.: Combat Wing Chun

SIL NIM TAO - THE FIRST LITTLE IDEA

Siu Lim Tao translates litterally into Siu (Small), Nim (Idea/Thoorugh), Tao (head/first). This form translated as 'First Small/Little Idea in the head'. The name of this 1st Wing Chun form indicates that all the details and/or particulars should be focused on and maintained. This form is practiced in a Yee-Chi-Kum-Yeung-Ma stance or (Dok-Lap-Ma stance for advanced students) using only arm movements. Proper practice of Siu Lim Tao enables the student to develop proper abdominal breathing, independent arm movement, focus, stance/stability, and proper energy will eventually lead to Chi Kung exercise from this form. Siu Nim Tao also trains the student to generate forces from the centerline (Chung Sien).

All the basic hand movements used in Wing Chun are contained in Siu Nim Tao, although the leg movements are reduced to their most elementary components during the opening of the stance at the beginning of the form. When practicing Siu Lim Tao, one should remain relaxed; the eyes should follow each movement of the hand.

* Structures and Characteristics - Kim Sut (Knees In), Luk Ma (Lower the stance), Ting Yu (tuck the hips under), Dung Tao (head erect), an Mai Jarn (elbows in). Keeping the center line (Chung Sien), keeping the stance still throughout the whole set, providing stable state to return to while executing techniques, applying the elbow energy correctly, breathing correctly.

* Abdominal Breathing - When practicing Siu Lim Tao, it is very important to breathe properly. The 'Yik-Fu-Kup' or 'Reverse Breathing' method is a special way to constrict the rib cage through the use of arm positioning forces abdominal breathing (breathing using the abdominal cavity to increase the amount of air drawn into the lungs which result in increasing the level of oxygen absorbed by the blood).

* Proper Standing Posture - Is to build considerable endurance and strength in the leg muscles, and work the chi (breathing energy) into the legs as the student learns to relax into the position of the Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma, adducting his/her two legs into the ground.

* Independent Arm Movement - Developed by maintaining one arm in a continuous right chamber (arm is pulled back as if performing an elbow strike with the forearm parallel to the floor) while the other arm is performing the various movements and techniques.

* Constant Focus - Focus is maintained on the motions and stress placed on each arm the practitioner develops an awareness of each arm. Focus is developed during the practice of Siu Lim Tao, which when performed properly takes at least a half-hour, as the position of every single body part must e maintained. Avoid the feeling of excitement or impatience before starting to practice.

* Proper Energy - Siu Lim Tao is broken down into 4 sections. Having both arms in chamber separates each section, proper energy and positioning is developed. The feeling is similar to a coiled spring or snake. Relaxed and ready to strike. This is called 'Forward Energy'. Internal power is very much a part of our Wing Chun, with one of the main focuses of practicing the forms being to develop Nim Lik (thought force) which is the power of a highly and consistently focused mind with a relaxed body structure.


SAU BO - THE DOUBLE SAND BAGS HAND SET

Sau Bo - The prerequisite of the Wing Chun second form (Chum Kiu) that was created by master Ki Sang (1st generation of great grandmaster Yip Man). Sau (hands), Bo (set), Sao Bo means ‘hands set’ which contains various hands movements such as Biu Jong Sau, Dai Bong Sau, Lop Sau, Gaun Sau, Tan Sau, Noi Pak Sao, Kwun Sau, and Sheung Kuen (double punches) incorporated with Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma, Chun Ma, Sik Ma, and aam Kok Ma (Triangular stepping pattern).

Sao No can be executed on the double sand bags or wooden dummy which will train the practitioner to gain the mobility within the opponent centerline and around him utilizing SIk Ma and Saam Kok Ma. It’s also known as the ‘double sand bag’ form. Proficiency of Sao Bo enables practitioner to invade opponent’s centerline disrupting the structure while executing combat techniques up close.


CHUM KIU - SEEKING/SINKING THE BRIDGE

Chum Kiu - The Wing Chun intermediate level form – Chum (search/seek), Kiu (bridge/gap). Litterally means ‘Seeking the bridge’. Chum Kiu also means ‘sinking the bridge’. A bridge is created when one of your arms makes contact with the arm of the opponent. After a proficient level is attained in the Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu is taught to the student at this level to bridge the gap to your opponent, developing arm and leg movements from the Siu Nim Tao into a coherent fighting system, consists of techniques to destroy your opponent’s structure and balance, leaving him open to attack. This 2nd form encloses advanced footwork, such as Chuen Ma (turning stance), Hau Ma (back stance), Tor Ma (forward stance), Thoi Ma (backward stance) are incorporated using Yiu Ma (waist power) to generate force in the strikes and block movements. New hand positions, kicks, and movement are also introduced. Close range attacks using elbows and knees are also stressed. Chum Kiu can also be looked on as the ‘bridge’ between the hand motions of the first form, and the emergency motions of the third form.

* Hand positions - Lan Sau (arms bar), Fak Sau (flipping strike), Biu Sau (thrusting finger jabs), Dai Bong Sau (low wing block), Lin Wan Cheung (chain palm strikes), Sep Gee Chang (crossed palms) , and arm break.

* The Heart of the Chum Kiu - ‘Yiu-Ma-Hap-Lap’, literally translates as ‘waist power cooperation’, either in deflecting or returning force using the Chuen Ma-Yee Chi Kim Yeung Ma.

* Kicks - Dim Gerk (front kick), Jeet Gerk / Waang Gerk (low side kicks)

* Techniques in Chum Kiu - Techniques are more apparent as well as the footwork required. This form stresses the importance of mobility and the coordination of movements to achieve maximum effect using Yin Yang power art.


BIU TZE - THE THUSTING FINGERS

Biu Tze was secretly guarded from the martial arts public for many generations. Today, this form is openly taught to advanced practitioners in many Wing Chun schools around the world. Biu Tze is the third and last empty hand form of Win Chun Kuen system; Biu Tze means ‘Thrusting/Darting Fingers’. With the implementation of the support movements found in the 1st and 2nd forms, the practitioner is trained to utilize a unique force through the application of technique, creating a very devastating power generated from the hips, foot work, wrist, and elbow that can rupture blood vessels, damage internal organs, and disrupt the central nervous system.

Biu Tze extends the range even further to concentrate on the fingertips for the use both a weapon an as a physical deterrent, to prevent an opponent stepping in and closing the distance utilizing Hao-Ching-Ma stepping pattern.

This form consists of techniques to counterattack when you are in a disadvantageous situation, whne your structure and balance have been compromised. The concepts and principles of the form are used to regain control of the centerline and to recover under otherwise dangerous situations (Gow Gup Sau 0 First Aid Hand or ‘emergency techniques’) when the centerline is lost due to a mistake on the part of the practitioner or as the result of high level skill of the opponent.

Downward elbow strike – Kup Jarn – is heavily emphasized in the Biu Tze form, and the Gow Gup Sau – emergency techniques, as well as the deadly Biu Sau – targeting for the eyes, throat, and the 108 vital spots on the human body.