| Wing Chun |
|
Key Points of interest for Wing Chun: -Safe close range self defense -Redirection of energy and structure -Spiritual oneness -Burn Calories For more information about the history of Wing Chun, please continue: History The history of most martial arts, including Wing Chun, has historically been passed from teacher to student as an oral history rather than through documentation, making it difficult to confirm or clarify the differing accounts of Wing Chun's creation. Some have sought to apply the methods of higher criticism to the oral histories of Wing Chun and other Chinese martial arts. Others have attempted to discern the origins of Wing Chun by determining the specific purpose of its techniques. Wing Chun starts to appear in independent third-party documentation during the era of the Wing Chun master Leung Jan, making the subsequent history of Wing Chun and its divergence into branches more amenable to documentary verification. Wing Chun True History While some hold to the idea that Wing Chun was created by a little girl should consider why one would want to study a system built by a little girl. Others point out that marriages were usually arranged and how a girl at that time would consider it good fortune to marry such a rich man consider the following portions exeted from misconceptions of Wing Chun by Benny Meng and Steve Rudnicki. Legend The popular legend contends that one of the Five Elders, Ng Mui, taught a girl named Yim Wing Chun kung fu so that she could defend herself against an unwanted marriage. Some others state that the girl's father was a disciple of Shaolin and wanted her to learn from the Shaolin Masters as well. After learning and mastering the kung fu, she then modified it after she watched a crane and a snake fight and then taught it to her husband. Her husband then named the Kung Fu System after her, and brought it to the Red Boats. Latest Research Like the Five Elders, there are no written records of Yim Wing Chun, her husband or her father. The problem with this version is that if there are no Five Elders, then the nun, Ng Mul, did not exist. If the Five Elders were teh Revolutionary Leaders of the time, then being so, they were also marked on the most wanted list. If she came forward either as a woman disuised as a man or as a revolutionary merely to teach Kung Fu to a young girl, she would have jeopardized her life, as well as her fellow elders, along with the life of the girl. Likewise, since teh Qing millitary's practice of executing 'Nine Ancestors in Crime' meant the death of all of her relatives out nine generations if she was discovered. It would have been most illogical for such a person to come forward to teach the girl kung fu simply because she was being forced into a marriage. Anyone who studies Wing Chun knows that it is an advanced and sophisticated martial art. It is highly unlikely that one person developed such a complex system alone. Another point is that Wing Chun is based on efficiency. For the efficiency to work, the system has to be based on the movements and structures of human beings, not on those of animals. If the mythical Yim Wing Chun invented Wing Chun, and then later took it to the Red Boats, this places the time frame again in the 1800's, creating a problem with the time frame in question. The Red Boats were in existence in the 1800's and the Southern Shaolin Temple was destroyed in the 1600's. This is a rather long time to be alive, especially back then. There seems to be nearly 200 years missing if the legends are true. If we are to examine Wing Chun's roots scientifically, then we must understand the etymology and logic of the phrase "Yim Wing Chun." Weng Chun, as it was originally called, ahd a different meaning. The word 'Weng' means everlasting. Withing the Shaolin Temple, the Weng Chun Tong is where the art was developed and practiced. After the destruction of the Southern Temple, the word changed from where the art was developed and practiced. After the destruction of the Southern Temple, the word changed from 'Weng' to 'Wing.' 'Wing' means praising. This emant to pass on the art orally so that its details could not fall into enemy hands' this method of teaching is also consistent with Chan oral teaching. Shaolin teaching required one on one, Master to Student teaching for a more complex experience. 'Yim' was also added for the sum of 'Yim Wing Chun.' 'Yim' means to be secretive. Now, the intent was to pass on the art both secretly and orally. The original intent was to return the name to Weng upon hte successful rebirth of the Ming Dynasty. Since such a rebirth never happened, the name remains Wing Chun today. The burning of the Temple happened, but it was the Southern Temple. The Five Elders could be a metaphor that represents the combined effort of the Shaolin Temple and the Secret Societies. The 'Five Elders' could also be different martial arts and/or secret society branches that cam from the struggle to restore the Ming Dynasty. Yim Wing Chun represents the advanced system that was developed withing the Shaolin Temple and passed on secretly to current times. The Wing Chun system remained hidden until it went public during the Red Boat Era. It was very convenient to have some cover story to hide the system's true identity, thus preventing spies from obtaining any useful information due to skillful subterfuge. Curriculum Forms and San Silk Forms are a meditative, solitary exercise 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 Silk (translated as Separate Forms) are compact in structure. They can be loosely grouped into 3 broad categories: 1) focus on