Q. Mr. Lee, who taught you Ving Tsun?
A. My sifu is Master Moy Yat, who is a close disciple of the late
Grandmaster Yip Man.
Q. Why have you decided to teach VT over
the other martial arts you.have studied?
A. Until I was introduced to VT, I had never come across another
martial art that was as direct and true in application, and most of
all, in tune with life itself. I am deeply grateful for the profound
change it helped produce in my physical, mental, and emotional structure.
I hope my students can benefit from VT as much as I have.
Q.
What can a student learn from martial arts?
A.
There are many things one can learn. Most importantly, one must know
vhat he wants to learn in order to create the desire to learn. One
should not ask what the martial arts can do for him, it is what he
wants out of martial arts that counts. We call this "Little Idea
or Little Imagination".
Q.
In your classes, I noticed your students working out individually
as opposed to in groups. What is the reason for this?
A.
We train individually because each person has his own uniqueness -
no two persons learn in the same way. Actually, the training method
is similar for everyone, but each person will grow according to his
own structure, way of life, and what they actually want to learn.
Q.
Why do you promote a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere in your school?
A.
We are living in a civilized society. In order to incorporate kung
fu into this structure we teach peacefully, as a sport. When one chooses
to fight and reaches that stage, he is taught,in an aggressive and
violent manner.
Q.
VT is taught systematically. Is there any room for creativity after
one learns the basics?
A.
What you are given during the learning process are the tools and methods
to learn VT - this is not VT itself. The system becomes as creative
as one makes it.
Q.
What role does the concept of hardness and softness play?
A.
We explain these concepts in terms of degrees of energy. Hardness
means that a person uses energy. Softness means that a person does
not use energy. There is no set time when one is in either state -
it all depends upon the situation.
Q.
Why do you stress spontanaeity as opposed to learning specific techniques
for specific situations?
A.
Since there are thousands of situations, you would have to develope
thousands of techniques and learn, practice, and remember each one
separately. in fighting, if you must think of which one to apply,
it might be a split second too much time wasted. If you learn more
spontaneously, you will cope with any situation that arises.
Q.
How does one learn in such a spontaneous manner?
A.
By getting hit unpredictably until one's hands and feet develop what
we call minds of their own.
Q.
How important a role does a persons emotional state play in fighting?
A.
The emotional aspect is the most essential in fighting. We have a
saying, "A fist comes from the heart". If you have a strong
emotional desire to win, you are increasing your chances. The same
applies to your opponent. This all comes from knowing who you are.
If you know who you are, you will know your opponent. If you know
your opponent, you will know your abilities, and your chances of winning
will be greater.
Q.Why
are leg techniques stressed only in the latter stages of the hand
and foot training?
A.
Leg training starts from the first day one learns VT. He is then taught
the proper stance, which is the foundation for his footwork. Hopefully,
when his hand techniques (which are stressed initially) become proficient,
his stance will also have become strong; he then could further progress
to the kicking stage.
Q.
Which would you prefer to use in combat, hands or feet?
A.
There are no set rules. When it is practical to use your hands, use
then. The same applies to the feet.
Q.
When one is in a combat situation, what should he think of?
A.
He should think of what his heart wants. If he wishes to fight, he
should fight. If he chooses to run, he should run.
Q.
What part of the body should one look at?
A.
The total shadow. If you look at the face, you will get kicked in
the groin. if you look at the feet, you will get punched in the head.
Q.
Can the VT system be improved upon?
A.
You can only make it as perfect as you are. If you do not master the
movements and concepts, this could be the worst system (for you).
Q.
What future role will you take to promote VT?
A.
It is very difficult to say what is in store for the future, but what
I can say is that I will promote it as far as my abilities will allow.
Q.
Thank you Sifu Lee Moy Shan.