Re: Wing Chun & Tai Chi? Internal Wing Chun?
Someone rang? 
Originally posted by still_logicz
What’s up guys? I have been doing a little researching lately and I have come to a decision that the two martial arts that I would love to study would be Wing Chun & Tai Chi. My questions are:
I’ll preface my response by saying that I practice only Wing Chun. I do, however, know people who practice Taiji seriously, as well as a handful who practice both. Any insights I have are largely vicarious.
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- Do you guys think that either can help/compliment each other?[/B]
In some ways, I believe they can, but perhaps more so for some people than for others. However, I firmly believe that Wing Chun is sufficient in and of itself to learn and develop Wing Chun. Furthermore, I believe that to practice Wing Chun as one’s sole martial art is best for Wing Chun. I cannot help but think the same would hold for taijiquan. The opportunity costs, IMHO, do not justify practice of both arts if a person is deeply serious about one of them.
These are both deep systems. How many lifetimes would it take for most of us to excel at even one of them? Let alone both? Let alone the complications of keeping them straight? To excel at both will be about as easy as doing justice to two husbands or two wives.
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- Which one should I start first?
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Which is the one that really interests you, or interests you the most? Perhaps more research is in order, or perhaps your intuition knows where your heart is already.
Begging the question a bit further, why do you feel you need or want to practice both rather than focus on one? More a food-for-thought question, as you may still be researching without and within, and forming your thoughts and opinions on the matter.
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- Do you even think it is wise to study both together?
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The answer to this question will depend on the person.
Some would say yes, and for some of those I might agree it isn’t “unwise” to do so.
My strong personal opinion however, is that it generally is not the wisest choice to do so. “Generally” implies there may be rare exceptions. I don’t have the bandwidth for an expository essay, but this is my considered opinion. (I always reserve the right to change my opinions, LOL.)
I do not believe we need to go outside the system of Wing Chun to develop Wing Chun. For those inclined or insisting to do so - for whatever personal reasons, needs or preferences - I sometimes suggest they investigate forms of yoga, qigong, or even Pilates. Some people also find structural and functional methodologies like Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, and Rolfing to be of help. All of these, IMHO, may be less conflicting with Wing Chun than taijiquan in many respects, and can be less demanding in terms of time.
If after due consideration, one has an insatiable desire - for whatever reason - to pursue and practice both arts, then they should just do what makes them happy and not worry about my opinions or anyone else’s. Once the choice is made, don’t disturb your peace by worrying or mulling over the pros and cons continuously. Just do the work, do your best at each, and do your best not to confuse them in body or mind.
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And I read an interesting article about the secrets of chi in Wing Chun and how it is supposed to be the secret last steps of WC.
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Never heard that one. I don’t claim to know much, but is sounds like total hogwash to me. I am a firm believer that the only “secret” is hard work over time.
As for chi, we don’t focus on that or distract our work with it. If it is observed and develops, all well and good. IMHO, it is folly to be frustrated or distracted in search of it, in lieu of prescribed Wing Chun practice. If it comes to pass, let it be. This is consistent with the perspective of my teacher also, so I feel my POV on the matter is in good company.
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- Does anybody here practice this part of WC (The internal side)? [/B]
Depends what you mean by “internal.” It’s a loaded word. If you mean relaxed but substantial, yes, I do my best to practice that way.
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- Know any teachers in the NY or FLA area that teach it?
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Still not sure what “it” is exactly. 
Also, where in NY and where in FL?
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- And last but not least, Do you think it would be better to train in the US or China to acquire the full, natural art of WC &/or Tai Chi?
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Your desire and ability to travel may be a consideration.
Some of the top taijiquan practitioners spend plenty of time in both China and in North America. Chen Xiawang, Chen Qingzhou, and numerous others routinely travel and teach throughout the U.S. There are also a number of next generation(s) taijiquan practitioners fully worth consideration, and further improving accessibility.
As for Wing Chun, high quality and true to Wing Chun is unfortunately not all that common, IMHO, and takes some searching. I believe your chances of finding and accessing quality instruction are better in North America than in China at this point in time. Within China, I think it remains easier to find quality instruction in Hong Kong than in Foshan or other areas of China. I reiterate that “easy to find” is relative though. The harder, more diligent, more sincere, more thorough and more open minded your search, the better your chances of success.
As Thomas Jefferson wrote “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”
Whatever your path, enjoy and good luck.
Regards,
My life is hard enough doing justice to my “little lady of fire”, I couldn’t imagine trying to figure out two women at once:confused: . As always you hit the nail on the head KJ. I’ll stick to my WC and consider myself lucky with the amount of confusion already on my plate!