5 Ways to Learn Wing Chun

Table of contents:

5 Ways to Learn Wing Chun
5 Ways to Learn Wing Chun

Video: 5 Ways to Learn Wing Chun

Video: 5 Ways to Learn Wing Chun
Video: How To Be a Ninja - EPIC HOW TO 2024, March
Anonim

Wing Chun is a style of kung fu that emphasizes close-quarters combat, quick punches and restrained defense to beat opponents. This traditional Chinese martial art destabilizes opponents with quick feet, simultaneous offensive and defensive, and redirecting the opponent's energy to its own advantage. This is a complex kung fu method that requires years of practice to master, but beginners can also begin to learn Wing Chun by understanding its basic principles, theories and skills.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Learning the Basics of Wing Chun

Learn Wing Chun Step 1
Learn Wing Chun Step 1

Step 1. Learn the centerline theory

One of the foundations of Wing Chun refers to the protection of the center line. Imagine a line that starts at the top center of the head and travels down the center of the torso to the lower parts of the body. This is the central line of the body, which is also the most vulnerable region and must be protected at all times.

  • According to the centerline theory, you should always attack below your opponent's line and perform all defensive moves against it.
  • The initial open position in Wing Chun is based on the centerline theory. In the open position, keep facing forward with your knees bent and your feet pointed slightly outward. By facing your opponent head-on, you'll be able to attack with the most balanced force possible.
Learn Wing Chun Step 2
Learn Wing Chun Step 2

Step 2. Be wise and economical in your energy use

A key principle in Wing Chun is that, during a fight, energy should always be used conservatively and economically. Use your opponent's energy by deflecting or redirecting blows.

Execute your moves wisely and economically. The idea is that your body should travel the shortest distance possible in the shortest amount of time until it connects to your opponent. This method also helps conserve energy

Learn Wing Chun Step 3
Learn Wing Chun Step 3

Step 3. Stay relaxed

A tense body will needlessly expend energy. Keep your body relaxed and you will feel freer.

If you have experience with other martial arts (especially “harder” styles), you will need to “empty your mind” or unlearn bad habits. Wing Chun is a gentle style with several neutralizing techniques that require you to remain “soft” and relaxed. Rebuilding muscle memory and building relaxed habits can be frustrating and time-consuming, but it will pay off in the long run

Learn Wing Chun Step 4
Learn Wing Chun Step 4

Step 4. Exercise your reflexes

In Wing Chun, the fighter will react to the fight using quick reflexes to stop an attack and manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Learn Wing Chun Step 5
Learn Wing Chun Step 5

Step 5. Change the fighting strategy according to the opponent and the environment

Your opponent can be tall or short, big or small, male or female, and so on. Similarly, the environment in which you fight can be different - outdoor, indoor, rainy, hot, cold, and so on. Be prepared to adjust your fighting style to environmental conditions.

Learn Wing Chun Step 6
Learn Wing Chun Step 6

Step 6. Learn the forms of Wing Chun

The practice of Wing Chun is divided into a succession of six different forms, each building on the previous one. In each, you will learn proper position, body positioning, hand and foot movements, and balance. These ways are:

  • Siu Nim Tao
  • Chum Kiu
  • bye gee
  • Muk Yan Chong
  • Luk Dim Boon Kwun
  • Baat Jaam Dao

Method 2 of 5: Deciding How to Study Wing Chun

Learn Wing Chun Step 7
Learn Wing Chun Step 7

Step 1. Find a Wing Chun gym

Martial arts schools usually focus on just one style, especially for serious students. In many situations, Wing Chung gyms or clubs will be affiliated with a martial arts association. Do an online or phone book search for Wing Chun schools.

