Wing chun illustrated

Author: h | 2025-04-24

Founded by Mui Fa Publishing in 2025, Wing Chun Illustrated is the world's premier magazine dedicated to Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style. Wing Chun Illustrated is a perfect

When Is Wing Chun Not Wing Chun - Wing Chun Illustrated

Since 1968, what makes your relationship seem to work so well?Sifu Kenneth Chung, as he humbly asks everyone to call him Ken, did not TEACH but helped me EXPLORE myself. The first advice Ken gave me was: “Follow me but don’t copy me.” While Ken was into practising what’s right for his physique, he advised me to focus on agility and mobility for being someone of smaller stature and led me to take the similar learning path of Ip Man or Leung Bik. After nearly 50 years of training together almost every week, we continue to re-examine the Wing Chun curriculum and conclude that we are after the fundamentals. When one understands the fundamentals, one understands all training methods and technical interpretations.What are your thoughts on the current calibre of Wing Chun teachings?A lot of Westerners have become very accomplished instructors and in many areas do an even better job than their Asian counterparts. Looking into the course of Wing Chun development, I think the mountain to climb after “Technical Proficiency” (型) will be the mountain of “Mental Insight” (意), i.e., is the teacher passing on the right analytical skills to his students to look beyond merely the physical techniques? Finally, after the concerns of “Practicality” and “Simplicity” are addressed, the teacher needs to present a “Sustainable Path with Meaningful Purpose”, i.e., “The Tao” (道), to the students, so they can become an “Artist of Life.” For my purpose, I want people to better themselves and have a smile on the face.Many nowadays fall into two categories: preservationist or progressivist. The preservationists believe the only correct approach is to practice the way Grandmaster Ip Man did, while the progressivists believe Wing Chun should be ever-evolving. What category would you consider yourself to fall into and why?I’m a preservationist on the core principles, yet a progressivist on applications. Over the course of a student’s journey, I immerse him or her with an increasing number of details on the original form and conditioning exercises. The “Core Structure” can only be experienced by rigidly adhering to the classical forms, as passed down from our ancestors. The outcome of that is “Functional Energy”, which is formless. Acquire the form, seek the formless. Learn the way, find your own way.Do you have any advice for younger generations of Wing Chun practitioners?Work on it!This article first appeared in Issue No. 41 of Wing Chun Illustrated—the world’s only magazine dedicated to Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style. Not to Chung by pushing with their shoulders and upper body. One should charge forward (Chung). Chi means to stab or penetrate. 刺—stab/thrust/sting—so Chung Chi is using your roots to stab into the centreline. It cuts straight into the heart.One of my Sihings was known as a butcher (he was not one in real life). When he held the knife, you could hit it and it never moved. The back-weightiness of the stance lets you use Chung Chi. We trained nothing but this stance for two months.I visited with Julian Cordero, a student of Moy Yat, recently. He was very nice and gave me a pair of bamboo knives. When we were in Hong Kong with Ip Man and Leung Sheung, they were very particular about not fighting each other with knives. With metal weapons, you can get hurt. You want to use a real knife for the training of your wrist and other things, but there is no sense carrying one around. Wong Shun Leung trained the knives with a Taoist monk, who was one of his important students, but after a while, even he said he would not teach people to fight with knives anymore because it’s dangerous. It’s interesting to see that, in the United States, everybody wants these sharp knives and I say, “Gosh, you are going to chop yourself with them! You’ll cut your hand off!”Do you have any parting advice or wisdom for people studying Wing Chun these days?Train hard and take no shortcuts. Listen to your teacher and work on developing your skills, especially on rooting, structure and developing the source of power. They are very important because, without them, you will have only limited skill and confidence. Enjoy your training. The path is the reward.This article first appeared in Issue No. 40 of Wing Chun Illustrated—the world’s only magazine dedicated to Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style.

