"When I began my path in Wing Chun I never dreamed the path would stretch so far, my life is truly blessed."
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An Exposé on Wing Chun by Sifu Linda Baniecki Trafford Publishing
book review by John Roper
Most cultures around the globe have either developed or embraced at least one style of hand-to-hand combat. Boxing gained prominence in England and the United States. India, Ethiopia, and the Philippines were among many countries where intricate methods of stick fighting emerged. But it is predominantly in the Far East where the more complicated forms of the martial arts were designed and practiced. In China, various styles of kung fu sprang up over the centuries, but one of the most historically significant forms was Wing Chun. Although the exact details of its origins are a matter of debate, most practitioners and historians believe it was developed primarily in the Shaolin temples as a revolutionary tool to resist the Qing invaders from the North and restore Ming rule.
Writing from the perspective of a member of the Yip Man branch of Wing Chun, Baniecki seeks to give her readers a broad overview of the art that includes its history, philosophy, and core techniques. The author has spent over two decades learning and teaching her chosen style in Australia with additional training in the Orient. This wealth of experience is evident in her detailed descriptions of correct body positioning, center and central line theories, and various forms of attack and defense. Dozens of photos show the reader, step by step, how to master basic Wing Chun techniques. Baniecki is passionate about her subject and a born teacher. Her guide to one of China's more famous styles of kung fu is a useful addition to the martial arts canon.