Wing Chun (traditional Chinese: è© æ˜¥) is a traditional Southern Chinese Kung fu (wushu) specializing in close range combat.
Lexicology
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Wing Chun is the most common romanization, from the Cantonese pronunciation (simplified Chinese: å'春; traditional Chinese: è© æ˜¥; Cantonese Yale: Wing6 Cheun1; pinyin: YÇ'ng ChÅ«n; literally: "Spring Chant"). It is also romanized as Ving Tsun or Wing Tsun, and sometimes the characters are substituted with a homonym 永春 (Cantonese Yale: Wing6 Cheun1; literally: "Eternal Spring"). Even though it could be considered a linguistically erroneous romanization at least from English-speaking countries perspective, especially in Finland, Germany and Turkey (and as a commonplace term in some other countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovakia).
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.
Characteristics
Positioning
Many Wing Chun lineages emphasize fighting on the outside of the opponent rather than facing them head on (nose to ear rather than nose to nose). Such a position could be described as standing at an angle at least 30 degrees outside of the opponents lead shoulder, where the Wing Chun practitioner can strike with both their arms, while their opponent can only strike with one of their own arms due to poor positioning. This is often referred to as "taking the blindside" or "fighting on the outside gate".
Balance, body characteristics, and stance
Balance is related to structure because a well-balanced body recovers more quickly from stalled attacks. 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 favors a relatively high, narrow stance with the elbows kept close to the body. Within the stance, arms are generally positioned across the vitals of the centerline with hands in a vertical wu sau position to readily placed block fast moving blows to one's vital striking points down the centerline of the bodyâ€"neck, chest, belly and groin. 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. As described more below, some Wing Chun styles discourage the use of high kicks, since this creates an opportunity for counter-attacks to the groin. 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.
Relaxation
Softness (via relaxation) and performing techniques in a relaxed manner, is fundamental to Wing Chun. On "softness" in Wing Chun, Yip Man during an interview said,
"Wing Chun is in some sense a “soft†school of martial arts. However, if one equates that work as weak or without strength, then they are dead wrong. Chi Sao in Wing Chun is to maintain one’s flexibility and softness, all the while keeping in the strength to fight back, much like the flexible nature of bamboo"
- Tension reduces punching speed and power. Muscles act in pairs in opposition to each other (e.g. biceps and triceps). 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 Sau.
- 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 opponent's structure (see Sensitivity section). With the correct forwarding these "holes" grant a path into attacking 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.
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 Sau 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 defend and 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 centerline, the straight punch (straight left / straight right) is the most common strike in Wing Chun. However, the principle of simultaneous attack and defense (simplified Chinese: 连消带æ‰"; traditional Chinese: 連消帶æ‰"; Cantonese Yale: lìhn sÄ«u daai dá; literally: "linking cancel and attack") suggests that all blocking movements should be accompanied with a simultaneous strike when possible. This allows for the opponent to be put on the defensive faster, and thus allowing the Wing Chun practitioner to defeat the opponent quicker by countering as soon as possible (ideally on the opponents first strike). Other explicit examples of punches can be found in the Chum Kiu and Biu Ji forms (both uppercut and hook punches), 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.
When executing the punch, one must relax and not use the shoulders or activate the trapezius muscles. The punch comes from the center, Kyun Yau Sam Faat (simplified Chinese: 拳ç"±å¿ƒå'; traditional Chinese: 拳ç"±å¿ƒç™¼; Cantonese Yale: kyùhn yà uh sÄm faat; literally: "punch starts from the heart"). This maxim (punching from the centre of the chest) is used primarily in training, however in application the punch can originate from any location.
Wing Chun primarily encourages using both "Low Elbow Power" (power generated from thrusting the arm forward viciously at the target using the Triceps muscle, while keeping the elbows pointed down), along with "Hip Power" (power generated from a quick "rotation" of the hips). The combination of these two methods of power generation results in a powerful strike.
Wing Chun favors the vertical punch for several reasons:
- 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 more difficult for an opponent to execute an elbow lock/break when the elbow occupies this position. This aids in generating power by use of the entire body structure rather than only the arm to strike. Also with the elbow down, it offers less opening for the body to be attacked while the forearm and punch intercept space towards the head and upper body.
- 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 body 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 would cause far more damage than a glancing hit and is not 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. This is an example of a coiled strike in which multiple abdominal muscles can contribute to the punching power while being imperceptible to the attacker. It is a common misconception that "one-inch punches" utilize a snapping of the wrist.
- Alignment & 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 coupled with a snap twisting of the waist requires a practitioner's body to naturally untwist or release before the rebound of the punch. This effectively demonstrates an understanding of the equal and opposite force reactions attributed to Newtonian physics. This is a desirable trait to a Wing Chun practitioner because it promotes the use of the entire body structure to generate power and prevents wrist injury or being pushed away by the high degree of forward power being reflected.
