Siu Lim Tao is the first and most fundamental form in the Wing Chun system. It is a
sequence of movements that emphasizes the basic principles of Wing Chun, including
structure, relaxation, and sensitivity. The key elements of the Siu Lim Tao form are:
Stationary form, designed for establishing structure, posture, position, breathing and
foundations of our linear direct movement.
1. Centerline theory: The centerline is the imaginary line that runs down the center of the
body. Wing Chun emphasizes the use of the centerline as a guiding principle for
attack and defense. The Siu Lim Tao form emphasizes the development of a strong
centerline structure to optimize the use of power and efficiency in movement.
2. Chi Sao: Chi Sao is a training exercise that involves contact sensitivity and reflex
development. The Siu Lim Tao form contains movements that develop the sensitivity
needed for Chi Sao practice. The form also emphasizes the use of sensitivity to adapt
to changing situations and respond to an opponent's movements.
3. Economy of motion: Wing Chun emphasizes the use of simple, direct movements to
minimize wasted energy and maximize efficiency. The Siu Lim Tao form contains
movements that demonstrate this principle, such as the straight punch and the chain
punch.
4. Breathing: Proper breathing is essential for maximizing power and maintaining
relaxation. The Siu Lim Tao form emphasizes the use of deep, natural breathing to
promote relaxation and efficient movement.
5. Stance: The stance in Wing Chun is narrow and relatively low to the ground. The Siu
Lim Tao form emphasizes the development of a stable and relaxed stance that can be
maintained for long periods of time.
6. Mindfulness: The Siu Lim Tao form emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and
focus. The practitioner must be fully present and aware of their movements,
breathing, and environment. This mindfulness is essential for developing the
sensitivity, adaptability, and efficiency that are the hallmarks of Wing Chun.
Chum Kiu is the second form in the Wing Chun system and builds on the principles and
techniques introduced in the Siu Lim Tao form. The key elements of the Chum Kiu form are:
Aggressive form designed repetition of groups of three techniques to deal with multiple
adversary’s.
1. Footwork: The Chum Kiu form introduces more advanced footwork than the Siu Lim
Tao form. The practitioner learns to step and pivot while maintaining balance and
stability. Footwork is an essential part of Wing Chun, as it allows the practitioner to
control distance and angle in combat.
2. Body unity: Wing Chun emphasizes the unity of the body in movement. The Chum
Kiu form contains movements that develop the ability to coordinate the upper and
lower body for maximum power and efficiency.
3. Energy projection: The Chum Kiu form introduces more complex hand techniques,
including elbow strikes and palm strikes. The practitioner learns to project energy in
different directions and from different angles.
4. Bridge techniques: Wing Chun is known for its unique approach to trapping and
controlling an opponent's arms. The Chum Kiu form introduces more advanced bridge
techniques, such as the "Bong Sau" and "Tan Sau," which allow the practitioner to
deflect and control an opponent's attacks.
5. Sensitivity: Wing Chun emphasizes the use of sensitivity to adapt to an opponent's
movements. The Chum Kiu form contains movements that develop the practitioner's
ability to feel an opponent's energy and respond appropriately.
6. Simultaneous defense and attack: Wing Chun emphasizes the use of simultaneous
defense and attack, rather than separate defensive and offensive movements. The
Chum Kiu form contains movements that develop the ability to defend against an
opponent's attack while simultaneously launching a counter-attack.
Biu Jee is the third and most advanced form in the Wing Chun system, and is known for its
fast and powerful techniques. The key elements of the Biu Jee form are:
When we get in trouble, to be able to find ways to pull ourselves out, extricate ourselves from
those situations through, things that will save our life.
1. Emergency techniques: Biu Jee is also known as the "emergency form" because it
focuses on techniques that are used in desperate situations. The form contains
movements that are designed to help the practitioner recover from a disadvantageous
position or situation.
2. Short-range techniques: Biu Jee emphasizes close-range techniques, such as elbow
strikes, knee strikes, and finger jabs. The form also includes movements that allow the
practitioner to close the distance quickly and launch an attack from a close range.
3. Joint locks and breaks: The Biu Jee form introduces joint locks and breaks, which are
used to immobilize or incapacitate an opponent. These techniques require a high level
of skill and control.
4. Energy recovery: Biu Jee emphasizes the recovery of energy after an attack or
movement. The form contains movements that allow the practitioner to quickly
recover their balance and energy, even after a powerful attack.