Fatsaan Wing Chun Association - Wing Chun Illustrated

An Intro to Wing Chun for BeginnersWing Chun is a martial art that has caught the attention of many for its unique principles and movements. If you’ve seen it in movies or online and have been curious about its essence, then “Wing Chun 101 – An Intro to Wing Chun for Beginners” is for you!Let’s break it down.What is Wing Chun?With 28 years of practice under my belt, I’ve gleaned a lot of insights from personal experience both practicing and teaching. To the beginner, Wing Chun may look mysterious, but in its essence, it’s all about efficiency and understanding real-world self-defense. Unlike sport-based sparring where the aim might be to open up an opponent, Wing Chun trains you for self-defense situations where an attacker fully commits, coming at you with full force. The objective? To respond simply, directly and efficiently.To put it another way…Imagine if the martial arts world had its own version of minimalism. That’d be Wing Chun. No flashy kicks or dramatic flips here. Wing Chun is all about being chill, efficient, and, most importantly, effective. Think of it as the art of getting stuff done without wasting energy.And that’s why Wing Chun is known for its close quarters effectiveness. This means it’s designed for those moments in self-defense where there’s minimal space between you and the opponent. You know… where REAL fights take place!Think of it this way…You know those cramped spaces in crowded bars or concerts? Wing Chun shines there! It’s all about defending yourself when. Founded by Mui Fa Publishing in 2025, Wing Chun Illustrated is the world's premier magazine dedicated to Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style. Wing Chun Illustrated is a perfect Since 2025, Wing Chun Illustrated has provided unbiased and often controversial knowledge about Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style. Some of today’s most respected Wing Chun teachers have been featured in Wing Chun Illustrated, such as:

Danny Xuan: Wing Chun is not a - Wing Chun Illustrated

Wing Chun is a Chinese martial art that has gained international recognition for its efficiency, practicality, and unique principles. Its history can be traced back to the 17th century in the southern part of China, particularly in the Guangdong province. The art was developed by a Buddhist nun named Ng Mui, who is credited as one of the founding figures of Wing Chun.Legend has it that Ng Mui was a survivor of the destruction of the Shaolin Temple during the Qing Dynasty. Seeking revenge against the Qing forces, she embarked on a journey to refine her martial arts skills. During her travels, Ng Mui encountered a young woman named Yim Wing Chun, who was being harassed by a local bully. Ng Mui took Yim Wing Chun under her wing and began teaching her a system of martial arts that would eventually bear her name.The principles of Wing Chun were influenced by Ng Mui’s observations of nature and animals. She incorporated concepts such as economy of motion, redirecting force, and exploiting an opponent’s weaknesses into the system. Ng Mui developed a system that focused on practical techniques and efficient use of energy, enabling practitioners to overcome larger and stronger opponents.Over the centuries, Wing Chun continued to be refined and passed down through generations of practitioners. While the art was initially kept within a small circle of disciples, it eventually spread beyond its secretive origins and gained recognition in the martial arts community. One significant figure in the history of Wing Chun is Ip Man, a renowned master who played a pivotal role in popularizing the art.Ip Man, born in 1893, became one of the most influential figures in the Wing Chun lineage. He dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of the art, training numerous students who would go on to become prominent Wing Chun masters themselves. One of his most famous students was Bruce Lee, who would later become an iconic martial artist and actor. The global success and recognition of Bruce Lee further contributed to the popularity of Wing Chun.In recent decades, Wing Chun has expanded its reach beyond the borders of China and gained a global following. Its practical approach and emphasis on efficiency have resonated with practitioners seeking effective self-defense systems. Wing Chun has also found its place in popular culture, with its distinctive techniques and principles being featured in movies, books, and other media.Today, Wing Chun is practiced by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, from dedicated martial artists to those seeking self-defense skills or physical fitness. The art continues to evolve, with various lineages and interpretations adding their unique perspectives. Despite the variations, the core principles of Wing Chun, including centerline theory, simultaneous attack and defense, and economy of motion, remain central to its practice.In conclusion, Wing Chun has a rich and fascinating history that traces back to the 17th century in southern China. Developed by the Buddhist nun Ng Mui and passed down through generations, Wing Chun has become renowned for its practicality, Of movements; it’s a way of life.To conclude, whether you’re looking for a practical self-defense system or a pathway to personal growth, Wing Chun offers a rich tapestry of lessons and experiences. Dive in and discover what Wing Chun can do for you!Centerline Theory: Picture an imaginary line down the center of your body. That’s your bestie in Wing Chun. It’s the target you protect and the line you attack along. Simple yet genius.Grounding: Forget the fairy-tale high jumps. Wing Chun loves keeping it real and rooted. Even if you’re not the tallest or the bulkiest in the room, with proper grounding, you can stand your ground and channel some surprising power.Economy of Motion: No unnecessary drama here. Every move in Wing Chun is about getting straight to the point.Sticky Hands: Officially called ‘Chi Sao’, it’s kind of like a cross between arm wrestling and feeling out your dance partner’s next move. It’s fun, trust me.Why Beginners to Wing Chun Need ItWhile Wing Chun is old school, its down-to-earth practical approach to self-defense makes it perfect for the modern world. Plus, it’s not just about throwing punches. You’ll sharpen your mind while centering and grounding yourself.Beginning Wing ChunIf this laid-back “Intro to Wing Chun for Beginners” vibe got you interested, the next step is to find a place to learn. Look for a cool instructor who gets it. Dive in, feel the vibes, and remember, like anything worth doing, it’s about the journey, not just the destination.To wrap it up,

