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Remember the opening lines from STAR WARS? It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire. Wing Chun history is kind of like that, only the galaxy is China, the Empire is the Qing Dynasty, and the swords don’t light up.

Background

The martial art style that came to be known as Wing Chun originated in a period of civil war that marked the transition between the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty in southern China about 300 years ago as a self defense martial arts system. Similarly, other art styles like tai chi are believed to have originated in ancient China around the 17th century. Shaolin’s rebellious martial arts monks were hunted down and killed and the temples burned to the ground. Kung fu masters who managed to escape death fled into exile or went into hiding.

The rebels trained in secret, inventing new ways to fight the Qing soldiers and exploit weaknesses in their battlefield tactics. One of the fighting systems that emerged from this conflict was a very direct, short-range system that came to be known as Wing Chun. As the system began to spread, legends about its origin were told. Some historians argue that these legends are nothing but fanciful mythology, while some Kung Fu masters claim they are the gospel truth.

Because these legends have been passed from teacher to student as an oral Wing Chun history rather than through written documentation, it is practically impossible to confirm or clarify the story of its creation. There are already some great books that take a scholarly look at the differing accounts so we won’t go into that level of detail. For the simple purpose of establishing context, let’s go with the most popular version of Wing Chun history.

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The Origin of Wing Chun

During the reign of Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1820), Kung Fu masters who opposed the Qing Dynasty were hunted down and murdered. One master of Shaolin Kung Fu was Yim Yee, who fled from Quanzhou in Fujian province to take refuge with his family in Liancheng, living as a tofu merchant. Yim Yee had a daughter named Yim Wing Chun who had secretly trained in Kung Fu with her father since early childhood.

Yim Wing Chun

As a teenager, Yim Wing Chun had fallen in love with Leung Bok Chau. Before they could be married, however, Yim Wing Chun caught the eye of a local warlord. She rebuffed his advances until he made a startling offer: he would rescind his marriage proposal if she could beat him in a fight. Yim Wing Chun agreed, and her father, who help bean curd shop, negotiated for training time. The warlord gave her until the following spring to prepare for the fight, and to become his bride.

News of Yim Wing Chun’s predicament spread throughout the small village, and soon she was approached by an older woman whom she had befriended at the tofu shop. The woman revealed that her name was Ng Mui and that she was one of the Shaolin Five Elders who had managed to escape the burning of the temple. She knew that the tiny, young Wing Chun was no match for the fierce warlord, but she had a plan.

Ng Mui

Ng Mui had been using her time in seclusion in the White Crane Temple to synthesize a new fighting system out of the Snake and Crane styles of Shaolin Kung Fu to better suit a woman or other fighter who did not have the advantage of size and strength. She began to train Wing Chun in this new style, concentrating only on the essential elements that could be absorbed in a few months instead of a few years.

By the time the warlord returned the following spring, Yim Wing Chun was ready. In front of the entire village, she demonstrated a type of Kung Fu that had never been seen before. She used the warlord’s mass and strength against him, flowing around his attempts to strike or grab her. Despite a weight difference of nearly a hundred pounds, she threw her entire body weight into specific targets that broke the warlord’s balance and left him vulnerable to repeated strikes. When the warlord crumpled unconscious at Wing Chun’s feet, a roar went up from the crowd.

Leung Bok Chau

Yim Wing Chun was able to marry her true love, Leung Bok Chau, and true to the custom of that time, passed on her Kung Fu fighting style knowledge to him. Since many of the villagers had witnessed the power of this new style, Yim Wing Chun and her husband established a secret school to teach those who wanted to learn. After the death of her father, Yim Wing Chun and Leung Bok Chau left the village, settling in Zhaoqing in Guangdong Province. Once more they began to teach, but this time the new style had a name: Wing Chun Kung Fu.

