I originally set up the
Wing Chun Message Board so that students -- mine or anyone's --
would have the opportunity to submit questions about Wing Chun
technique and theory, to which I would attempt to the best of my
ability to respond. I do not claim to have a monopoly on the truth
or correct practice of Wing Chun. I can only answer to the best of
my limited ability, according to the way I interpret what I was
taught.
Over time, the use of the Message Board has expanded
so that other people venture their opinions on questions and issues.
I feel this is fine and beneficial, as long as we treat one another
with respect and civility. Debate, I believe, is a healthy thing,
and a means of arriving at the truth. As such, I strongly encourage
it. Certainly other individuals may have something valuable to
contribute, or may be able to highlight points that I have
overlooked. I welcome this. But, when debate becomes acrimonious and
personal, then potential learning is diminished. It is difficult for
people to maintain an open mind and receptive attitude when they are
under personal attack.
At this point, I would like to further
enlarge the scope of the Wing Chun Message Board in the following
sense: Any student or teacher of Wing Chun is welcome to post
questions, whether they are directed towards me or another teacher.
You are to feel free to mention your school or Sifu. In this way, we
should have a wide exchange of knowledge and information. But,
again, the most important stipulation is that we treat one another
kindly and with respect, whether or not we agree or disagree with
someone's position.
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