Wing chun training. Basic Wing Chun technique. What does Wing Chun develop?
Wing Chun(Winchun, Yunchunquan) is the name of the kungfu style transmitted in Southern China by a woman named Yim Wing Chun (yim wing chun). According to legend, Im Wing Chun learned this art from the Buddhist nun Nun Ng Mui, famous for her skill in fighting atop the "plum blossom pole."
Today it is difficult to verify the legends about Wing Chun b. The origins have been attributed to Im Wing Chun, Ng Mui and even a fellowship of Shaolin monks who were looking for a faster way to develop superior kung fu skills to overthrow the Qing dynasty. It is generally accepted that the Wing Chun style is over two hundred years old.
Over time, various branches of the Wingchun style emerged. The best known style today is called the "Ip Man style" or the "Hong Kong style" of Wing Chun. However, even direct students of Ip Man have many differences. Ip Man himself changed the training several times during his life. Some students preferred his early teaching and retained it, while others did their own research and prefer what they discovered themselves. Thus, there are many styles of Wing Chun today. In addition to the Ip Man branch, there are many others.
The best known of these other branches are:
- Yuen Kay Shan (yuen kay shan) Wing Chun,
- “Red Junk” Wing Chun,
- According to Lai Fa (po lai fa (?) Wing Chun,
- Pan Nam Wing Chun
and several other branches in the Chinese province of Fujian (fatsan) and some other parts of China.
According to master Wang Kiu, a first generation student of the last master Ip Man, Wing Chun is called "Orthodox Shaolin" in Northern China and "Wing Chun" in the South because Im Wing Chun introduced the style there. "Orthodox Shaolin" means that Wing Chun is based on good movements from the various Shaolin martial arts. Master Wang Kiu also believes that the Mantis style and Hsing-Yi are arts related to Wing Chun, as many of their principles and movements are quite similar.
Grand Master Ip Man trained several groups of students and various private students. Recognized eldest of the first students he taught:
- Leung Sheung, first student,
- Lok yiu, second disciple,
- Tsui Shan Ting, third disciple.
Leung Sheun, Lok Yu and Tsui Shan Ting helped the master teach many others. Ip Man's most famous students were Wong Shun Leung in Hong Kong and the legendary Bruce Lee, who moved to the United States in 1959. Bruce Lee was particularly influenced by two senior students of Ip Man whom he admired: Wong Shun Leung and William Cheun. Both of them still teach all over the world. Wong Shun Leung was perhaps the most famous Wing Chun master due to the numerous challenge bouts he won against representatives of many popular kung fu styles.
When Ip Man died, there was no legitimate successor named by him to lead the style. Many of his students achieved great achievements in the arts, so, for political reasons, a special committee was created to oversee future developments. Some students broke away and formed their own organizations. Leung Ting's Wing Chun organization is the largest single kung fu organization in the world. The Traditional Wing Chun organization led by William Cheun follows closely behind. Following intense political competition between various Wing Chun students in the late 1960s to 1980s, the Hong Kong Wing Committee Chun and several shifu around the world are once again trying to unite the Wing Chun family.
About the art of Wing Chun
Wing Chun seems to be one of the simplest styles of Chinese Kungfu. Three sets of unarmed movements capture the essence of this art. Wing Chun also uses a long pole (some branches use a spear) and the popular butterfly knives from Southern China. The training program consists of forms, sticky hands, a set of exercises with a wooden dummy, training with a striking bag and, finally, free sparring.
In fact, there is a large amount of knowledge contained in the “simple” forms of Wing Chun. The first form is called the “Little Idea Form”. This form contains almost the entire theoretical basis of the style. Subsequent forms expand or add something to the concepts of the first form. However, the first form contains the roots of all later techniques. The meaning of the "Lesser Idea Form" is that it is like a seed that contains all the knowledge needed to make your kung fu good. When the seed is properly nurtured, it should grow into a healthy plant. Just like that However, when the first form is carefully practiced, then your kungfu will be strong.
Why is Wing Chun popular?
According to Master Wang Kiu, Wing Chun is a gem among martial arts. There are other good martial arts, but even among them, Wing Chun stands out. The style is simple, graceful, effective and enjoyable to practice.
