Wing Chun’s long pole is known by an array of names, its usage and techniques have from time to time been criticized by other practitioners of martial arts as being too simple and direct. While others argue that the pole itself is too heavy and cumbersome to be of any practical use.
The Chinese name for Wing Chun’s long pole is “Liu Dian Ban Gun” (Áùµã°ë¹÷), this name is very interesting because it not only gives a concise description of the defensive actions of the pole, but also reflects the character of the Chinese language as well as Wing Chun Kung Fu, being as it is both practical and simple.
By understanding the original meaning of each word we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the usage of Wing Chun’s long pole. The first character “Liu” (Áù) is the Chinese word for the number six, “Dian” (µã) means a point, while “Ban” (°ë) is a term meaning half. The last word “Gun” (¹÷) is a general term referring to any length of stick. Therefore we can loosely translate the whole meaning as Wing Chun’s “six and a half pole”.
It is worth noting that the meaning of the “six and a half pole” is often misinterpreted to mean the metric length of the pole, measuring six and a half feet. The Chinese did not use our metric system and traditionally the length and width of the poles varied between provinces and there was no formal length. The “six and a half pole” is in fact referring to the number of defensive actions involved, with six primary movements and a half action referred to as “Cover”. The six primary actions are the “Tan (̯), Lan (À¹), Gan (¸û), Bon (°ò), Tiao (Ìô) and Huen (Ȧ)”, all of which are used to help redirect attacks, with the final action “Cover” (·ü) often being used as a follow up movement for any of the six primary actions.
Speculation has also arisen when talk turns to the practical value of such techniques, people no longer fight with sticks as much more sophisticated weapons have been developed like the firearm. This is simply not true, as recent as WW2 stick techniques have been employed in combat. The rifle with or without a bayonet and without ammunition is essentially a stick. Each of Wing Chun’s “six and a half pole” techniques can be applied to a rifle in a combat situation and mirror the actions used by the soldiers of the Empire of Japan during its conquest of Asia.
Even in times of relative peace, pole techniques have be used, such as the gentleman’s cane during the eighteenth century. In more modern times the techniques of the long pole could be applied to common items like a sporting bat, pool que, fence post or even an umbrella.
Since there are only six primary actions involved with each of the applications being very simple, the “six and a half pole form” has a reputation as being the simplest weapon form among all the various systems of Chinese martial arts. However due to the low number of defensive actions, the Wing Chun practitioner has an added advantage in a real life confrontation, as he has a lot less to think about, freeing up his mind to focus on the problem at hand. Its practicality lies in its simplicity.
Regardless as to whether the “six and a half pole” techniques are practical in this day and age, its value to a practitioners physical development is such an essential quality that the Chinese have a saying which translates to “without the six and a half pole Wing Chun techniques are empty”, meaning that without the study and diligent practice of the “six and a half pole” it is difficult to execute techniques with the correct power (explosive force). The preferred weight and length for practice is heavy and long, the practice is the Wing Chun practitioners equivalent to modern mixed martial artists weight and resistance training.
Through proper interpretation we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the defensive techniques involved with Wing Chun’s long pole. In time and with practice we also come to realize that simple and direct actions are an advantage in a real life confrontation and we can also begin to appreciate the great value and benefits which a heavy training instrument has to offer.
Troy Angove
