Wing Chun can offer the following benefits to a regular practitioner:
A high degree of mental and physical relaxation
Improved concentration
A vehicle for lifelong personal development
Self defence skills
Superior body conditioning and co-ordination
A fun social activity
The Wing Chun System is based on six forms, which contain the theoretical and technical knowledge forming the backbone of the system.
A number of specific 2 person drills are used to develop the student's skills in applying the theories contained in the forms and the chi sau (sticking hands practise) exercise combines these skills, such as sensitivity, timing, position and allows them to be practised in a free, but safe training environment.
It is possible to become proficient in Wing Chun in a relatively short time, but the art can take a lifetime to master.
The Wing Chun Forms
The Wing Chun system contains three empty hand forms.
Siu Lim Tao: Way of the Small Idea
As the name suggests, this form introduces the basic ideas and structures which are Wing Chun. They can be compared to the foundations of a house upon which everything is built, without solid basics a student will have trouble applying more advanced techniques. The student learns efficiency and economy of motion rather than add layers of complication.
Chum Kiu: Seeking the bridge
Chum Kiu trains the application of the body structure and techniques learnt in Siu Lim Tao. Turning, stepping and kicks are also introduced. The techniques show how to control an opponent through correct positioning, use of energy and structure, using the bridge, or contact with the opponent, to dominate the situation.
Biu Jee: Thrusting Fingers
The last empty hand form contains techniques to recover from mistakes or bad positions that you may find yourself in. It contains several unorthodox movements and is generally taught to a student once a suitable competency is reached in the prior forms, the reasoning being that preventing an error is better than correcting it afterwards.
The Wing Chun system also contains a Wooden dummy form and two weapons forms.