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The Spread of Wing Chun Kung Fu

Leung Lan Kwai

The oral Wing Chun history says that the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu was passed first to Leung Lan Kwai, who took over the school in Zhaoqing. Around the year 1815, a martial artist and actor named Wong Wah Bo came to perform in Zhaoqing and began to study with Leung Lan Kwai. Wong taught Leung the staff forms used in the Chinese opera, and Leung taught Wong his Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Wong Wah Bo

When the opera troupe left Zhaoqing, Wong Wah Bo began to teach other actors on the boat, known as the Red Junk. One of the skilled performers was Leung Yee Tei. As Wong Wah Bo and Leung Yee Tai practiced Wing Chun, they caught the attention of the boat’s cook. It turns out that the cook was really the abbot of the ruined Shaolin temple, Chi Shin, who had fled at the same time as Ng Mui and was hiding in disguise.

Leung Jan

It was Chi Shin that incorporated the techniques of the Six and a Half Point Pole into Wing Chun, and together the three men tested, refined, and codified the art into distinct forms and drills according to the origin story. As the Red Junk continued its travels, the art was passed to Leung Jan, a well-known herbal Doctor in Foshan. It is said that Leung Jan grasped the innermost secrets of Wing Chun and was able to attain the highest level of proficiency. As martial arts, in general, began to become popular once more, many Kung Fu masters came to challenge Leung Jan. According to the histories, Leung Jan was never once defeated, and became very famous.

Leung Chun and Leung Bik

Leung Jan only taught a handful of private students including his sons Leung Chun and Leung Bik, and two other students, “Woodman” Wah, and Chan Wah Shun. Chan Wah Shun owned a coin-changing stall near Leung’s herbal medicine clinic in Foshan and was known for his powerful strength and intense interest in Kung Fu. Chan eventually became Leung’s disciple, learning both Wing Chun Kung Fu and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Due to Leung Jan’s fame, the Qing government sought him out to become the head instructor for the military. Chan Wah Shan went in his place, but only served a short time before retiring to open a health clinic. He continued to teach Wing Chun fighting techniques right up to the time of his death. Chan accepted his last student when he was 70 years old: a teenager named Ip Man.

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Grandmaster Ip Man

One of the most notable names in Wing Chun history is Grandmaster Ip Kai Man (October 1, 1893 – December 2, 1972), who was born into the wealthy and well-known family of Ip Oi Dor and Ng Shui in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. He was just a toddler when the Qing government began to crack, and he grew up during the turbulent years of a Chinese war against Japan and the internal Boxer Rebellion. Action movie star Donnie Yen helped revive Wing Chun history when he portrayed Ip Man in the movie series, making this martial style more popular nowadays.

Master Chan Wah Shan

At the age of twelve, Ip Man began to watch the Kung Fu classes taught by Master Chan Wah Shan on the main street of Foshan (Song Yuen Dai Gai). Fascinated, he begged the master to accept him as a student. Master Chan originally rebuffed him, saying that spoiled rich kids made poor students of Kung Fu. To get rid of Ip Man once and for all, Master Chan said that he required a payment of 500 Tai Yeung (silver dollars) to become a student. His plan worked, for a while.

The following year, Ip Man returned to Master Chan with the requested money. Chan Wah Shan at first was shocked and claimed Ip Man must be a thief. He took the boy to his father for punishment, only to learn that Ip Man had spent the past year working to earn part of the fee and that his parents had given him the rest. Master Chan had no choice but to accept Ip Man as a student.

Training Begins

His first training was intense but short. Because of the master’s advancing age, Ip Man practiced most of his techniques with Chan’s second-oldest disciple, Ng Chung-sok. Ip Man was only able to study with Chan Wah Shan for three years before the master passed away. For a short while after that, Ip Man continued to train with Ng Chung-sok.

At the age of 15, Ip Man moved to Hong Kong to attend school at St. Stephen’s College. One day Ip Man saw a foreign police officer beating a woman. Ip Man intervened and struck down the officer. The incident brought a small degree of fame, and soon an older man who lived in the same apartment block asked Ip Man about his Kung Fu. He was excited to show off his skills, but the older man dismissed Ip Man’s forms as not very good. When challenged to spar using chi sau, Ip Man found himself unable to defend, with the older man entering and striking with ease.

