Wing Chun Kung Fu

We incorporate many styles into our style. From some styles we borrow techniques, from others strategies, and from others philosophical concepts. One of those styles is Chinese Wing Chun kung fu.

I am always amazed at the differences between martial arts. Years ago I picked up a flyer in a small martial arts shop in China Town, New York City. This led me to a small group of students led by a kind but serious man, Sifu (master) Chun Kwok Chow. He was a small man, but with a slight movement of his wrist he could generate enough power to send me flying. He practiced such things as “sticky hands”, “immovable elbow theory” and “Centerline theory”. This is the art of Wing Chun kung fu.

The art of Wing Chun Kung Fu originated in turbulent times, 300 years ago in China. Around 400 years ago China was conquered by the Manchurians from northeastern China bringing to an end the Ming Dynasty. The Manchus, who were about 10 percent of the population, ruled the Hans, who were 90 percent of the population. The repressive Ching Dynasty was born.

Ng Mui, a nun, some say of Shaolin, others call it Sil Lum temple, was reputed to be a master of kung fu (gung fu), a highly respected expert. At some point, with the destruction of the temples, she became a fugitive. It is known that she passed on much of her knowledge to an orphan girl named Yim Wing Chun. Wing chun means “Beautiful blossoming spring time, hope for the future”. Her name became the name of the style.

The style is appropriate for women or smaller people because it is based on small movements, close range fighting and economy of movement. It does not rely on brute force or being able to absorb hard blows. Naturally it is also effective for larger people as well. Sifu Maurice Llewellyn of New York won the Australian full-contact heavy weight championship twice, using wing chun as his main style.

Ng Mui married Leung Bok Cho and taught him the system. Over the years the art was closely guarded and the few students were carefully chosen. They passed on the style to Leung Lan Kwai and then to a nephew, Wong Wah Bo. Next generation leader was Leung Yee Tai who taught it to his son Leung Jun. Leung Jun taught his sons Leung Bak and Lueng Cheun. They also took in a very eager student, Chan Wah Shun. Twelve year old Yip Man began studying with Chan Wah Shun. At the age of 16 he began training with Leung Bak, who was by then an old man. At the time Yip Man was Leung’s only student. Yip Man later moved to the city of Fatshan and was recognized as the grandmaster of Wing Chun gung fu, however, for years he refused to accept any disciples.

After the Communist takeover Yip Man lost his fortune and was taken in by Leung Shan, a recognized master of White Eyebrow gung fu. White Eyebrow disciples can still be found in New York City these days. Through this connection Sifu Yip Man began teaching the public. Among his students were noted martial artists Cheung Chuk Hing (William Cheung, current grandmaster in Australia) and Lee Jun Fan (Bruce Lee). Bruce Lee and William Cheung were friends and classmates in Hong Kong and spent a great deal of time training together.

Bruce Lee came to America in 1959. Grand master Sifu Yip Man passed away in 1972 in Hong Kong.

Today Wing Chun is widespread although it generally appeals to the more serious and dedicated martial art student. There are no flashy jump kicks like in Taekwondo. Subtle movements are the key and patience and dedication are essential. In New York City Sifu Chun Kwok Chow teaches the original version along with some modern grappling adaptations. Sifu Yip Man’s sons also teach, they are Yip Ching and Yip Chun.

The style has only three forms (kata in Japanese or Kon Toh in Chinese). They are Siu Lim Tao (Way of the Small Idea), Chum Kiu (Bridging the Gap) and Bil Jee (Thrusting Fingers).

Another great site about Wing Chun, filled with much interesting and useful information and run by my friend Jason is Wing Chun Mastery

Is there a possible connection between Tai Chi and Krav Maga?