PERFECT
TIMING
by "Gau Lin" Carlos Colorado (Utah)
The most
effective fighting techniques are useless when not executed with correct timing.
Timing means to regulate actions, or to pace one's movements, to achieve the
most desirable result. It is a principle of coordination which we must come to
understand. A fight is the perfect tool to learn correct timing because it
creates a scenario in which one must harmonize one's movements with the
opponent's, or get hit.
In order to achieve correct timing, one must first determine some of its
applications; or in other words, where does it come into play during a fight?
One of the most important aspects of this principle, is its relation to our
reactions. We all know the feeling of seeing an on-coming punch, and for some
reason hesitating before attempting to defend against it, but by then we find
ourselves with a mouth-full of knuckles. A fighter must react at the precise
moment in order to defend against an attack. To hesitate in combat is to kneel
before the executioner. On the other hand, it can be just as dangerous to
anticipate, or guess the opponent's move. When one is mistaken and reacts before
there is anything to react to, it often leaves one wide open for an attack. This
aspect of timing can be learned during Siu Lim Tao training.
As one progresses in Wing Chun, another crucial aspect of the principle of
timing becomes evident in the way a fighter must couple his handwork with his
footwork. Chum Kiu training heavily emphasizes complete unison between hands and
legs. To move one before the other will result in a shaky foundation, weak
structure, and will render the fighter powerless. Every hand technique must be
backed up by solid footwork. For example, a lop sau designed to pull the
opponent off balance is very limited if not performed along with a shift; but
again, the footwork will only magnify the power of the hands when the timing
between them is exact.
Victory in a fight depends on coordinating one's movements correctly in relation
to an opponent. But, just what is correct timing based on? What decides when to
move and how fast? The key is to allow the opponent's actions to be the basis
for one's movements. One decides what to do, but the movement, and the pace at
which it is executed depend solely on the actions of the opponent. How fast is
he moving? Is there a weakness or is he vulnerable? By no means must he control
the fight, however, his movements are the determining factor of what takes
place. The well known adage "One never makes a bong sau, one is onlyforced
into a bong sau," illustrates this point. There must be a connection
between the contenders, or else the encounter becomes a guessing game, and
success hangs on a gamble. A Wing Chun practitioner strives to develop
sensitivity for the very purpose of establishing this link.
How then, can the Wing Chun practitioner develop the sense of timing he needs?
There are several exercises that specifically address this issue. One is to work
the Chum Kiu form while paying special attention to the unity of the upper and
lower body. Pay extra attention to the way the legs affect the hands, and the
hands affect the legs. Diligence in doing so will greatly improve a fighter's
power. Another way to improve in this regard is to pay attention to the same
unity when working out with the wooden dummy. But the most dynamic way to
develop timing is through Chi Sau. . The Wing Chun practitioner must constantly
adapt his speed, and his reactions to the ever-changing situation. He must move
his hands and legs in one accord to be able to defend and attack effectively.
Doing so requires keen sensitivity. It is through Chi Sau that one's sense of
timing is honed to the point of practical application. Skill acquired through
Chi Sau will transfer right over to actual combat.
Timing is a principle to be exercised in many aspects of life. To apply it
correctly will bring success; to apply it incorrectly will leave one frustrated,
unable to control his destiny.
