Chinese kung fu fans

 Before involving yourself into a powerful Wing Chun Training, it is important to understand how it all began and progressed as a popular technique of martial arts. Moreover, it is essential to find out what this training focuses on, including its unique style of self defense and its characteristics.

Origin

Though there was no proper documentation of how this type of martial arts emerged, it was known that it started during the Ching Dynasty of China. During this restrictive period, Buddhists living in the Shaolin temple conceptualized and established the principles of a certain technique of self defense. Before they were able to fully develop it, a mishap occurred and the temple was raided. The only survivor was Ng Mui, a Buddhist nun. She then taught the principles to her orphan student Yim Wing Chun. She used this to fight off a warlord and succeeded. Years after, she married Leung Bac-Chou who became her first disciple. It was Leung Bac-Chou who named this type of martial art after his wife.

As years went by, this was passed on through oral tradition. It was Yip Man, a Chinese master of this art who taught this style openly to the public. In 1954 he took on a 13 year old student named Bruce Lee. It was later learned that the mother of Bruce Lee was half German, so for prejudice reasons he could not train directly under Yip Man any longer.

After moving to the United States to escape the dangers of frequent street fights in Hong Kong, Bruce soon began studying drama at the University of Washington. In the mid 1960′s he developed “the style of no style” that he called Jeet Kune Do or the “Way of the Intercepting Fist.” It was during this time when he began his acting career and became internationally known. Mr. Lee brought Wing Chun and these new Jeet Kune Do techniques along with his popularity, drawing interest to people worldwide.

Definition

Wing Chun is also written as Wing Tzun or Wing Tsun which literally means “forever springtime” or “eternal springtime”. It is described as a form of Chinese martial arts wherein attacks being taught are focused on a close range combat.

Principles and Characteristics

Training in Wing Chun does not have a specific requirement when it comes to size since it is was developed by a woman, being bigger and stronger does not merely mean victory. It is also more known as a practical form of self defense rather than a competitive sport. Rarely it is seen in competitions since the focal points of the powerful strikes are at the neck, chest and to the elbows down.

The main focus of this type of training is on speed and giving attacks towards a straight path to the opponent. It also teaches one to maintain a good stance, proper body mechanics, and utilization of the body’s energy. It is important to have a good stance as it serves as your base during fighting. The stronger or wider stance you have, the less likely that you will fall off. The arms are also drawn closer to the chest so it cannot easily be grabbed by the opponent and it also serves as your protection.

It also involves simultaneous attacks of the hands and feet. Punches can be thrown together with kicks. It is not necessary that a certain punch goes with a certain kick, instead it is done simultaneously, which makes it unpredictable for the opponent. Only less and low kicks are preferred for this style since the balance is disrupted once kicks are done.

Since this technique has dangerous strikes, it is also suggested that you practice with a wooden dummy, which is called Muk Yan Jong or Mook Jong. Basically, its structure consists of a post with arms and devices attached to it. Training with a wooden dummy can help a martial artist develop appropriate release of power and develop good structures and angles in fighting.

In summary, there is definitely more to learn about Wing Chun Training. It is considered as one of the most well known and effective technique of martial arts that can help you survive from armed and unarmed attackers. Its unique style which involves force, speed, and a central focus are practiced, tested and proven which makes it an effective tool for self defense.