What is functional Wing Tsun?

Let's take a moment and introduce some of the differences of WT vs "Functional WT". More in depth analysis and explanations will be posted in the near future. But i think it is worth a moment or two to introduce some key factors of what distinguishes "Functional WT" from conventional "WT" or "wing chun/ving tsun" (as I understand it)

1) Distance
Conventional WTWC/VT - Close distance is the way to go.

Functional WT - Close distance is preferred to maximize damage and gain an advantage, but not restricted to go beyond this distance.

2) Stance
Conventional WTWC/VT - 100% weight on the back leg, 0% on the front (100/0), or 0/100, or 50/50 or 70/30..etc etc.

Functional WT -As long as we can kick when desired, bridge distance safely, and/or maximize striking force, weight of the stance can be anything from 100/0 to 0/100. .

3) Available Weapons
Conventional WT/WC/VT - 3 primary punches (chain punch, lifting punch, hooking punch), front kick, maybe a side kick (depending on lineage). More or less attacks than this depending on the lineage of Yip Man wing chun.

Functional WT - Infinite (although more does not mean better). It does not matter what the hits look like as long as they are delivered successfully and safely.

4) Centerline
Conventional WT/WC/VT - definition of the centerline differs depending on the lineage of wing chun. It is generally assumed that attacks also travel along this centerline.

Functional WT - More in depth definition will follow in another entry, however, generally speaking, it is an imaginary line drawn from the solar plexus of the defender to the solar plexus of the attacker. Attacks can travel along or beyond this centerline and provides the defender with a reference point for attack/defense.

I'm sure some may say that these are gross generalizations but, at the same time, many of these generalizations are 1) true and 2) perceived to be true by those that are not familiar with the intricacies of the art. Over the course of the blog, we will go in depth and further define, with examples, what these differences are and what that means to make your WT "functional" or as my Sifu calls it, "alive."

Until then.