The Yin & Yang of Wing Chun
Substantial and Insubstantial
:: By Michael Herrera ::
Properly differentiating substantial (yang) and insubstantial (yin) elements of structure opens new opportunities for cultivating skill. As one element of structure fills with substantiality it simultaneously empties its insubstantiality and vice-versa. The ability to continuously and smoothly empty and fill every part of the body as pressure is delivered and received creates ever sharper timing and precision.
To begin, if an element of form is to be considered substantial then it must be capable of supporting pressure while defending and attacking structure. If an element of form is to be considered insubstantial it must be capable of refined attacks to soft targets while also attacking and defending structure. If one side of the body is substantial then the other side must be insubstantial. Dividing this into smaller sections of the body such as the ulna and radial sides of the hand continues to unlock new levels of skill development.
Continuing this line of observation we highlight that there is no simple rule of thumb for differentiating substantial and insubstantial. Even concepts of yielding and controlling or inside and outside do not always predict substantial and insubstantial elements of form. Instead adhering to the ideas above allows for substantial and insubstantial to flow freely and manifest itself in any place that requires it.
Take as an example the Wing Chun technique "Kwun Sao". Kwun Sao is very yielding in nature and yet this property alone does not dictate its substantial and insubstantial elements. Both components of Kwun Sao (tan sao and di bong sao ) are capable of supporting pressure, if necessary, and they are both capable of attacking soft targets such as the eyes and groin. One hand contacts the inside while the other occupies the outside position. Here the substantial and insubstantial properties are more dependent on the timing and direction of force resulting from the flow of engagement.
Wing Chun is uniquely equipped for cultivating this skill by combining the wooden dummy, empty hand-sets, chi sao and weapons training. Properly training these areas of Wing Chun allows one to change between substantial and insubstantial with ever increasing precision and timing. Eventually, this skill development gives insight into the realization that every place has the same insubstantiality and substantiality. Mastering the substantial and insubstantial can raise ones awareness and give real meaning to literary translations such as "(My) changes caused by the opponent fill him with wonder... He does not know me; I alone know him" Lo/Inn Amacker/Foe, The Essence of T'ai Chi Ch'uan.
About the Author:
Michael Herrera is a Wing Chun Instructor and founder of Austin Wing Chun. With an advanced background in physics he instinctively applies concepts rooted in the scientific method towards understanding the art. A student of Florida-based martial artist and Wing Chun master Karl Godwin, Michael considers himself to be fortunate having learned Wing Chun from such a highly skilled and meticulous teacher. This article in its original form can be found on the Austin Wing Chun blog at www.austinwingchun.blogspot.com.
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