According to the center line theory, you should always attack down the center line and perform your defensive moves against your opponent’s center line. The basic open stance in Wing Chun is based on the theory of the center line. In the open stance, stand facing forward with your knees bent and your feet pointing slightly outward. By facing your opponent head-on, you are able to attack with the most balanced force.
Use motion economically and wisely. The idea here is that your body should travel the shortest distance in a minimum amount of time to connect with an opponent. This also helps to conserve your own energy.
If you have experience in other martial arts, (especially “hard styles”), you will have to “empty your cup” or unlearn bad habits. Wing Chun is a soft style with many neutralizing techniques that require you to be “soft” and relaxed. Reconditioning your muscle memory and building relaxed habits can be frustrating and takes time, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Siu Nim Tao Chum Kiu Biu Gee Muk Yan Chong Luk Dim Boon Kwun Baat Jaam Dao
Check with your local martial arts academies to see if they teach Wing Chun. They may only teach the basics, and if you are serious about learning advanced Wing Chun, you may need to go to an area that has more advanced classes. Meet with the sifu (instructor) and ask about their background. How many years of experience do they have? How did they learn Wing Chun? Sit in on a Wing Chun class. Get a feel for how the sifu conducts the class and how the other students respond. Learning Wing Chun in person is the most preferred method.
Some online study courses also offer instructor certification for advanced students who would like to teach their own students. Some online courses may offer one-on-one instruction via webcam with a Grandmaster. There are apps available for assisting in your study of Wing Chun, available for Apple or Android phones. Examples include the “Wing Chun Online Course,” released and endorsed by the International Ip Man Wing Chun Martial Art Association, and the “Wing Chun Kung Fu Long Distance Learning” course. [8] X Research source
Ideally, this space will have a mirror so that you can see how you move.
In that the dummy does not move, adaptations are made in the form to conform to the training apparatus. Some applications of dummy techniques are obvious. Be aware that some are approximations (adaptations) and some have different application variants depicted by a single movement in a set.
Each section of Siu Nim Tao should be mastered before advancing to the next section, and before learning other techniques. Every movement of the primary (first) form has meaning. This includes tempo, use of tension and relaxation, angles, and distances. The form does not contain techniques.
Practice the Gee Kim Yeung Ma stance, or the open stance. In this stance, stand facing forward. Point your feet outward slightly. Keep your knees bent. Your weight will distribute evenly over both feet. You will focus on the positioning of your arms and elbows in preparation for learning hand and arm movements. This front-on stance will give you the most advantage in a fight, such as allowing your arms and legs to protect your center line. Both sides of your body can be used equally, rather than favoring one side of the body over the other. [11] X Research source
One of the common movements in Fajing is the palm strike (yan jeung) in which your left hand opens, rotates to face downward, and moves downward to strike your opponent.
Some of these basic skills are Pak Sau or Huen Sau (strike), Tan Sau (palm up block), Gan Sau (splitting hand), and Bong Sau (wing arm). Much of the Siu Nim Tao practice in this section involves a combination of these movements. Once you learn these skills, you will practice them first on the left hand side and then on the right hand side.
Each section of Chum Kiu should be mastered before advancing to the next section, and before learning other techniques. Stance turning (shifting the horse form side-to-side) must be well practiced before learning the secondary form. This is key unlike the primary form where the stance is static.