Kicks
Kicks can be explicitly found in the Chum Kiu and Muk Jong forms, though some have made interpretations of small leg movements in the Siu Nim Tau and Biu Ji 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; a smart strategy to level the playing field somewhat for a smaller person fighting off a larger, stronger attacker.
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 (Muk 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 (Muk 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.
Types of Kicks include:
Front Kick, Side Kick, Roundhouse Kick (usually delivered to the ribs or thigh), Shovel Kick (A kick that targets the knee/shin), Spinning Back Kick, Sweep.
Elbows and Knees
Wing Chun relies heavily on elbow strikes at close range. Common targets for elbows include the chest, chin, head, and face. Elbow strikes are delivered in a manner similar to Muay Thai, using the whole body and turning of the hips to generate power.
Elbow strikes include:
Rising elbow (6 to 12)
Horizontal elbow
Kneeling elbow (12 to 6)
Reversing elbow
Spinning elbow strikes
Elbows can also be used, at a more advanced stage, to control and restrict the opponent's range of movement by exerting forward elbow pressure on his elbows and forearms. This allows Wing Chun practitioners to trap more effectively at a very close range.
Knees are delivered also, usually in a clinching position, but some Sifus also teach entering with flying knee strikes to bridge the distance.
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 Sau with a training partner, one practices the trapping of hands. When an opponent is "trapped", he or she becomes immobile.
Chinese philosophy:
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"â€"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 (Chinese: æ•£å¼; Cantonese Yale: Sáan SÄ«k; pinyin: SÇŽn Shì; literally: "Casual Style") 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.
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: three empty hand forms, one "wooden dummy" form, and two weapons forms.
Empty hand
Wooden dummy
Star Dummy is also a Wing Chun training tool. It consists of three poles that are embedded into the ground such as to be strong enough for kicking each an arms span apart in a triangle. The form consists of Wing Chun kicking patterns: front kick, front kick with foot pointed out using broad area of foot and knee rotation to outside, and side kick.
Forms
Both the Wai 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 Lim Tau of Wing Chun is one long form that includes movements that are comparative to a combination of Siu Lim Tau, Chum Kiu, and Biu Ji of other families. The other major forms of the style are: Jeui Da (Chinese: 追æ‰"; literally: "Chase Strike"), Fa Kyun (Chinese: 花拳; literally: "Variegated Fist"), Jin Jeung (Chinese: ç®æŽŒ; literally: "Arrow Palm"), Jin Kyun (Chinese: ç®æ‹³; literally: "Arrow Fist"), Jeui Kyun (Chinese: 醉拳; literally: "Drunken Fist"), Sap Saam Sau (Chinese: å三手; literally: "Thirteen Hands"), and Chi Sau Lung (simplified Chinese: é»æ‰‹æ‹¢; traditional Chinese: é»æ‰‹æ"; literally: "Sticking Hands Set").
Also, a few family styles of Wing-Chun (especially those coming from the Hung Syun Hei Baan (Chinese: 紅船戲ç; Chinese: 红船æˆç; literally: "Red Boat Theatrical Troupe") have a combination advanced form called Saam Baai Fat (Chinese: 三拜佛; literally: "Three Bows to Buddha") which includes many flow/leak techniques from all of the first 'standard' 7 forms. Old phonetics in Cantonese; Hung Sun Hay Ban Tong Red Boat Opera Organization/Troop has a branch in Girard,Ohio ran by Si-Fu Mark Lee Pringle. They are one of the few schools that teach the full 8-form curriculum including Yoo-Choy( old phonetics ) family-style of 'Saam Baai Fut' 3 Bows to Buddha.
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.
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 Sau
Chi Sau (Chinese: é»æ‰‹; Cantonese Yale: ChÄ« Sáu; pinyin: ChÄ« ShÇ'u; literally: "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. 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 Sau additionally refers to methods of rolling hands drills (Chinese: 碌手; Cantonese Yale: Lūk Sáu; literally: "rolling hands"). Luk Sau 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 Sau 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 Ip Man and Jiu Wan branches), Chi Sau drills begin with one-armed sets called Daan Chi Sau (Chinese: å•é»æ‰‹; Cantonese Yale: DÄan ChÄ« Sáu; literally: "Single Sticking Hand"), 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 Sau 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 Geuk
Chi Geuk (simplified Chinese: é»è„š; traditional Chinese: é»è…³; Cantonese Yale: ChÄ« Geuk; pinyin: ChÄ« JiÇŽo; literally: "sticking legs") is the lower-body equivalent of the upper body's Chi Sau training, aimed on developing awareness in the lower body and obtaining relaxation of the legs.
