Lindy Scott interview
1. Hi Lindy How are you?
A: I’m great thanks!
2. Lindy tell us a little bit about your journey in Wing Chun: How did you find Wing Chun or perhaps how did it find you?
A: I first heard about Wing Chun at Adelaide University, but I wasn’t sure about learning this martial art over Karate, as Kung Fu had been commercialised through the TV series and films etc. I was then introduced to Wing Chun through a WEA adult education short course Tony Blencowe and I attended at Sifu Jim Fung’s Academy. After travelling throughout India in 1984 we returned to the Academy and haven’t looked back since.
3. What was the year you began your training?
A: 1983
4. Since then how do you find Wing Chun still relates in your path and in your everyday life?
A: My training in Wing Chun has totally influenced the way I am in contact with my body in terms of the connection between mind awareness and movement. In a practical sense I’m much stronger than I would have been without training as I test myself continuously in everyday tasks. As I’m an Environmental Scientist my work has involved strenuous physical activity in the field, lifting and carrying equipment and negotiating difficult terrain. I still get surprised at how much my stamina has improved and the limited effort needed. I also have more confidence in terms of defending myself as my work has taken me to remote and isolated locations where I could be in a vulnerable position. I feel I still have a lot to learn, and so I continuously analyse and think about what’s involved in the forms and how I can improve. As Tony and I both train and teach Wing Chun it has been a major part in our lives and we’ve been able to bounce ideas off of each other.
5. As a result of the practice of Wing Chun in your life, how do you hope it relates to your students?
A: As I see Wing Chun as an integral part of my day to day life I try to impart this approach to students. You can be training no matter what you’re doing! I also think that everyone must approach training in their own way to gain the most benefit. I see my role as guiding students to learn and be realistic about their skills and to feel confident with what they can do at the time. This is the way I approach training. It’s not good to be over or under confident, as both things can inhibit potential for improvement. The mind set of relaxed effort can be beneficial in any circumstance from work to recreation.
6. Tell us about meeting Sigung Tsui Chong Tin and Sifu Jim Fung for the first time back then?
A: When I first met Sifu Jim in 1983 I was impressed with his expertise in Wing Chun, particularly his punch, which was extremely fast and powerful. He encouraged women to train as was reflected in the number of senior female instructors at the Academy at the time. This definitely inspired me. He also was very approachable which as a master, may not necessarily have been the case. In 1986 we were privileged to have a visit from Sigung Tsui Shong Tin. It was his first trip overseas and he was in Adelaide to present at a Martial Art Masters Convention. It was a very enlightening time. He was extremely generous with his knowledge which was a surprise, as we had had a fair dose of ‘juniors cannot be let in on particular aspects of the art’. He seemed to enjoy teaching junior students and with this initial teaching from him it was as if a blanket had been removed from my mind. He corrected most of us with what seemed like superficial features of stance, arm positioning etc., but the corrections made a huge difference. He also encouraged us to move around with our Chi Sau, which obviously freed up our legs. This prevented people from tensing up by bracing to withstand the force from their training partner. His main message was to relax, and that force was produced by a relaxed effort.
7. Do your children practice Wing Chun with you today?
A: We have two sons who are in their 20’s now, and while they haven’t attended formal lessons, they’ve been brought up in a Wing Chun household. They haven’t had a chance of not being involved and learning! They went with us to Hong Kong and attended training with Sigung, along with attending training at Sifu Jim’s Academy.
8. Lindy tell us about your school and your students with Tony?
A: In 2003 Tony and I felt that we would like some independence in our teaching and training, and so started up our own not for profit group, Adelaide Wing Chun Kuen. Our training follows the way we had trained initially in Hong Kong, without gradings, and with the emphasis on improving internal power through the forms and Chi Sau. We have junior and experienced students that have trained from 6 months to 20 years. We encourage the sharing of knowledge for mutual benefit.
9. Where is your school located?
A: We train in ‘The Lounge’ at the Fullarton Park Community Centre, Fullarton, Adelaide every Tuesday night. The entrance is on Fisher St. Website: adelaidewingchunkuen.com
Lindy thank you so much for spending this time with us doing this interview. Just one more question for our readers.
What is your favourite food?
A: I love all food! – Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, French, Middle Eastern…..
Cheers Lindy, wishing you all the best in everything you do! Thank you for sharing Wing Chun with Australia.