Fatsaan Wing Chun Association: Preserving - Wing Chun Illustrated

Cover FeatureSTEPHEN CHANThe Middle Way of Gung FuBy Kleber BattagliaGrandmaster Chan Tak Kwong, otherwise known as Sifu Stephen Chan, started teaching Wing Chun in a London church hall for three British pounds per night. Over forty years later, he is back in Hong Kong keeping the Gung Fu tradition alive in his native land, both by teaching and by stunt acting in Hong Kong films. A so-called “neotraditionalist,” Sifu Chan combines modernity with tradition, using new techniques from street fighting and other martial arts alongside original teachings from his lineage under Grandmaster Chow Tze Chuen. Sifu Chan recognises that although different Wing Chun lineages may have different interpretations, the core principles are truly the same.ColumnsSECOND NATUREInch PowerDeveloping the One Inch PunchBy Wayne BelonohaA punch that travels only one inch can knock your opponent to the ground. Learn the attributes and training methods for this devastating technique.MOON POINTING FINGERWing Chun 101The EssentialsBy David PetersonWhat are the essential elements of Wing Chun with regard to not only beginning, but also truly mastering the system?KEEPING IT SIMPLEWing Chun Tips ’n’ TricksWing Chun KicksBy Shaun RawcliffeSifu Rawcliffe offers some tips ‘n’ tricks to help improve the application and performance of Wing Chun’s so-called “shadowless” kicks.THE INNER CIRCLEA Vent SessionWing Chun During the Internet EraBy Jim Roselando Jr.If anything has significantly affected Wing Chun, it would be the Internet. It has allowed us to research and connect with boundless resources. However, is it all that it’s cracked up to be?THE STRAIGHT LEADGood Drills Make Good FightersBy Jason KorolHow do you know you can really do your stuff in a fight? It’s an important question. Well, the answer is by adding realistic and progressive drills to your training, designed for automated performances.FeaturesBEN DERSimplicity is the Key to BrillianceBy Adam WillissHaving trained for over 60 years, Sifu Ben Der unveils his experience training under Ip Man, his time with his friend Bruce Lee, and his decision to follow Sifu Kenneth Chung in the Leung Sheung lineage.DEVELOPING THE WING CHUN GRIPGuangzhou Wing Chun’s Chopstick TrainingBy Keith KingMastering effective takedowns requires good footwork and a willingness to fight at close range—skills that can bring a new dimension to your Wing Chun fighting.ZHENG ZU JIECarrying Tradition Into The FutureBy Wayne BelonohaSifu Zheng Zu Jie of Wu Mei Wing Chun in Fuzhou China talks about the history of Wing Chun as passed down through his lineage, about his successes in promoting Wing Chun, and some interesting details about his style.JASON HANCOCKA Journey of Self-DiscoveryBy Mike QuijanoJason Hancock moved to Hong Kong in the 1990s and became a direct student of Master Wong Shun Leung. He has remained private throughout the years despite being certified by Wong to teach.WING CHUN’S FIST POSITIONBy

