Wing
Chun Class
June 2007
|
Wing
Chun is the most widely known and practiced style of Kung
Fu in the world. It is efficient, direct, practical, aggressive,
and easy to learn – factors that also make it one
of the best martial systems to learn for self-defense. Rooted
in science and the physics of bodily motion, Wing Chun emphasizes
technique over brute force, allowing smaller or weaker practitioners
to easily overcome opponents that are much larger or stronger
then themselves. It is powerful close-quarters style, ideal
for use in confined spaces such as airplanes, buses, offices,
or bars where they are many obstacles that limit mobility.
A
fundamental principle of Wing Chun is the centerline theory
– which in its most basic form states that the shortest
distance between two points is a straight line. Therefore,
opponents attacking with a “hook punch” would
be countered by the advance of a Wing Chun “straight
punch” that would arrive first.
Another
vital rule of Wing Chun is economy of movement and energy
– for example, there are no “hard blocks”
employed in Wing Chun, but rather a counter-strike would
be delivered to intercept the attack. In this way, energy
is not wasted blocking and then countering – you do
both simultaneously – deflecting the attack and landing
a blow. Kicks are generally low, aiming below the waist
to stop advances or trip up opponents. |