building body structure through basic punching, standing, truing and stepping drills; 2) fundamental arm cycles and change, firmly ingraining the cardinal toold for interception and adaption; 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 constitues progression in the curriculum from form to form, so only a general description of overlap between different schools of thought is possible here. The most commonly seen Wing Chun generally comprises six forms; three empty hand forms, two weapons forms and one "wooden dummy" form. Empty Hand The first and most important form in Wing Chun, Siu Nim Tao is the foundation or seed of the art from which all succeeding form and techniques depend. Fundamental rules of balance and body structure are developed here and alternately elbow force. Using a car analogy; for some branches this would provide the chassis, for others this is the engine. 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. Close-range attacks using the elbows and knees are also developed here. It 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 sprialing to the already developed engine. The third form, Biu Jee, is comprised of extreme short-range and extreme long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, and "emergency techniques" to counter-attack when structure and centreline have ben seriously compromised, such as when the practitioner is seriously injured. 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. 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 into 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 Dumy 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, footwork and to develop full body power. It is here that the open hand forms are pieced together and understood as a whole. Variations in the empty hand forms Both the Way Yan (Weng Chun) and Nguyen Te-Cong branches use different curriculum 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, 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 (Druken Fist), Sup Saam Sao (Thirteen Hands) and Chi Sao Lung (Sticking Hands Set). Weapons One 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. "Butterfly Knives" - A pair of large knives, slightly smaller than short short swords (Dao). Historically, the knives were also referred to as Dit Ming Do (Life Taking Knives). Also know as Yee Jee Seung Do (Parallel Shape Double Knives) and Baat Jaam Do (Eight Chopping/Slashing Knives). "Long Pole" - A tapered wooden pole ranging anywhere from 8 to 13 feet in length. Usually referred to synonymously with the name of its form. Luk Dim Boon Kwun, or Six and a Half Point Pole. Also referred to as Dragon Pole by some branches. The weapons curriculum of the Vietnamese style includes the jian and the Pao Fa Lien lineage trains more weapons still. The Yuen Kay-San/Sum Nung branch also trains throwing darts (Bis). Chi Sao Chi Sao, or sticking hands, is the term for the principle and drills used for the development of automatic reflexes upon contact and the idea of "sticking" to the opponent, in Wing Chun this is practiced through 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." This increased sensitivity gained from this drill helps a practitioner attack and counter an opponent's movements precisely, quickly and with the appropriate techniques. Chi Sao is similar to the hubud-lubad drills of Eskrima. It looks somewhat like the push hands training of T'ai Chi Chu'uan. (Some lineages even refer to Wing CHun as "combat Tai Chi") Chi Sao is also taught in the Jeet Kune Do traditions, and uses modified versions of some of the component techniques such as the bong sao and jut sao. Baguazhang uses its own forms of Chi Sao to unbalance each other or perform a Chin Na (joint-lock) technique. Chi Sao additionally refers to the Luk Sao (methods of rolling hands) drills. Luk Sao participants push and "roll" their forearms against each other in a single circle while trying to remain relaxed. The aim is to fell forces, test resistances and find defensive gaps. Other branches do a version of this where each of the arms roll in small separate circles. Luk Sao is most notably taught within the Pan Nam branches where both the larger rolling drills and the method where each of the arms roll in small separate circles are taught. In some branches (most notably the Yip Man and Jiu Wan branches) Chi Sao drills being with one armed sets (Dan Chi Sao) which help the novice student to get the feel of the exercise. Each practitioner used one hand from the same side as they face each other. Chi Sao is only a sensitivity drill, an exercise used to obtain specific abilities. It must not be confused or mistaken as a sparring equivalent. Chi Gerk Chi Gerk (stinking legs) comprises predefined leg sensitivity drills which are performed in a manner similar to Chi sao. Some lineages, notably (bus-branches of) Yip Man, Pan Nam, and Jiu Wan, practice this exercise, but there is no general agreement as to its relevance or authenticity in the system. Wing Chun Kuen Kuit. Some Wing Chun schools use wing chun kuen kuit. Wing Chun Fist Formula in teaching the art. These are short, often sing-song, sayings or rhymes that encapsulate principles, strategies or combat responses. Their meanings are often derived from local sing. Some sayings may appear simple but gain greater lucidity and meaning during training. Principles Tenets of Wing Chun include practicality, efficiency and economy of movement. Practitioners are sometimes encouraged to sense the energy behind their movements. The core philosophy becomes a useful guide to practitioners when modifying or refining the art. Practicality Wing