucial learning for those students who wish to aim for Primary Level this year.
Sifu