Shoulder Checking

Instead of blocking the forearms, the idea of shoulder checking is to stop punches at their root. This idea is found in many Asian arts such as Silat, Kuntao, Kali, and many Gung Fu systems. It is also found in the old dirty boxes, just look at the great former champion George Forearm, he used shoulder checking a lot.

 

For some reason, it is often neglected in modern Wing Chun; this is ironic to me because it is found right in the Chum Kil form! Shoulder Checking is especially useful as a preventive measure against taller attackers when you cannot reach the opponent's head to intercept him. Maybe that's why it's so neglected. In HK schools, I noticed most students are around the same height.

 

Instead of waiting for his arm, you can simply check his shoulder and prevent him from firing a shot as a defensive measure. It is very useful because aside from the physical movement, it also teaches the mindset of never waiting. If you know an attack is coming, why wait? This is especially true in close range when you do not have much time to react.  

 

Shoulder checking can be done on the inside or outside the gate, it can be done in such a way that it fits right between the transition of any technique ie. Pak Sau, Wu Sau, Jum Sau,  Tan Sau, Lap Sau, Gan Sau, Bong Sau etc. Besides the fact it is very easy to learn, one major advantage is that with shoulder checking, you do not have to know which angle of attack is coming in order for it to work, this increases your ability to react on time dramatically! One important thing that the form teaches in terms of shoulder checking is to do it with the right-hand curves and force so it will not injure the wrist and at the same time, it gives one the ability to handle a heavier opponent.

If you want to have a look at some applications, I have a video where you can see some demos and understand a little bit more of what I'm talking about. This is the link to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D6paciOP9E

 

While the concept is easy to understand, to make it work, to make it come to life requires a progression of skill-building. All the progression you need to learn, all the steps you have to take in order to learn and develop progressively, and always aiming at results, I share with you on my Wing Chun course. The Chun Kil is detailed explained at it and I break all techniques down step-by-step in a way that you will not miss anything. 

 

If you are interested in Wing Chun development, go check it out at this link www.adamchankungfu.com.