Wing Chun

Wing Chun kung teaches one to build strength within defensive and offensive techniques through small movements; all while being extremely relaxed. Its a traditional Southern Chinese style of kung fu, said to have been created by one of the legendary Five Elders, Ng Mui, who was one of the survivors from the destruction of the Shaolin temple. When Ng Mui fled to the White Crane Temple, she met a teenage girl named Yim Wing Chun, who at the time, was being forced to marry a bandit. Ng Mui taught Yim Wing Chun Shaolin kung fu in a way that suited Chun for her abilities; designed for her to learn quickly without the need of great strength, thereby naming the style after her. The style teaches how one can defend themselves in a small confined space such as a small room, an elevator or hallway. Just like most other martial arts, learning how to punch and kick is the easy part. Applying the right form, footwork, and attention to detail is detrimental when learning the system. The centerline theory, which is an imaginary line drawn vertically along the center of a standing body, is a crucial focal point within all the techniques. The main objective is to protect, control, and occupy your centerline along with your opponent’s as well. There are three forms in the wing Chun system. The first, and regarded as most the most important, Siu Lim Tao (little idea), which is an open-hand form. The second form is called Chum Kiu (seeking bridge), which focuses on entry techniques from coordinated moves from the body. The third and final form is Biu Ji (thrusting fingers), which is compromised of extreme counterattacks when one’s centerline is compromised. The body is built into a reflex of extreme long range and short range techniques. Within the Wing Chun practice, there is an exercise called chi sau, which is a major crucial ingredient in the Wing Chun formula. Chi sau, which is also referred to as “sticking-hands”, helps build reflex reactions induced with power, all while being in a calm relaxed state. Most would say it takes two people to practice chi sau effectively, due to the needed partnership when administering the chi sau drills and the exchange of energy while rolling the wrists. A good chi sau practitioner is always hunting for a formidable adversary to engage in an exchange of skill and wit. The better the adversary the more one can gain from the practice. They say it’s better to train with someone better than you so the mind can be forced to make the extra effort, and when it comes to Wing Chun, continuing to make the extra effort is all that it takes in becoming a skillful practitioner.