What is Wing Chun?
The name Wing Chun itself does not relate to any martial art activity, but a name that was given to a girl. The true translation as close as possible, "Wing" (a very old Chinese word) – to chant, to praise in poetic form and "Chun" means the season of Spring.
Wing Chun blossomed after it was made known that Bruce Lee practiced this art. It was inevitable that this martial art will have a huge following and worldwide fame. When looking into this art any practitioner will appreciate the simplicity of its theories. The theories are very adaptable to modern day situations and have proven time and again to be very practical and effective.
Wing Chun is better known for its close quarter effectiveness using a logical approach to self-defence via a so-called, ‘Centre Line' theory. By drawing an imaginary line from the nose to the groin the practitioner will learn to attack and defend along this line. From this theory the practitioner also learns the ‘economy of motion', balance, and vulnerable targets of the body.
Another great appreciation of the art is that it does not require brute strength and what muscle strength you do have will be put to its maximum effectiveness, but at the same time with minimum effort.
Other Wing Chun theories will encompass mathematics, physics, basic understanding of anatomy, the mimic of animal movements, elements, and most importantly our intelligence.
Although this art does attract many people because of Bruce Lee or because of its simplicity, the training involved is anything but easy. The training of this art is as physically and mentally challenging as any other martial art. Unfortunately there is no easy route. A practitioner will need patience, perseverance, mental focus, the ability to listen, to have a good attitude and be in normal health.
What is the History of Wing Chun?
The history of Wing Chun dates back about 350 years ago, during the Qing dynasty, and there are many interpretation of its origin. The general view was that the art came from the inspiration of a Shaolin Nun (Ng Mui) from observing a fight between a crane and a snake; together with her knowledge of Mui Fa Kuen resulted the creation of this art. Later, the art was named after her student, Yim Wing Chun. Some say, that the inspiration came from Yim Wing Chun herself instead of her Sifu (teacher). Other might say that this girl did not exist, but merely rumours that were spread by the anti-Qing revolutionaries in order to protect their secret activities (learning martial arts was outlawed at the time). Over time many practitioners refined the art to suit their personal needs and as a result many different branches of Wing Chun appeared with their own interpretations. Even though most will show different aspects or concepts, but all still carry the same principles.
Here are a few of the main branches of Wing Chun.
- Yip Man
- Yuen Kay San
- Jee Shim
- Pan Nam
- Pao Fa Lien
- Nanyang (generic term for all the wing chun that was Exported to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia)
- Huen Suen
- Gu Lao
Each branch may well develop differently through their own concept, but none can be said to be any superior. Like a University, it is mainly up to the student's effort and proper guidance from his/her Sifu (teacher).
The 'graduates' or masters of the above families have now formed today's many associations or organisations.
Our Association belongs to the Ip Man Lineage.
It would also be prudent to read about traditions and ethics to understand more about our learning.
http://www.southwingchun.com/files/traditions.html
© 2007 Cambridge Wing Chun