How to Constuct a Wing Chun Dummy

Originating in Southern China, Wing Chun is a close contact martial art that legend says was developed by a woman. The wooden Wing Chun dummy is a tool used to practice the close combat of Wing Chun. A Wing Chun dummy typically has the torso of a human, a head-shaped piece, two stubby arms, and a leg towards the bottom. These dummies are legendary to martial artists, and very expensive to buy, with some ranging from $600 to $1500 dollars. Building your own can be relatively cheap in comparison, if you have some tools and a bit of creativity. A wing chun dummy consists of a 9 inch "body" post 5 feet tall, two "arms" protruding 9 inches from the top of the "body", a middle "arm" 8 ½ inches below them, and a "leg" 14 inches below the lowest arm.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 9 inch by 5 foot round body post
  • 3 2 inch by 2 foot dowel rods
  • 1 3 inch by 3 foot dowel rod
  • Electric drill
  • Wood glue
  • Rubber mallet
  • Spade bits
  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a center line down the side of the body post. This will be your reference for the rest of your measurements.

    • 2

      Mark the center line 9 inches from the top of the post. Now mark 2 inches out from that mark perpendicular to the center line.

    • 3

      Using a 2 inch spade bit, drill a hole straight in to each of those marks.

    • 4

      Clean the debris out of the holes and apply some wood glue into the two holes.

    • 5

      Insert a 2 inch dowel rod into each hole using the rubber mallet if needed.

    • 6

      Measure another 8 ½ inches down the center line and mark the line there.

    • 7

      Drill another 2 inch hole with the spade bit directly on that mark, straight into the body.

    • 8

      Clean the debris out of the hole and apply some wood glue.

    • 9

      Clean the debris out of the hole and apply some wood glue.

    • 10

      Insert the last 2 inch dowel into the hole.

    • 11

      Measure another 14 inches down the center line.

    • 12

      Drill a hole in the mark with a 3 inch spade bit, angled down at 45 degrees.

    • 13

      Remove the debris and apply wood glue.

    • 14

      Insert the 3 inch dowel into the hole.

    • 15

      Allow the glue to dry and your wing chun dummy is ready to use.