About This E-Book
The concept of replacing Wing Chun's traditional Baat Jaam Dao (Eight-Cut Knives) with Double Short Sticks for training is a revolutionary undertaking, introducing a new paradigm for Sao Lim Wing Chun kung Fu in weapon training. By using the Double Short Sticks, practitioners can focus on similar movements and techniques, such as close-range combat, deflection, and precision strikes, but with added flexibility, power and speed. This enhancement allows for a contemporary interpretation of weapon training that emphasizes versality and practicality in combat while staying rooted in the essence of Wing Chun's efficiency and directness.
This E-Book: From Baat Jaam Dao to Double Short Sticks: A New Approach, does not suggest abandoning the Wing Chun's Eight-Cut Knives, but advocate a new weapon system added to the existing Kung Fu system. The goal is in the practicality, appropriateness, safer training, and at the same time preserving much of the essence of the Baat Jaam Dao form. However, for those deeply invested in the traditional and symbolic aspects of Wing Chun, Baat Jaam Dao hold an irreplaceable role, representing the highest level of mastery and connection to the Art's origin.
Why learn Double Stick instead of Baat Jaam Dao
Practicality and Accessibility:
Weapons availability: In modern times, carrying knives or large bladed weapons like the Baat Jaam Dao is often impractical and illegal in many places. Short Sticks, however, are more accessible, easier to train with, and less dangerous for training. Moreover, they can simulate the general length and movement of the Baat Jaam Dao while being safe for sparing and drills.
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Everyday application: In a real-world self-defense situation, a person is more likely to find or carry objects resembling short sticks (e.g. batons, umbrellas, walking canes) than double knives. Training with short sticks can make the practitioner more prepared for using improvised weapons.
Preserving the Concepts of Baat Jaam Dao:
The Baat Jaam Dao is not just about the specific use of knives but also about translating Wing Chun principles--such as centerline control, simultaneous attack and defense, and economy of motion--into weapon-based techniques. These core principles can be effectively practiced with short sticks, maintaining the essence of the Baat Jaam Dao.
Using Double Sticks can still allow practitioners to learn the same body mechanics, angles and footwork as they would with the knives, thus preserving the deeper concepts of Wing Chun.
Safety and Training Advantages:
Safer training: Training with double knives, even with wooden or plastic replicas, carries more risk of injury compared to training with short sticks. Short Sticks allow for more dynamic, faster=paced sparring or drills without the same risk, making them suitable for students of various skill levels. We can take the training as a preparatory stage before learning Baat Jaam Dao where higher lever of precision and proprioceptive awareness is necessary.
Conditioning and Dexterity: Practicing with Double Short Sticks can improve grip strength, wrist flexibility and coordination, all of which are necessary for mastering the Baat Jaam Dao. Since short sticks tend to be lighter than traditional butterfly knives, they may allow practitioners to focus on speed and flow during training to develop agility.
Differences Between Knives and Short Sticks:
Cutting vs. Striking: Primary differences between the knives and short sticks is that knives are cutting and thrusting weapons, while sticks are generally blunt striking weapons. This changes the intent of certain techniques in the Baat Jaam Dao Form, which are designed to slice or thrust than just strike. If a practitioner switches to short sticks, they may need to modify the intent behind the form's movements to align with a striking mentality rather than a cutting one.
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Weight and Balance: Butterfly knives tend to be heavier than short sticks, and the extra weight changes how momentum is generated and how techniques are executed. Training with sticks will not declop the same level of power generation or structural integrity needed for knives, but it still can serve as a useful training tool for refining technique and speed. For Sao Lim Wing Chun Kung Fu, we use snapping impulse force with our wrists and much lighter agile movement to execute the form.
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In conclusion, a balanced approach could involve using both short sticks and knives in training, allowing practitioners to experience the practicality of contemporary weapons while respecting the traditional roots of the system.
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