Wing Tsun Kung Fu Techniques

Wing Tsun is a contemporary derivative of Wing Chun Kung Fu that is meant to be a pragmatic and effective form of self-defense for the modern world. Wing Tsun's founder, Leung Ting, studied under Yip Man, who also taught Wing Chun to Bruce Lee. It is perhaps not entirely surprising then that Wing Tsun has similarities to Jeet Kune Do, the martial art developed by Lee.

  1. Natural Instincts and Chi Sao

    • Like Jeet Kune Do, Wing Tsun places a great emphasis on one's natural reaction to a combat situation. According to Wing Tsun theory, if you have to think about what you are doing, the battle is already lost. To develop quick, natural reactions Wing Tsun employs the use of Chi Sao, or "sticking hands." In Chi Sao drills, students use their hands while working with a partner blocking, parrying and striking at each other. Chi Sao drills start slowly and gradually increase in speed.

    Relaxation, Flexibility and Awareness

    • Wing Tsun is not an attacking art. It is meant to be purely defensive. However when attacked, Wing Tsun practitioners are trained to respond with sudden and explosive force. The ability to launch this response is nurtured through an emphasis on relaxation, flexibility and awareness of one's surrounding. Wing Tsun places great importance on flexibility which is achieved through rigorous stretching practiced daily. This physical flexibility is meant to translate as mental flexibility which gives the Wing Tsun man the ability to react quickly and effectively to any attack.

    Using the Attacker's Force Against Them

    • Like the Japanese martial art of Aikido, Wing Tsun also places great emphasis on using an attacker's force against him. Wing Tsun practitioners are able to reposition themselves and redirect an attack in a manner that allows them to take control of the situation. This is accomplished through developing flexibility and the practice of Chi Sao, Judo and other such drills.

    Emphasizing Strengths and Minimizing Weaknesses

    • Like Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Wing Tsun is somewhat nebulous as a fighting system. Both could be regarded more as combat philosophies that allow students to develop effective, natural responses to attacks and threatening situations. Wing Tsun training involves identifying a student's strengths and maximizing them while at the same time identifying and minimizing weaknesses.