Foundation Principles of the Wing Chun System

Wing Chun is well known as a conceptual and theory based self defense system and for its efficiency and sensitivity in close quarter situations. The 3 main Principles of the art are outlined below.

1: The Straight Line Approach :

The quickest distance between any 2 points is a straight line and wherever possible this approach is used. It allows for the application of the ‘Lin Sil Dir Dar’ concept of simultaneous defense and attack which can give the practitioner a distinct advantage as it reduces the need to block preferring instead to redirect or deflect an attack, and striking simultaneously.

2: The 45-Degree Approach:

This principle is based on the strongest angle that can be found in nature and is relied upon to maintain integrity of technique. Applied to Wing Chun stances and hand techniques it helps to generate power by way of what we at the NF Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy refer to as the “ark of power” or “AOP”. A way of generating power from the curved energy behind the straight line intent of the technique.

3: The Centre Line Approach:

The upright posture of the human body exposes the majority of the vital points and organs of the individual to a would-be opponent. Knowing this, Wing Chun practitioners defend and attack off an imaginary line drawn down the front and centre of the practitioners body. This Centre line should also be seen as an axis line running centrally and vertically from the top of the head and out through the body into the centre of the stance, in this way stability and balance of the practitioner is maximized and full power of technique can be obtained as maximum body weight can be also utilized .

Combining all three concepts leads to extremely efficient technique.

In summary, Wing Chun uses logic, efficient application of energy and minimum of movement to defend and attack, and for this reason Wing Chun has been called the ‘Scientific’ or” thinking persons” martial art.

Due to its use of short range fighting concepts, Wing Chun Kung Fu is very practical and useful in close range face to face self-defense situations.

Techniques of Wing Chun:

The Three Seeds

The Three main techniques of the Wing Chun System are the Tan Sao, Fook Sao and Bong Sao and are referred to as the three seeds of Wing Chun. As the majority of the attacking and defensive combinations used usually contain at least one of these interchangeable movements and / or variants they form an integral part of the system which are relied upon to produce a favorable outcome.

Tan Sao – This technique is used to deflect attacks (round and straight) targeted at the upper half of the torso. It is used to open up or close off an opponent’s defense and / or attacking movement. This movement can be used in a negative or positive way `that is` to absorb or redirect energy. Used in conjunction with the foundation principles of 45deg and Centre line it makes for a formidable offensive and defensive weapon.

Fook Sao – This technique is used to re-direct attacks targeted at the mid section of the torso. It is primarily used in a positive manner to close off an opponent’s attack. It is used as a deflecting tool that dominates the Centre line and attacks the mid line inner gates.

Bong Sao – This technique is used by the practitioner to predominately re-direct attacks to the head area inwards and to also close off the opponent. This inward deflecting movement also can set the opponent up for follow up attacks as it reduces the opponent’s options and makes it easier to read and control future intentions.

In summary, the majority of Wing Chun defensive and offensive techniques open up or close off an opponent’s intent which simultaneously exposes them to a counter attack. This is one of the reasons why Wing Chun works so well in close range fighting.

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