Relaxation
Relaxation is emphasized heavily in WingChun. Tensing your muscles limits both your power and speed. Tension is like a brake holding back the full extension on your strike. You cannot have the quick reflexes required in close-quarter fighting if you are tensed. In WingChun, you depend on technique to get rid of an opponent's resistance instead of using strength. WingChun emphasizes using your natural movement instead of constantly trying to force the body into unnatural positions in order to conform to stringent principles.
Forward Intent
WingChun teaches you to go attack whenever possible. A main concept of WingChun is simultaneous attack and defense. This means to defend by attacking instead of blocking first then counter attacking. A WingChun stylist's first reaction to an attack would be to decide on the best angle to move forward.
Unlike many other martial arts, you are not required to wait for an opening in an opponent's guard to attack. The WingChun guard provides protection from attack while you are moving forward. Once you make contact, WingChun has techniques to break the opponent's guard or go around it. Therefore, a lot of moving around and faking is not necessary in order to find an opening.
Sticking and Freeing
WingChun is known for its specialty in close quarters, where most conventional techniques used in other styles are difficult to execute. Instead of withdrawing the limbs when contact is made, WingChun teaches to keep them there until either the opponent moves away or you free them. When you stick to an opponent's limbs, you know what he is doing because you can feel his movement and can protect yourself by blocking its path. WingChun's unique techniques allow you to control an attacker at close range by pinning and trapping arms and legs and diverting incoming force, therefore, preventing an opponent from launching multiple attacks.
Close the Distance
This concept offers another form of protection. Although we are prepared for all ranges, a WingChun stylist is most effective by advancing into close range as quickly as possible and staying close. Many other martial arts move back and forth. However, as a self-defense system, WingChun is designed to continue the fight from long range into close range. Staying close to the opponent minimizes his chance to find the range to launch a powerful strike. The opponent cannot kick you if you stay with him while he steps back.