The Wing Chun system, as taught at Chan's Kung Fu, is divided into seven levels, with each level building upon the previous to help develop the student's skills and understanding of the fighting concepts and principles of the system. Each level has specific training drills, techniques, and applications that are taught, and the student must pass a test to demonstrate that they are proficient at a given level before they are allowed to proceed to the next. A very basic description of each level follows -

Sample Clip of
Sil Lim Tau

Sample Clip of
Chum Kiu

     The first form taught in the Wing Chun system is Sil Lim Tau, which translates as “little idea” or “small thought”. All of the principles of Wing Chun are hidden within this extraordinary set. A proper foundation built of fundamental principles and techniques learned in Sil Lim Tau are 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 punching, triangle stance, the centerline principle, rooting and centering of body weight, and the three most important hand structures – bon sau, tan sau, and fook sau. Consistent practice of this form develops Kung Lik (internal energy).

     Chum Kiu translates to “searching the bridge”. The second form of the Wing Chun system, it introduces footwork, including kicking, shifting, and stepping. Practice of Chum Kiu develops dynamic balance and body unity by learning how to synchronize both foot and hand techniques. The offensive and defensive use of spinning/shifting is one of the key fundamentals of this form. The Chum Kiu form introduces and drills through repetition the three bon saus – jun ma bon sau, bil ma bon sau, and bil ma dyk bon sau. The concept of Chum Kiu teaches students to learn how to close the gap during a fight and how to return to chil ying position (facing the opponent).

     This is the famous Wing Chun Wooden Dummy Set. Divided into seven distinct sections, each section focuses on specific techniques and Wing Chun fighting principles, all the time increasing forward energy and economy of motion. The Dummy set as a whole contains virtually every technique in Wing Chun.

     This pole form consists of six and a half individual strikes, with the pole techniques striking very fast and powerful. Every technique strike directly toward the opponent with no wasted motion. The Lok Dim Boon Gwan utilizes a heavy long pole, typically between 8 1/2 to 9 feet in length, that tapers to a point on one end. But the techniques learned can easily be translated for application with virtually any long weapon, such as a staff or spear, or improvised weapons such as shovels or brooms. The training with the heavy pole used in Wing Chun helps to improve the stability of stances, body movements, thrusting power, and generally strengthens the fingers, wrists, arms, shoulders, and body.

Sample Clip of
The Mok Jong Set

Sample Clip of
Lok Dim Boon Gwan

     Biu Gee translates as “thrusting fingers” and is the last hand form taught in the Wing Chun system. The old saying – “Biu Gee Bot Chut Moon” – is loosely interpreted as “Biu Gee does not go out the door”. The most important part of Biu Gee training is learning how to focus all of your energy into a single strike. Biu Gee develops devastating striking power by combining singularly focused elbow, finger, and hand strikes with body rotation. A secondary key of Biu Gee practice is to train the hands to return to the center if the centerline is lost or open. Street tactical techniques such as foot sweeps and hidden striking from beneath the bridge (kiu dyk chong choi) are introduced at this level.

     The Wing Chun knife form acts as an extension of the hands and utilizes the techniques first learned in the hand forms. Practice of this weapon set develops wrist strength and mobile footwork. This form introduces new body weighting and retreating and advancing footwork. Each move of the knife form cuts, slashes, or stabs directly towards the center of the opponent. There are no blocks in this knife fighting form. Each strike of the knife set includes simultaneous defense and offense. It is said that the knife is designed to cut through any attack. The techniques, theories, and principles laid out in this advanced form can easily be adapted for any short weapon from sticks, to a kitchen knife, or even a sword.