Title: Wing Chun Basics
Category:
Martial Arts
Origins:
Wing Chun is a relatively new martial art compared
to styles such as Shaolin or Tai Chi. However, it does have over 100 years of history. Legend has it that a nun called Ng Mui (Five Plums) invented the art after watching movements of a snake and a crane. She eventually passed it on to a female
student called Yim Wing Chun, thus the name of the style.
Modern Wing Chun:
Today, Wing Chun has branched off into many different families much like many
martial arts. One notable family is Yip Man Wing Chun named after Grandmaster Yip Man (1893-1972). Yip’s most famous student was Bruce Lee (1940-1973). Lee didn’t actually learn the complete system. He went on to form his own system called Jeet Kune Do. Yip Man Wing Chun is probably one of the more popular Wing Chun styles in Hong Kong today. Another family is the Yuen Kay Shan Wing Chun system named after Grandmaster Yuen Kay Shan (1889-1956). His most famous student is Grandmaster Sum Nung (1926-2002) who only recently passed away. Today, Wing Chun is taught and practiced all over the world.
Basic Organization:
Although there are many families of Wing Chun, most have some if not all of the following pieces in their system.
Various Open Hand Techniques
Various Kicking / Feet Techniques
3 Open Hand Forms
1) Siu Lim Tau / Siu Lin Tau (Little Idea / Little Training)
2) Chum Kiu (Sinking Bridge / Finding Bridge)
3) Biu Jee (Stretching Fingers)
Wooden Dummy Form
2 Weapons Forms
1) Butterfly Palms
2) Six and a Half Point Pole