What is Wing Chun Kung Fu?
Wing Chun is one of the most widely known and practiced martial arts in the world. Wing Chun is powerful, practical and easy to learn. Rooted in the physics of body motion and styled for close quarters combat, Wing Chun relies on speed, precision, energy and economy of movement to overcome opponents. Because Wing Chun emphasizes technique over brute force, it is an idea self-defense martial art for both men and women. Practitioners of this Kung Fu style develop the discipline and skill of precise reactions and clear thinking as they progress through seven levels of achievement.
Master Chan's Wing Chun school in Grand Rapids, Michigan, maintaining traditional teaching and martial arts practice is important. You will be impressed with our fantastic staff. Our instructors have been professionally trained to teach all level of Wing Chun and more importantly, how to develop values like respect, patience, self-control and integrity. Students are always expected to meet every requirement of their belt level in order to move forward. We offer instructor training program to students who have successfully reached the black sash level. Qualified students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills with the potential of becoming future Wing Chun instructors. |
Wing Chun Curriculum
Wing Chun training in our school focuses on drills and application of technique which culminates with Chi Sau or sticky hand training. The system is comprised of three empty hand forms, a wooden dummy set, and two weapon forms, each of which includes new theories and combat principles the student must learn and apply.
Sil Lim Tau - Little Idea: The first empty hand form of Wing Chun. All of the principles of Wing Chun are hidden within this extraordinary set. A proper foundation built from the fundamental principles and techniques learned in Sil Lim Tau is necessary before progressing to the other sets taught in the system. Sil Lim Tau teaches proper exertion and release of energy through the arms while striking; triangle stance, the center line principle, rooting and centering of body weight, and the sixteen major hand techniques. Consistent practice of this form develops internal energy and also develop a strong root to prepare for the advance level of training.
Chum Kiu - Searching for Bridge: Chum Kiu is the second hand form that is taught to intermediate level students. Students must fully understand the concepts and hand techniques from Sil Lim Tau before proceeding to the Chun Kiu level. This form helps develop coordination between your hands, waist, and feet by combining body movement and footwork to your Wing Chun techniques. Chum Kiu also teaches the concept of bridging the gap – how to close the distance between you and your opponent. Chum Kiu form also includes the Six Stances which are derived from the Chum Kiu Ma, Wing Chun Eight Kicks, Sheung Chi Sau, and combination drills.
Biu Gee - Thrusting Fingers: Biu Gee is the last hand form taught in the Wing Chun system. Biu Gee form develops devastating power by combining singularly focused elbow, hand and finger strikes with body rotation and explosive power. A secondary key of Biu Gee practice is to train the hands to return to the center if the centerline is lost or open. Advanced techniques, such as hidden striking and close quarter elbow techniques are introduced with Biu Gee.
Mok Jong - The Wooden Dummy: Wing Chun Wooden Dummy form, which contains numerous practical fighting applications. Legend has it that there was a Wooden Dummy hall at the Shaolin Temple which Shaolin monks had to pass through to complete their martial arts training. The Wing Chun Dummy set contains practically all of Wing Chun's hand and foot techniques and fighting principles and represents the culmination of the empty hand techniques. The Mon Yan Jong is the only hand set that utilizes and external apparatus. The construction and configuration of the arms and legs of the Wooden Dummy are truly ingenious. Consistent practice develops strength in the arms, wrist, legs, and develops sticking and striking energy and other Wing Chun attributes.
Chi Sau - Sticky Hands: Chi Sau is a two person exercise designed to develop tactile sensitivity and reflexes while allowing the students to practice their Wing Chun techniques and gain a deeper understanding of Wing Chun principles, such as center line control and efficiency of energy, while also learning to employ simultaneous attack and defense.
Lok Dim Boon Gwan - Six and a Half Points Pole: Each technique of the Look Dim Boon Gwan is simple, fast, powerful – striking directly towards your opponent with no wasted motion. The pole used in training is a heavy long pole, typically between 8 ½ - 9 feet or more in length that tapers to a point on one end. The techniques however, once learned, can easily be applied to any long weapon.
Sparring with the Wing Chun long pole can enhance your strength and skills in balancing and rooting.
Sparring with the Wing Chun long pole can enhance your strength and skills in balancing and rooting.
Bak Jom Dao: The Bak Jom Dao utilizes a pair of butterfly swords which act as extensions of your hands, employing the same techniques as your empty hand techniques. Every move cuts, slashes or thrusts directly into the center of your opponent and employs simultaneous attack and defense. The fighting theories and techniques learned in the Bak Jom Dao can easily be applied to any short weapon.