Straight and Chain Punching

Chain Punching

Here is a clip showing how one school uses different equipment to train the chain punch.

Breathing

Breathing takes oxygen in and carbon dioxide out of the body. We require oxygen to create energy via respiration, in the form of the metabolism of energy-rich molecules such as glucose.

Breathing is one of the few bodily functions which, within limits, can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously.

Conscious control of breathing is common in many forms of meditation and it is also a vital component in the study of Wing Chun Kuen.

Our breathing in Wing Chun Kuen must initially be trained consciously in order to become sub-conscious at a later stage. In the Wing Chun Kuen Study Group, form practice plays an important role in this process.

Diaphragmatic breathing (otherwise known as abdominal breathing, belly breathing or deep breathing) is the act of breathing deep into our lungs by flexing our diaphragms rather than breathing shallowly by flexing your rib cage.

This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the stomach (abdomen) rather than the chest when breathing. It is generally considered a healthier and fuller way to ingest oxygen.

To breathe diaphragmatically, or with the diaphragm, we must draw air into the lungs in a way which will expand the stomach and not the chest. It is best to perform these breaths as long, slow intakes of air – allowing the body to absorb all of the inhaled oxygen while simultaneously relaxing the breather.

To do this comfortably, it is often best to loosen tight-fitting trousers/belts/skirts as these can interfere with the body’s ability to intake air. While at first we may not feel comfortable not expanding the chest during breathing, diaphragmatic breathing actually fills up the majority of the lungs with oxygen, much more than chest-breathing.

Aside from performing our forms at home, a simple but effective way of practicing abdominal breathing is the following exercise:

1. Sit or lie comfortably, with loose garments.
2. Put one hand on your chest and one on your stomach.
3. Slowly inhale through your nose or through pursed lips (to slow down the intake of breath).
4. As you inhale, feel your stomach expand with your hand. If your chest expands, focus on breathing with your diaphragm.
5. Slowly exhale through pursed lips to regulate the release of air.
6. Rest and repeat.

Heavily sourced from: www.Wikipedia.org

One Inch Punch

Here is a nice little documentary about Close Range Striking, specifically the One Inch Punch.

 

Thanks to all those who made it possible.