Perhaps my favourite technique of wing chun training is the fact that it focuses on body mechanics and distils fighting down to a science.  It takes the emotion out of it and deals with only what works- and throws out what does not.

The first  principle in wing chun that I was taught and without doubt the number one reason I was able to excel at wing chun…was to focus on my opponent. More specifically to focus on my opponents’ elbows and the region around them.

Quite simple yet this one technique will put you one step ahead of your opponent.  You will appear to be faster and anticipate your opponents every move.

The reason for this is that by focusing on your opponent’s elbows allows you to see what your opponents intentions are early.  Think about it and try it. If your opponent goes to punch, the first move they make is to extend at the elbow.  You see this movement much earlier  than just focusing on their fists.  This is the last signal in your opponents movements and will be perhaps too late.

However focusing on your opponent’s elbows you get a clear view of your opponents attacking methods.  If they punch with their lead fist. The elbow will rise to move forward.  If they attack with the rear the elbow at front will move. It needs to it, because it is all part of the body mechanics –its the mechanics of the body.

If the opponents go to kick, the elbows will drop back. This allows you to have your opponents telegraph their movements.

Also by focusing on the elbows you are distracting from the opponent’s eyes and face. Which can be intimidating. Staring into the eyes of someone that wants to do you harm can be a little frightening and also does not allow your opponents an in, trying to psyche you out.  Indeed you will appear cool calm and collected.  Your opponents may be even put off by your cool demeanour and clinical approach. 

No matter how hard they try your steely determination will show show through and start planting the seeds of doubt in the mind of your opponent.

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