Although I am an advocate of sparring with substantial contact in every class, I don't advocate the use of Wing Chun for sports competitions. I teach that Wing Chun was intended only for self-defense / self-preservation.
I mean no disrespect towards sports-based martial arts, as long as they don't try to pass themselves off as self-defense. Competitions are a completely different mindset. It is important to me to make sure my students stay true to this mindset and don't get their muscle-memory confused.
With that being said, don't twist my message into an excuse not to spar. Sparring is one of the most important activities any martial artist can do. You need to spar and you need to hit. You need to learn to hit and be hit.
Just don't let competition change your mindset about what you are training for. Stay true to your purpose.
Posted by Adam Williss, Founder of The Dragon Institute
