TRAINING IN WING CHUN
By Master Sam Chan

Since the great Grandmaster Ng Mui escaped from the Shaolin Temple, which was set fire by the Ching government, a great Kung Fu system was developed, called "Wing Chun Kung Fu." Before Ng Mui developed the Wing Chun system she observed a fight between a crane and a snake. She noticed all fatal attacks were made within a straight line, no brute strength was used. The fatal parts of both the snake and the crane were wisely well protected by facing each other, and no risky attacks were made unless a weakness was detected. Based on all these theories, Siu Lim Tau (little idea) was first invented.

The teaching experience of Wing Chun was passed down from generation to generation. From Ng Mui until it reached the great Grandmaster lp Man, to his son lp Ching and then myself and my kung fu brothers. They all agreed and promised their respective instructors that they would teach true Wing Chun and to adhere to the principles of simplicity, directness, economy of motion, and effectiveness.

There are different levels attached to the learning of Wing Chun, each form exemplifies a level. The first level, Siu Lim Tau, is the foundation of Wing Chun. Siu Lim Tau teaches students to focus on center line theories, build good structure for each technique, as well as to help develop the important sinking energy that root both feet into the ground. If the student fully understands and are capeable of performing each technique at this level, they will be promoted to the second level, Chum Kiu then, Bil Gee, the Mok Yan Jong, the look dim boon pole form and the Butterfly knives form. The teaching order of the forms are Sau Lam Tau, Chum Kau, Bil Gee, Mok Yan Jong, Lok Dim Boon Kwan and Bot Jam Doe. Footwork, drills and, Chi Sau, will also be taught along with these forms.

The advance students will also experience the blind folded Chi Sau training, which teaches the student how to feel the movements of the opponent without having to see them. The Mok Yan Jong, and the Wooden Dummy, conditions students to actually hit a real target. The dummy training also improves forearm strength, angles of attack, and so much more. The pole form improves the strength of the wrists, thrusting power, and stances. The butterfly knives form improves the footwork speed, and striking power.

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