Customer Reviews

Wing Chun (Shaolin Interactive Instructional Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I've studied Wing Chun for years, and do agree that this CD strays in some places from the traditional approach. However, I also caution that many Wing Chun practitioners are so tradition / lineage oriented that they miss some really great approaches to the style out of shear ignorance. They think if it is different than they do it, it must be wrong. Well, not necessarily so. As far as this CD goes, it may not be the best instructional tool for a beginner, but I think it should accompany anyone's collection simply because the applications presented for the moves of the Sil Lum Tao form are VERY ADVANCED! You don't often see such advanced applications even in advanced Wing Chun classes, because most people don't know a lot of the ones shown here. Anyway, enough said. I'd buy it if you study or want to study wing Chun.

The Wing Chun CD ROM (from the same binary badasses who brought the martial arts community the Northern Mantis program) again rises to the occassion and provides an excellent overview of the techniques that could never be obtained in an instructional video. The techniques can be viewed from multiple angles as well as in slow motion. For an even better understanding of the basic techniques, the user need only to click her way to the "applications" segment that shows various "real world" uses for the techniques. As for instructional books, the CD ROM also puts the smack down in that arena since no sequential photo series can compete with the multi angle video that is featured on the program. The dynamic (and reletively in depth) coverage of the basic elements of the Wing Chun style are the perfect starting point for anyone with a desire to gain insight into this style. In summary, the main strenghs of the program are... 1) Multi speed viewing of the form itself 2) Multi speed viewing of various specific techniques. 3) In depth applications section showing the various uses for specific techniques in the form. 4) Multiple angle viewing of once confusing techniques.

Many complaint can be levelled at this effort; mainly, the material does not look like Wing Chun as taught in person. Maybe it's because the lessons are for beginners, so they are taught slowly (so they can be seen), and incorporate BASIC techniques without signature embellishments or flashiness seen in so many of the (sadly, confrontational) schools. If you want to learn this style from scratch, start here--it's an excellent investment. But don't take my word for it--I've only been practicing this style for 42 years, so I've still got a LOT to learn.

I found both the interface and the content VERY informative and helpful. I have studied Wing Chun under a Master, and found the form work on the CD to be excellent, as well as the applications of the techniques. If you are currently studying, this CD can only be of help. If you have studied in the past, it will serve as an excellent reminder of techniques you might be rusty on, as well as showing a few moves you might not be familiar with. If you are looking for a way to learn about Wing Chun for the first time, this CD will be an excellent introduction and exploration of a wonderful system of martial arts.

I was appalled at the poor quality and poor instruction on this cd! All it shows is a few different techniques from several angles. Unfortunately the technique execution is horrible and completely goes against most principles of wing chun. The presenter obviously has some backround in shoalin kung fu, but next to none in wing chun. If you want some good instruction, I suggest any video from Emin Boztepe and the American Wing Tsun Organization.

Please...Please...Please...Don't waste your money. This CD-Rom has nothing to do with wing chun. Terrible.

Save your money. This CD is a worthwhile idea, and was put together well. But, the problem is the wing chun practicioner. He doesn't know wing chun at all. The first form is all wrong. It's obvious he learned wing chun from a cracker jack box. Save your money! Go pick up an Augustine Fong video if you want to see what wing chun is supposed to look like. Sorry if I offended anyone, but the wing chun in the video is garbage.

-Lorenzo

It is very sad to notice that there are still some people who claim themselves masters and who are unable to perform adequately a single basic move.

This CD has nothing to do with wing chun, but more with money making.

What can I say...the title says it all!!! I can not believe how horrible this CD is. It is a good idea that goes terribly wrong. The person on this CD appears to have absolutely no concept of wing chun kung fu. Save your money!!!! The only thing I regret is that I can't give it a LOWER rating.