Wing Chun is a kind of kung fu which was popularized in the West by martial arts exponents such as Bruce Lee, Yip Man, and William Cheung, to name a few. A prevailing legend is that Wing Chun was created by a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui. However, recent research suggest this is probably not accurate. Research by the Ving Tsun museum has unearthed that Wing Chun was created by Shaolin monks shortly before the destruction of the northern Shaolin Temple. The name of the art, Wing Chun, means “eternal springtime” in traditional Chinese language.
The art of Wing Chun Kung Fu stresses certain concepts based on anatomy and physics rather than physical attributes. These are:
1. Structure: Any technique used for fighting in Wing Chun must have a solid base. The entire body must be in alignment to make the best use of attacks and defense. This nullifies the necessity of being stronger than your opponent.
2. Efficiency: Wing Chun stresses no wasted movement once engaged. Everything is precise and to the point. Fights with a Wing Chun practitioner will be short and brutal, leaving the need for endurance unnecessary.
3. Positioning: Wing Chun practitioners believe in being in the right place at the correct time. This makes the reliance of physical attributes such quickness and strength less important. This also increases the ability to control the space and timing of a confrontation.
The following are some training of Wing Chun Kung Fu that makes it different from most other martial art forms.
1. Chi Sao: this is practiced in order to become sensitive to an opponent’s intent once contact is made. Wing Chun practitioners that are skilled at Chi Sao can redirect attacks, block attacks, and create opportunities for offense without consciously thinking about it. This is part of the illusion that Wing Chun practitioners have great speed.
2. Centerline theory: While different schools of Wing Chun use this differently, it is a main stay of all Wing Chun. The centerline is an imaginary straight line that runs from between the legs through the body and out the top of the head. Both attacks and defense in Wing Chun references this line for several reasons, not least among them is if this line is interrupted or broken then a person’s balance is compromised.
3. Mak Jon or Wooden Man: Contrary to popular belief, this is not a tool for toughening the shins and forearms, though it certainly doesn’t hurt in that area. Wooden Man training is to reinforce positioning and structure in defense and striking. Due to the design of the Wooden Man, it will give audible feed back when positioning and structure are correct.
4. Weapons: Weapon training reinforces different ranges of combat and the different structures needed to efficiently operate within those different ranges. The application of stabbing, cutting, bludgeoning, two handed, and duel wielded weapons are learned through the pole, sticks and butterfly knives.
Bruce Lee once said, “Fight without fighting.” But if the situation calls for it, Wing Chun Kung Fu certainly can help.
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