Wing Chun

For other uses, see Wing Chun (disambiguation).
Wing Chun

A wing chun front kick (right) against a turning kick. This illustrates the principles of centerline and simultaneous attack and defence.

A wing chun front kick (right) against a turning kick. This illustrates the principles of centerline and simultaneous attack and defence.
Also known as Wing Chun, Wing Tsun, Ving Tsun
Focus Striking, Trapping
Country of origin  China
Creator Ng Mui (Disputed)
Famous practitioners

Sum Nung,[1] Yip Man,[2] Bruce Lee,[3] Donnie Yen

Nicholas Tse
Parenthood Fujian White Crane
Descendant arts Jeet Kune Do

Wing Chun (Chinese: 詠春; pinyin: yǒng chūn; Jyutping: wing6 ceon1; literally: "spring chant"), also romanised as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, (and sometimes substituted with the characters 永春 "eternal springtime"[4]); is a concept-based Chinese martial art and form of self-defense utilising both striking and grappling while specialising in close-range combat.

The alternative characters 永春 "eternal spring" are also associated with some other southern Chinese martial arts, including Weng Chun Kung Fu and Yong Chun .[5][6]

History

Main article: History of Wing Chun

The earliest known mentions of Wing Chun date to the period of Red Boat Opera.

The common legend as told by Yip Man[7] involves the young woman Yim Wing-chun during the period after the destruction by the Qing government of the Southern Shaolin and its associated temples.

Having rebuffed the local warlord's marriage offer, Yim Wing-Chun said she'd reconsider the proposal if he could beat her in a fight. She soon crossed paths with a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui, who was one of the Shaolin Sect survivors, and asked the nun to teach her to fight. According to legend Ng Mui taught Yim Wing-Chun a new system of martial art that had been inspired by the nun's observations of a confrontation between a Snake and a Crane. This then-still nameless style enabled Yim Wing-Chun to beat the warlord in a one-on-one fight. Yim Wing-Chun thereafter married Leung Bac-Chou and taught him the style, which was later named after her.

Since the system was developed during the Shaolin and Ming resistance to the Qing Dynasty, many legends, including the story of Yim Wing-Chun, were spread regarding the creation of Wing Chun in order to confuse enemies. This is often given as a reason to explain the difficulty in accurately determining the creator or creators of Wing Chun.[8]

Philosophy

He who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable. One who excels in fighting is never aroused in anger. One who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issues. One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them. This is the virtue of non-contention and matching the sublimity of heaven.[9]

Characteristics

Balance, structure and stance

Some Wing Chun practitioners believe that the person with better body structure will win. A correct Wing Chun stance is like a piece of bamboo, firm but flexible, rooted but yielding. This structure is used to either deflect external forces or redirect them.

Balance is related to structure because a well-balanced body recovers more quickly from stalled attacks and structure is maintained. Wing Chun trains the awareness of one's own body movement derived from muscular, tendon, and articular sources. Performing Wing Chun's forms such as Chum Kiu or the Wooden Dummy form greatly improve proprioception. Wing Chun favours a high, narrow stance with the elbows kept close to the body. Within the stance, arms are positioned across the vitals of the centerline. Shifting or turning within a stance is carried out variantly on the heels, balls, or middle (K1 or Kidney 1 point) of the foot depending on lineage. All attacks and counter-attacks are initiated from this firm, stable base. Wing Chun rarely compromises structure for more powerful attacks because this is believed to create defensive openings which may be exploited.

Structure is viewed as important, not only for reasons of defense, but also for attack. When the practitioner is effectively "rooted", or aligned so as to be braced against the ground, the force of the hit is believed to be far more devastating. Additionally, the practice of "settling" one's opponent to brace them more effectively against the ground aids in delivering as much force as possible to them.[10][11]

Relaxation

Softness (via relaxation) and performing techniques in a relaxed manner, is fundamental to Wing Chun.

Centerline

While the existence of a "central axis" concept is unified in Wing Chun, the interpretation of the centerline concept itself is not. Many variations exist, with some lineages defining anywhere from a single "centerline" to multiple lines of interaction and definition. Traditionally the centerline is considered to be the vertical axis from the top of a human's head to the groin. The human body's prime striking targets are considered to be on or near this line, including eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus, stomach, pelvis and groin.

Wing Chun techniques are generally "closed", with the limbs drawn in to protect the central area and also to maintain balance. In most circumstances, the hands do not move beyond the vertical circle that is described by swinging the arms in front, with the hands crossed at the wrists. To reach outside this area, footwork is used. A large emphasis and time investment in training Chi Sao exercise emphasizes positioning to dominate this centerline. The stance and guard all point at or through the center to concentrate physical and mental intent of the entire body to the one target.