The older man then revealed his identity. He was Leung Bik, the son of Leung Jan. Astounded by his good fortune to meet the son of his teacher’s teacher, Ip Man continued his Wing Chun style studies with Leung Bik for nearly a decade.

Hong Kong

At the age of 24, Ip Man returned to Foshan and became a policeman. He taught Wing Chun to other officers, friends, and family members but did not open an official school. In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party officially established the People’s Republic of China on the mainland. Because Ip Man was an officer in the rival political party, the Kuomintang or Chinese Nationalist Party, he was forced to flee to Hong Kong.

Ip Man, who was able to continue the legacy of Wing Chun history, established his first school on Castle Peak Road in Sham Shui Po, then later moved to Lee Tat Street in Yau Ma Tei. Over the years, he taught many, many students and gained great popularity as a Kung Fu master. In 1967, Ip Man and his students established the Wing Chun Athletic Association (詠春體育會 – AKA Ving Tsun athletic association). Grandmaster Ip Man continued to teach there until his death in 1972.

Famous Students

The stories and legends of Ip Man have now become famous, inspiring numerous books and movies. His legacy was carried on by his sons, Ip Ching and Ip Chun, and such famous martial artists as Wong Shun Leung, Leung Sheung, William Cheung, Hawkins Cheung, Ho Kam-Ming, Duncan Leung, Victor Kan Wah Chit, Leung Ting, Bruce Lee, Jiu Wan, and Moy Yat. In the next sections, we’ll learn more about Sifus Jiu Wan and Moy Yat, whose lineages the Wing Chun Concepts coursework is based on.

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NEXT: The Wing Chun Family Structure
Unlike many popular forms of martial arts, Wing Chun is not based on a military system, but rather is a family style of Kung Fu. In the next section, you’ll learn more about the family structure of Wing Chun and how the style is categorized based on lineage.

The Wing Chun training method has undergone significant changes over the centuries, and the Wing Chun Concepts course is the latest evolution. This chapter will examine the three key elements of this method, which include:

Main Steps of Wing Chung Training

Effectiveness means doing the right things, while efficiency means doing things correctly. The training process outlined in this guide aims to help you achieve mastery in Wing Chun Kung Fu in the shortest time possible, without disrupting your daily routine. Some Kung Fu masters claim that it takes 20 years to master their system, which is not a favorable return on investment. Our goal is to make you proficient in Wing Chun Kung Fu within TWO years.

The Wing Chun Concepts system employs a tried-and-true training approach that consistently achieves success in teaching Wing Chun concepts and skills in an efficient manner.

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The Right Approach

The Wing Chun Concepts system utilizes a proven training method that ensures success in mastering Wing Chun concepts and skills efficiently. The process involves three phases: deconstruction, selection, and sequencing.

DECONSTRUCTION: The Explore Phase
The first step is to break down Kung Fu into small, manageable pieces. This is similar to learning the alphabet, where we will begin by isolating single-hand forms or structural shapes, single-step actions, and basic core concepts. This will give us the “A, B, C’s.” As we progress, we will combine these letters into words, then sentences, and finally free-flowing prose.

SELECTION: The Elimination Phase
We will focus on 20% of the building blocks that provide 80% or more of the skill we want. This concept is based on the Pareto principle, which states that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. The grandmasters of Wing Chun applied this approach by selecting only the most effective techniques for self-defense, which can be learned quickly and can be used by almost anyone.

SEQUENCING: The Execution Phase
We will learn these building blocks in a logical sequence. Most martial arts schools teach using a “technique of the day” approach, where everyone lines up, the teacher presents the technique, then everyone practices. Wing Chun has traditionally always been taught one-on-one, and you follow a specific training progression. You start with Lesson One and you master it, then move on to the next. It is an unalterable hierarchy where each skill becomes the foundation for the next.

The Wing Chun training progression has been perfected over hundreds of years. You begin with the Siu Lim Tau-level skills where you learn the “seed” concepts and foundation techniques. Once these skills have been polished, you move to the Chum Kiu level and add another level of complexity through dynamic movement (stepping, twisting, kicking, etc.). Once those skills have become second nature, you move on to the Biu Jee level where you learn to fight your way back from worst-case scenarios.

