Training

Siu Nim Tau, “little idea”

This first form is practised statically and aims at developing a relaxed body structure as the foundation to:

• establish basic but solid arm shapes and movements

• operate them with the support of a relaxed body structure and a focused mind.

Chum Kiu, “seeking the bridge”

This second form aims at putting this relaxed state and basic shapes in movement as one cohesive unit (e.g. rotation on the spot, forwards/backwards/sideways steps). Body weight is mobilised behind those moves to start generating multi-directional forces in offence and defence while being in contact with an opponent. It also introduces kicking and additional techniques.

Biu Gee, “darting fingers”

This third form builds on the first two forms and emphasises on accelerating and diversifying body movements (e.g. circular stepping) to enrich the delivery of multi-directional forces. Emphasis is put on maintaining a relaxed state and focused mind while acquiring the biomechanics of new movements. The practitioner aims to enhance the synergy between joints, body weight and their rotations to produce thick power via the limbs and shapes. This form introduces elbow and finger strikes alongside additional techniques.

Wooden Dummy

This form combines movements learned from all three hand forms above and applies them to a virtual opponent made of solid wood. It allows the practitioner to train precision, sensitivity, maintaining relaxation under resistance and feedback from the heavy wooden dummy and exploiting the opponent's tension mimicked by the dummy's arms rigidity. Emphasis is put on moving around and against the wooden dummy with a relaxed body structure to mobilise weight behind the moves and maintaining focus on and through the dummy throughout the form.

(image from https://www.ulti-mate-wooden-dummies.co.uk/ )

Beyond those forms, a substantial part of Wing Chun training consists in practicing Chi Sau ("sticking hands").

Chi sau

This exercise allows the practitioner to test and apply all the above principles and techniques with a partner while developing sensitivity and acquiring prompt and natural reflexes at close range without pre-emption.

Chi Sau practice is itself structured in stages:

• single hands: initially practiced statically by following a defined drill of attack and defence, it can also be practiced free flow and in movement. The practitioner starts to develop sensitivity and learns to maintain focus and structure while interacting with a partner.

• rolling hands (Luk Sau): partners interact and seek to maintain contact with one another with both arms/hands in a forward-rolling/drilling motion, initially statically and then in movement, almost like a dance. The practitioner learns to maintain focus and structure with the added disturbance of movement while interacting with a partner with two limbs simultaneously and mobilising body weight.

• double hands: partners interact with both arms/hands, initially statically by following a defined drill of attack and defence and then free flow with or without movement. The practitioner learns to apply all Wing Chun principles under more complex and diverse interactions with a partner. Techniques learned from the various Wing Chun forms are used and supplemented by trapping techniques. All movements must be supported by body weight, structure and applied with control.

Depending on the level of the student, pulls, kicks, knees, elbows can be added with control, turning the initial Chi Sau practice into a free flow light sparring session.