When I do the passing the basketball motion, I'm having a lot of trouble keeping the spinal alignment. I'm assuming that you should keep your spinal alignment during the motion, otherwise when you'd punch, and the other person is rooted enough, you'll just slide back.

Like when I lift my chest up, my back keeps arching, and I don't know how to fix it.

Thanks, Ray

Not sure what Jin will recommend, but I suggest you dont 'grab' the elbow, just trap it with pressure, and hit/block over the top of it. If you grab his elbow, you'll lose the use of that arm for blocking/hitting. Also, when you step in to get the side, are you trapping his heel with your foot? If so, then practise immediately striking or pushing to the centre line with your other hand once you do this move (5 circle practise is good for footwork training of this type). Once you have someone side, you have a much greater advantage in terms of balance, so if you can strike or push to his centre, then you should be able to throw him across the room - try having just a pushing session with one of your friends and you'll notice once you step out of his centreline, keeping yours, he will not be able to resist your pushes, as it is much harder to keep balance when dealing with a force from the side...

This move (stepping in to the side of an attack, then pushing/striking to the kidneys/side/ribs) is one of my favorite moves when sparring. It does require everything (feet, hands, body) to come together at once however to be effective.

Reply soon! Peace.

There is also a theChinaBoxer forum discussion on this topic:

http://www.thechinaboxer.com/f.....mp;ret=all

Opinions vary.  Most Wing Chun defenders assume that their speed or structure will carry the day.  Also they assume that both of their arms will be free when defending against a hook or series of hook punches.  A good boxer will check your arms so that simultaneous tan sau and centerline punch just aint gonna happen.

I referenced this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....eature=fvw

as a good example of a good boxer and I didn't feel that the responses from the Wing Chun defenders really showed any experience against a skilled boxer.  I agree with another contributor that most Wing Chun classes demonstrate defenses against unrealistic wide hooks.  Sifu Jin does a nice video showing differences between Western Boxing and Wing Chun.  It's helpful.

Perhaps we should request more Wing Chun vs Boxing video segments.

Good lessons will come from this.

3 Chopsticks Wong

Yes.  The wooden dummy can help you with your blocking and attacking. Ask your Sifu to show you drills for that.

You should view Sifu Jin's Wooden Dummy basics videos too:

http://www.thechinaboxer.com/2.....on-part-1/

http://www.thechinaboxer.com/2.....on-part-2/

Remember:  correct angles, centerline, coordinated movements (arms and footwork), maintaining structure, check your distance regularly and don't be afraid to get in close and then closer.

I advise adding a no-telegraph jerking drill (no preparatory motion – just contact and go!).  Work on the strength of your grips – thumbs on the same side as the fingers.

3 Chopsticks Wong

Would you be willing to provide video with you and a few different size partners?  If would be helpful then for us to provide feedback for you.

Thanks for your questions.

Thanks for your detailed response Ars vitae.  (Art of life?)

3 Chopsticks Wong

Thanks