Sequencing is the key to Wing Chun. It is why traditional Wing Chun fighters are so reliable in their skill. However, this also means that Wing Chun is not for everyone. Training Wing Chun, specifically following the exact training progression, requires patience, dedication, endurance, and commitment. If you want to learn Wing Chun, you will either need these qualities or pledge to develop them.

Continuous Practice

The essence of Kung Fu is the mastery of skill through consistent, disciplined practice over time. However, in today’s fast-paced society, the “overtime” aspect can be challenging for some. It’s important to understand that Kung Fu skills cannot be acquired simply by reading about it or watching videos, just as one cannot learn to play a piano or guitar without actually playing the instrument. Kung Fu skills require a significant amount of dedicated practice. The key is to find a practice routine that allows for improvement without causing boredom or burnout.

Based on years of teaching and training experience, we’ve learned that the ideal balance of practice volume and frequency varies for each individual. Factors such as fitness level, recovery time, learning speed, and available daily time can affect this balance. We will provide guidelines for the minimum amount of practice required, identify warning signs of over-training, and assist in finding an optimal practice schedule that works for you.

The Minimal Effective Dose

The concept of Minimal Effective Dose (MED) in this case means how little training can I do and still gain Kung Fu skills? With many responsibilities and competing demands for time, it can be challenging to find time for Kung Fu practice. However, Wing Chun was developed by regular people with regular lives and can be practiced in short, intensive blocks of time. The curriculum is designed to guide you in finding your personal minimal effective dose of practice.

DAILY MED: 5 MINUTES Commit to setting aside five minutes every day for training, practicing the Siu Lim Tau form. As you learn other forms, they will also be added to your daily practice.

WEEKLY MED: 2 HOURS In addition to the daily form practice, commit to at least two hours of training each week, consisting of at least six Twenty Minute Modules (20MM). The organization is flexible and can be tailored to your schedule.

It is important to find a balance and avoid over-training which can lead to injury and burnout. The key is to listen to your body and discern between natural fatigue and true muscle exhaustion. The Wing Chun approach is incremental, training, recovering, and training again. A core concept of Wing Chun is “first, don’t get hurt”, which applies to both fighting and training.

Effective results can be achieved with minimal practice. Coach Henk Kraaijenhof, a former world champion and coach to Merlene Joyce Ottey, who won 23 medals at the Olympics and world championships, advises “Do as little as needed, not as much as possible.” Over-training can lead to burnout and injury. The Kung Fu approach involves incremental training, recovery, and training again. A key skill in Wing Chun is called Listening, which includes listening to your own body and discerning the difference between natural fatigue and true muscle exhaustion. A core concept in Wing Chun fighting is “first, don’t get hurt” and this applies to training as well. Additionally, expect to learn about anatomy in the course, which will aid in avoiding injury and causing injury if needed.

Injuries are a common occurrence when people suddenly increase their exercise intensity, often seen in January with New Year’s resolutions. Those trying to lose weight or gain muscle may push themselves too hard, resulting in injury, disappointment, and ultimately giving up on their goals. Kung Fu, on the other hand, promotes gradual progress through disciplined and consistent practice. One key skill in Wing Chun is the ability to listen, both to the attacker’s energy and to one’s own body, to prevent and detect injuries. Additionally, the course will cover anatomical knowledge to further prevent injury and understand how to cause it if necessary. Another potential pitfall to watch out for is neglecting personal relationships while focusing too heavily on training. It’s important to maintain a balance and not let Kung Fu consume your life, alienating loved ones and causing conflict. Instead, strive for harmony and balance in both personal growth and relationships.

Wing Chun Training Optimization

Finding the ideal balance between minimal training and over-training is crucial for mastering Kung Fu. Your optimal training schedule should involve consistent practice over a period of two years, with a commitment of one hour per day for dedicated learners. This includes 10 minutes for studying and reviewing material, 5 minutes for form practice, 40 minutes for two 20-minute practice sets, and 5 minutes for self-evaluation and journaling. You can adjust this schedule based on your availability and add or subtract time as needed. Remember that the key to success is not just the quantity of practice, but the quality and engagement during each hour of training, which is referred to as Deep Practice.

