Balance
A Customer from under a rock who's now coiled at the base like an upright cobra, poised and peaceful,
11th April, 2006
This gets a high rating for its straightforward and BALANCED approach to the subject. In short, Master Wong bluntly breaks it down: Chen CAN be used for 'self-defense' -and Wong shows you the way. This is refreshing since many people tip-toe around Chen in a lopsided manner, only highlighting its 'health' aspect (I say this from experience having practised Chen and observed innumerable masters, in the UK and China, during the past 5 years). Btw, Wong favours the term 'combat' rather than 'self-defense' -surely, all kung fu (particularly chen tai chi) is about peace first and foremost? Anyway. This is the third DVD i've seen from Wong and again it's chock-a-block (mostly 'demonstration'... though there's learning to be garnered from that). His DVDs are formulaic but that's forgiveable given that he's pumped out a lengthy series of them. Besides, the host is generous as ever with his solid knowledge and slick skills (albeit largely via personal demos which he clearly enjoys... of course, ego comes into this kind of thing). To be sure, Wong seems the least likeliest Master on the planet to mysteriously stroke his beard and keep silent when asked for exposition -or, indeed to indulge in some allegorical animal story. Instead, Wong is tolerant and open-minded (chacun a son gout)... the only down side being that he loves to talk -and I would have liked to have heard much more from his key interviewee (a section for discussion is included -a nice touch). The latter is a young Master from mainland China who had much insight to offer... if only he could have gotten a word in edgeways. If Wong had demonstrated the art of 'balance' in conversation then this DVD would have been a real gem.
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