Muk Waan
Muk Waan (simplified Chinese: 木环; traditional Chinese: 木ç'°; Cantonese Yale: Muhk Wà ahn; pinyin: Mù Huán; literally: "Wooden Ring"), or Juk Waan (simplified Chinese: 竹环; traditional Chinese: 竹ç'°; Cantonese Yale: JÅ«k Wà ahn; pinyin: Zhú Huán; literally: "Bamboo 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 Juk 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.
Sparring
Many Wing Chun schools practice sparring as a method of training the ability to close the distance to the opponent. Equipment such as a mouth guard and cup may or may not be used, depending on the intensity level (full contact, light contact, etc.).
Sash System
Although historically uncommon during the era of Yip Man and Prior, there has been a trend of many schools and lineages adopting their own sash ranking system. Examples are as follows:
William Cheung Lineage: White, Light Blue, Blue, Dark Blue, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black, Grey, Green, Gold (5 levels), Red
Sunny Tang Lineage: No Sash, Red, Green, Blue, Black, Gold
Austin Goh Lineage: Yellow, Green, Blue, Red, Brown, Black, Gold
In most lineages, Black Sash (usually earned after 7â€"9 years of hard training) indicates that the practitioner is highly knowledgeable in all three hand forms and the wooden dummy, and can apply Wing Chun techniques at a high rate of success in sparring. Gold Sash (usually earned after 11â€"13 years total of hard training) usually indicates that the practitioner is highly competent in not only the forms and sparring, but also in use of weapons (staff and swords).
Apart from a Sash system, the popular "Wing Tsun" system under Leung Ting uses a number system. In this particular system, there are 12 Student Grades covering the first two forms, chi sao, and sparring. At completion of Student Grade 12 (usually after 3â€"5 years) the student progresses to Instructor Grades (1-12). By Instructor Grade 2 (3â€"5 years after the Student Grades are completed) the instructor is usually competent in all three hand forms, chi sao and sparring and is considered a Sifu. Therefore, in the Leung Ting Wing Tsun lineage, it takes roughly 6â€"10 years to become a Sifu. To complete the entire Wing Tsun system however, requires one to obtain Instructor Grade 8, which takes a minimum total of 15 years.
Student Grades 1-6: Beginner Student
Student Grades 7-12: Advanced Student
Instructor Grade 1: Assistant Instructor
Instructor Grade 2-4: Instructor
Instructor Grade 5-8: Master
Instructor Grade 9-12: Grandmaster
Southern martial arts
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. It is the world's most popular form of Southern Kung Fu.
In popular culture
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.
Notable practitioners
- Ip Man, Wing Chun Grandmaster
- Wong Shun Leung, one of the best students of Yip Man, called "Gong Sao Wong", the king of talking hands.
- Philipp Bayer, one of the best students of Wong Shun Leung, founder of Ving Tsun Kung Fu Association Europe.
- Moy Yat, one of Yip Man's closest disciples, and the youngest sifu promoted by Yip Man at age 24.
- Anderson Silva, one of the most successful MMA fighters of all time.
- Brandon Lee trained in Wing Chun as well as Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai, & Shaolin Kung-Fu.
- Bruce Lee (Chinese: æŽå°é¾) learned from Sifu Ip Man & Wong Shun Leung
- Chu Shong Tin, wing chun Grandmaster and Yip Man's student, Yip Man called him "King of Siu Lim Tao". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chu_Shong-tin
- Donnie Yen (Chinese: ç"„å丹) learned from Sifu Ip Chun
- Philip Ng (Chinese: ä¼å…é¾) learned from Sifu Wong Shun Leung
- Leung Ting, declared himself as a student of Yip Man; lots of controversial discussion are still on about this;
- Ip Chun Eldest son of Ip Man and inheritor of the legacy of Wing Chun-style kung fu
- István Simicskó, current Minister of Defence of Hungary
- Jackie Chan (Chinese: æˆé¾) learned from Sifu Leung Ting
- Geoff Thompson (England) learned from Sifu Wong Shun Leung
- Michelle Yeoh (Chinese: 楊紫ç¼)
- Nicholas Tse (Chinese: è¬éœ†é‹') learned from Philip Ng
- Ray Sefo
- Eric Oram
- Robert Downey Jr., Hollywood actor
- Sammo Hung (Chinese: æ´ªé‡'寶)
- Steven Seagal (Hollywood actor) trained with Randy Williams
- Ti Lung (Chinese: ç‹„é¾)
- Yuen Biao (Chinese: 元彪)
- Nicolas Cage
- Sum Nung (in Spanish)
- Victor Wooten, Bass player
- Shadrach Rai
Branches
See also
- History of Wing Chun
- Chinese martial arts
- List of movies featuring Wing Chun
- Wing Chun terms
References
34. "Wing Chun Gung Fu : The Explosive Art of Close Range Combat" by Randy Williams