- Before training can begin, the dummy must be set up properly. The dummy's arms should be set at the fighter's shoulder level and the legs should mimic the fighter's stance in height and width.
- When working with the dummy, a fighter begins with defense. The arms of the dummy, which protrude at sharp angles, represent an attack. Thus, the fighter must first block and then set up the counterattack. According to the Knox Wing Chun, the Huen Sao (i.e., rotating hand) technique accomplishes this without extending too much energy. Using just the wrist, the fighter hooks his hand around the the attacking arm just enough to direct it away from the his body without stepping away from his opponent. Close distance is necessary for the counterstrike, which can come in the form of a straight punch with the fist in a vertical position (i.e., thumb on top and pinky to the floor). This combination should be repeated on the dummy on both the left and right sides until it can be performed with speed and coordination.
- Because Wing Chun is a close-distance martial art, kicks are often delivered to the opponent's legs. When working with the dummy, a fighter will throw some kicks, but more emphasis is placed on stances and footwork. The fighter must step in and out of the dummy's legs without tripping or finding himself in a dangerous position regarding the dummy's angled arms. According to Internal Wing Chun, a fighter must practice more than 10 specific footwork drills. These include circling the opponent, identifying angles for counterattacks and approching the dummy from the front and the back.
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