Look Beyond the Pointing Finger: The Combat Philosophy of Wong Shun Leung

by David Peterson

The Chinese martial art of Wing Chun Gung-fu is one of the most popular combat systems being practiced today. The late Grandmaster of the art, Ip Man, who first brought Wing Chun to Hong Kong in 1949, and his famous student, the late Bruce Lee, are well known exponents of the system. Lesser known outside of Hong Kong, but equally deserving of recognition for his excellence as a fighter and teacher, is the subject of this book, the late Wing Chun master, Sifu Wong Shun Leung. In this volume, the first of its kind in the English language, author David Peterson, student of Sifu Wong and prolific writing on the "WSL Way" in many international publications, presents the personal wisdom of one of the last great warriors of the 20th Century. Profusely illustrated with many photographs exclusive to the author, 'Look Beyond the Pointing Finger: The Combat Philosophy of Wong Shun Leung' is a book from which martial artists of any system, especially of Wing Chun, will gain both inspiration and a greater insight into the development of their own Personal Protection skills. "From the perspective of a museum curator, I know the power of historical communications. I can think of no one better qualified and prepared (than the author) to accurately prepare history's first biography of Wong Chun Leung" - Sifu Benny Meng Curator, Ving Tsun Museum "More that any of Wong's other students, David Peterson has dedicated himself to mastering, preserving and promotion the Wing Chun of Wong Shun Leung. The latest evidence of this is the fine volume you hold in your hands." - Bey Logan, Esq. former editor of 'Combat' and 'Impact' magazines "I urge people who are interested in Wong as a teacher, fighter and philosopher to buy and read this fine book." - Sifu Jesse Glover first student of the late Bruce Lee "Full marks to my good friend and teacher, David Peterson, for producing this fascinating and inspiring book. It is truly a guide to personal reflection. I respectfully ask all Wing Chun enthusiasts, irrespective of their lineage, to let go of any judgments and prejudices they may hold, and to look toward and reflect on the universal truths that Sifu is pointing to... if they can do that, they will be amazed at the insights that they will generate for themselves and for Wing Chun." - Rolf Clausnitzer, co-author of the first English language book on Wing Chun Gung-fu

Genres: Martial Arts

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nathan Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book on the concepts of the WSLVT method of Wing Chun. A must read for any Wing Chun practitioner, or even anyone interested in martial arts

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first martial arts book review, which I shall relish...

A friend of mine photocopied this for me, he'd studied WingChun under Peterson, the author, and considered the book a prize possession he didn't want to lose.

Not for someone looking for quick tips on how to improve their WingChun -- what it is is a series of quotes or sayings from Wong Shun Leong over years of teaching, which Peterson, who effectively became his translator for foreign students, helps to explicate.

I've heard a lot of this before, in other forms, such as when first beginning WingChun in New York, but its always good to corroborate and contextualise understanding of first principles. And many times, the fresh expression of a familiar saying gives it new meaning.

Thoughts i found particularly relevant at this stage:
1. the first and second forms are for attack, the third and the dummy forms (esp the first 60 movements) are for evasion;
2. qisao practice is to internalise the principle of lailiuhuisung, lishouzhichong;
3. practice positioning on the wooden dummy;
4. practice the forms slowly, relaxedly, allowing natural energy to flow;
5. it is possible to defeat larger opponents, WSL defeated a Russian boxer nearly twice his weight,
6. there is no perfect, completely clean technique.

Other thoughts on the use of kicks, etc, are within. Manages to steer largely away from the machismo of martial arts books in general, however, there is definitely hero worship; don't let it turn you off.

Just brings to mind books by Yang Jwing Ming - one thought I found espescially challenging from Dr Yang - to move the body as a single unit...

[Mikkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and inspiring book on ving tsun from sifu Peterson. It's a humble and thoughtful view on the concept of Wong Shun Leung ving tsun which can be used to develop one's understanding of WSL and of ving tsun in general. Highly recommended reading for those interested in any ving tsun/wing chun lineage.