The System

The Wing Chun System

Ving Tsun techniques emphasize practicality and effectiveness over flowery or aesthetically pleasing actions (as in Wushu). Wing Chun uses principles and concepts to help free practitioners from the restriction of techniques. The use of principles and concepts help make Wing Chun an 'intelligent' martial art.

Wing Chun uses three empty hand forms (Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kiu, Biu Jee), a Wooden dummy form (Mook Yan Jong), two weapons forms (Luk Dim Boon Kwan & Baat Cham Doa) and chi sau sensitivity drills. The Ving Tsun system follows a logical progression, to help ensure that the practitioner learned the concepts needed to follow the system.

Along with the above forms, there are many single and partner drills, such as Pak sau, Pak dar, Lop sau, Jip sau Jow sao, sandbag training.

Wing Chun training has been seen in such movies as 'Bangkok Dangerous' with Nicolas Cage, and the movies 'Ip Man' and 'Ip Man 2' starting Donnie Yen. Hollywood Actors such as Robert Downey Junior train in Wing Chun Gung Fu.

Sil Lim Tao (Sil Nim Tao, Sil Lum Tao)

Also known as 'The little idea' form, helps teach Ving Tsun practitioners the basics and foundational concepts and principles of Wing Chun. This is the first form taught to beginners.

The Sil Lim Tao form is a stationary from, done in Yee Gee Kim Yeung Ma (Squeezing the goat stance). It is said, that if you want to make your Ving Tsun better, train Sil Nim Tao more.

Chum Kiu (Chum Kil)

Or 'Searching the Bridge' form, teaches Wing Chun practitioners the concepts of centralization, and rotation. This form also introduces the student to hau ma (back stance), che ma (turning stance), and Left and right stances, forward stepping ( Biu Ma), kicking and hip rotation.

Biu Ji (Biu Jee, Bil Ji, Bil Tze)

The 'Thrusting Finger' form, is the last of the empty hand forms. This form reinforces the returning to center when all other techniques have failed. This form stresses multi-angle striking, and recovery.

Traditionally this was a form that was never shown or practiced openly, as it displayed 'emergency
techniques' available to the Wing Chun practitioner.

Without a strong understand of the Chum Kil and Sil Nim tao forms, and training, the Biu Tze form will be confusing to many students.

 

Chi Sau (Chi Sao)

'Sticky Hands' is considered by most, the signature of the Ving Tsun system. Chi sau will teach the practitioner sensitivity to incoming forces, stress the need for centerline, and structure.

Sticky hands provides the Wing Chun practitioner the ability
to explore the concepts of Wing Chun in a safe environment. Regardless of a practitioner's skill level, there is always room for learning. Chi sau at higher levels can incorporate elbows, takedowns, kicking and blindfolds.

At Revolution Wing Chun Kung Fu we believe that throughout chi sau practice, it is kept friendly and in partnership, with the level of training agreed to by the two practitioners. Chi sao is about learning Wing Chun concepts by experience, not about beating your partner.

 

Muk Yan Jong (Muk Yang Jong, Muk Jong)

The 'Jong' or wooden dummy, like chi sao, are part of the signature of Wing Chun Very few martial arts use a 'dummy' training apparatus.

To the Wing Chun stylist, the dummy represents a continual training partner and measuring stick.

To the average person, it will appear that a person using the dummy is only conditioning (toughing) their limbs. While this can occur, the true secret to the dummy, is in providing proper angles, and footwork to the practitioner.

While there is a 108 Movements form, there are also, many drills which can be practiced on the Jong.

 

Luk Dim Boon Kwan (Luk Dim Poon Kwan)

The 6 and 1/2 point pole, uses a tapered pole known as a syu moi kwan or 'rat tail pole'. This is a form rarely seen, and requires the practitioner to have a solid understanding of Sil Lim Tao, Chum Kil, Bil Jee, and Mook Yan Jong before starting the training for the Luk Dim Poon Kwan form.

During the Luk Dim Boon Kwan training, the student will train in Jin Choi or 'Battle Punches', along with Biu Kwan, and Chi Kwan (or Sticky Pole).

 

Baat Cham Doa (Baat Jam Doa)

The Baat Cham Doa or 'Eight Slashing Knives' is the final set in the Ving Tsun system.

And considered the 'Teacher's' form set. In Revolution Wing Chun Kung Fu, we see the two Doa as a symbol of the relationship between teacher (sifu) and student (todai). The Baat Cham Doa, helps to train the student's wrist power, elbow power, angles, structure, and footwork.

 

For more information on training with Sifu Chuck see our page on Wing Chun Classes