Wing Chun practitioners attack within this central area to transmit force more effectively, since it targets the "core center" (or "mother line", another center defined in some lineages and referring to the vertical axis of the human body where the center of gravity lies). For example, striking an opponent's shoulder will twist the body, dispelling some of the force and weakening the strike, as well as compromising the striker's position. Striking closer to the center transmits more force directly into the body.

Punches

Due to the emphasis on the center line, the straight punch is the most common strike in Wing Chun. However, the principle of simultaneous attack and defense (Lin Sil Die Dar) suggests that all movements in the Siu Nim Tau with a forward execution flow into a strike if no effective resistance is met, without need for recomposure. Other explicit examples of punches can be found in the Chum Kiu and Bil Jee forms, although these punches may appear to be superficially different they are simply the result of the punch beginning from a different origin position while following the same fundamental idea, to punch in a straight line following the shortest distance between the fist and the opponent.

The punch is the most basic and fundamental in Wing Chun and is usually thrown with the elbow down and in front of the body. Depending on the lineage, the fist is held anywhere from vertical to horizontal (palm side up). The contact points also vary from the top two knuckles, to the middle two knuckles, to the bottom three knuckles. Punches do not turn at the wrist as a primal directive is economy of motion and this would create two distinct motions for a single movement.

When executing the punch, one must relax and not use the shoulders or activate the trapezius muscles. The punch comes from the center, Kuen Yau Sum Faat (The punch starts from the heart). The punch is not propelled forward by the elbow, it is projected by simply reaching forward with a closed but relaxed fist as it is a maxim that the body part closest to the intended direction begins the motion.

Wing Chun primarily encourages utilizing the whole upper body from the waist to maximize power, this is often referred to as "coiling", which increases impact and minimizes "telegraphing" strikes, and is motivated by observations of the snake.

Punches that do not utilize maximum body mass such as punches thrown in quick succession in a "straight blast" or "chain punching" are executed correctly, when used primarily for disorienting and off-balancing the opponent. Criticisms of favoring weak punches are a misunderstanding of their intended purpose.

Wing Chun favors the vertical punch for several reasons:

Kicks

Kicks can be explicitly found in the Chum Kiu and Mook Jong forms, though some have made interpretations of small leg movements in the Siu Nim Tau and Bil Jee to contain information on kicking as well. Depending on lineage, a beginner is often introduced to basic kicking before learning the appropriate form. Traditionally, kicks are kept below the waist. This is characteristic of southern Chinese martial arts, in contrast to northern systems which utilize many high kicks.

Kicks in Wing Chun are mostly directed at the lower half of the body. Wing Chun kicks are designed to knock an opponent off balance, break their leg, or to bring an opponent on their knees.

Variations on a front kick are performed striking with the heel. The body may be square and the knee and foot are vertical on contact (Chum Kiu), or a pivot may be involved with the foot and knee on a plane at an angle (Mook Jong). At short distances this can become a knee. A roundhouse kick is performed striking with the shin in a similar manner to the Muay Thai version with most of the power coming from the body pivot. This kick is usually used as a finisher at closer range, targeting anywhere between the ribs and the back of the knee, this kick can also become a knee at close range. Other kicks include a stamping kick (Mook Jong) for very close range and a sweep performed with the heel in a circular fashion.

Every kick is both an attack and defence, with legs being used to check incoming kicks or to take the initiative in striking through before a more circular kick can land. Kicks are delivered in one movement directly from the stance without chambering/cocking.

Uncommitted techniques

Wing Chun techniques are uncommitted. This means that if the technique fails to connect, the practitioner's position or balance is less affected. If the attack fails, the practitioner is able to "flow" easily into a follow-up attack. All Wing Chun techniques permit this. Any punches or kicks can be strung together to form a "chain" of attacks. According to Wing Chun theory, these attacks, in contrast to one big attack, break down the opponent gradually causing internal damage. Chained vertical punches are a common Wing Chun identifier.

Trapping skills and sensitivity

The Wing Chun practitioner develops reflexes within the searching of unsecured defenses through use of sensitivity. Training through Chi Sao with a training partner, one practices the trapping of hands. When an opponent is "trapped", he or she becomes immobile.

Chinese philosophy:

"Greet what arrives, escort what leaves and rush upon loss of contact(來留去送，甩手直衝)"

- Yip Man

Close range

Wing Chun teaches practitioners to advance quickly and strike at close range. While the Wing Chun forward kick can be considered a long range technique, many Wing Chun practitioners practice "entry techniques"—getting past an opponent's kicks and punches to bring them within range of Wing Chun's close range repertoire. This means that theoretically, if the correct techniques are applied, a shorter person with a shorter range can defeat a larger person by getting inside their range and attacking them close to their body.

