AWCF 2019: Factors of Duress

Amongst all the martial arts in China, Wing Chun is the one I like the most. The reason I say this is not because I am teaching Wing Chun, but the fact that the theory and structure of Wing Chun are very scientific and has reached the acme of perfection. -GM Chu Shong Tin

If Wing Chun is “perfect”, rarely is the individual who wields it. As humans we are all susceptible to factors of duress -anything which forces us to behave other than we would given choice- such as pain, fear, exhaustion, stress, injury, flinching, or panic. These factors can prevent us from employing Wing Chun effectively, but are rarely experienced or given due attention in the comfort of the training room. We arguably limit ourselves if we do not consider these factors at all, however there are also significant ethical dilemmas to consider.

Our community contains a uniquely broad range of approaches to Wing Chun from a devastating observance of efficient application, to a profound mediation on the nature of human forces. What solutions are there, across the spectrum of our collective Wing Chun experience, to these issues?

This year, we have invited experienced and respected practitioners from Australia and abroad to deliberate on the topic for your benefit. Many of the workshops and activities will contribute knowledge on our theme, and there will be a Panel Discussion specifically dedicated to discussing Factors of Duress such as addressing fear, freezing, panic, pain compliance, flinching, and the ethical limits of training your students in duress.

I look forward to seeing you there!