Why Wing Chun Kung Fu stands out?
Interested in Kung Fu and want to learn more about the Wing Chun system?
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Those who are new to martial arts may find it difficult to understand the different styles of martial arts and self-defence systems. In this article, we are going to clear up a couple of key differences between Wing Chun Kung Fu, and various other styles of martial arts. Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Wing Chun Kung Fu?
Wing Chun Kung Fu is a system of martial arts, developed over 300 years ago in southern China. Wing Chun was developed by the Buddhist nun and master of Shaolin Kung Fu, Ng Mui she passed on her knowledge on to a young orphan girl named Yim Wing Chun. Ng Mui named the system after her in her honour. The only martial art in the world developed by a woman. This system of kung fu builds upon other martial art systems focussing on simplicity, practicality, efficiency, effectiveness, and directness. Wing Chun is known for its distinct style, for its effectiveness to transcend all limitations and barriers (i.e., age, gender, size, strength, abilities/disabilities). The martial art combines this with a streamlined no-nonsense method of protection based on economy of motion and proper body mechanics, based on science. Wing Chun is trained by millions around the world, popularized by Bruce Lee in the western world.
The Different Forms of Wing Chun
There is a lot of confusion around the different styles of Wing Chun with the six forms of the art. These forms are used to train different techniques as a student advances their mastery. The initial three are empty hand, the fourth is performed on a wooden dummy and the final two are forms as weapons. While six forms are not many when compared to other martial art systems making it easy to learn and apply, the focus in Wing Chun is on developing an understanding and application of the various forms and techniques that can be universally utilized.
- Sil Lim Tao “small idea” is the foundational hand form of Wing Chun and teaches the student the basics of the martial art.
- Chum Kil is the second form learned, building upon Sil Liam Tao with a focus on movement and stepping to avoid attack, positional advantage and remain stable
- Bil Jee “thrusting fingers” is the final hand form learned and develops emergency techniques. Trains fingers for striking with short burst of focused energy.
- Wooden Dummy Form is also known as Muk Yan Jong and is a form with 108 techniques and applies the techniques and forms previously learnt in a practical setting.
- Kung Fu Dragon Pole is the first weapon form in Wing Chun, the techniques learned in this form help strengthen the body, speed, coordination, balance, reflex, mobility, timing, accuracy and improve a student’s understanding of their centreline.
- Butterfly Swords is also known as Bart jarm Dao is the final weapon form of Wing Chun which is only taught to a select few. Used for slashing, lunging, chopping, stabbing, blocking and CQC
Wing Chun in comparison to other martial arts
Wing Chun is a complete self-defence system, it is regarded as a “soft” style as it does not fight strength with strength but rather employs its unique understanding of angles and sensitivity to overcome aggression. Not fighting force with force, applying simultaneous attack and defence, attacking the blind side, Wing Chun is not a flamboyant style rather one of simplicity that can becomes devastating with speed and power disguised in its subtle techniques.
Many styles focus on physical strength and agility, practicing fast and explosive movement for fighting not engendering longevity in the art, nor accessible to everyone.
Wing Chun Kung Fu focus on the awareness of spirit, mind, and flow of energy. These forms rely on a soft style, focussing on relaxed leverage rather than brute force. Often internal styles are performed at a slow pace to improve coordination, balance, and attention to the whole body during the performance of a technique. These internal styles are excellent for both self-defence as well as stress management and lengthy mindful practices.
Train in a friendly, family orientated non-aggressive competition environment. Wing Chun training and curriculum is designed for the beginner to advanced at a self-paced rate. The benefits are not limited to personal or professional development.
Learn From Certified Instructors of Martial Arts
At United Martial Arts Fitness, we are Instructors of the artforms such as Wing Chun, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Kickboxing, Boxing, SE Krav Maga and Self-Defence classes. We believe in the tradition, etiquette and see that our philosophy is woven into the fabric of who we are and everything we do at UMF. UMF training methodology is based on Reality and Evidence Self-defence, UMF teaches and trains what others do not. Regardless of their occupation or situation, all our students walk into the academy with the same goals: to be better, to improve their health and well-being, learning ability and stress levels. Our classes and teaching can be applied both on the mat and in everyday life. Train at UMF – No Egos-Only Dedication.
If you are still curious about Wing Chun and what UMF has to offer, send an enquiry for a class through our website or call us on 0427 537 771.
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