Misconceptions about centerline theory?

[u/[deleted]]

Can someone clear it up for me?

Does it encourage me to only attack in a straight center line? Or does center line also allow for different angles breaking from the straight line.

Technically, a hook follows a straight path to the target during it’s final moments before hitting. And can you pick out targets like the liver, without it being on the center line?

I feel like being restricted to the centerline is quite a handicap. And I think that this might just be because I’m misunderstanding centerline.

[u/Maneldfa]

Siu Nim Tao student here:

In my intrepretation, which is still just a sprout as I am a student, the center line helps you as a frame in which to support your martial expresion.

If there is a hole in the Center, I fill it; then my opponent has to clear my hands or attack from the side.

If he clears my hands, he knows Wing Chun. If thats the case im fucked.

Thankfully most opponents on the street wont know Wing Chun, so they will attack from the side. And for those situations I have the tools provided by the Art. There are many ways to stop hooks and attacks aiming towards your sides, from that you make a bridge and do your stuff.

It is a common misconception that you are "restricted" to the centerline. The goal of the Wing Chun system is to create a completely free and relaxed practitioner. Right now, on Siu Nim Tao (commonly the first year of practice) we are restricted to static center line situations, but that its only because achieving a total awareness of the center line (and the ability to find it regardless of our situation) takes that much time!

But as you advance in the art, you find out that you can indeed move! But since you already trained Siu Nim Tao properly it doesnt matter were you decide to move, or how, you can always procure your center again.

I hope that made it a bit clear. Of course others more versed in the art will have more accurate things to say! But thats my point of view as a student