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LITTLE IDEAS

A Casual Discussion On Momentum Handling In Combat

In combat training there are two types of momentum handling to consider;

 

1) dealing with the momentum of an attacker &

 

2) utilising your momentum in attack or defense.

 

a) Linear Momentum: For the most part, and speaking somewhat generally, attacking momentum begins at a distance and is linear in direction. While one may attempt to change the angle while entering in &/or perhaps swing roundhouse strikes and kicks, however while closing the momentum of ones body mass is linear.

 

b) Angular Momentum: When at close quarters, as say when grappling or struggling with an assailant, this range is better suited to the use of Angular Momentum (rotational force) since when two persons are in such close contact it is more difficult to develop power in a linear fashion.

 

These are ideas to consider when combining the straight-line concepts of Siu Nim Tao with the turning and rotational forces of Chum Kiu and Bil Jee, as applied to your chi sau training and wooden dummy training; as well as the importance of “Inch Power” (close-body short strike) training.

 

In Physics momentum is broadly defined as;

a) Linear Momentum (straight line), &

b) Angular Momentum (spinning, rotating).

 

While you may find these ideas useful in enhancing your training do not let your mind become cluttered with such detail - for detail will weigh you down if you are attacked.

 

Kevin Earle

A Casual Discussion On Regularity Of Training

 I always endeavor to inspire regular daily training habits - my latest one you may recall, is to just take three minutes. This is a rule I found helpful for those who explained that they just couldn’t find any time in their day, after their forms training, for training on the wooden dummy. But this rule is not just for wooden dummy training, it can apply to other areas of your life also.

 

Our lives can become so consumed with family and friends and bringing home the bacon - who can find the time to spend an hour a day every day on their Ving Chun training? If you are that fortunate, be sure to make it a regular habit.

 

I've often told of the inspiration I got from a (then young) Steven Pokere in his desire, his drive to become an All Black. How he always had a ball in his hand. A basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a tennis ball - any sort of ball; bouncing, kicking, passing, throwing, shooting hoops. Never missing a training session. Enjoying life, but not allowing anyone, even me, to divert him from his goal. "I'm going to be an All Black", he would tell me, and his 18 test career as an All Black is a testimony to his regularity of habit.

 

Sure, Steven spent more than three minutes a day on his ball handling skills, but it’s not so much about the time as it is about the regularity of habit. Every one of us can find three minutes, and three minutes a day every day will bring greater reward than one hour a day whenever you can find an hour.

 

Every one of us can find three minutes at any time. Start with three minutes, and you may be surprised to find that three minutes became ten minutes or twenty minutes. But don't sweat it - just grab three minutes every day.

 

Life is up to you. Like Steven Pokere just grab the ball and run with it. Be the best Ving Chun practitioner you can be. Create a regular habit. All it takes is just three minutes a day!

 

Kevin Earle

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