We complement the training of emptyhand techniques with long pole training.

The first thing we learn in long pole training is how to manipulate the pole as a lever. Obviously you can’t learn about the lever without learning about the fulcrum as well.

There are different ways to manipulate a lever depending on where the fulcrum is. The lessons here is useful for the learning of 6-ElbowStrikes.

The second thing that the long pole teaches is the control of range. A long weapon has its advantages and disadvantages as well.

We need to understand this in order to be able to use the long pole properly. The lesson in how to control range can help your application of emptyhand techniques.

In the application of the long pole we learn that the pole should not make two sounds. This is not just a Wing Chun long pole principle but a general long pole requirement.

To be able to comply to this principle you must master footwork, how to angle your body and know the appropriate technique to use.

This third lesson from practicing the long pole can be applied to the study of the emptyhand techniques of 6-LH and 3-WS.

Are there more lessons that we can learn from the long pole? Definitely, but these three lessons are the ones that can help improve our practice of emptyhand techniques hence I have singled them out for mention.