So much Pak Mei, so little time…
Kull,
Teasing you out simply refers to tempting you with an interesting topic and hoping you may consider a contribution to the question. HOw do you shape up against an opponent?
Sui Fuw - San Da???
Aside from patterns, Sifu teaches combat techniques, as one would expect. There are several “flavours.” As a student progresses, he gets taught a “flavour”, then later as skills develop, another, then another, etc. Not everyone learns the same in the same order, and while they relate to the patterns, they are a deeper exploration of the application.
For a simple example, little guys learn to go under, big guys go over. The big guy still learns to go under, but it isn’t a focus, just part of the education, in case he ever has to fight someone 210 tall..
One of our guys is a tradesman who works mostly with his hands, which are very strong, he has learned to grab and grapple before the others because his speed is not as developed. He has exercises to further enhance his strength, it’s a common one, but Sifu makes him do it whereas he doesn’t make us all do it. He can pull your collarbone out of your body if he gets it. His fingertips are hardened. You wouldn’t want him to grab your face…
Everyone knows the techniques, sifu doesn’t hold back from us, he just says to focus on particular “flavours’” based upon an individuals ability. Seniors know many flavours, juniors must first learn to walk before they run.
Sifu has 4 senior students, two with him 12 year and two 6 years. Each looks different, as they have different spirits and body shapes, as well as ages. But if you look through the superficial, you see the common fundamentals. You can recognise Sifu’s influence clearly.
YKM as taught by Cheung Leung or “Jen Sam” looks similar superficially, but is quite different at a fundamental level, as obvious through comparison.
Is that perhaps what you were talking about with the different Pai’s Sui Fuw?
FT, (off topic a bit…)
Day Sut is not a favourite of our Sifu. He was a prizefighter, and his techniques are based upon his practical experience. He said it was too esoteric, to impractical when we asked him to teach us the pattern.
Part of the difference you observed is between YKM and Pak Mei, yet I know he dropped 2 moves from the pattern and replaced them with more “relevant” techniques that we would use.
Because I like it, Sifu has given me the responsibility for Day Sut in our school now, and I am adding one technique back, it’s a work in progress, I’m consulting with a friend.
The reason for dropping the acrobatic element is perhaps related to the students, perhaps to his overall opinion, probably both.
I know Cheung Leung had two versions of the pattern too, one for those who could, and one for those who couldn’t.
Don’t forget, I learned 10 patterns from him over 5 years. I also trained with him in the park after he retired. My brother trained with him 10 years, and still remembers most the YKM patterns, or at least the moves. Our perspective is somewhat unique.
As you know, over generations things change a bit, thats how YKM and Pak Mei patterns and ging became different. Your si gung changed the name for a reason. Change is what keeps a style alive. In my humble opinion…
he knows i know 