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| Q: Do we put ourselves in a state of "Single Weight" when preparing to fight, or only on the verge of an offensive or defensive move? |
| Before answering the question, let me examine closely the question itself, so that its focus can be clear. The latter scenario of "on the verge of an offensive or defensive move" refers to the time when the two sides are looking for an appropriate moment and are not yet committed to any move. The former scenario of "when preparing to fight" refers to the time when the two sides are before or close to committing. The two scenarii are in fact the same, differing only in how they are described in words. Therefore, the question can be shortened to be "Do we put ourselves in a state of 'Single Weight' when preparing to fight?" |
| The term "Single Weight" (or Weight on a Single Leg) has an important place in some martial arts families. Does Ving Tsun martial art cover the use of Single Weight at all? As far as I understand, technical Ving Tsun phrases do not mention Single Weight. However, its essence is captured in a number of fighting stances such as the turning (sitting) stance, triangular steps, and advancing and retreating steps. I have hence incorporated the use of the term in my teaching of the Ving Tsun system in order to help explanation and for the student to better appreciate the experience. There could be various reasons that the term has not been included in other Ving Tsun styles, from lineage emphases, to personal habits, and possibly out of respect for those martial art families which use the term. Whichever is the case, it is best left to the reader to decide. |
| The answer to the question is affirmative. To explain it in details, when the two sides are getting ready to engage and their limbs are not near any contact, it is unnecessary to put ourselves in a Single Weight condition. This is according to my teacher and out of my own experience. The body needs only be in a relaxed and flexible condition, with the mind focusing on the front. When the distance between the two sides becomes as short as one and a half steps, or when one side judges that he or she is already within the offensive area of the opponent, then his or her body should immediately be put in a Single Weight condition until the end of the fight. And of course, if the distance draws further in the course of the engagement, one then must be able to control the use of Single Weight according to the situation with agility. I hope you will practice what I describe above with diligence so that you can appreciate the experience, and you will be close to the right way to success. |
Author: Cliff Au-Yeung Kim Man
Date: May 29, 2008
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