Introduction and History of Wing Tsun

Wing Tsun

  It is suggested that Wing Tsun was originated in mid/late-Qing dynasty, founded by the nun NG Mui, who had deep understanding in south Shaolin school martial arts. The skill was passed to YIM Yee and his daughter, YIM Wing-Chun. YIM Wing-Chun was born in Guangdong, well-known for her dexterity and being upstanding. The techniques in this brilliant Chinese martial art system was summarized and concluded by her, and thus named after her as "Wing Tsun". There is an idiom "Kuen(punch/hand) in the south, Tui(leg) in the north". Wing Tsun is one of the Kuen system in South China.

   Since Grandmaster IP Man came to Hong Kong in 1949, he actively spread out the martial art of Wing Tsun. Within the 22 years, Wing Tsun has not only got its fame in Hong Kong and Macau, but also blossomed in every corner of the world, which build up the foundation of the development of Wing Tsun in different places in the world. He has nurtured so many outstanding martial art masters, particularly Bruce LEE and LEUNG Sheung. They followed Master Ip's will and further propagate Wing Tsun with evolution.

   The hand gesture of Wing Tsun are Phoenix Eye punch and Willow palm, Main routines are Siu-Lim-Tau (little idea), Chum-Kiu (arm-seeking) and Biu-Tze (finger strikes) as well as Muk-Yan-Chong (wooden dummy). Basic hand techniques are three Bong-Sau (upper arm), together with Cho-Sau(repressing arm), Liu-Sau, Po-Pai-Sau(butterfly palm), arm-seeking, stick-and-beat. Main footwork includes character three stance, chasing stance, kneeling stance, one-foot-standing. Wing Tsun combines internal martial arts and close quarter combat skills. It is developed from praxis, hence has a great variation of movement and is high flexible. Narrow horse-stance and applying punches within inch are its main characteristics. Hand techniques are "Gaan Laan Taan Bong, Lim Mo Dong Luet" (plowing, barring, spreading, wing, sticking, touching, swaying, catching), and aiming to preparing counter strike at centreline. The main body gesture is Yee-Jee-Kim-Yeung-Ma (abduction stance), and other significant movements or footwork include bridging, chopping, pronating, sinking, darting, wing, wrist-and-finger, sticking, touching, swaying, glomming and leaking. It is an internal martial art that exploits the power of short-distance punches on the basis of the sensitivity of bridge-seeking arm. The weapons include Six-and-half-point Pole, Eight-slashing Broadswords etc. Six-and-half-point Pole is simple and convenient, while Eight-slashing Broadswords are mysterious but decisive. In recent years, Wing Tsun is spread into over 60 countries and districts including USA, UK, France and Germany. It is one of the most influential styles of Chinese martial art in the world.