Chun techniques emphasize practicality and effectiveness over health or aesthetics. Most strikes are intentionally fatal and target vulnerable areas of the body such as the throat, groin, eyes and stomach. Also, it feeds off the fact that the closest distance between two points is a straight line. Its primary targets all lie on the sentreline of one's opponent. One's centreline must always be pointing at one's opponent. Efficiency Wing Chun believes in using the least amount of required force in any fighting situation. It believes that small movements, properly times and correctly positioned, can and should be used to defeat large movements. This is achieved through balance, body structure and relacation. The Chinese saying "4 taels to move 1000 cattie" (referring to an old Chinese measurement system) is appropriate here in describing how a small amount of force, precisely applied, can deflect large and powerful attacks. Wing Chun prefers deflection and counterattack to hard blocking to conserve movements. Rather than blocking and attacking on two separate beats, a Wing Chun practitioner wil either block and punch on the same beat, or block with a punch, known as the Intercepting Fist (Cutting Arm). The punch acts as a block as a consequence of the structure and the position of the arm traveling along its triangular power-line pathway to the opponents Core. This means that the opponents attack is automatically deflected by the arm-structure of the Wing Chun practitioner as the counter-punch is delievered. The "structure" in the arm which permits this deflection to occur is controlled through the correct focus of energy from the elbow to the core. If the direction of the counter-attack is not correctly aligned, the Wing Chun practitioner will lose the forwarding power which may result in the deflection failing and allowing the attacking punch to make its target. In addition to efficiency being understood as the "shortest distance to the opponents core," which relates specifically to the speed of attack/counter-attack, it is also important to understand the importance of energy efficiency within Wing Chun. A weaker person usnig Wing Chun is said to be able to defeat a stronger person because they are able to use their muscles effectively and not exhaust themselves through tense motions. Given this, it is essential to ensuring only the minimal use of energy- any deviation from the power-line uses additional practitioners advantage since their strucutre will no longer carry the full force of their body weight behind the punch. So, the conclusion fight will not be determined by the opponent with the stronger arms and shoulders. Economy of Movement Most Wing Chun attacks take the straightest possible path to the target, usually a straight line. They also tend to attack the opponent's centreline, an imaginary vertical line bisecting the opponent's vitals (stomach, groin, heart, throat). The Wing Chun punch, for example, is delievered centrally from the practitioner's chest rather than diagonally from the shoulders in the first two forms. This helps teach the centreline concept. This is because the distance is shorter than bringing the hand from the shoulder, to the centreline concept. In the later forms, the punch is delievered diagonally from the shoulder to the centreline. This is because the distance is shorter than bringing the hand from the shoulder, to the centre of the chest, and then down the centreline at the opponent. Characteristics Balance, Structure and Stance Wing Chun believe that the person with better balance and 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 into the ground. Balance is related to structure because a well-balanced body recovers quicker from stalled attacks and structure is maintained. Wing Chun favors a high, narrow stance with the elbow kept close to the body. Within the stance, arms are positioned across the vitals of the centreline. Shiting of turning within a stance is carried out variantly on the heels, balls or middle 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. Strucutre 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 fo the hit is believed to be far mor devastating. Additionally, the practice of 'setting' one's opponent to brace them more effectively against teh ground aids in delivering as much force as possible to them. Relaxation Softness and performing techniques is a relaxed manner is fundamental to Wing Chun. Tension reduces punching speek and power. Muscles act in pairs in opposition to each other. If the arm is tensed, maximum punching speed cannot be achieved as the biceps will be opposing the extension of the arm. In Wing Chun, the arm should be relaxed before beginning the punching motion. Unnecessary muscle tension wastes energy and causes fatigue. Tense, stiff arms are less fluid and sensitive during trapping and chi sao. A tense, stiff limb provides an easy handle for an opponent to push or pull with, whereas a relaxed limb provides an opponent less to work with. A relaxed, but focused limb, affords the ability to feel "holes" or weaknesses in the opponents structure. With the correct forwarding, the holes grant a path into attack the opponent. Muscular struggle reduces a fight to who is stronger. Minimum brute strength in all movement becomes an equalizer in uneven strength confrontations. This is very much in the spirit of the tale of Ng Mui. Centreline While the existence of a central axis concept is unified in Wing Chun, the interpretation of the centreline concept itself is not. Many variations exist, with some lineages defining anywhere from a single centreline to multiple