Combat: So how did the seminar go?

F.S: They were very successful and during the first evening, we were joined by two of Garry's instructors - one from London and the other from Stockholm. They both had a high standard of practice and like Garry, were very good at passing on their knowledge to us, without converting us into clones in the process. One of Garry's Instructors had only trained for two years and my six years were meaningless by comparison!
I asked Garry to show us some basic self-defence techniques and explain the application of the forms and of what we 'knew' already. So the first day covered formal Wing Chun and the second, street self-defence. We began with a very physical warm up that almost killed us Such things are unheard of in Norway! For the first time we realised that you have to be fit to fight. We practised some punching drills and then Garry demonstrated the first of many applications. This was such an eye-opener! It was like secret art being revealed. Next Garry showed us the 2nd and 3rd forms, bringing out various applications and techniques.
We looked at the stances, footwork and correct application and by the end of the day, we all felt we'd gained invaluable insights. We were faster, stronger and more sure-footed as we finished off with chi sau. However, this was a different form of chi sau to what we we'd practised before because it involved two against one. We had to use one partner as a shield against the second partner. We quickly discovered that this requires mobility, footwork and quick reactions. At first we were smacked about but after a while, we learned how to side step while deflecting one partner's technique into the other. It's a miracle we didn't have an accident because students' defensive skill didn't match their enthusiasm.

Combat: What happened on the second day?

F.S: We were told to turn up in old clothing because we were going to be training in street fighting. We dealt with jabs and hooks by blocking/countering, then by simultaneous blocking and striking and finally by intercepting, during which we'd simply side step the opponent and hit him! We also practised grappling and grabbing and how to disentangle ourselves. Though Wing Chun does not use high level kicks, Garry gave us the ammunition for dealing with them. For example, he demonstrated how you could simply prevent the kicker kicking simply by closing distance. Combining this with continuous centre-line punches proved effective. Another method was to rush the kicker and throw him onto his back.

Combat: What were Garry's teaching methods like?

F.S: Garry believes that individuality is the essential in reaching your full potential. So initially he teaches students basics in a uniform way, but later they are encouraged to experiment. This helps them to mature. Garry sees Wing Chun as a system for the expression of concepts in which each person practises in an individual way - though the same concepts underpin the system.