Wing Chun Illustrated, Author at Everything Wing Chun Blog

You are here: home > about wing chun > the wing chun forms > sil lim tao Article by Dan Knight added on 21 Jul 2012. Last updated on 13 Mar 2014. Sil Lim Tau or Little IdeaSil Lim Tau is not just the beginning course, but an important foundation.... When we learn English, we learn 26 letters first. If we cannot handle the pronunciation of each letter, then our English will never be good. The magnitude of the fist form Sil Lim Tau in Wing Chun is the same as that of the letters in English.- Ip ChingWing Chun's First Form Sil Lim Tau, sometimes referred to as Siu Nim Tao, is the first of the hand forms of Wing Chun Kung Fu. It teaches the student the basics of the martial art. The form has been adapted and changed over the last few hundred years, but it is thought that the form was inspired by movements from both crane style kung fu and snake style kung fu. The form has evolved differently as styles of Wing Chun diverged. The snake element can be seen more in Yuen Kay San Wing Chun in Foshan, China, than it can in Ip Man's Wing Chun which was reordered by Ip Man and his predecessors in Foshan and later in Hong Kong. The other two hand forms in the system are Chum Kiu (Seeking Bridge) and Biu Gee (Thrusting Fingers). Sil Lim Tao is a basic, foundation form for people starting their journey in Wing Chun. Grandmaster Ip Man described the practice of the Sil Lim Tao form in the following way:In Sil Lim Tao [Little Idea], the ideas of daily matters, such as money, work, hate, love, etc.... decrease to as little as possible, or even none, [so that the practitioner may] concentrate only upon practicing.- Ip ManSil Lim Tao is the foundation of Wing Chun Kung Fu. That is why almost every Wing Chun Sifu, when teaching his students, always wants the students to practice Sil Lim Tao first. The form is divided into three sections, with a total of one hundred and eight movements. Each small section has its own aim in practice, and various meanings in application. The Goals / Benefits of Sil Lim TaoThere are a number of key benefits to training Sil Lim Tao. The most obvious benefits are as follows: Strengthening the legs through the stance. Teaching the student the key techniques of Wing Chun. Teaching the student how t turn energy on and off. A key part of building good ging. Helping the student understand key principles like economy of motion and the centreline.The Forms' Structure The first section is for training the basic. Founded by Mui Fa Publishing in 2025, Wing Chun Illustrated is the world's premier magazine dedicated to Wing Chun, regardless of lineage or style. Wing Chun Illustrated is a perfect

Alton Miller: A Lifetime In Wing Chun - Wing Chun Illustrated

There’s no room to dance around.Intro to Wing Chun: What Beginners Need to KnowBeginners Wing Chun 101: Key PrinciplesCenter Line Theory: One of the foundational concepts of Wing Chun is occupying the opponent’s Center Line. This line, running vertically down the front of the body, is the origin of all movement and power. If you can control this, you negate your opponent’s ability to attack effectively. It’s both the place you protect on yourself and the target you attack on your opponent. Simple yet genius.Attack as Defense: Instead of the traditional block-then-attack sequence seen in many martial arts, Wing Chun promotes simultaneous attack and defense. This approach ensures that you’re always on the offensive, keeping your opponent on the back foot.In other words…While other martial arts may emphasize blocking first and then attacking, Wing Chun combines attack and defense simultaneously. It believes in the philosophy that the best defense is am immediate attack…. one that is simple, direct and efficient.Structure and Grounding: Wing Chun teaches a smaller, weaker person how to overcome a bigger, stronger person. That’s why it doesn’t rely on brute strength. Instead, it teaches its practitioners how to turn different parts of their body into levers for superior mechanical strength. Proper alignment, precision and understanding how to root yourself to the ground are key. This means smaller, weaker people can effectively handle force from a larger attacker while simultaneously attacking their weak parts with leverage.Economy of Motion: Wing Chun is about efficiency. There’s no room for flashy,