lines of interaction and definition. The most commonly seen interpretation emphasizes attack and defense along an imaginary horizontal line drawn from the center of the practitioner's chest to the center of the enemy's chest. The human bodys prime striking targets are considered to be on or near this line. Including eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus 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 emphasises positioning to dominate this centreline. The stance and guard all point at or throught the centre 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. For example, striking an opponent's shoulder will twist the body, dispelling some of the force and weakening the strike. Striking closer to teh center transmits more force directly into the body. The Wing Chun Punch Because of the emphasis on the center line, the vertical fist straight punch is the most common strike in Wing Chun. However, the principle of simultaneious attack and defence suggest 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, articulationg an uppercut and hook punch repspectively. The vertical 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. The contact points also vary from the top two knuckles, to the middle two knuckles, to the bottom three knuckles. In some lineages of Wing Chun, the fist is swivelled at the wrist on point of impact so that the bottom three knuckles are thrust forward adding power to the punch while it is at maximum extension. The punches may be thrown in quick succession in a 'straight blast' or 'chain punching.' When executed correctly. It can be used as a disorienting finisher but is often criticised for encouraging weaker punches that don't utilise the whole body. Directness. The punch is not 'loaded' by pulling the elbow behind the body. The punch travels straight towards the target from the guard position (hands are held in front of the chest). Protection. The elbow is kept low to cover the front midsection of the body. It is also more difficult for an opponent to execute an elbow lock/break when the elbow occupies this position. This also aids in generating power by use of the entire body structure rather than only the arm to strike. Strength and Impact. Wing Chun practitioners believe that because the elbow is behind the fist during the strike, it is thereby supported by the strength of the entire arm rather than just a swinging fist and therefore has more impact. A common analogy is a baseball bat being swung at someone's head (a round-house punch), as opposed to the butt end of the bat being thrust forward into the opponent's face (wing chun punch), which could cause far more damage than a glancing hit and isn't as easy to evade. Many skilled practitioners pride themselves on being able to generate 'short power' or large amount of power in a short space. A common demonstration of this is the "one-inch-punch," a punch that starts only an inch away from the target yet delivers an explosive amount of force. Alighment & Structure. Because of Wing Chun's usage of stance, the vertical punch is thus more suitable. The limb directly in front of the chest, elbow down, vertical nature of the punch allows a practitioner to absorb the rebound of the punch by directing it through the elbows and into the stance. This is a desirable trait to a Wing Chun practitioner, where in contrast the rebound of a horizontal elbow out punch promotes torque in the puncher's body. This is because the limb and elbow are now directing rebound force outwards instead of inwards due to the positioning of the hinge strucutred elbow. This also aids in generating power by promoting use of the entire body structure rather than only the arm to strike. This can be easily demonstrated; hold your fist vertically, in front of you, your elbow pointing dow, one foot behind the other. Make sure your elbow is in your centerline. Then ask a friend to push your fist while you attempt to resist. You will feel the push pressuring your legs and stance. Repeat with a horizontal fist, elbow at shoulder height and to the side. You will feel the incoming push twisting you sideways. 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 beofre learning the appropriate form. Traditionally, kicks are kept below the waist. Variations on a front kick are performed striking with the heel. The body may be square and the 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 amnner to the Muay Thai version with most of the power coming from the body pivot. This kick is usually used as a finsiher 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 (Bil Jee). Other kicks include a stamping kick (Mook Jong) for very close range and a sweep performed with the heel in a circular fashion (Bil Jee). 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. Trapping Skills and Sensitivity The Wing Chun practitioner uses reflexes and sticking hands to probe for holes in the opponent's defence through touching. The practitioner controls an opponent by contacting through a block or a strike and maintaining contact or sticking to the opponent. If the opponent attempts to withdraw or redirect the hand, the practitioner follows, often using the motino to facitlitate a trap or a strike. A common Wing CHun saying is "greet what arrives, escort what leaves and rush upon loss of contact," regarding the importance of trapping force and advancing quickly when an opening is sensed. 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 practioners practice "entry techniques" - getting past an opponent's kicks and punches to bring him 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. |