(In response to Ghostofwingchun’s question in the Hardcore thread.)
Here is some of what it means to say “If a woman can’t do it, it isn’t Wing Chun”:
- Literally what it says. Our benchmark for determining whether something is Wing Chun or not, is to examine whether or not women in general can feasibly execute in such a manner or compete on the basis of dependent attributes. Anything that doesnt pass this test, is inconsistent with and therefore not an aspect of Wing Chun. (I realize some of you will disagree; my purpose here is not to convince, rather to lightly illuminate the quotation and viewpoint.)
- The ability to practice or utilize Wing Chun does not rely on [typically] superior masculine physical characteristics such as gross strength in the large muscle groups, reliance on speed (velocity), or large relative differences in mass.
- Wing Chun leverages physical characteristics that are not as markedly different between the sexes. For example, more emphasis is placed on development and utilization of body alignment and integration, utilization of positioning and joint movements to realize mechanical advantage, and sensitivity for increased responsiveness and perceived speed (i.e., getting there first vs. competing on the basis of velocity).
- Considering women as an illustration and recognizable example of those who are smaller, weaker, or more physically disadvantaged than a potential opponent, Wing Chun aims to achieve both a) utilization and optimization of ones opportunities and b) minimization of ones vulnerabilities. [FWLIW, minimization of ones vulnerabilities is a distinguishing feature of Wing Chun as I know and love it, as compared with many other training methods, fighting solutions, or perspectives.]
- Wing Chun takes advantage of capabilities available to [what is typically] the least common physical denominator; this makes practice of Wing Chun practical, and development and improvement realizable for virtually anyone regardless of stature or gender. In other words, while everyone may not become an MMA champ, everyone can make significant improvements relative to themselves through Wing Chun.
Other aspects of Wing Chun which are generally consistent with womens tendencies or characteristics:
- A passive aggressive and stealth nature vs. overtly revealing intent (telegraphing) or excessive commitment
- A reserved or defensive nature (as needed) vs. a tendency to initiate aggression
- Stronger reliance on sensitivity, perception vs. forcing, insisting, or attempting to over-power (we are pretty well acclimated already to the fact that that won't work)
- Greater patience (usually); this factors into many of the items already listed
- Despite any reluctance at the start, relentless once committed. Women (generally of course) are not inclined toward overt conflict, tending to view fighting as a matter of ultimate seriousness, even a life-and-death matter; it is a rare woman who approaches fighting as a game or sport.
- Wing Chun taps into advantages of smallness, compactness, and a non-threatening appearance or demeanor (yin-ness, if you will).
- In my experience, many women have an easier time grasping some important nuances of Wing Chun [I]initially [/I] (e.g., settling, muscle relaxation, development of posture, reliance on positioning and sensitivity vs. unnecessary force, etc.). Granted, over time such gender differences tend to subside, whereupon mens generally stronger physical characteristics eventually play again as a bonus to their advantage.
Things that are not meant or implied:
- That women will achieve greater or even comparable results to men (in general).
- That size, strength, speed, conditioning, youthfulness, and yadda yadda yadda of an opponent doesnt matter.
- That physical attributes of either party dont matter.
- That a Wing Chun person of any size, gender, race or creed will or should be expected to prevail in a fight or violent encounter. While we can work to increase our odds, at any given moment in time, what is, is, simple as that.
Some additional considerations:
- There is always someone larger, stronger, faster, younger, or prettier than you. Learning how to utilize lowest common denominator type of skills can come in handy for anyone, no less greater sustainability as we age. Through the practice of Wing Chun, the gift of more masculine or youthful attributes, greater mass, reach, etc. become a) a bonus rather than a requirement and b) less likely a liability turned easily against oneself.
- A close examination of Wing Chun (as I know it) puts into serious doubt a genesis of the art that [I]fails [/I]to include to include at least some influence or consideration of women. Regardless of their truth, fallacy, or partial basis in reality, the myths and legends involving the likes of Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun still significantly inform the art.
- Wing Chun can help to tap into or improve virtually anyones capabilities; this is a major strength of the art, IMHO.
- While Wing Chun (as I know it) is well suited to a broad spectrum of people, I know of no basis for claiming Wing Chun to be the ultimate martial art or fighting method.
- The fact that some great fighters, great fighting, great training, great sport, or great athletic achievement may utilize some specific practice or attribute does not by default make that practice or attribute an aspect of Wing Chun. Fighting and Wing Chun, while related, are not the same thing.
- While Wing Chun can help us to better understand, appreciate and internalize a lot of things, practice of it will not fundamentally change the laws of physics or the nature of the universe. :D
- I think most of us fully realize that the system, the training method, the quality of instruction, and the individual themselves all factor into the realization of success. Commentary on Wing Chun as a womans art or as anything else doesnt impact the truth of this.
- Generalities, almost by definition, are wrong in some cases. So if you happen to know of a woman who doesn't fit these generalized characteristics, or some man who does, bully for you for finding exceptions. :p
There is more to consider but bottom line is that, like my teacher, I too hold that “if a woman cant do it, it isnt Wing Chun.” In contrast to Annie Oakleys contention, I also believe - at least when it comes to Wing Chun - that if a woman can do it, so can you.
Regards,
- kj