Standing toe to toe with my opponent my heart was racing a million miles a minute. I had no idea what I was going to do. He was much bigger than me, stronger and a longer reach, his kicks where swift, straight and long… The Wing Chun Training handbook never mentioned I was going to be this scared
But I could not help bit notice that he was a little clumsy. Not sure of his footing. As if on autopilot my mind kicked in. I was able to change the pace of the duel.
His blows where telegraphed, so I knew what to look for to pick up his punches early and defend.
I could now confidently confront my opponent. But what should I do? I could block & defend, but what in my bag of trick could I do to attack. I was so preoccupied in my training about getting hit. I only really concentrated on defense. Great! I may know how not to lose but how am I Going to win.
Then it occurred to me. I had learned an entry technique that may work.
It was risky but if I followed the technique to the letter and not let my Ego “improvise” it might work.
So I enter my opponents attacking range just outside his kicking distance…(I hope). I see the kick coming,.. I feign one way to the left, his kick follows me .
The technique requires me to feign back to the right. I do so… This surprises my opponent…he loses balance and lands his full weight on his front foot. For a brief instant he is flat-footed totally exposed….
I see my chance. Trying to keep my balance, from an awkward technique I just learned the other day…I kick. A perfect strike…and follow up with my unsuspecting opponent with a series of punches… POINT WIN!! yells the judge.
Yes and that folks is the story of my first tournament win.
I was scared. I was nervous but when I applied the system the fear went away as my focus went onto my training and what I learned. Learn the system; learn to trust the system and you will experience your success.