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Deep Practice of Wing Chun

The key to success in our Wing Chun training is a concept called Deep Practice. Rather than simply putting in hours of training, it’s crucial to make every minute of your training fully engaging, highly focused, and challenging. This idea is explored in depth in the book “The Talent Code.”

Many people prefer to stay within their comfort zone, completing tasks that are easy and familiar. However, Kung Fu encourages going deeper and seeking out challenges. You should strive to find skills that are just beyond your reach, and then work to master them through intense problem-solving. Only by pushing yourself beyond your limits can you truly improve.

Deep Practice is a skill that must be developed over time and will be integrated into each lesson. The key takeaway: if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.

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Training Format

The initial phase of the Wing Chun Concepts training format is the “Absorb” phase, also known as the learning phase. During this phase, you will be exposed to new concepts and techniques and are expected to fully understand both the physical movements as well as the underlying principles. The format of the lessons that teach forms, drills, and tactics will include five key elements:

The Lesson Introduction

This section provides a brief overview of the lesson, outlining what will be covered.

The Key Points

The main steps of each form, the important training points of each drill, or the key strategies of each tactical drill are listed here in bullet-list format. It is recommended that you copy these to your training journal as a way to reinforce memory and recall. By the time you mark the lesson “complete,” you should be able to easily recall from memory all of the key points listed here. If you cannot, this is a sure sign that you need to invest additional practice time before you advance to the next lesson. Additionally, it is important to not just memorize the key points, but also to understand the reasoning behind them and how they fit into the larger picture of Wing Chun. This deeper understanding will help to ensure that the key points are not just learned, but also internalized for optimal results.

Visual Reference

Each form and drill will be illustrated with photographs, illustrations, a slideshow sequence, or a video. The more complex the form or drill, the more detailed this visual reference section will be. This visual reference is important not just for understanding the mechanics of the movement, but also for providing a clear visual representation of the form or drill. This can be especially useful when starting out and trying to grasp the overall structure and flow of a form or drill.

Step-by-Step Instruction

As the main content of the lesson, each section of the form or variation of the drill will be broken down into easy-to-follow steps. Each movement will be fully explained, along with specific safety notes and guidelines for self-evaluation. This step-by-step instruction is crucial for breaking down the form or drill into manageable chunks, making it more accessible for the student. It also allows for a clear understanding of how each movement relates to the overall form or drill.

Deeper Understanding

The final segment delves deeper into the reasoning behind the movement, providing a more comprehensive understanding for those who want to understand the significance of the form, drill, or tactic. This portion of the lesson may cover a wide range of subjects, including sports medicine, Eastern symbolism, philosophy, science, energy dynamics, traditional Chinese medicine, and human anatomy.

The Execution Phase

Once you have fully understood the concepts of the lesson, it is time to put them into action. This phase involves working through the forms, performing solo drills, practicing on the battle post, engaging in cooperative partner drills, or testing your reactions through tactical drills. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in each lesson, you will repeatedly cycle through the form or drill until you have mastered the skill. Keep in mind that mastering a skill does not happen overnight, and it may require multiple practice sessions. Like a musician who must repeatedly practice a song before being able to perform it flawlessly, expect to repeat individual lessons as many times as necessary.

The Feedback Phase

The final step in the training process is to evaluate your progress and gather feedback on your skills. Self-evaluation is crucial for tracking your progress and identifying areas where you need to focus more. Keeping a training journal is a great way to do this, as it allows you to record your observations, set goals, and track your progress over time. This provides a feedback loop that allows you to course-correct or fine-tune as needed. Not only does this help you identify areas where you need to focus more, it also allows you to celebrate your progress and stay motivated.

