Hand Forms

The Wing Chun system on the surface seems to be a very simple having only three empty hand forms: Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu and Biu Tze. The hand techniques taught in the three forms are practiced by taking various sections and using repetitive drills which build reaction, speed and agility. The skills learnt are then practiced in a free form sparring exercise called Chi Sao (sticking hands), which is a unique exercise practiced at close quarters (real fighting distance). Again the Chi Sau exercise improves reflexes, responses, positions, angles, energy control both your own and your opponent and hand techniques achieving the best defence and counter attack position. Chi Sao is considered a game, a bridge between forms and fighting. Once a reasonable level of control is achieved then you engage in free hand sparring building up intensity to situations that resemble reality.

Sifu Frearson and Master Lun Gai playing Chi Sau in Foshan, China.

Supplementing the forms and Chi Sao are the 116 wooden dummy techniques (Muk Yan Jong), which include basic kicking techniques. Wing Chun training also incorporates two weapon forms, the six and a half point long pole (Luk Dim Boon Kwun) and the butterfly knives (Baat Cham Dao).

Siu Lim Tao

This is the first form of the Wing Chun system. The name translates as 'way of the little idea' helping you to focus on the fundamental skills of the system and build a strong foundation in your stance. This form although simple in content is infinite in scope, a glass of water to the thirsty mind.

• Download the first form here as a PDF document: Siu Lim Tao
  (right click with your mouse and 'save target as...')
• Download the first form here as a Word document: Siu Lim Tao
  (right click with your mouse and 'save target as...')

Chum Kiu

Wing Chun's second form, Chum Kiu, translates as ' searching for the bridge'. The bridge in this case means the contact made between you and your opponent. The form contains more coordinated arm movements with stepping. You also are introduced to kicks and pivoting stances in this form. Many of the teachings are beyond the scope of a simple paragraph or even book, but some aspects of the form teach the student how to attack, bridge and shift energies to her/his advantage.

Biu Tze

The third empty hand forms Biu Tze translates as 'thrusting fingers'. Some teachings call this form 'Gow Gup Sao' - First aid hand suggesting its techniques are used to regain control of the centreline and recover from a mistake, missed attack or over committed technique. Biu Tze for our school represents further development of the body and mind by involving new methods of close quarter fighting. Biu Tze uses sophisticated fighting concepts using the elbows and thrusting fingers at grappling range.

Muk Yan Jong

There are 116 movements in the Wooden dummy form but in keeping with tradition and superstition it is often referred to as 108 movements, since the number 108 is considered to be very lucky by the Chinese. The wooden dummy is an invaluable aid and can be used free form to improve basic skills or through the form to further develop understanding, strength, stamina and coordination.