In my mind, it’s not entirely a matter of hacking away at the unessential techniques as it’s more about hacking away at the unessential thought patterns. I find that my skill improves once I free my mind from preconceived notions about how things ‘should’ be. Any kind of system or theory, if not approached in the correct manner, can stagnate an individual. The goal of a martial arts system should really be about self-expression, but it’s much easier to try to become a carbon copy of some other successful person.
I used to be on the hunt for missing pieces. I was convinced that someone could literally give me these pieces and I would become complete. I tried, at the time unbeknownst to me, a faulty approach. Like a many person trying to buy their happiness with cars and clothes; I believed that my happiness would come from amassing theories, ideas and techniques. I set out on the hunt for the missing footwork, the powerful punch and tried to emulate the ultimate Chi Sau techniques. And what I found was two-fold: Firstly, I found someone who told me that I already had everything I needed. Second, I proved this to myself with all the research that I did.
I share this, perhaps as a catharsis, but also to add to the signposts that others have left for me along the way. The problem wasn’t about missing pieces; it had more to do with my approach. I had locked myself in a box and I was the only one who could get me free. Now I enjoy my freedom – freedom of expression, freedom of labels, and freedom to blur the lines of what is Wing Chun and what is considered not Wing Chun. And when it comes down to it: it’s all about freeing your mind.
About the author: Kenton Sefcik is a Registered Acupuncturist living and practicing on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been active in the martial arts since 1994 when he first started with Kenpo Karate. After 8 years of Karate, he went on to learn some Traditional Wing Chun until settling down with his current Sifu.
HIS DARK SIDE 