Originally posted by t_niehoff
First, and I can’t say this is the case, but it is not uncommon – I’ve seen it myself – to have “ringers”, usually large, athletic-looking blokes, at certain seminars. The scenario is that the “ringer” attacks the “master” who dispatches him with ease, thereby solidifying his reputation and also forestalling any such genuine attempts by other attendees (it is a variation of a con-game). In any case, I am skeptical of these “performances.”
LOL! I doubt Chen’s need to set up a con. 
[B]
Having said that, I repeat what I said before: CXW has some skills. But who has he met in a fighting situation that is highly or even moderately skilled? Rickson, as a point of comparison, rolls to submission with everyone, regardless of their level, who attends his seminars prior to beginning the seminar! And if you want to step it up to a challenge fight, he’ll be more than happy to oblige. That’s not something we see at CXW or any WCK seminars. But then Rickson is a fighter and is training fighters. (FWIW, I don’t train bjj; I’m just using Rickson as an example).
[/B]
It is to Rickson’s credit if plays with his seminar attendees.
There are many Wing Chun and Taijiquan teachers who do the same. I see no great lesson or proof of method in seminar training. It’s not fighting; it’s only demonstration. Not to say that I doubt Rickson’s abilities, but it’s neither here nor there.
[B]
I don’t know whether to agree or not. If you’re saying that most Wing Chun training is inadequate, I agree. If you’re saying that BJJ or boxing, or MMA is inherently better, then you’re wrong. But since you study Wing Chun, I’m sure you have a high regard for the art, and therefore I interpret what you say as an observation of the proliferation of Wing Chun in-name-only schools. G
My point is that WCK is not a “superior art” in that it is inherently better than other MAs. In fact, I’d rate most of the practitioners of the art as having less ability to fight than persons equally trained in many other methods. [/B]
Dang! There’s that word most again. I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree. 
[B]
And if anyone doubts me, find out for yourself; go - and if you are a teacher, take your students - to the local bjj school, muay thai gym, boxing gym, etc. and ask to spar, or better yet challenge fight, with someone that has been practicing their art as long as you have.
[/B]
My thinking is that successful fighters usually have street experience and natural ability. That doesn’t negate all the martial art positives that the study of good Wing Chun can provide to small, non-muscular, nonathletic folk. Most people, including most Wing Chun practitioners IMO, do not go out seeking street combat. Pretty much, we are satisfied to know (or imagine) we can deal when the time comes. I recommend beimo only be enjoyed by someone with a wish to make money in competition. It’s too dangerous and irresponsible for most of the rest of us.
[B]
But that has to do with our personal training and cultivation, not the WCK method IMO. As Wang Xiangzhai so pointedly observed: “If one always considers oneself a top boxer behind closed doors, that is not worth a penny.” I feel the same way about those who practice “superior arts”. TN
[/B]
Well, don’t look for me to change your mind. I’m too old and too ambivalent to care about my fighting reputation. That said, I make it a point to confidently walk the streets of any city in the U.S. of A. Please don’t retort with, “Yeah, but what about (name your world city).” There are certain places an American should only go armed and shielded behind armor. 
All the best Wing Chun fighters are represented here. :rolleyes:
If someone isn’t willing to pay the price by actually fighting - and that’s part of the price of becoming better skilled - then they are significantly limiting their growth. TN