Wing Chun is a highly effective method of self defence, which according to legend was created by a nun sometime between 2-300 years ago. Wing Chun is but one of several hundred styles of Kung-fu found in China. Wing Chun appears to have come from the Fotshan area in southern China. It is made up of both punching, kicking, locking as well as other techniques. It is relatively easy to learn, and the majority of techniques are based on natural movements of the body. One does not need to be especially strong, flexible or speedy in order to practice.
Are there many techniques?
As stated above, Wing Chun is easy to learn, but like most things in life, difficult to master. True understanding takes time and effort. Compared to many other styles of Kung-fu, Wing Chun has few techniques. However, the techniques are generalized and can be used in an infinite number of combinations, and can be adapted according to use and need. All of Wing Chun's techniques are collected in 6 simple "forms", fixed sets of movements to aid practice and correct position. There are 3 forms that define the empty handed techniques, and 3 that require extra equipment. The first 3 forms are called Siu lim tao (the little idea form), Chum kiu (searching for the bridge), and Biu ji (shooting fingers). Most of the Wing Chun system is contained in the first form, Siu lim tao, which all new students begin with. The other two forms compliment and expand upon the first, and are normally reserved for more advanced students. In addition to these 3 forms, there are 2 wepons forms (Baht jam do - double broadswoard, and Lok dim bun kwan - long pole) and one for use on a training apparatus known as the Muk yan jong (wooden man post).
In general, students begin by learning basic abilities and techniques such as punching, turning, stepping, etc before advancing to kicking and finally weapons training.
Do you spar? Are there competitions?
As we practice in our clubs, there are no competitions in the regular sense (e.g. light contact, points, full contact).
Sparring can be useful, however the way in which it is practiced is important if the student is to maximize learning. Letting two inexperienced students 'go at each other' in general results in a lot of tension, much of what they have learned being cast aside and basic instinct taking over. The person with the better natural ability usually wins. Both often end up becoming afraid of getting hit, which is counter productive to how we practice.
Wing Chun takes a slightly different approach, through an excercise called Chi sao (sticking hands). Here the student starts with what they know, in a controlled environment, and practice isolated techniques in order to fully understand them. New techniques and problems to solve are added as one's understanding grows, until one can use the entire repetoir of techniques freely. Chi sao is almost like a laboratory, where each technique can be examined under a microscope, taken apart and put back together, then put in context with other techniques. In addition, chi sao sharpens our awareness and teaches us to react on our sense of touch, without needing to rely entirely on our vision.
As the student learns, the speed and power used during chi sao practice is increased until one can "spar" freely at full speed and power, with full control of every movement.
What is Ving Tsun/Wing Tsun/Ving Tschun? Are they the same as Wing Chun?
Yes and no. These other names are simply alternative spellings for the same Chinese characters. Wing Chun terms are in Cantonese, due to it's origins in the southern part of the country. While Mandarin Chinese has long had several standardized methods of writing glyphs (Ji) in English, no such system has been standardized for Cantonese. Thus the different spellings. However, in practice each of the various spellings has been adopted to differentiate between various interpretations (or organizations) within the Wing Chun community. As the system developed historically, small variations eventually grew. Also, many modern organizations wish to identify their versions of the system as separate from others, such that many of the above spellings are copyright and refer to a distinct interpretation of Wing Chun.
In general, all acknowledged variations of Wing Chun practiced today come from two confirmed sources: Yip Man and Yuen Kay San. Our gwoon (club) follows the Yip Man tradition.
What is Wing Chun like compared to ...?
The easiest way to find out, is to come and try a few practice sessions. No martial art (or sport, for that matter) is right for everyone, the best way to see if it's right for you is to try it!
Is Wing Chun popular? I've never heard of it before!
Wing Chun is the second most practiced kung-fu style today. Only Taiji Quan has more practitioners. Some places (Norway), it's not well known, but that is changing. In other countries (Germany, USA, England) it's enormously popular. Although Wing Chun might not be a household word everywhere, almost everyone knows who Bruce Lee was. He learned Wing Chun in Hong Kong for several years before moving back to the US and later becoming a film star. Over time, he developed what he had learned into his own style, and commented that his style worked well because it had an excellent foundation.
Grandmaster Yip Man, Bruce Lee's teacher, is honored as the one responsible for bringing Wing Chun out of secrecy and making it one of the most popular kung-fu styles in the world. Before he moved to Hong Kong, Wing Chun was reservered for only a few select people. Thanks to several of Yip Man's students, especially Wong Shun-Leung, Wang Kiu, Hawkins Cheung, William Cheung and the then young Bruce Lee, Wing Chun's reputation as an effective style grew as they chalenged masters from other Kung-fu styles to matches (often inviting the press along to watch). Yip Man trainined many accomplished students who have gone on to become famous masters in their own right, among others are Leung Shung, Moy Yat, Wang Kiu, Lok Yiu, Victor Kan, Tsui Sheung-Tin and Leung Ting. In addition, Yip Man's two sons, Yip Chun and Yip Ching have more recently become known for their skills in Wing Chun.
Can I learn Wing Chun from a book? Video?
Never say never, but it would be highly unlikely. The greatest problem being that the practice and application of Wing Chun require more than simply copying someone else showing a technique. Wing Chun is guided by principles and by getting to know your body, how proper use of the body feels, and putting this feeling into every movement. While a video or book can show proper position, and even explain principle, it's pretty much impossible to confer proper feeling and understanding of how to apply a movement. Because practice requires correct feeling and understading, simply copying the movement won't really teach you anything. Additionally, a book or video cannot correct you or point out mistakes in order to make your practice better. Books and videos can be useful as suplements to qualified instruction however, after one has grasped the underlying principles and energy.