The basic principles of Wing Chun include:

• Economic movements. This takes away sumptuous moves that often define many Chinese martial arts.
• Correct and natural posture alignment for effective attacks and defences, instead of extreme/low stances.
• Efficient movements that conserve energy, in which the fastest travel for a strike or a kick is a straight line.
• Excellent timing, trapping and touch sensitivity, such as the block-attack combinations.
• And practical applications that can maim an opponent quickly and effectively.

Wing Chun also emphasises the importance of the Centreline, balance, relaxation and the harnessing of one’s Qi (氣). It employs mobile foot works to close a distance gap and fight an opponent in fist-range. Thus Wing Chun is known as a close-quarter combat style or the art of in-fighting. These principles, and the relatively short amount of time needed to learn the art, were the result of years of improvements to suit the needs of the rebels in waging a guerrilla war against the Qing army.

The art of Wing Chun has three basic forms: Siu Nim Tao (小念頭, Xiǎo Niàn Tóu, ”Little Idea”), Chum Kiu (尋橋, Xún Qiáo, “The Sinking Bridge”) and Biu Jee (標指, Biāo Zhǐ, ”Darting Fingers”). The core training includes Chi Sao (黐手, Chì Shǒu, “Sticking-Hands”), blindfolded Chi Sao, and Mook Yan Jong (木人樁, Mù Rén Zhuāng, ”Wooden Dummy”). Its weaponry includes Lim Dim Book Guan (六點半棍, Liù Bán Diǎm Gàn, ” Six-and-a-half Point Long Pole”) and Bat Chum Do (八斬刀, Bà Zhàn Dào, “Eight Cutting Ways”).

Like most Chinese martial arts, the true origin of Wing Chun is cloaked in mystery as facts and popular fictions are mixed and passed down from teachers to students. Likewise, the Wing Chun family has spawned a multitude of lineages, each walking its own path but on the whole they contribute to the rich tapestry of its history.

Learn more about the history of Wing Chun Kuen »

Because Wing Chun Kuen originated, was developed and predominantly spread through Cantonese speaking communities, its terms and names are spelled according to Yale Cantonese translation. Chinese ideograms and Pinyin mandarin spellings are provided whenever possible.

As explained in the previous section, the core training of Wing Chun is the Sticking-Hands. It is a very important part of the Wing Chun training. It is a must for every practitioner to learn and master, as this is the very method that we use to train touch sensitivity, timing and awareness of one’s surroundings.

The understanding of the blindfolded Sticking-Hands has been misrepresented by many. It is not a high level skill that is hard to learn, but it is just a training method for sense of touch and reactions from those touches. If a person is blindfolded and the opponent does not use Sticking-Hands then it is no different from a blind person fighting. So the blindfolded Sticking-Hands is just part of the Wing Chun basic training for touch sensing and reactions.

Throughout my career as a martial artist I have learnt that different types of martial arts have their own weaknesses, but if the practitioner can understand what the weaknesses are, then it will become an advantage in fighting.

Finally the difference between Wing Chun and other types of martial arts is that Wing Chun doesn’t rely on fixed formulas to use during a fight, but rather relies on the practitioner’s own reactions toward how the opponent moves. How and how fast the Wing Chun practitioner reacts in a fight depends on how much he/she trains and has learnt. I truly believe that a disciplined training in Wing Chun will equip the practitioner with battle-tested skills and help protect oneself during life threatening situations. I invite you to come and experience Wing Chun today!”

Sifu Bruce Cheng has been teaching Wing Chun Kuen for over 30 years. He has also achieved high degrees of expertise in Judo, Tae Kwan Do, Kendo, Qin Na, Philippino Kali Stick Figthing and Ba Ji Quan.

Within our school there are six basic skill levels represented by a belt colour system in the following order: white, yellow, green, brown, red and red-black. Black belt is the advanced level and there are ten skill levels within itself. The first stage of learning for a beginner (white belt) consists of approximately two months training on the First Form and some basic drills. Upon completion of the First Form, the student will move on with his/her training in Sticking-Hands, blindfolded Sticking-Hands and kicking drills. Whilst the training methods at this level is low-impact, the student is recommended to invest in a mouth guard and sheen pads for better protection. As the student progresses through the belt rank, he/she will learn more advanced techniques which include the Second Form, the Third Form, the Wooden Dummy and finally the Weapon Forms. In the advanced level, the student is expected to execute proper techniques with precise timing and sensitivity. The ability to control his/her power is a must. Full contact sparring and high-impact kicking drills are also introduced. We provide our students with kicking mitts and protective vests. But it is a good idea to have your own knee pads and groin protection for hygiene reasons.

Check out more details about our classes, or contact us for more information on fees and other enquiries.