Grandmaster Ho Kam Ming 何金銘 with his Sifu GGM Ip Man
A seminar with Grandmaster Ho Kam Ming 何金銘
(part 2)
Siu Lim Tau
Question: From the Fok Sau position, some people perform a Taan Sau before moving to Huen and Wu Sau. Is this correct?
Master Ho: When you turn the hand over in this manner that is an application. When you do the basic form, don't do TaanSau for it can tighten up the muscles. In the form just circle into Wu Sau.
Question: When you hold the fist at the side of the body, doesn't this promote some tension?
Master Ho: As long as it's natural, it's all right.
Question: If one wished to teach someone that was well built the Siu Lim Tau, how would you go about it?
Master Ho: Tell him not to use excessive tension, just do the motions--don't force it.
Question: What's the application for the downward Cross Hand (Sup Jee Sau) position at the beginning of the form?
Master Ho: This motion is useful for when you're losing your balance and falling forward. If someone is kicking up whileI'm falling, this motion is useful.
Question: Could you talk about the elbow line?
Master Ho: The elbow line is close, but don't force the position. Just bring it in as close as it's naturally possible. Some people with larger muscles can't bring the elbow in too far--that's all right. Bring it in as much as you can. It really depends upon the build of the individual.
Question: There seem to be two schools of thought on the Taan Sau position. Could you comment on the true positionof Taan Sau?
Master Ho: If the Taan Sau is held pointing upward, you have no control of the motion, it's weak. If it's held horizontallyit is braced--it's like a bridge. A Taan Sau position which points upward is wrong.
Question: Could you comment on Chi Kung practice. Wing Chun is a Buddhist style, correct? Also, what do you think about Taoist Chi Kung as practiced in Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: When you do the form, don't worry about Chi Kung. Just work on the position; worry about the technique.
Question: After Pak Sau, why does one bring the hand back to the center before executing the straight palm?
Master Ho: Basically, one learns one motion at a time. When you get used to the technique you can execute the palm strikefrom Pak Sau. Like the basic punches, you bring the punch to the center first. But once you know this, it's not necessary--just punch out. The form teaches one step at a time. Later, one can edit the motions. At the beginning it's important to learn the correct line.
Question: What's the significance of going in and out in the first part of Siu Lim Tau?
Master Ho: Well, Taan Sau is executed once because it's a strong position. Fok Sau is performed three times to allowmore practice. Fok Sau develops the elbow by bringing it inward--thisneeds to be practiced more.
Question: After the Cross Hand position at the beginning of the form, some people come straight up while we "roll" up and out slightly. Why is this?
Master Ho: If you come straight up, when people trap you, you have no way out. If you roll from the inside out (Quan Sau) you can easily get away. This is better than coming straight up.
Question: I understand Fok Sau develops the wrist. Are there other applications?
Master Ho: The Fok Sau motion stabilizes the arm. This promotes a strong motion.
Question: What's the proper height for Taan Sau motion?
Master Ho: The perfect position for Taan Sau is the palm flat and the forearm slightly upward. Taan Sau should be on the centerline, not too high or too low. If it's too high it will make the shoulder muscles tight. However, if your arm is larger, it may be higher, if you have a shorter arm, it may be lower.
Question: What's the relationship between Siu Lim Tau and the practice of mental clarity?
Master Ho: If you clear your mind when you practice it's much better. You can concentrate on what you're doing; nothingwill bother you.
Master Hawkins Cheung noted: "Ho Kam Ming began training when he was about 29 or 30 and therefore concentrated on theory. This is what he's best at. He received all the best information." Cheung questioned the listeners, "The Wing Chun style is based on what? It's based on feeling, sensitivity. And what do I mean by sensitivity? Information. Do you have the correct information or not? Wing Chun (boxing) uses what? Unity. Earlier today stances were mentioned ... We don't fight with separate movements, we fight with unity. That's the key. And yet, theory is very important. You can't copy anyone ... Ho Kam Ming will teach you the correct motions, theory. This is better than learning a lot of movements. If you start good, you learn good. If you start no good, you learn no good, understand?"
-Compiled and edited by Curt James
Included courtesy of Wing Chun Chinese Martial Arts Association