5. Advanced footwork: Biu Jee introduces advanced footwork, including hopping and
jumping techniques. These movements allow the practitioner to move quickly and
unpredictably, making it difficult for an opponent to anticipate their movements.
6. Use of momentum: Biu Jee emphasizes the use of momentum in combat. The form
contains movements that use an opponent's momentum against them, allowing the
practitioner to redirect or amplify an attack for maximum effect.
Muk Yan Jong Boon, also known as the "wooden dummy form," is a training tool used in
Wing Chun to practice techniques and develop sensitivity. The key elements of the Muk Yan
Jong form are:
Arms conditioning, direct attack on something that is not going to argue with you,
1. Coordination: The Muk Yan Jong form requires a high level of coordination between
the hands, feet, and body. The practitioner must learn to move smoothly and
efficiently around the dummy while executing techniques.
2. Precision: The wooden dummy has specific target points that the practitioner must hit
accurately. The Muk Yan Jong form emphasizes precision in technique and footwork
to ensure that the practitioner hits the correct target points with the correct amount of
force.
3. Flow: The Muk Yan Jong form contains movements that flow from one technique to
the next. The practitioner must learn to move smoothly and fluidly between
techniques without stopping or hesitating.
4. Sensitivity: The wooden dummy has a specific shape and structure that allows the
practitioner to practice sensitivity and responsiveness. The Muk Yan Jong form
contains movements that require the practitioner to feel and respond to the dummy's
movements.
5. Power generation: The wooden dummy is designed to withstand powerful strikes and
attacks. The Muk Yan Jong form emphasizes the use of body mechanics and structure
to generate maximum power and force in each strike.
6. Creative application: The Muk Yan Jong form is a training tool, but it also allows for
creative application of techniques. The practitioner can experiment with different
combinations and variations of techniques to develop their own unique approach to
Wing Chun.
The Wing Chun Pole, also known as the "Luk Dim Boon Kwan" form, is a long-range
weapon used in the Wing Chun system. The key elements of the Wing Chun Pole form are:
1. Stance: The Wing Chun Pole requires a specific stance that allows for stability and
mobility while wielding the weapon. The practitioner must learn to maintain a solid
base while moving and striking with the pole.
2. Footwork: The Pole form contains footwork that allows the practitioner to move and
strike from a distance. The practitioner must learn to control their distance and angle
to effectively use the pole.
3. Grip and control: The Wing Chun Pole requires a specific grip and control of the
weapon to ensure maximum effectiveness. The practitioner must learn to control the
pole with both hands and use their body mechanics to generate power.
4. Accuracy: The Pole form emphasizes accuracy in striking. The practitioner must learn
to strike specific target points with the pole to achieve maximum effect.
5. Timing: The Wing Chun Pole requires precise timing to effectively defend and strike.
The practitioner must learn to time their movements and strikes to exploit their
opponent's vulnerabilities.
6. Power generation: The Wing Chun Pole is a powerful weapon that requires specific
body mechanics to generate maximum force. The practitioner must learn to use their
body structure and momentum to generate power in their strikes.
Batt Jam Dao, also known as the "butterfly swords form," is a Wing Chun weapon form that
emphasizes close-range combat. The key elements of the Batt Jam Dao form are:
1. Grip and control: The Batt Jam Dao requires a specific grip and control of the
weapons to ensure maximum effectiveness. The practitioner must learn to control
both swords with both hands and use their body mechanics to generate power.
2. Coordination: The Batt Jam Dao form requires a high level of coordination between
the hands, feet, and body. The practitioner must learn to move smoothly and
efficiently while wielding the weapons.
3. Footwork: The Batt Jam Dao form contains footwork that allows the practitioner to
move and strike from a close distance. The practitioner must learn to control their
distance and angle to effectively use the swords.
4. Short-range techniques: The Batt Jam Dao form emphasizes close-range techniques,
such as quick slashes and thrusts. The form also includes movements that allow the
practitioner to close the distance quickly and launch an attack from a close range.
5. Timing: The Batt Jam Dao requires precise timing to effectively defend and strike.
The practitioner must learn to time their movements and strikes to exploit their
opponent's vulnerabilities.
6. Power generation: The Batt Jam Dao is a powerful weapon that requires specific body
mechanics to generate maximum force. The practitioner must learn to use their body
structure and momentum to generate power in their strikes.