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In the days of
comparative barbaric training drills and forms, the mind is kept continually
active on these new lessons by the understanding the applications awaken,
dummy applications, they open new thought about eternal combative movement.
In this bewildering collection of technique, we know not what to admire
first, for before us is an embarrassment of rich technique. But gradually
select the most conspicuous lessons - the ability to fuse physical
technique, which begins with lessons on the state of mind.
The State of Mind
Phase 1 - Absorption of the Techniques and One-pointedness
In the early stages of Wing Chun training, there is a tension
between concentration of the techniques and distracting thoughts. The main
distractions are desires, ill will, despair, anger, laziness, agitation,
doubt or scepticism and frequently a combination thereof. If practice has
been proper in these early stages you will not find this tension to be of
great consequence when commencing the Wooden Dummy training.
This relaxation of the mind is followed by a quickening of understanding,
which is marked by on-pointedness and bliss. Each has been present from
previous lessons and stages of Wing Chun training in different degrees, but
when they arrive fully and all at once they have special power. This is
first noteworthy mental attainment in the Wooden Dummy training.
This experience is not yet stable. In this stage the
practitioner is like a child, not yet able to stand steadily but always
trying to do so. You are not yet able to fully absorb techniques, and your
mind fluctuates between technique and the usual wondering thoughts.
Phase 2 -
Transformation
In all respects the Wooden dummy training is like training all
three boxing forms at once. After the first phase 'absorption of the
techniques and one-pointedness is learnt, the practitioner begins to
experience the second phase called 'transformation'. Continually focusing
and training on the Wooden Dummy creates a moment of total break with normal
consciousness. This moment dissolves differences between things so that they
appear to flow into one another as if they are one.
This transformation phase is like a puzzle that cannot be solved by
logic. Its 'solution' lies in 'transcending thought' by liberating the
practitioner's mind from the snare of technique. While working on a specific
section of the Wooden Dummy, keep it constantly in mind no matter what is
going on around you. When other matters intrude on the mind, you must
immediately let them go and return to the section of movement at hand. As
you discover that the rational mind is unable to solve the problems that the
movement presents, a feverish pitch of concentration is reached from which
arises a supreme frustration. As this happens, what once was thought to be
an easily understandable section reduces to barely understandable bits and
fragments of technique. When the practitioner's logical mind finally
gives-up in exhaustion, the moment of 'realisation' arrives, thought ceases,
and the practitioner enters a state of 'fixation'. The Wooden Dummy section
will now reveal all its secrets.
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Grandmaster Ip Man utilised the
Wooden Dummy for his more advanced students. He saw the aim of the Wooden
Dummy as quieting and unifying the mind in the midst of activity.
Consequently, his advanced students practiced Wooden Dummy techniques until
they developed a 'mental strength' forged in the fires of 'one-pointedness'
and 'transformation'. These two phases together set the stage for mastery,
opening your eyes so that you may see the true nature of technique.
These 'seeing' experiences transform and strengthen the spirit and helps
extend your awakening of beyond set forms of the Wooden Dummy.
Transformation develops and cultivates until finally it shapes all aspects
of daily life.
After gaining some control over the mind via one-pointedness and
transformational exercises, you can then practice more than one section at a
time. Immersing your thoughts into every action of every section of the
Dummy. This corresponds to the Wing Chun Maxim
'In what is seen there must be just the seen;
In what is sensed there must be just sensed;
In what is thought there must be just the thought.'
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Hone
Your Skills On The Wing Chun Wooden Dummy