Curriculum

Forms and san sik

Forms are meditative, solitary exercises which develop self-awareness, balance, relaxation and sensitivity. Forms also train the practitioner in the fundamental movement and the correct force generation of Wing Chun.

San Sik (translated as Separate Forms) are compact in structure. They can be loosely grouped into three broad categories: 1) focus on building body structure through basic punching, standing, turning, and stepping drills; 2) fundamental arm cycles and changes, firmly ingraining the cardinal tools for interception and adaptation; and 3) sensitivity training and combination techniques.

It is from the forms and san sik that all Wing Chun techniques are derived. Depending on lineage, the focus, content and intent of each form can have distinct differences which can therefore have far reaching implications. This also means that there are a few different ideas concerning what constitutes progression in the curriculum from form to form, so only a general description of overlap between different schools of thought is possible here.

What's commonly seen are six Wing Chun forms:[12] three empty hand forms, one "wooden dummy" form, and two weapons forms.

Empty hand

小念頭 Siu Nim Tao (小念頭; xiǎo niàn tóu; Yale Cantonese: síu nihm tàuh; "little idea" or "little imagination") or Siu Lim Tao (小練頭; xiǎo liàn tóu; Yale Cantonese: síu lihn tàuh; "little practice"). The first, and most important form in Wing Chun, Siu Lim Tao, is the foundation or "seed" of the art from which all succeeding forms and techniques depend.[13] Fundamental rules of balance and body structure are developed here. Using a car analogy: for some branches this would provide the chassis,[14] for others this is the engine.[15] It serves basically as the alphabet for the system. Some branches view the symmetrical stance as the fundamental fighting stance, while others see it as more a training stance used in developing technique.[16]
尋橋 Chum Kiu (尋橋; pinyin: xún qiáo; Yale Cantonese: cham4 kiu4; "seeking the bridge". Alternately "sinking bridge" pinyin: chen qiáo; Yale Cantonese: sám kìuh;)The second form, Chum Kiu, focuses on coordinated movement of bodymass and entry techniques to "bridge the gap" between practitioner and opponent and move in to disrupt their structure and balance.[17][18] Close-range attacks using the elbows and knees are also developed here. It also teaches methods of recovering position and centerline when in a compromised position where Siu Nim Tao structure has been lost. For some branches bodyweight in striking is a central theme, whether it be from pivoting (rotational) or stepping (translational). Likewise for some branches, this form provides the engine to the car. For branches who use the "sinking bridge" interpretation, the form takes on more emphasis of an "uprooting" context adding multi-dimensional movement and spiraling to the already developed engine.
鏢指 Biu Tze (鏢指; pinyin: biāo zhǐ; Yale Cantonese: bìu jí; "darting fingers") The third form, Biu Jee, is composed of extreme short-range and extreme long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, and "emergency techniques" to counter-attack when structure and centerline have been seriously compromised, such as when the practitioner is seriously injured.[19] As well as pivoting and stepping, developed in Chum Kiu, a third degree of freedom involving more upper body and stretching is developed for more power. Such movements include very close range elbow strikes and finger thrusts to the throat. For some branches this is the turbo-charger of the car. For others it can be seen as a "pit stop" kit that should never come in to play, recovering your "engine" when it has been lost. Still other branches view this form as imparting deadly "killing" and maiming techniques that should never be used if you can help it. A common wing chun saying is "Biu Jee doesn't go out the door." Some interpret this to mean the form should be kept secret, others interpret it as meaning it should never be used if you can help it.

Wooden dummy

木人樁 Muk Yan Jong (木人樁; pinyin: mùrénzhuāng; Yale Cantonese: muhk yàhn jòng; "wooden dummy") The Muk Yan Jong form is performed against a "wooden dummy", a thick wooden post with three arms and a leg mounted on a slightly springy frame representing a stationary human opponent. Although representative of a human opponent, the dummy is not a physical representation of a human, but an energetic one. Wooden dummy practice aims to refine a practitioner's understanding of angles, positions, and footwork, and to develop full body power. It is here that the open hand forms are pieced together and understood as a whole.
The Hong Kong wall mounted version of the Wooden Dummy

Forms

Both the Way Yan (Weng Chun) and Nguyễn Tế-Công branches use different curricula of empty hand forms. The Tam Yeung and Fung Sang lineages both trace their origins to Leung Jan's retirement to his native village of Gu Lao, where he taught a curriculum of San Sik.

