ABOUT WING CHUN
What Is Wing Chun?
The Effects of Wing Chun Kuen
Wing Chun is a close range martial art, which emphasises practicality and efficiency in its techniques rather than the use of brute strength.
Efficiency in Wing Chun is based on the concept that, the shortest distance between two points is a straight line and it always focuses on the opponent's centre line.
Practising Wing Chun helps to improve sensitivity, reflex, balance and coordination.
Origin of Wing Chun Kuen
Legend has it that Wing Chun martial art was founded by a woman named Yim Wing Chun who studied self-defence from Ng Mui, a Buddhist nun of 'Siu Lam' (Shaolin Temple, China), to repel a suitor.
However, Wing Chun's origins can be traced back earlier. During the reign of Manchu Emperor Yung Cheng (1723 –1736), Cheung Ng of Wu Pak, also known as Tan-Sau Ng (Palm-up Ng), fled the capital when he was suspected of subversive activities. He took refuge in Fatshan. There, he formed the Hung Fa Wui Koon and passed on his knowledge of Chinese opera and martial arts to his followers. The skills he taught embodied the principles and techniques of Wing Chun martial arts.
The Wing Chun technique was further developed by Yim Wing Chun (from whom the martial art was named after), Leung Bok Chau (Yim Wing Chun's husband), Wong Wah Bo, Leung Yee Tei and others. Wing Chun martial art flourished under Leung Jan. Grandmaster Yip Man brought it to Hong Kong from Fatshan and further refined the movements.
The Basics of the Art of Wing Chun Kuen
Sim Liu Tau (The First Form)
Translates as 'little idea form', this is the fundamental training of Wing Chun martial art and it consists of three parts. The first part develops the understanding of the basic movements. It also defines the centre line principles and the body structure. The second part focuses on the proper use of power and the energy flow. While the third part is the practice of the techniques utilising the 'xing' (action) and 'yi' (mind) which cultivate the internal energy.
Chum Kiu (The Second Form)
Known also as 'seeking arm form' or 'building the bridge', you learn how to reach out and bridge your opponent. It trains the shifting stance, footwork, kicks and various blocks.
Biu Jee (The Third Form)
Known as 'flying fingers' or 'thrusting finger form', it develops the attacking techniques, particularly in the fingertips, hands and elbows. You also use it to recover from missed or
over-committed strikes, thus its other name, 'gow gup sau' which means 'first aid hand'.
Chi Sau (Sticky Hand Technique)
In Wing Chun, Chi Sau is the most important aspect of the training. It is a sparring technique which functions as a bridge between the 3 forms of Wing Chun martial art and free fighting. Chi Sau develops extreme sensitivity and reflexes using all the techniques, positions, knowledge of how to use the energy, learnt from stage to stage.
It is to train the techniques without a sparring partner. Practising on the wooden dummy enables you to generate full power which is not possible with a training partner. It develops the 'inch-power' I.e. The focusing of the energy into the last inch of the strike. It also allows you to angle the strike to achieve maximum effect.
Bak Cham Dou (Butterfly swords)
Lok Dim Boon Kuan (Six-and-a-half point pole)
Separate session on Zhineng Qigong for self-healing and enhancement of intrinsic energy.
Advanced Training of Wing Chun Kuen
Iron Thread Fist will be incorporated in the Internal Training practice for senior students at Wing Chun Kuen Training Centre.
The White Crane San Zhan (Iron Shirt) will continue to be practised by junior students.
Iron Thread Fist
Iron Thread Fist is an old Southern Shaolin method under the Hung Gar system of Qigong or Internal Training which was created by Tid Kiu Sam (aka Leung Kwan), one of the best martial artists in the history of China. It builds internal power and strengthens the internal organs, bones, muscles and sinews.
It utilises limited footwork, movements and spirit with the unique combination of Sup Yi Kui Sao (12 Bridges), breath control, sounds, emotions, 5 elements as well as the philosophy of yin yang. With each of these 12 Bridges, different sounds are used to evoke various emotions that affect specific organs.
Different sounds made facilitate breath control and allow qi to be moved through the 12 main meridian channels (connected to specific organs) to the intended part of the body in order to achieve maximum effect from each of the 12 Bridges.
White Crane San Zhan (Iron Shirt)
A series of drills utilising Qigong and correct physical tension in order to strengthen the body to resist the impact of blows.
Wing Chun Kuen Terminologies
Siu Lim Tao (1st form)
Chum Kiu (2nd form)
Biu Jee (3rd form)
Mok Yan Chong
Dan Chi Sau
Sheong Chi Sau
Lin Wan Kuen
Yat Chi Kuen
Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma
Single Sticky Hand
Double Sticky Hand
Perch on Arm
Palm Up Arm
Diagonal Elbow Strike
Hard Strength Strike
Horizontal Elbow Strike
Free Hand Technique
Vertical Palm Strike
Downward Elbow Strike
Lifting Hand Technique
Side Palm Strike
Straight Front Punch