Wing Chun                                                                                                                              

Martial Arts and Tradition

     Wing Chun belongs to the large family of the Kung Fu of styles originating from China, more specifically emanating from the legendary southern Shaolin temple.  Wing Chun is reduced to the substantial and the essential. Instead of a multiplicity of forms ("Katas") there are only six, of it two weapon forms (long pole and double butterfly knives). Instead of a large quantity of techniques there are only a handful of core movements, without high flying kicks, how they are usually seen in other disciplines such as Tae Kwon Do.

     Wing Chun is developed not on singular techniques and rote learned successions of techniques, but relies on “guiding principles".  A principle reads, for example, that the hands start from where they momentarily are. Thus there are no drawing back movements telegraphing your intention and therefore lacks inefficient motion. Obeying these core Principles, the few "techniques" are diversely combined. That means flexibility and liberty in their application. So in each situation Wing Chun consequently has not only a certain answer, but the one wished by the practitioner. One therefore speaks of Wing Chun Kung Fu as a "system" and not as a "style".

     Wing Chun sets to use the opposing strength to its advantage. This is no more clearly expressed than in the training of Chi Sau.  Chi Sau or “sticking hands” is a special partner training exercise that lies at the heart of Wing Chun, the laboratory where all is explored, all is exposed.  While training Chi Sau the practitioner immediately brings to life the movements and principles found in each of the Forms. In order to put the body into the correct position, into  the” function mode”, simply not just the exercises but to always execute movements which can be implemented completely, easily and instinctively, intensive basic training is a necessity.

     Lok Yiu Wing Chun does not only have a logically developed instructional system, it also provides a core set of principles with which to guide the practitioner.  The result is a tremendously simple and astonishing direct combat art, which permits practicing well into old age to continue to discover and explore its full potential. Increased self-assurance, balance, a mindful attitude as well as improved concentration, circulation and coordination are all by-products of regular diligent practice in Wing Chun.