The attractiveness of the Wing Chun style lies in its simplicity and depth. The Chinese game of Go, chess, music and mathematics know that a few well-chosen concepts can create a wealth of expression that can be explored for a lifetime. This is the case in Wing Chun. Some dismiss this style as too simple, while others find enough depth to study for a lifetime.
Economy of action, carried out through the center line theory, is a key idea in Wing Chun. If the action is simple and effective, then it is good Wing Chun. Complex, visually impressive movements are not part of Wing Chun. However, the strike from a distance of two centimeters, the blindfolded sticky hands and the wooden dummy are quite impressive and attract many to this art.
Books about Wing Chun always emphasize that Wing Chun is the art of women. This means that brute force should not be used. Proper positioning, feel, timing and strategy replace brute force. Today there are women just over one and a half meters tall and weighing about fifty kilograms who can defeat much stronger men who are two meters tall and weigh over one hundred kilograms. This means that good skills can compensate for the difference in size. This was the original purpose of the Wing Chun style.
Having many original training ideas makes it possible to prepare Wing Chun students in a relatively short period of time. Such ideas include wooden dummy training and Chi Sau or sticky hands. Today, many martial arts use some of these ideas in their training.
What is Chi Sau Wing Chun?
Chi Sau is a “trademark” of Wing Chun that literally means “sticky hands” or “clinging hands.” This is actually a misnomer, as Wing Chun fighters do not attempt to grab or hold an opponent's hands. Instead, Chi Sau provides an increased sense of understanding , which makes the contact reflex better and sharper than that of people unfamiliar with this practice. Many martial arts choose to strike and then retreat as their strategy. The strategy of Wing Chun is to maneuver and act at a short distance. Wing Chun fills the gap between the hit-and-run strategy and the grappling fight.
Other martial arts are also trying to incorporate some sort of Chi Sau into their training programs. However, from a Wing Chun perspective, they often miss the purpose of the exercise. Just keeping both hands in contact with your partner and sticking to your opponent regardless of the position of his hands is a bad idea. This kind of free hand play does not lead to good results. The goal of Chi Sau is rather to sense the center line errors that are encountered sharp counterattacks.
Wing Chun training
Wing Chun training continues in a logical order step by step. The first form of Wing Chun provides all the basic principles of the art. The second form teaches you how to close the gap between you and your opponent. A wooden dummy teaches you how to throw an instant punch. “Sticky Hands” teaches what to do if contact is broken.
Students often ask whether Wing Chun has a particular movement? Wing Chun fighters are not limited in the use of movements. Achieving an effective result is the main task. Wing Chun uses strikes with the fist, palm, fingers, edge of the palm, legs, elbows, shoulders, head, knees and hips. Trips and other forms of disrupting the opponent's balance are also part of the art. Strikes that are used at short distances make up the Wing Chun arsenal. Wing Chun is characterized by short, explosive hand attacks, low kicks, and simultaneous attack and defense.
About the different branches of Wing Chun
All branches of Wing Chun practice the same forms and the same tactical and strategic principles. The differences lie in the applications of these forms and principles, the angles of the techniques, the type of sensation and the force used. Some schools believe that a rough and hard approach at the beginning, and a softer approach later, is the way of development. Other schools disagree and prefer a soft approach from the start. Kenneth Chun wrote a good article for the Internet regarding this soft approach. In essence, the term “soft” is a misnomer because Wing Chun techniques cannot be “too strong and soft.” The Wing Chun touch can be soft or hard, but is always sticky and sensitive. Hand action is minimal, although in the short term strength is quite important All branches of the style emphasize these ideas.
What is a wooden mannequin used for?
A wooden dummy replaces a person during training. The design of the wooden dummy is such that almost all Wing Chun techniques can be practiced on it. First and foremost: the dummy allows you to practice the position. The mannequin's wooden arms are positioned at fixed angles to its body. This makes the student's movements very precise. All ways of making contact with the opponent and all subsequent movements can be performed with a dummy. A set of techniques with a wooden dummy is taught in most Wing Chun schools. After this, the student improvises freely. All techniques from the complex with a wooden dummy can be performed with a partner. The dummy is especially valuable for training when you do not have any partner. Chi Sau and sparring are also necessary to develop sensitivity and timing.
