[QUOTE=Phil Redmond;1005312]Sorry, I for got to answer this in my previous post. There was a 10 second grappling rule. If you started out grappling while standing you had 10 seconds to do something unless you both went to the ground then you had 10 more seconds. After that the ref would break you apart.[/QUOTE]
fair enough although i would have liked to have even seen longer on the ground or not allow it at all, 10 seconds just isn’t long enough, but at least the guys were testing themselves in a hard enviroment fair play to them
I extend my sincerest appreciation to Sifu Redmond for inviting us to participate in this event. It was a pleasure meeting him and the other Wing Chun students.
It is my opinion that all competitors “represent” only themselves, not their styles, schools or Sifus. These events serve as good experiences for all those who have questions not only about their ability but about facing a challenge to see what would you do. My guys were not as prepared as they should have been, but that was the point in the end. They learned that they need to start listening, start extracting the ideas from their training so they can understand application. To start understanding how serious it is to train for these type of events.
As Wing Chun people, it is important for us to learn in our training how to commit ourselves (to our opponent) and trust our “tools”. Without this, you tend to go into “survival” mode and disengage from the most basic concepts of your Kung Fu. You begin to leave yourself wide open for even a not so good fighter who has the desire to punch and kick a target.
This event is not for the light at heart. Real punches and kicks. You can really get hurt if not careful. I think the promoters did a pretty good job, for what it was.
I am very proud of my students efforts as I am sure now they might show up a little more regularly to class and my house for discussions. Tonight we are going to review this event and more about what sparring really entails.