In addition to self-evaluation, it is also important to seek feedback from your coach or other experienced practitioners. They can provide a different perspective and help you identify areas of improvement that you may not have noticed on your own. This feedback can be used to adjust your training and ensure that you are on the right track to achieving your goals. Overall, regular evaluation and feedback are essential for mastering the art of Wing Chun, and for improving your skills over time.

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NEXT: The Final Countdown
The final step in beginning your Wing Chun journey is crucial and requires a significant commitment. After gaining an understanding of what Wing Chun is, the goals of the Wing Chun Concepts course, and the scope of the curriculum, it is important to take the time to evaluate whether this path is the right fit for you. If you have determined that Wing Chun is the right path for you, the last chapter in this section will guide you on how to proceed and prepare for the journey ahead. Remember, making a decision to change and committing to it is the most important step. Take the time to fully consider your decision before moving forward and be prepared for the dedication and commitment required for success in Wing Chun.

Hold this thought clearly in your mind: I CAN DO THIS. It does not matter where you are starting from. Your age, weight, athleticism and physical ability are irrelevant. The only thing that matters is your determination, and that is ageless, weightless, and stronger than you can possibly imagine.

Every human achievement – in fact, every human talent – begins with Ignition, that powerful spark that sets off a chain of events that gets you off the sofa and into action. In this case, you’re moving onto the training floor. As you face challenges – and we’ll cover the most frequent in just a moment ‐ remember that with every step forward you are becoming more powerful. This is how you get started. 

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The First Step

Human beings are funny. They want a Reward Ratio to motivate them. They have to be challenged or excited or entertained in order to be motivated to do anything. From a purely logical standpoint, we would progress through the Wing Chun Concepts self-defense material based on a descending arc from most common to least common threats and responses. Unfortunately, that’s really boring.

Most threats can be avoided with simple Evasion strategies, but that involves learning about violence dynamics, types of Bad Guys, recognizing pre-incident indicators, and personal behaviors that make you a “hard target.” While valuable to know, its mostly lecture and abstract understanding. There’s not much to do in that section.

The exciting part about self-defense is dumping the Bad Guy on the ground and breaking pieces and parts that he considers important. Unfortunately, accidents happen if we jump straight to the really cool stuff. We don’t want people to end up getting hurt unintentionally. So we’re going to take a hybrid approach.

We’re going to build a solid foundation that gives you practical stuff from day one, and add onto that with each new module. As you saw in the Curriculum section, each phase is a combination of forms and drills. Each of the Wing Chun forms is like a textbook containing physical structures, techniques, tactics, and principles. All of the drills start simply and then become progressively more challenging. Just when you begin to get comfortable with a drill and think, “Hey, I got this!” we’re going to modify it, add onto it, or blend it with something else. The goal is to continually stimulate and challenge both your brain and body so that you continually improve.

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Three Excuses. Three Agreements.

It is possible that as you begin Wing Chun training, you will likely face down every fear and doubt that your mind can dredge up. This is your Ego resisting change. Before you step onto the mat the first time, simply be aware of the most common tactics your monkey mind is going to throw at you. With some simple agreements with yourself, you can get past this stage.

THIS STUFF LOOKS HARD
In the old days, the Kung Fu Master would make a potential student prove their dedication and commitment before they could begin the training. Often a student would be harshly rejected time and time again before finally being accepted. This was done to test the student’s persistance.

Training Kung Fu is not easy, and it is not for everyone. The Kung Fu legends are full of stories where a new disciple would have to endure a brutal series of physical and mental tests to prove their readiness. This course has no such initiations, but the sense of commitment is the same.

Once the novelty wears off you’ll figure out that Kung Fu is Chinese for “Hard Work.” Your first agreement is simple: be willing to do the hard work. Push past the short-term pain to reach the long-term goal. It takes effort, determination, and pure grit, but you are forging a Warrior’s mind, body and spirit.

I DON’T WANT TO LOOK STUPID

This is huge. This excuse is one of the most powerful weapons our change-resistent brain will use to keep you parked in the recliner in front of the TV. No one wants to be embarrassed, feel awkward or look stupid. How many people do you know who won’t try a yoga class, dance class or new sport for this same exact reason?