The dummy is also used as a training device in addition to the sandbag for short range punching training with fists, palms, fingers and legs. The advantage of a dummy over a sandbag is that style defense techniques can also be practiced on it. Ideally, the mannequin is made according to the user's measurements. A properly constructed dummy encourages correct positioning, correct arm angle, correct movement, and correct force development. Other martial arts cannot get the maximum benefit from the Wing Chun wooden dummy without understanding these concepts.
Wushu is a classical Chinese martial art that combines hundreds of different styles. One of them is Wing Chun, which was created by the abbot of the Shaolin monastery Zhishan. He combined simple but very effective complexes that help neutralize the enemy as quickly as possible, using his own strength against him. For wandering monks, knowledge of self-defense was simply necessary; the fighting style was honed in field conditions and was calculated not on the beauty of the external form, but on effective practical application. In the video, wing chun is demonstrated by the representative of the Shaolin Wushu Federation Yunchunquan Oleg Radionov. Wing Chun lessons include training in basic stances and classic combinations. The uniqueness of this style of wushu is that with a small number of techniques, it is completely focused on the fight. There will not be a single unnecessary movement here. The skill of Wing Chun was passed down from generation to generation and honed throughout the life of the student. Monk Zhishanem taught his style to the worldly girl Su Sanmei, a talented actress and famous martial artist of that time. Su Sanmei conducted research, developing and supplementing Wing Chun with techniques from her practical experience. Thanks to the painstaking work of adepts, the Wing Chun style has existed for more than three centuries. And you can get acquainted with him by watching Wing Chun video lessons on our website.
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According to the history that has come down to us, the Wing Chun combat system was created somewhere in the early eighteenth century by a Chinese nun named Ng Mui, who was a novice of the Shaolin Monastery. After some time, Ng Mui decided to pass on her knowledge to a village girl named Yim Yun Chun, who subsequently defeated the village boy who was annoyingly pestering her.
Until the early 50s of the last century, this system was distributed only in a narrow circle and, even more so, was inaccessible to Europeans and Americans. The patriarch of the modern history of Wing Chun is considered, and not without reason, to be the world-famous great master Ip Man. The idol of many fans of various martial arts, film actor Bruce Lee, trained with this renowned master.
- Dim Mak - “delayed death” secret martial art
The technique of the Wing Chun style has long been recognized as impeccable. There is nothing superfluous here, all movements are extremely rational, economical and, moreover, effective. A fight in a given style is very fleeting and ends with an uncountable blow.
The highest skill is considered to be the ability to feel the opponent’s hands. Sometimes leading experts at seminars use the expression “count thoughts in your opponent’s hands.” And this is not without reason, since students pay special attention to the development of hand sensitivity. Also, naturally, all the skills that students acquire, imperceptibly for them, pass into their daily life.
You acquire the skill to feel any important situation in life, try to avoid all sorts of sharp corners, and in a non-standard situation you can always find the right solution and ultimately win. This style is classified as “internal”. Here they try not to resist force, but rather to use the enemy’s strength to achieve victory over him.
Wing Chun has earned its recognition in the world of martial arts due to its simplicity and practicality of technique, which in turn is aimed at only one thing: incapacitating the enemy in the shortest possible time. The goal during a fight of a fighter of this style is quite simple - to quickly come into close contact with the enemy and, without giving the opponent the opportunity to unleash an attack, carry out a series of crushing blows to vulnerable spots. In the final phase of the fight, knock him to the ground, depriving him of the opportunity to resist, and deliver a series of final blows.
At this level of study, the student learns:
- Basic Wing Chun technique.
- 1st form - SIU LIM TAO (Initial idea)
- Chi Sao technique (one and two hands from a front stance - Yee Ji Kim Yeung Ma)
Training program: Level 2 - Siu Lim Tao
Wing Chun 3rd Advanced Form BIU JEE (Punching Fingers)
Advanced Wing Chun technique. Learned after mastering the SIU LIM TAO and CHUM KIU techniques. The third form of Biu Ji (Punching Fingers) is a development of the techniques and ideas of the first two forms, but introduces new concepts that fully reveal the concept of style. The third form fully reveals the basic tactical principle of Wing Chun - “The best defense is an attack.”
