Wing Chun – Its History, Philospohy And Principles

History of Wing Chun

 The Wing Chun system of martial arts was developed in southern China approx. 250-300 years ago.The origin of Wing Chun Kung Fu can be found in the turbulent, repressive Ching dynasty of over 250 years ago.  It was a time when 90% of the Chinese race, the Hons, were ruled by the 10% minority, the Manchus.  The Manchus placed a great amount of unjust law on the Hons.  For instance, all the female Hon infants were made to bind their feet so that when they grew up they would be dependent upon their parents or husband.

The work opportunity of the Hons was also restricted.  They were unable to hold office in Government higher than a certain level.  Heavy tax burdens were placed on the country so that the Manchus could have economic control of the Hon people.  Kung Fu training was also banned for the Hons, however the Manchu Government was adopting the Hon culture.  They respected the Shil Lim Temple as a Buddhist sanctuary.

When all weapons were outlawed by the Manchus, the Hons began training a revolutionary army in the secret art of Kung Fu.  The Shil Lim Temple became the secret sanctuary for preparatory trainings of a classic style which took 15 to 20 years to master.

To develop a new form, one which would have shorter training time, five of China’s grandmasters met to discuss the merits of each of the various forms of Kung Fu.  By choosing the most efficient techniques from each style, they developed training programs that would develop an efficient martial artist in 5 to 7 years, one third the original time.  However before this new form now known as Wing Chun could be put into practice, the Shil Lim Temple was raided and burned by the Manchus.

Ng Mui, a nun, was the only survivor of the original five grandmasters.  She passed her knowledge onto a young orphan girl whom she named Wing Chun.  The name represented “hope for the future”.  In turn Wing Chun passed her knowledge on to her husband.  Through the years the style became known as Wing Chun.  Its techniques and teachings were passed onto a few, always carefully selected students.

In 1950 Yip Man started to teach Wing Chun in Hong Kong.  One of his first students was the new Grandmaster, William Cheung, head of the World Wing Chun Kung Fu Association. Wing Chun is just one of many martial arts whose origins are to be found in Southern China. Compared with other arts it is a relatively new style. Often interpreted as a soft style, Wing Chun is in fact a blend of both hard and soft techniques, training them both internally and externally.

It is relevant at this point to note that it is largely impossible to establish a definitive history of Wing Chun due to several factors. As with many art styles, particularly live arts such as the oral, theatrical, dance, and martial varieties it is difficult and presumptive to attribute absolute credit to any particular individual or group of individuals for the conception and development of any of the sub genres under these categories including this type of Kung Fu.

Although there are a group of figures who are widely acknowledged and revered in the Wing Chun community, and without denying their ample contributions to the art, it is prudent to suggest that such arts are developed and kept alive as a result of the wider unspoken group of people who practice them and pass them on to future generations of practitioners.

Philosophy of Wing Chun

One who excels in fighting is never aroused in anger.

One who excels in defeating his enemies does not join issues.

One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them.

This is the virtue of non contention matching the sublimity of heaven.

When fear is removed, the arrogance of uncertainty is dispelled.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary to prove yourself in any form of combat.

By learning how to fight, you learn how not to fight. 

The philosophy of Wing Chun is to take control of your life and make the decisions that are right for you. Its art is truly a combat martial art, but it also much more. It is important, therefore, to be able to use the same concepts and principles used in fighting to better other non-combat areas of your life.

 The aim of  Wing Chun Kung Fu is to develop physical, mental and spiritual awareness. These elements transcend you to a higher level of life. Self awareness, self respect and a duty to serve should be the goal of life in every martial artist. Meditate on these principles and make peace on your study of Wing Chun Kung Fu, a way of life.

Principles

• Guard the Center
• Face the Point of Contact
• Economy of Movement
• Touch Reflexes: Chi Sao
• Watch the Leading Elbow
• Use Linear Striking Action
• Avoid Fighting Force Against Force
• Train to Use Two Arms at the Same Time
• Uses Pressure Points to Make Striking Techniques More Effective
• Uses the Same Meridian Pressure Points as Treatment of Sports Injuries

Strategy

• Use entry technique
• Attack the opening
• Trap the leading elbow
• Attack the opponent’s balance
• Pin the arms from the blind side
• Control the opponent’s blind side
• Use the centre line to force the opponent to use the outside path
• Keep moving
• Don’t present a steady target for your opponent
• Be calm, have confidence in yourself, let your reflexes guide you
• Use elbows in close quarters, use palm or fist in the next distance, use kicks with front foot for further distance, use the rear foot in furthest distance.

Each fighting principle and  strategy of Wing Chun can also be interpreted philosophically. We believe that the practice of Wing Chun, and an understanding of its principles and philosophies, should be a catalyst to putting each practitioner in the driver’s seat of his or her life. The development of great wing chun fighting abilities should give each of us the ability to be kind, compassionate, and loving by overcoming the fears that often manifest themselves as anger and hate.