There’s only one way around this: be willing to look stupid. I wish I could tell you that with this approach, you will always be comfortable, happy and graceful. You won’t. Feeling awkward is no fun. But being willing to look stupid — risking the emotional pain of making mistakes — is absolutely essential to success.

The way you improve any skill is to try, reach the limits of your ability, fail, and try again. You problem-solve, playfully. If you screw up, laugh it off and try again. If toddlers were afraid of falling, we’d all be crawling around on hands and knees. Mistakes are not verdicts on your self-worth; they are sign posts that help you navigate to the correct move.

As a last resort, your monkey brain will throw a tantrum and start calling you names. You know the drill: you’re too fat or too skinny, too old or too young, too flabby, too busy, or too something. If one of those hooks sinks in, your brain will start bargaining with you. Come back to this after you’ve lost weight, it whispers. Or maybe, wait until you’re in better shape. Sound familiar?

I’M TOO ______ TO DO THIS

Go re-read that first line on this page and make it your third agreement: I CAN DO THIS. Every excuse you can dig up is just that: an excuse. Start right now from where you are. This is a transformational process and it works TWO WAYS.

One, we’re going to use the training to get you into the fittest version of yourself. In other words, eat right, exercise and pay attention to your body. The Focus strategies will help you manage time and stress. We can’t make you any younger, so just don’t put this off. Start now, or that “I’m too old” excuse is going to be a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Two, you’ll learn to adapt Wing Chun to you. This is a core concept of the art. Your arms are too short for that technique? Here’s how to modify it. You’re not flexible enough to do that? Try this other variation. Problem-solve.

Today there are people training that have lost one or more limbs, are blind, and are adapting the techniques to work for them despite their disabilities. Your excuse is invalid.

That said, DO check with your doctor before beginning this or any other new physical activity. Being SAFE begins with being SMART. Make sure that you are “mechanically sound” and ready to train.

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What To Expect

By this point you’ve developed a feel for how the information is this course will be presented. So far, each chapter has hopefully given you something to think about. The biggest difference when you start the actual course is that each new lesson is going to give you something to do.

Expect to get up and take action after reading each module. That action may be practicing a strike, repeating a footwork pattern, assembling a piece of equipment, or standing in complete stillness while focusing on nothing but the breath. Whatever the module prescribes, you stand up and go do it for twenty minutes. That’s the deal.

If you agree, then we’re going to start with a course called Level One: Initiate. This course costs only the time and effort that you put into it. Even if you don’t continue to the advanced lessons, we think you’ll learn something valuable here.  

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NEXT STEP: Sign Up
That’s it for the preparation work. You are now ready to begin training Wing Chun Kung Fu. Take a deep breath, shake off any tension, and get ready to step into the training hall. Click the Sign Up button to choose between in-person or online training, create your account, log in and begin your journey.

小念頭 — The Little Idea

As the first form in Wing Chun, Siu Nim Tao is the foundation for learning the correct stance, hand positions and fundamental techniques. In Cantonese, Siu means small, young, or just born. Nim (sometimes written as Lim) means idea, thought or reason. The word Tao means starting or beginning. Together, the phrase translates as “The Little Idea for Beginning.”

Siu Nim Tao is taught in three sections. The first third concentrates on developing good structure, relaxation and Gung Lik or “Elbow Energy.” This section is performed slowly and without muscle tension. Many consider this part to be almost like a preparatory meditation. In the beginning it is taught without any coordination to breath, and the focus is simply on remaining mindful and “in the moment.” It is not uncommon to feel warm and calm during the performance of this section.

The second section of Siu Nim Tao begins to develop Fajing, or the “release of power.” You begin to use both hands simultaneously while maintaining a solid stance. To release power efficiently you should stay completely relaxed and wait until the last moment of the movement.

The third and final section of Siu Nim Tao teaches the basic techniques of Wing Chun. These include Tan Sau, Bong Sau, Jeung strikes and others, and are performed one hand at a time.