  • Ask the martial arts academies in your city if they teach Wing Chun. It's possible that they only teach the basics of the style, and if you're really serious about advanced learning, you may need to move to another area that offers advanced classes.
  • Talk to the sifu (instructor) and ask about his experience. How many years of practice and teaching does he have? How did he learn Wing Chun?
  • Take an experimental Wing Chun class. Watch how the sifu conducts the class and see how students react.
  • Learning Wing Chun in person is the best method.
Learn Wing Chun Step 8
Learn Wing Chun Step 8

Step 2. Learn Wing Chun online or with DVDs

There are several pages aimed at those who wish to learn Wing Chun on their own. They often offer videos and varying levels of instruction, with subscription prices associated with your level of experience (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.) and material access. These pages can be very useful if there are no qualified instructors or Wing Chun schools in your area. Plus, they can also enhance your personal training, even if you take classes at a Wing Chun school. Choose a DVD or online course taught by a Wing Chun Master or Grand Master.

  • Some online study courses even offer instructor certificates for advanced students who have a desire to teach on their own.
  • Some online courses may offer one-on-one webcam instruction with a Grand Master.
  • There are apps to help you study Wing Chun available for Apple or Android phones.
  • Some examples include the “Wing Chun Online Course”, delivered and sponsored by the International Martial Arts Association Wing Chun Ip Man, and the “Wing Chun Kung Fu Long Distance Learning” course.
Learn Wing Chun Step 9
Learn Wing Chun Step 9

Step 3. Create a space dedicated to practice

Find an area in your home where you can practice Wing Chun. It is important that there is enough space for you to be able to move your body in all directions - do the test by swinging your arms and legs. You should not be restricted from movement by furniture in the room.

Ideally, this space should have a mirror so you can see yourself while training

Learn Wing Chun Step 10
Learn Wing Chun Step 10

Step 4. Find someone to practice with

The advantage of learning the moves on your own also comes with certain limitations. At some point, it will be necessary to learn how these moves connect with an opponent. Having company will help a lot in how you react to someone else's movements. She can also provide encouragement and comment on your performance.

Method 3 of 5: Understanding Siu Nim Tao

Learn Wing Chun Step 11
Learn Wing Chun Step 11

Step 1. Learn about Siu Nim Tao

The Siu Nim (or Lim) Tao, or "Little Idea", is the basis for many moves in Wing Chun. This is the first form present in Wing Chun and its function is to teach the proper positions, body firmness, relaxation and basic hand movements.

Each section of Siu Nim Tao must be mastered before you can proceed to the next step and learn other techniques

Learn Wing Chun Step 12
Learn Wing Chun Step 12

Step 2. Understanding Gong Lik

Gong Lik is the first section of Siu Nim Tao, keeping the focus on good structure and relaxation. You will learn the open position, in which the body is facing the opponent. It is important that your body is always relaxed.

Practice the Gee Kim Yeung Ma position, or the open position. In it, stand facing forward, with your feet pointed slightly outward. Keep your knees bent and distribute your body weight evenly over both feet. Your focus will be on the placement of your arms and elbows in preparation for learning hand and arm movements. This direct position will give you the greatest possible advantage in a fight, allowing your arms and legs to protect the centerline. Both sides of the body can be used equally, rather than favoring one side over the other

Learn Wing Chun Step 13
Learn Wing Chun Step 13

Step 3. Understand Fajing

Fajing is the second section of Siu Nim Tao and develops the release of power. In it, you will learn how to use your strength and how to preserve strength and energy. Keep yourself relaxed at all times, until your hands are ready to strike.

One of the common movements in Fajing is the palm strike (yan jeung) in which the left hand opens, rotates and moves downwards in order to strike the opponent

Learn Wing Chun Step 14
Learn Wing Chun Step 14

Step 4. Understand the basic skills

The third section of Siu Nim Tao consists of learning the basic skills of hand movements and blocks that serve as the foundation for learning other Wing Chun techniques.

