WHAT IS WING CHUN?

The Chinese martial art of Wing Chun focuses on the efficiency of motion, and using deflection and redirection of an opponent's force. Ving Tsun techniques emphasize practicality and effectiveness over flowery or aesthetically pleasing actions (as in Wushu). Wing Chun uses principles and concepts to help free practitioners from the restriction of techniques. The use of principles and concepts help make Wing Chun an 'intelligent' martial art.

Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) uses three empty hand forms (Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, Biu Jee), a Wooden dummy form (Mook Yan Jong), two weapons forms (Luk Dim Boon Kwan & Baat Cham Doa) and chi sau sensitivity drills. The Ving Tsun system follows a logical progression, to help ensure that the practitioner learned the concepts needed to follow the Wing Chun System.

Along with the above forms, there are many single and partner drills, such as Pak sau, Pak dar, Lop sau, Jip sau Jow sao, sandbag training.

Also known as 'The little idea' form, helps teach Ving Tsun practitioners the basics and foundational concepts and principles of Wing Chun. This is the first form taught to beginners. The Sil Lim Tao form is a stationary from, done in Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma (Squeezing the goat stance). It is said, that if you want to make your Ving Tsun better, train Sil Nim Tao more.

Or 'Searching the Bridge' form, teaches Wing Chun practitioners the concepts of centralization, and rotation. This form also introduces the student to hau ma (back stance), che ma (turning stance), and Left and right stances, forward stepping, kicking and hip rotation.

The 'Thrusting Finger' form, is the last of the empty hand forms. This form reinforces the returning to center when all other techniques have failed. This form stresses multi-angle striking, and recovery. Traditionally this was a form that was never shown or practiced openly, as it displayed 'emergency techniques' available to the Wing Chun practitioner. Without a strong understand of the Chum Kil and Sil Nim tao forms, and training, the Biu Tze form will only confuse most students.

'Sticky Hands' is considered by most, the signature of the Ving Tsun system. Chi sau will teach the practitioner sensitivity to incoming forces, stress the need for centerline, and structure. Sticky hands provides the Wing Chun practitioner the ability to explore the concepts of Wing Chun in a safe environment. Regardless of a practitioner's skill level, there is always room for learning. Chi sau at higher levels can incorporate elbows, takedowns, kicking and blindfolds. At the Canadian Wing Chun (Ving Tsun) Fellowship we believe that throughout chi sau practice, it is kept friendly and in partnership, with the level of training agreed to by the two practitioners. Chi sao is about learning Wing Chun concepts by experience, not about beating partners.

The 'Jong' or wooden dummy, like chi sao, are part of the signature of Ving Tsun, very few martial arts use a 'dummy' training apperatus. To the Wing Chun stylist, the dummy represents a continual training partner and measuring stick. To the average person, it will appear that a person using the dummy is only conditioning (toughing) their limbs. While this can occur, the true secret to the dummy, is in providing proper angles, and footwork to the practitioner. While there is a 108 Movements form, there are also, many drills which can be practiced on the Jong.

The 6 and 1/2 point pole, uses a tapered pole known as a syu moi kwan or 'rat tail pole'. This is a form rarely seen, and requires the practitioner to have a solid understanding of Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kil, Bil Jee, and Mook Yan Jong before starting the training for the Luk Dim Poon Kwan form. During the Luk Dim Boon Kwan training, the student will train in Jin Choi or 'Battle Punches', along with Biu Kwan, and Chi Kwan (or Sticky Pole).

The Baat Cham Doa or 'Eight Slashing Knives' is the final set in the Ving Tsun system. And considered the 'Teacher's' form set. In the Canadian Wingchun Fellowship, we see the two Doa as a symbol of the relationship between teacher (sifu) and student (todai). The Baat Cham Doa, helps to train the student's wrist power, elbow power, angles, structure, and footwork.