The Siu Lien Tao (Little First Training) of Cho Ga Wing Chun is one long form that includes movements that are comparative to a combination of Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Biu Jee of other families. The other major forms of the style are Sui Da ("Random Striking"), Chui Da ("Chase Striking"), Fa Kuen ("Variegated Fist"), Jin Jeung ("Arrow Palm"), Jin Kuen ("Arrow Fist"), Joy Kuen ("Drunken Fist"), Sup Saam Sao ("Thirteen Hands"), and Chi Sao Lung ("Sticking Hands Set"). Also, a few family styles of Wing-Chun (especially those coming from the "Hong Sun Hay Ban Tong" (Red Boat/Junk Opera Society) have a combination advanced form called; "Saam Baai Fut" (3 Bows to Buddha) which includes many flow/leak techniques from all of the first 'standard' 6 forms.

Weapons

Once correct force generation in the open-handed forms is achieved, the student is ready to progress to weapons. With the open hand forms delivering force to the end of the finger tips, the idea is to be able to extend that force further to the end of a weapon as an extension of the body, using the same principles. Also, these weapons forms can be used as an exercise to strengthen the forearms and wrists even further.

八斬刀 Also known as Yee Jee Seung Do ("Parallel Shape Double Knives") and Baat Jaam Do (Eight Chopping/Slashing Knives"). A form involving a pair of large "Butterfly Knives", slightly smaller than short swords (Dao). Historically the knives were also referred to as Dit Ming Do ("Life-Taking Knives").
Modern Hybrid Blade Style Wing Chun Butterfly Swords
六點半棍 Luk Dim Boon Gwun, or "Six and A Half Point Pole". "Long Pole"— a tapered wooden pole ranging anywhere from 8 to 13 feet in length. Also referred to as "Dragon Pole" by some branches. For some branches that use "Six and A Half Point Pole", their 7 principles of Luk Dim Boon Gwun(Tai-uprooting, lan-to expand, dim-shock, kit-deflect, got-cut down, wan-circle, lau-flowing) are used throughout the unarmed combat as well. The name six and a half point pole comes from these 7 principles, with the last principle:Lau, or Flowing counting as half a point.
Leung Ting demonstrating the Long Pole

The Yuen Kay Shan / Sum Nung branch also historically trained throwing darts (Biu). According to Sum Nung, his skill with them was not comparable enough to Yuen Kay Shan's for him to include them in the current curriculum.

Chi Sao

Chi Sao (Chinese 黐手, Cantonese chi1 sau², Mandarin chǐshǒu) or "sticking hands" is a term for the principle and drills used for the development of automatic reflexes upon contact and the idea of "sticking" to the opponent (also known as "sensitivity training"). In reality, the intention is not to "stick" to your opponent at all costs, but rather to protect your centerline while simultaneously attacking your opponent's centerline.[20] In Wing Chun, this is practiced by two practitioners maintaining contact with each other's forearms while executing techniques, thereby training each other to sense changes in body mechanics, pressure, momentum and "feel". The increased sensitivity gained from this drill helps a practitioner attack and counter an opponent's movements precisely, quickly, and with appropriate techniques.

Chi Sao additionally refers to methods of rolling hands drills (Luk Sao). Luk Sao participants push and "roll" their forearms against each other in a single circle while trying to remain in relaxed form. The aim is to feel force, test resistance, and find defensive gaps. Other branches have a version of this practice where each arm rolls in small, separate circles. Luk Sao is most notably taught within the Pan Nam branch of Wing Chun where both the larger rolling drills as well as the smaller, separate-hand circle drills are taught.

In some lineages (such as the Yip Man and Jiu Wan branches), Chi Sao drills begin with one-armed sets called Dan Chi Sao which help the novice student to get the feel of the exercise; each practitioner uses one hand from the same side as they face each other. Chi Sao is a sensitivity drill to train and obtain specific responses and should not be confused with actual sparring or fighting though it can be practiced or expressed in a combat form.

Chi Gerk

Chi Gerk or "Sticking-legs," is the lower-body equivalent of the upper body's Chi Sao training, aimed on developing awareness in the lower body and obtaining relaxation of the legs.

Mook Wan

"Wooden Ring", is another, somewhat rare training-tool in some families of Wing Chun. An approximately 10 inch to 14 inch ring made of bamboo or rattan (some schools use a metal ring), the Mook Wan is used for training the wrists and forearms, and to instruct the student in "flow" from technique to technique. Some schools set up a form for this technique, while other schools train techniques and strategies without a formulated pattern.

Southern martial art

Wing Chun, together with Hung Gar and Choi Lei Fut, is named as one of "The Three Great Martial Art Schools of the South", which originated and became popular in Southern China.

