Is Wing Chun Kung Fu a Combat Sport?

At UMF we listen; it is important to know and understand what you want from a program as the outcome may not cover the result you want.

Many academies sell combat sports as “self-defence”. Whilst there are many combat sports skill sets that are transferable, what is and what is not taught is what can put you in harm’s way.

In an attempt to make money and taking advantage of the popularity of the UFC, many people commercialise traditional art forms and market them in misleading ways. Many people lack the fundamental understanding between martial arts and combat sports, placing them in the same basket.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is much more than an art popularized by Bruce Lee and the Ip Man movies. UMF’s training methodology based on reality and evidence based self-defence separates it from “Combat Sports”.

In these sports, individuals agree to the idea of hurting one another and escalating aggression. A Wing Chun student looks for ways to de-escalate situations and reduce the need for confrontation. Removing oneself from compromising situations and places is a key aspect of the Wing Chun training.

Combat sports have specific rules and limitations in which athletes abide by. In the concept of self-defence there are no limitations, as we never get to choose the terms and conditions when we find ourselves in a compromising situation. Many sports practice with specialist equipment and drills skills associated with the specific rule types. Self-defence training such as that practiced in Wing Chun develops all types of strikes to protect oneself, along with situational awareness to improve the outcome of self-defence situations. Wing Chun teaches students self-defence strikes and techniques that provide both defensive and offensive manoeuvrers simultaneously.

The Difference Between Self-defence and Combat Sports:

Question: The following belongs in which category?

Consent – approval/agreed by 2 parties engaging to fight/train/spar etc.

Awareness – Both parties are there by choice and through previous agreement.

Preparation – Both parties through consent and awareness are prepared for the event hours/days/weeks/months.

Rules & regulations – to engage within safe conduct or parameters.

Answer: Combat Sports

It is misleading to believe that the reputation of UFC, MMA and the Combat Sport world is seen as appropriate self-defence systems.

Remember, you/I will never be ready when violence comes knocking. The attacker prepares and will initiate a surprise attack. Therefore, realistic self-defence supported by scenario-based and adrenal stress response training is important, and not found in combat sports.

Most people train self-defence to learn something new, improve fitness, confidence, social, technique collectors etc. Unfortunately, people do not appreciate or comprehend the meaning of self-defence.

Firstly, understand you have a chance to protect yourself. Be it a slight chance. Wing Chun Kung Fu acknowledges applicable inherent human weaknesses size, weight, gender, strength, speed, power, abilities/disabilities. Wing Chun Kung Fu addresses these within its fighting strategies, use of proper biomechanics and scientific principles.

Secondly, survival mind set. Ask yourself what you are willing to do to survive and what will it take to have a chance, dreadful feeling and situation. Not an appropriate time to think of legal ramifications or will you Fight, Flight, Freeze or Fawn.

The Goals of Self-Defence training vs. Competition Goals

In combat sports, inflicting damage to the opponent and even knocking them out are the goals. In a self-defence scenario, knocking out an attacker is less probable due to mismatches in weight and power that arise in self defence situations. The emphasis in Wing Chun training is to use precision and awareness to your advantage to avoid injury to any party. The last thing they want to do is hurt someone, they are only using their training to protect their own physical safety. While sports and competition may praise glory and achievement, Wing Chun is a humbling artform that is dedicated to discipline and self-mastery. In self-defence, the skill of the mind and non-physical attributes are just as important as the ability to strike and defend. 

Learning self-defence, the proper way is through:

• No Ego’s – Only Dedication (UMF entrance)
• Simplicity, Practicality, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Directness all support close range attacks, over 80% of attacks are from close range.
• Emotional control through tactical breathing
• Anything less than the above may compromise the ability to respond reasonably and proportionately, compromising life or legal standing.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is NOT trained as a combat sport. Wing Chun Kung Fu is self-defence system designed for everyone, to give you the ability to overcome a stronger, faster or bigger attacker.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is NOT a Combat Sport it is a complete self-defence system.

Please call 0427537771 to arrange a free trial or complete our enquiry form to get started with UMF today.