Siu Nim Tao stands as the foundation and establishes the basics necessary to learn the other forms. Without it, there can be no beginning idea to Wing Chun.
  — Grandmaster Moy Yat, Ving Tsun Trilogy, 1990

Since Siu Nim Tao is the first form, many people mistakenly believe that it is only for the beginning student. Instead, Siu Nim Tao is intended to be practiced throughout your entire lifetime. Each stage of your development brings a new level of insight, meaning, emphasis and refinement. It becomes a mirror of your development.

Since I cannot possibly explain it better than Grandmaster Moy Yat himself, below is an excerpt from his essay, Seed of Kung Fu from the book Ving Tsun Trilogy published by Winners Sports Publications in 1990.

Note in particular Moy Yat’s use of the term play when referring to forms practice. This was a very specific word selection, not to demean or make training seem less serious, but to emphasize the emotional content of training. You cannot force the benefits out of Siu Nim Tao any more than you can force grass to grow. The attributes gained from forms practice likewise arise naturally and spontaneously.

You must also have an energetic, alert and playful mind when training Siu Nim Tao. If your heart is not in it, if your mind is elsewhere, or if you are “just going through the motions,” your time is being wasted. Explore the form with wonder, and it will unlock its secrets.

We lose ourselves in the things we love. We find ourselves there, too.
  — Kristin Martz

Siu Nim Tao is the seed that begins the growth of certain attributes necessary in Wing Chun Kung Fu. An important development is the training of “inside power.” This energy is not a mystical internal strength, as has been exaggerated in many martial art tales. It is simply a label for the ability to meet an opponent’s force with just the right amount of energy to stop it.

For this spring-like effect to occur the hands have to be emptied of tension. When played correctly, Siu Nim Tao invokes the body and mind to stay relaxed and alert so that energy can be provided instantly to the hands. If the student consciously tries to achieve this energy as a goal then it becomes self-defeating, because nurturing inside power comes through playing the form in a calm manner and free of any intent. The hands must learn to move instinctively and respond naturally so that the overall effect is to economize every action to a useful end while conserving energy.

Since economy of movement and energy are mainstays of Wing Chun Kung Fu, it is important that each action be smooth and effective. The body must respond without hesitation and be able to protect itself with a minimal amount of expression. It is for this reason that the “centerline” is such a vital factor to Siu Nim Tao.

We explored Centerline Theory in an earlier section, but theory comes into practice while training the form. Specifically, the hands move with exacting precision forward and back along the centerline in order to train them to occupy and control it instinctively. You learn to move in economical lines, minimizing movement and effort. You are learning to both attack along the centerline and protect it against incoming attacks.

Siu Nim Tao also prepares the student to use energy at different angles and distances. This introduces the beginner to the famous Wing Chun concept of “short power,” a technique for producing powerful amount of force at a very short distance.

Siu Nim Tao: Kuen Kuit

Wing Chun Kuen Kuit are “Words of Wisdom” which capture – often in poetic terms – the finer attributes of Wing Chun Kung Fu. The word Kuen Kuit is Cantonese for “Martial Sayings,” or “Fist Poems.” Below are some of the important Kuen Kit for training the Siu Nim Tao form.

1. Siu Nim Tao comes first; do not force progress in training.
2. A weak body must start with strength improvement.
3. Do not keep any bad habit.
4. To maintain good balance of strength grip the ground with the toes.
5. To release Qi from the Dan Tien, will enable proper release of power.
6. Sink the elbow and drop the shoulders; guard the centerline to protect both flanks.
7. There are one hundred and eight movements, all practical and real. Thousands of variations can be used, aiming for practical use and not beauty.
8. Internally develop the Qi; externally train the tendons, bones and muscles.
9. Tan Sau, Bong Sau, Fook Sau, Wu Sau, and Hyun Sau: their wonder grows with practice.
10. Each movement must be clear and crisp. Timing must be observed.
11. Practice once a day; more will cause no harm.

NEXT:
Begin your training in the Siu Nim Tao form with the Opening and Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma Stance.

NEXT: Opening and Yee Jee Kim Yeung Ma Stance