A Brief Introduction to Wing Chun

 Chu Shong Tin

Amongst all the martial arts in China, Wing Chun is the one I like the most. I say this is not because I am teaching Wing Chun, but because the theory and structure of Wing Chun are very scientific and have reached the acme of perfection. 

Wing Chun was created by Abbess Ng Mui three hundred years ago. According to the oral statement of Master Yip Man, the Late Abbess Ng Mui became weak and less powerful as she grew older. Consequently, the traditional kung fu that she was very familiar with and depended on the person's physical fitness became less effective in fighting. To overcome this, she tried to create a special kind of kung fu that did not rely upon a person's physical fitness in such a way that the effect in combat would not reduce because of old age. After researching for a long time, the perfect kung fu of Wing Chun was introduced.

It is considered that Wing Chun kung fu is flawless. Its theory, structure and technique in attack and defence are very profound. It comprises different aspects, including the characteristic of human muscle, skeletal system, the theory of force, human thinking, and the potential power of a person. The familiarisation and understanding of the above aspects will lead to the highest level of fighting technique. One who indulges in martial arts will find great satisfaction when fully understanding the theory through persistent research and practice.

Wing Chun is comprised of three forms, i.e. Siu Nim Tau, Chum Kiu and Bil Gee, and each form has a theory of its own. In order words, each form has a specific goal to be achieved. Each of the three forms will, on its own, generate a kind of manoeuvring effect. Combining these kinds of manoeuvring effects will mean an invincible martial art that is powerful in both attack and defence. In addition to these three forms, the practice of Wooden Dummy will increase a person's interest in practising.

First, I will give a brief description of the theory. Then, I will analyse it in more detail. It is hoped that, in this way, a learner can understand how to practise to obtain the best result.

1. Siu Nim Tau

The basic concept of Siu Nim Tau is the adoption of some simple moves and the skill of using force together with the infusion of the spirit into different parts of the body.

In this way, every simple move becomes a very strong structure and can withstand heavy impact and be efficient in attack.

2. Chum Kiu

The basic concept of Chum Kiu is to use the body weight in connection with the moves of Siu Nim Tau to form different kinds of techniques in the use of force.

In this way, one can overcome the opponent very easily without wasting much energy.

3. Bil Gee

The basic concept of Bil Gee is to generate explosive power with the body weight in speedy motion.

Essentially, Bil Jee uses the simple moves of Siu Nim Tau together with the turning skill of Chum Kiu modified by increasing speed. When this is practised well, one can strike out a fully concentrated power.

This is why the form is called Bil Gee (In Chinese, the word Bil Gee means "striking out a fully concentrated force with a finger-tip").