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Trapping, FMA vs Wing Chun

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In FMA trapping is a skillset that comes into play frequently. More common in medio and corto ranges, most systems at least touch on this skill. From my experience trapping as used in FMA be it empty hand, knife or stick, differs from trapping we see in other systems.

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I suppose in this discussion we should come to a consensus as to exactly what trapping is. If not, somewhere along the line some pedant will derail the discussion with half truths and debates about authenticity. For FMA I'd consider trapping the use of the non weapon hand to manipulate or control the opponent's weapon, weapon hand, arm, or body. I'd consider any pass, parry, grab, or push in the category of trapping but I'm open to other considerations.

I train Balintawak which emphasizes close quarters fighting, but the principles can be applied to all ranges. As such, I've heard people say that it resembles "wing chun with a stick." I'd argue that my system is more akin to boxing with a stick as there is an emphasize on slips, head movement and body movement.

This leads to my thread title. Trapping in FMA vs Wing Chun. For some reason any mention of WC on this site gets lots of attention even though everybody seems to hate on the style. So I figured I'd use this to get people talking about FMA.

In most, but certainly not all FMA, there is an emphasis on getting off center line. Footwork is frequently the solution to get off line. But this can also be accomplished with head and body movement, weight shifting, body lean, ect. The advantage in getting off line with the use of trapping is that the body is removed as a target. This affords room for the arms to trap and manipulate the opponent. In addition, moving off line gives room for error. In real time a fight is chaotic, arm position and timing won't always be spot on. By stepping, or moving off line you are giving room for reaction time and error. I'd be interested to hear other strikers, kick boxers, and boxers, comments on this idea.

My limited experience of wing Chun is that the stance is square, meaning shoulders are facing and equidistant from the opponent. Attacks are linear and direct which may be efficient. However, the defense i've seen is also linear. There doesn't seem to be any attempt to move out of the way of the opponent. This leaves the wing chun fighter to rely on hand speed, form, and timing alone to execute a defense. If any of these is off, the defense fails. Perhaps if Wing Chun used the principal of moving off line it would have more success in combat sports, not that it's their goal.

As mentioned not all FMA systems emphasize moving off line, but it is a common strategy. Coupled with trapping range skills I think it's an effective approach to trapping and manipulating the opponent. Give me some input bullies.
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