Wing Chun Kuen is not so much a particular martial art style as it is a method, a training system, to build a body structure within the practitioner that is most suited to martial purpose. The premise for this is that the system is based on natural human body motion and the techniques are built around a set of fundamental principles from which the system draws its power. Form training then becomes the study of human body structure (skeleton and musculature) and its mechanics. The result of such training will be the building up of a highly efficient martial structure within one's body.
For this reason, the system is logically structured into:
meaning ‘Little Idea Form’. This 1st form introduces the beginner to the basics, such as stance and hand-techniques as well as theories and principles of Wing Chun Kuen. Siu Lim Tao builds the foundation for the whole system.
meaning ‘Searching the Bridge’. The 2nd form teaches the practitioner how to apply the hand-techniques of the 1st form in coordination with footwork. - Wing Chun Kuen becomes applicable.
meaning ‘Shooting Fingers’. The 3rd form involves more sophisticated hand-techniques, elbow-strikes for close-quarter fighting and additional footwork. Biu Tze is regarded as an ‘emergency form’.
meaning ‘Wooden Man Post’. It teaches correct application of the 3 empty-hand forms. In addition the student learns about timing, distancing and the proper application of power in regards to direction and angles. The wooden dummy is an extremely valuable tool for the accurate execution of the Wing Chun techniques and overall improvement.
Bart Cham Dao (‘Eight Slashing Broadswords’ / ‘Butterfly Knives’) and Luk Dim Poon Kwun (‘6 1/2 Point Staff’). These weapons are an extension of the arms to the Wing Chun adept. Even though stances and footwork are different than in the empty-hand forms due to the extended range of an attacking weapon, the same theories and principles apply.
Only through the diligent practice under the guidance of an able instructor, will the student start to slowly grasp the brilliance behind the system's apparent simplicity. Theory and principles need to be explained in detail to the practitioner in order for him to fully understand Wing Chun's complexity. Only then, the student will begin to realize Wing Chun's beauty and come to appreciate it. The forms are the textbook of the system, the ABC, introducing the student to Wing Chun Kuen.