Global spread

Wing Chun is practiced globally in over 64 countries.[21] It is the world's most popular form of Southern Kung Fu.[22]

In popular culture

Donnie Yen has caused impact in the martial arts world through his various films. Donnie Yen played the role of Wing Chun Grandmaster Ip Man in the 2008 movie Ip Man, which was a box office success; and its sequels Ip Man 2 and Ip Man 3.[23]

Famous practitioners

Branches

Main article: Branches of Wing Chun

Direct Lineage of Wing Chun as passed down from ip man to the UK - Grand Master Ip Man, Grand Master Ip Chun, Grand Master Michael Tse, Master Darryl Moy, Sifu Sean Mann

See also

References

  1. ↑ Complete Wing Chun: The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Traditions – Robert Chu, René Ritchie, Y. Wu – Google Books. Books.google.com (1998-06-15). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  2. ↑ Complete Wing Chun: The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Traditions – Robert Chu, René Ritchie, Y. Wu – Google Books. Books.google.com (1998-06-15). Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  3. ↑ Wing Chun Kung Fu: Traditional Chinese King Fu for Self-Defense and Health – Ip Chun, Michael Tse – Google Books. Books.google.com. Retrieved on 2012-01-14.
  4. ↑ 永春 in usage : Leung Ting, Roots and Branches of Wing Tsun and Robert Chu, Rene Ritchie, Y. Wu, Complete Wing Chun: The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Traditions and Ritchie, Rene, "What's in a name?"
  5. ↑ "Weng Chun Kung Fu". Weng-chun.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  6. ↑ "Yong Chun White Crane Kung Fu". Yongchunbaihechuen.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  7. ↑ "Translation of Ip Man's account of Wing Chun's History". Kwokwingchun.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  8. ↑ The Secret History of Wing Chun: The Truth Revealed, – By Benny Meng and Alfredo Delbrocco
  9. ↑ "The Way of the Warrior". Howard Reid and Michael Croucher. ISBN 0712600795
  10. ↑ "Rediscovering the Roots of Wing Chun". Kung Fu Magazine. Retrieved 2010-02-06.
  11. ↑ "Integrative Wing Chun". Kung Fu Magazine. Retrieved 2010-02-06.
  12. ↑ "Six Forms of Wing Chun". Wingchunlife.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  13. ↑ Michel Boulet. "The Simple Basics of a Complex Art". the Wing Chun Archive. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  14. ↑ Jim Fung (2009-02-23). "Wing Chun Stance". Wingchun.com.au. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  15. ↑ Tsui Sheung Tin. "The Hidden Power of Siu Nim Tau". Tstvingtsun.bc.ca. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  16. ↑ martialarts2 Archived February 3, 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ "The Forms of Wing Chun Kuen Kung Fu | Reading Academy Wing Chun & Kali". Teamwingchun.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  18. ↑ "Ving Tsun Martial Arts Studio – Training". Tstvingtsun.bc.ca. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  19. ↑ City Wing Chun – Training Notes Archived April 15, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ↑ "Chi Sau: What's Behind Sticky Hand Training". Wingchunlife.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  21. ↑ "Orange County Wing Chun FAQ's". Ocwingchun.com. 2004-02-26. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  22. ↑ "Kung Fu Magazine's Description of Wing Chun". Ezine.kungfumagazine.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  23. ↑ "2008 Chinese Box Office records". Boxofficemojo.com. Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  24. ↑ "BRUCE LEE AND HIS FRIENDSHIP WITH WONG SHUN LEUNG".
  25. ↑ "Who Taught Bruce Lee?".
  26. ↑ "Wong meet Bruce Lee".
  27. ↑ "Wong Shun Leung – The Logic Behind Wing Chun".
  28. ↑ "Jackie Chan Wing Chun Practitioner".
  29. ↑ "Sifu Li Heng Chang Official Website (Chinese: 李恆昌)".
  30. ↑ "重温《功夫》看星爷打咏春拳".
  31. ↑ "壹盤生意叛逆詠春派搶攻上位 - 明星八掛大分享".

34. "Wing Chun Gung Fu : The Explosive Art of Close Range Combat" by Randy Williams

Sources

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wing Chun.
  • Chu, Robert; Ritchie, Rene; & Wu, Muthu Veeran (india). (1998). Complete Wing Chun: The Definitive Guide to Wing Chun's History and Traditions. Boston: Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 0-8048-3141-6. 
  • Leung Ting (1978). Wing Tsun Kuen. Hong Kong: Leung's Publications. ISBN 962-7284-01-7. 
  • Ritchie, Rene, "Wing Chun Concepts". 
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