There is a concept of "Long Bridges". Through the use of “Elastic Force” (specific work of the hips) and rooting in the stance (constantly lowering and raising the center of gravity of the body), any movement of the fighter turns into an attack.
The fighting technique at the third level looks like continuous, constantly changing attacks. Defense and offense are no longer different. Both arms and legs work synchronously, defending and attacking simultaneously, in one movement.
Those who have studied the Biu Jee technique can successfully defend themselves even when the enemy’s attack is just unfolding. The technique of stopping an attack is practically not used - the enemy’s attack causes an oncoming counterattack.
4th Wing Chun technique - “Wooden Dummy Technique” / Muk Yang Chun Fa /
This technique is one of the most advanced (without weapons) Wing Chun techniques and is performed on the “Wooden Dummy” - a special simulator, and includes the 4th form of Wing Chun, as well as the “8 legs” training complex.
In Wing Chun, work with 2 types of weapons is studied:
- Long pole - shape - "LOK DIM BOON KWUN"
- Paired knives of Dao /Butterflies/ - form - "BAT CHAM DAO"
This technique is borrowed from Shaolin Kung Fu and reworked in accordance with the principles of Wing Chun. The use of long and low stances, characteristic of the Southern Shaolin technique, may seem atypical. At this stage, all the techniques seem to line up, turning into a pure embodiment of the central line theory, which is the basis for the Wing Chun system. A fighter who has mastered the long pole technique can use the acquired skills to work with any similar types of weapons. New nuances of the use of force are also being introduced, which directly affects the quality of equipment without weapons.
The sixth Technique “BAT CHAM DAO” (eight strikes with a butterfly sword) completes the master’s training and is dedicated to working with paired butterfly swords. This is a very voluminous form in terms of technical content. In the form with butterfly swords, the Wing Chun footwork associated with the technique of movement in battle is fully revealed. The Bat Cham Dao technique can also be used with any similar types of weapons, both double and single.
Wing Chun is a style of kung fu that emphasizes hand-to-hand combat, quick strikes, and all-out defense to defeat an opponent. In this form of traditional Chinese martial art, the opponent is destabilized by fast footwork, defense and offense that occur simultaneously, and by redirecting the opponent's energy towards himself. It takes years to achieve mastery of this complex form of kung fu, but beginners can begin learning Wing Chun by understanding its principles, mastering the theory, and mastering the basic skills.
Steps
Part 1
Principles of Wing Chun- According to this theory, one should always attack the center line and perform techniques at the level of the opponent's center line.
- The basic open stance in Wing Chun is based on the center line theory. In an open stance, you need to look in front of you, bend your knees, and turn your feet slightly outward. If the enemy is in front of you, then you will be able to attack in the best way, proportioning your strength.
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Use your energy wisely and sparingly. The key principle of Wing Chun is that during a fight, energy should be used sparingly and with restraint. Use your opponent's energy by deflecting or redirecting blows.
- Move prudently and intelligently. The idea is that the body, when coming into contact with the enemy, must travel the shortest distance in the minimum period of time. This allows you to save your own strength.
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Stay relaxed. Strength is wasted if the body is in a tense state. Keep your body relaxed and you will feel more at ease.
- If you have experience with other martial arts (especially "hard styles"), you will have to "empty your glass" or unlearn bad habits. Wing Chun is a soft style with many neutralizing techniques that require you to be "soft" and relaxed. Changing muscle memory and developing relaxation habits can be difficult and time-consuming, but it will benefit you in the future.
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Hone your reflexes. A warrior who uses the Wing Chun technique, thanks to well-developed reflexes, acts in battle in such a way as to interrupt the attack and continue the fight on his own terms.
Change your combat strategy depending on the enemy and surrounding conditions. The opponent can be tall or short, big or small, male or female, and so on. The same applies to the conditions of the battle, which can take place in the rain, in the heat, in the cold, outdoors, indoors, and so on. Be prepared to adapt to any battle conditions.
Learn about Wing Chun forms. Wing Chun is divided into six successive forms, each of which is based on the previous one. In each form, you need to know the correct stance, body position, arm and leg movements, and the balance of forces. These forms include:
- Siu Lim Tao;
- Cham Kiu;
- Biu Ji;
- Mook Yan Chong;
- Luk Dim Boon Kwan;
- Bat Cham Dao.
