[Domestus]

Starting a topic about how Wing Chun helps in surviving in close combat.

To me Wing Chun has teached a lot about analyzing how I am physically and mentally. It is important to stay calm and collected in a combat situation, because otherwise you're bound to make more mistakes. Then there's the relaxation of body and efficient breathing to be able to last as long as possible in a situation.

In close combat the important thing is to be able to grasp the principles of Wing Chun, that is, WHY you do things the way you do them. Knowing the reasons why a technique is good and useful makes you confident and comfortable to use it. Ideally you use a technique, because it comes to you naturally. This requires a lot of practice and patience.

Of course I shouldn't forget about self-control that is part of the aim to staying calm at all times. Wing Chun does not teach a person to create conflicts, but to prevent and resolve them. What I mean to say is that physical combat is the very last situation you should get into.

Surely there's more to this, please post your thoughts!   

[Haveunique]

Thank you for your answer, Lasse! It is all correct about being aware and avoiding conflicts, but there is one inaccuracy - I don't teach combat survival stuff! Neither has my Teacher taught me that. We're not learning to fight, please watch the defense against knife video once again if you got any doubts about what we are doing in the gym. With warmth and respect!   

[Domestus]

Going against a person with a weapon is never a good idea.

When I say that you teach me to survive in a combat situation, I don't mean that I would be able to beat someone. In my thinking surviving means surviving and nothing else. Preventing or resolving a hostile situation without an actual combat should always be the best way to survive. Being able to stay calm and collected has a lot to do with this.

If a real combat would occur for any reason that I cannot help with, I feel that I do have better means to survive with the knowledge I gain from our trainings.   

[Haveunique]

In this case I am calm about what you are learning, thanks =)