Kung Fu Techniques

A relative upstart into this band of fighting techniques was Wing Chun Kuen (broadly translated it means “beautiful spring time” and “fist fighting style”) which was possibly named after a woman known as “Yim Wing Chun”. There are many variations and stories about the exact foundation of the art. It is more commonly known simply as “Wing Chun” and is probably one of the most widely taught and known of the kung fu techniques in the world.

The philosophy behind the art is that of strength opposing strength or force meeting force and it is a mix of both these ‘hard’ elements and the more softer elements of movement and evasive techniques. It was perhaps a softer style at its conception, (Wing Chun Kuen studied under a Buddhist nun called “Ng Mui”) but may have become harder over time due to male influences and additions.

The original techniques were thought to have sprung from Ng Mui’s observations and fascination with a battle between a crane and a snake. Watching these two fight each other to the death was the inspiration for her style of movement and fighting. Already a master of ‘Siu lam kung fu’ (named after the monastery where she lived), Ng Mui developed Wing Chun properly after escaping the destruction of the monastery by the Manchurian government.

Few monks survived the attack and this may have given the impetus to the new style which focused more on victory at all costs and speed and delivery of subtle techniques that could be used by anyone. The style was effective at neutralising any natural advantages an opponent might have such as size of inherent strength.

Unlike other styles of kung fu which depend greatly on muscular strength and complete flexibility as well as bone hardening and conditioning techniques Wing Chun places more emphasis on explosive moves and natural weapons such as body parts like the elbows and fingers for striking and jabbing.

Wing Chun Kung Fu

The benefits of studying modern day Wing Chun are numerous. You will develop better posture and balance along with flexibility and freedom of movement alongside physical self-discipline and the confidence that comes from knowledge of a powerful martial art.

This is a strategy of maintaining balance and avoiding extremes of behaviour and keeping both sides of the “path” in sight. Again the influence of Taoism can be seen here with the concept of “Yin” and “Yang” – the blending of softness with hardness. At its heart Wing Chun is a defensive art which is not that effective against multiple opponents so effective striking and defense is paramount. Let’s look at two of the important components of Wing Chun Kung fu techniques.

The Centre line theory

Sticky hands