Part 2
How to Learn Wing Chun-
Find a Wing Chun school. Martial arts schools often focus on one style of martial arts, especially for serious students. Wing Chun schools or clubs may be affiliated with a martial arts association. Search the internet or phone book for the number of your local Wing Chun school.
- Check with your local martial arts schools to see if they teach Wing Chun. They can only teach the basics, and if you are interested in learning Wing Chun in depth, you may have to look elsewhere for advanced classes.
- Meet the sifu (instructor) and ask about his qualifications. How many years has he been practicing? How did he learn Wing Chun?
- Take a Wing Chun class. Get a feel for how Sifu conducts classes and how other students react.
- Personal Wing Chun training is the most preferred method.
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Learn Wing Chun via the Internet or DVDs. Many websites have lessons for self-learning Wing Chun. They typically have videos for various skill levels, as well as flexible subscription prices depending on your level of experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.) and access to materials. This can be useful if there are no qualified Wing Chun instructors or schools in your area. They can also improve your personal training if you are already attending a Wing Chun school. Choose a DVD package or online course taught by a Grandmaster or Wing Chun Master.
Designate a dedicated study space. Find a place in your home where you can practice Wing Chun. There should be enough space for you to move in all directions. To check this, you can wave your arms and legs. You don't want your movements to be hampered by room furniture.
- Ideally, there should be a mirror in the room so that you can observe your movements.
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Find a partner to train with. Studying the movements on your own will do little good. Sooner or later you will need to start learning how your movements connect with your opponent. Having a partner will make it easier for you to understand how to react to the other person's movements. He could also encourage you and make comments.
Part 3
Siu Lim Tao- First you need to master each section of Siu Lim Tao, and then move on to the next section and start learning other techniques.
- Every movement of the primary form matters. This includes tempo, use of tension and release, angles and distances. The form does not contain methods.
Find out about Siu Lim Tao. Siu Lim (or Nim) Tao, or "little idea", is the basis for many Wing Chun movements. Siu Nim Tao is the first form of Wing Chun and it is here that you will be taught proper stance, body control, relaxation and basic hand movements.
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Master Gong Lik. Gong Lik is the first section of Siu Nim Tao and focuses on good organization and relaxation. You will learn how to take an open stance with your face facing your opponent. Work on keeping your body relaxed.
Master Fa Jing. Fa Jing is the second section of Siu Lim Tao. Fa Jing allows you to develop the release of power. Here you will learn how to apply force and how to maintain strength and energy. Focus on staying relaxed until your hands are ready to strike.
Learn basic skills. The third section of Siu Lim Tao teaches the basic skills of hand movements and blocking, which is the basis for learning other Wing Chun techniques.
Learn about centerline theory. The basic principle of Wing Chun is protecting the center line of the body. Imagine a line that starts from the middle of the crown, runs along the middle of the chest and lower body. It is the center line of your body that is most vulnerable. She must always be protected.
Part 4
Cham Kiu- Before moving on to the next section and learning other techniques, you must first master each section of Cham Kiu.
- Before learning secondary form, it is necessary to have a good practice in turning the stance (shifting the horse's form from side to side). In the primary form the position is static, so this is very important.
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Master the first section of Cham Kiu. The first section, June, focuses on rotation, stability and structure. In June, in order to beat effectively, the student begins to pay attention to what is around him, even what is behind him. It features moderately difficult hand moves such as Jeep Sau (arm break) and Foot Sau (eye hit).
Master the second section of Cham Kiu. In the second section, or Ser, Cham Kiu, the main emphasis is on evading the enemy's attacks and redirecting that energy towards them. You will learn to first move your arms and legs as a unit, and then independently of each other.
Master the third section of Cham Kiu. The third section of Cham Kiu focuses on the application of force along with arm and leg movements. It also uses a combination of tense arm movements and relaxed body movements to accommodate different fight scenarios. Here you will also practice turning your body to the right and left to develop stability while finding your center line during the fight.
Learn about Cham Kiu. Cham Kiu, or "finding the bridge", introduces full body movements to complement what has already been learned in the basic form of Siu Lim Tau. From Cham Kiu you will learn how to move your entire body correctly and efficiently, paying attention to weight distribution and stability. Foot movements such as turning and kicking are covered here.