Si-Hing Michael O'Leary travelled to the Wexford Wing Tsun School on Sunday 9th of October to deliver an introductory seminar in Wing Tsun. The seminar had three main aims. An introduction to self-defence for those with no martial arts training, an introduction to Wing Tsun for those with training in other martial arts and a chance for those with Wing Tsun experience to focus on the core aspects of the art. Michael also brought down his team of instructors from the Blanchardstown school including Si-Hing Daragh Breathnach, Si-Hing Adam Nesbitt and Si-Hing Barry Smith. Si-Hing Austin Hanlon who is an intructors in the Dublin City Centre school also travelled down as well as students from both Dublin schools.

The seminar started at 12 with all student performing the Siu-Nim-Tau form. Michael explained that Siu-Nim-Tau in English means 'Little Idea'. Traditionally the first thing that a student learns when they start Wing Tsun is the Siu-Nim-Tau form. The form has a double meaning in that students are told that if they cannot learn a little idea, all further study of Wing Tsun is in vain as the form contains the seeds of Wing Tsun.

After the completion of the Siu-Nim-Tau form Michael showed how the basic stance in the Siu-Nim-Tau is turned into the frontal stance found in the Cham-Kiu form and that this is the stance used when a potential aggressor is within talking distance. Having the weight on the back leg means that the front leg can move quickly and protect the groin and inside of the rear knee. The students also used the Blitz Defence guard which is a slightly modified version of the classic Wing Tsun guard. This guard keeps the opponent at a safe distance but is disguised using natural hand movements. The purpose of the guard is to act as a fence and serves as an obstacle between the opponents fists and the defenders head. The students worked on using the Blitz Defence guard as cover against a variety of hand positions from the attacker. This was then expanded upon with the aggressor launching punches from the various hand positions which the defenders countered with Lap Sau/Pak Sau and punch for examples. This was pressure tested with the opponents launching random punches from different positions with increased power and aggression.

Michael then brought the students through a series of defences against grabs and holds.Wing Tsun is built on principles and once students understand these principles they don't have to remember techniques but they just react. One of the main principles states that when the limb is free, thrust forward and the students practised striking against a variety of holds using their free hands/legs.

The seminar finished promptly at 3.30pm with a Q&A. Michael explained that the previous three and a half hours dealt with some of the key concepts of Wing Tsun where students learn defences against the most common attacks to be found in a real life situation. The 12 student programmes in Wing Tsun builds upon the topics covered in the seminar and allows participants to explore these themes in more detail. For information on weekly classes please contact Henry Corrigan on 0872861982 or info@wingtsun-wexford.ie . Michael would like to thank Henry for inviting him to deliver the seminar and aims to return to Wexford in the coming months for a follow up seminar.