Wing Chun History
Wing Chun, also known as Ving Tsun and
Wing Tsun, is a subtle and complete system of Chinese Kung Fu,
developed over hundreds of years, with its roots in the Shaolin
Temple tradition. Legend has it that in 1645 a Buddhist nun by the
name of Ng Moi devised the system and taught it to a young girl
called Yim Wing Chun, who successfully used her newly learned
skills to defend herself against a local bully who attempted to
rape her.
Originally a very secret system, the
sophisticated art of Wing Chun was only passed on to family members
and close, trusted friends. It was only when the legendary
Grandmaster Ip Man (now sadly passed away) arrived in Hong Kong that the style was taught more
openly.
Wing Chun does not pit strength against
strength but rather employs its unique understanding of angles and
sensitivity to force to overcome aggression (fitness, age and sex
are of no consequence). Many of the exercises are scientific in
approach and training is carried out in a friendly atmosphere of
co-operation as opposed to one of aggressive competition. This
allows students to develop freely and at their own pace. It is
possible for a complete novice to become competent within one year,
although, as with any true art, practical ability is only the
beginning, there is always room for deeper exploration, further
development and personal interpretation.
Wing Chun's effectiveness as a practical
self-defence or street fighting method is well documented, refined
over the years for economy and direct application. The style does
not easily lend its self to display or sport as some more
flamboyant styles do. This is because the apparent simplicity of
the system disguises the devastating power and speed behind its
subtle technique.
Typical techniques include; trapping
hands, swift low kicks, close body control and short, but
devastatingly powerful strikes from the hands (such as the inch
punch). Wing Chun practitioners also employ a unique sensitivity
training exercise known as Chi sau, or sticking hands.
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