What is Wing Chun Kung Fu?

There are many individualized disciplines that can be labeled as part of the category known as martial arts. Some of these individual disciplines, that have their roots in Chinese culture, include Qigong, Hsing-I, Tai Chi and Kung Fu. One of the disciplines embedded within the Kung Fu category of martial arts, is Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Wing Chun Kung Fu is a form of martial arts that focuses on self defense when attacked. This particular discipline was developed in the southern part of China over three centuries ago this. The uniqueness of Wing Chun Kung Fu is that it was created by a Buddhist nun by the name of Ng May and eventually fine tuned by one of her students by the name of Yim Wing Chun. The name of Wing Chin is translated as meaning "springtime song."

The distinctive features and purpose of Wing Chun Kung Fu is that this form of Kung Fu does not embrace the methodology of energy against energy. It does, however, utilize actions that are easy, rapid, laser like with limited energy expended. Wing Chun Kung Fu does not utilize movements that could be defined as power actions, but incorporates defensive moves such as direct punches and movements that quickly counter those attacks that are experienced. Within the Wing Chun Kung Fu discipline there are over 100 movements that effectively capture the discipline of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

In order to effectively understand the Kung Fu discipline of Wing Chun Kung Fu, it is important to understand the principles that lie behind the practice of this form of Kung Fu. There are certain principles that need to be followed to be an effective student of Wing Chun Kung Fu.

One of those principles is to receive what comes and follow what goes. This simply means that when your aggressor attacks you with an arm or a leg, that particular part of the body can be trapped by you. When the aggressor tries to remove the arm or leg follow the retreating movement with a hit of your own.

Another principle is that if contact is lost, hit straight forward. This principle means that when you are engaged with the enemy and you lose contact with your opponent you will find yourself in a vulnerable situation. Therefore, upon losing contact immediately strike a blow towards your opponent’s mid-area.

One additional principle states that every point points towards the center. Simply stated this means that all of your defensive actions should be directed towards the midpoint of your enemy. If this is the focus of your defensive action, you are less likely to miss your opponent and if you are successful in making contact your opponent will feel the full force of your actions.