Indianapolis Wing Chun Kuen

 **My explanations and interpretations were formed from the teachings I received in the Yip Man style of Wing Chun. These are not to be taken as the definitve representation of the entire Wing Chun art. To learn more about some of the different styles and teachings of Wing Chun, I suggest you start with the book Complete Wing Chun and also here: Wing Chun at Wikipedia **

WING CHUN

Wing Chun Kuen is a Chinese boxing system developed in Southern China in the 1600's AD as an expedient and efficient method of fighting to train the Qing Rebels in their quest to overthrow the Manchurian invaders. It gained the reputation as a direct, effective self-defense boxing system under Great-Grandmaster Yip Man in Hong Kong during the 1950's.

Wing Chun Kuen is based on human biomechanics, stresses economy of motion and utilizes simultaneous attack and defense techniques.

THE FORMS

There are a total of six forms in Wing Chun. Three open-hand forms, two weapon forms and the wooden dummy form.

Siu Lim Tao

Translates to "little idea". This is the first form taught in Wing Chun and it is used to set the foundation for the rest of the system. Think of it as the Wing Chun alphabet. It exists to show all the moves available to you in Wing Chun. Like the alphabet, learning it by itself has no practical application, but the understanding of it allows for infinite possiblilties in everyday situations.

Chum Kiu

Translates to "seeking the bridge". This is the second form in Wing Chun and introduces moving your body simultaneously with hand movements. This is why it is important to build a solid foundation with the Siu Lim Tao. It also teaches how to "enter" in on an opponent and disrupt their structure. If you have trouble maintaining balance and equilibrium while standing still in the Siu Lim Tao, it will be impossible to maintain it during the Chum Kiu, and more importantly, during a live, fluid fight.

Bil Jee

Translates to "thrusting fingers". This is the last open hand form in Wing Chun. It is comprised of "emergency techniques" used when your own body structure or centerline has been compromised. It is known for its fast maneuvers, elbow strikes and finger jabs.

Muk Yan Jong

Known as the "wooden dummy", this is a training tool utilized with Wing Chun. It is to Wing Chun what the punching bag is to boxing. It is nothing more than a training tool. It is primarily used to teach proper body structure when performing the techniques found in Wing Chun. It also helps in the development of power within the practitioner. It can also be used as a conditioning tool.

Luk Dim Boon Gwan

Also called the "six-and-a-half-point long pole", this is a tapered pole approximately 9 feet in length which the practitioner holds at the thicker end to execute the movements. While not a relavant weapon by today's standards, the strength gained from its practice carries over VERY well into hand-to-hand combat. Also, the principles gained from learning the long pole carry over easily to similar weapons (i.e. stick, pool cue, etc.)

Baat Jaam Do

Known as the "eight-slash butterfly swords". These are a pair of identical short swords used in a series of slashing and stabbing motions to simultaneously attack and defend the practitioner from an armed assailant. As with the long pole, the principles garnered from this form can be easily applied to simiar constructs (i.e. two short sticks, two knives, two beer bottles, etc.)