Some of these basic skills are Pak Sau or Huen Sau (punch), Tan Sau (palm up block), Gan Sau (splitting hand) and Bong Sau (arm with wing). Much of the Siu Nim Tao practice in this section involves a combination of these moves. Once you have learned them, you will need to practice them first with your left-hand side and then with your right-hand side

Method 4 of 5: Understanding Chum Kiu

Learn Wing Chun Step 15
Learn Wing Chun Step 15

Step 1. Learn about Chum Kiu

Chum Kiu, or “looking for bridges,” introduces whole-body movement to complement what has been learned in the basic form of Siu Nim Tau. In Chum Kiu, you will focus on how to rotate your body correctly and efficiently, paying attention to weight distribution and balance. Foot movements, such as spinning and kicking, are introduced here.

Each section of Chum Kiu must be mastered before you proceed to the next step, and also before learning other techniques

Learn Wing Chun Step 16
Learn Wing Chun Step 16

Step 2. Understand the First Section of Chum Kiu

The first section, Juun, focuses on turns, balance and structure. In Juun, you'll also start to pay more attention to your surroundings, and even what's behind you, to fight effectively. He also introduces intermediate arm movements such as Jip Sau (arm break) and Fut Sau (eye rake).

Learn Wing Chun Step 17
Learn Wing Chun Step 17

Step 3. Understand the Second Section of Chum Kiu

The second section (or Being) of Chum Kiu emphasizes deflecting your opponent's attack and redirecting that energy back to him. You will learn to move your hands and feet as one, and then you can learn to move them independently.

Learn Wing Chun Step 18
Learn Wing Chun Step 18

Step 4. Understand the Third Section of Chum Kiu

The third section of Chum Kiu focuses on using force in conjunction with hand and foot movements. She also uses a combination of tense arm movements with relaxed body movements in order to group together a wide variety of fighting situations. You will still strive to rotate your body left and right, improving your balance and observing your body's centerline as you fight.

Method 5 of 5: Learning More Advanced Forms of Wing Chun

Learn Wing Chun Step 19
Learn Wing Chun Step 19

Step 1. Understand Biu Gee

The Biu Gee, or “pushed fingers”, focuses on using power over very short distances. Students also learn emergency techniques, such as recovering the centerline during a fall or being harassed. In each of the three sections of Biu Gee, you'll make use of various combinations of hand and foot moves in the first two ways when recovering from a disadvantaged position. This will put you in an offensive position where you can use your short-range strength to incapacitate your opponent.

Learn Wing Chun Step 20
Learn Wing Chun Step 20

Step 2. Understand Muk Yan Chong

The Muk Yan Chong, or “wooden dummy”, is an advanced form in which you practice with an immobile opponent (the wooden dummy). This practice will help identify and learn how hand and foot movements come into contact with the opponent.

Learn Wing Chun Step 21
Learn Wing Chun Step 21

Step 3. Understand Luk Dim Boon Kwun

This form, also known as the “6.5-point bat form”, incorporates a bat as a weapon in the attack against the opponent. Fighting with a stick can improve your balance and defense skills.

Learn Wing Chun Step 22
Learn Wing Chun Step 22

Step 4. Understand Baat Jaam Dao

Baat Jaam Dao, meaning “eight cutting swords” or “butterfly knives”, is the most advanced form in which short swords are used as weapons. It is not taught to everyone who reaches this level - only a chosen few get to learn Baat Jaam Dao. This shape is mainly focused on precision, technique and position. The movements of the hands and feet are slightly altered compared to other forms because of the use of knives.

Tips

Several books provide instructions on the principles and techniques of Wing Chun. Books, however, may not be as useful as personal lessons or online or DVD instructions. Although they may include photos of positions, techniques and styles, books cannot demonstrate proper movement, which can restrict your ability to learn it correctly

Notices

  • You may suffer minor bruises and injuries while practicing or fighting Wing Chun. However, it is important that you do not feel intimidated in your practice because of the fear of getting hurt. Proper training shouldn't result in more than small bruises.
  • Consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.

Recommended: