Wing Chun Forms (What They Are & What They’re For)

When most people think of the forms in Wing Chun, many often think of elaborate techniques, moves and stances in styles like Shaolin Kung Fu or Wushu. But Wing Chun’s forms aren’t katas to focus on techniques, fighting imaginary opponents or even as fixed traditions to pass down. In this article, we will be going over the various forms in Wing Chun, what they are for and what their place is in our art.

[hiddenpathwingchun]

Informative video. Too many see the "forms" as Kata. I'm glad you address this.

My two cents [adjusted downward for inflation]: Wing Chun is an energy-based art, NOT a movement-based art.

Wing Chun forms examine tools and are energy meditations; for the most part, they do NOT show applications, merely structure [albeit structure with spine & rotational energy in Chum Kiu as well as destructive elbow force and angling in Biu Jee]. But structure is a middle man for "state" [mindful direction of energy or "intention"].

However, the Wooden Dummy form is unique in that it is the one form which examines the "line" of the opponent as well. In other words, it is a meditation upon "lines of force" with our energy and intention to be directed to the "center" of the dummy at all times.

The empty hand forms: We are learning our "toolkit". Examine a hammer. Examine the screw. Think of the "idea" or "intention" as well as the "line" of the elbow and the "spine". Siu Nim Tao is like the alphabet. We learn the "letters", but do not yet know how to "speak" or "communicate" through action.

We must first look inward before outward; we must understand our own energy and seek control of "self" before trying to control others. Depth, not surface, is key. We must be willing to dive deeply rather than remain in the shallows. As you say, we must "become" Wing Chun in mindset. We must inhabit it. All movement begins in stillness. Movement is a RESULT of intention [mindful direction of energy]. It is the mind which must shape the body and our response. The forms encourage meditation in this regard.

Focus over force. Energy over movement. Every hand is also a strike. Every kick mirrors the hand techniques [though inverted along the line of the hips, as the hands are "opposing" reflections along the line of our spine]. We need to delve into the possibilities and "energy" rather than think of them as "movements". Wing Chun is responsive, adaptive to the energy of one's opponent. We are not meant to be "static" or "limited" to straight, vertical fists or techniques. Our elbows, our forearms, ridge hands, hatchet strikes are all weapons. A ramping Tan Sao can also be a fist and strike. The "idea" of ramping or "skimming" is behind the movement, but the use of energy with intention is key to our response.

Love your channel, content and passion for the art. Thank you.

[xalian]

Well put together! Really liked how you steered away from major distractions like chi, fighting application, lineage, etc., which bogs down discussions of form work. Although a student’s relationship to the forms changes with every developmental phase, “becoming Wing Chun” is the truth of training.

[jameskawaikaupejrcwousmcr]

I really like to learn something new and I’ve been reading books on this art form. As a retired disabled Marine I have always been interested in certain martial art forms. You now got me more than interested in your program.

[carlosvillavicencio]

It is beautiful to see the great master, giving his all to continue the tradition despite illness. The shadow follows him, he lost his wife, fell into deep sadness and died. But his style still lives on.

[vuivtoe]

So informative video and beautiful music 👍

[sdna]

Gracias por este canal, estos vídeos, este conocimiento sobre el sistema wsl...que siga vivo lo verdadero y la esencia...
Saludos desde España...

[Yokeking]

is fantastic Fantastic martial Arts professor YP Man💪💪💪we well keep in our ❤️ forever 🙏 hope
you be the angel, R.I.P,🙏❤️💞💖💋👍👍👍

[davisbarr]

Hey great video even though I use multiple arts without downgrading or mixing them, I really like wing Chun great on point statements: you don't learn wing Chun you become it - since wing Chun is it's CONCEPTS and your breakdown of what each system is for. All true!

The little idea is structure

I hadn't heard chum kiu is about movement ... Hmm.

Biu jee is about breaking the rules outside the box or recovery that's always been true.

Some people dislike wing chuns focus on infighting.

But infighting and bridging are big portions of understanding in general.

Those people would rather focus on mantis or crane ... Or kickboxing.

Yes to all of those, but I like wing chuns perspective.

It goes well next to Chinese arts ..


I just have always liked Chinese arts even in street or MMA environment, yep.

[CaveMan]

Its all about concept and application. Soft then hard to achieve greatness.

[beardedbloke]

Isn't there a kicking form too like certain lineages teach

[nyclee]

All chinese martial arts are many for muscle memory that move into combat

[FourthWig]

Hi I was wondering how you spell the butterfly knife form. I want to look it up

[kwl]

staff 棍 is pronounced guun in cantonese