Forms
A form is a prearranged sequence of movements. The sequence helps the practitioner to remember all of the movements. WingChun forms are not flashy or artistic. The forms serve as a guideline to how to perform the techniques correctly.
Si Nim Tau
Si Nim Tau is a stationary form that teaches the foundation hand techniques.
Tsam Kiu
Tsam Kiu is an intercepting form. Steps, turns, and kicks are introduced along with new hand techniques.
Biu Jee
Biu Jee is an attacking and escaping form. A variety of deadly hand and finger strikes and elbows are learned as well as more advanced footwork and emergency escapes.
Mak Yan Jang
This last empty-hand form is practiced on a wooden dummy. Advanced power generation, arm conditioning, footwork, and hand techniques are learned.
Baat Zaam Dou
The Baat Zaam Dou form uses "butterfly" knives. More advanced footwork is learned as well as learning the defense from a pole attack.
Lok Dim Buen Gwan
The Lok Dim Buen Gwan (six-and-a-half point pole) form uses a nine foot pole. Wider stances and new footwork are learned as well as sensitivity training for the pole.
Lat Sao
Lat sao is a partner exercise that teaches how to apply the basic and common techniques used in WingChun fighting. Lat sao incorporates defensive techniques, punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and footwork. Lat sao is performed by constantly feeding your partner different attacks and defending attacks from your partner. This attack, defend, and counter-attack cycle helps students to flow with their partner. Students also learn how to get into the correct range and stay close if an opponent moves. Many times partners will exchange roles in which they apply the correct defense and counter attack to a non-WingChun technique.
Chi Sao
Chi sao means sticking or adhering arms. It is a sensitivity exercise that we train in order to develop automatic reflexes used in fighting when our opponent comes into contact with our arms. We use the information from our body's sense of touch to react to how the opponent moves and the force he applies to our arms. Defensive reactions include redirecting or dissolving an applied force by changing the arms into various positions depending on its speed, direction, and power. Attacking reactions include sensing and attacking an opponent's weaknesses in structure and openings in his techniques. Proper technique structure and body alignment are heavily emphasized.
Puen Sao
Puen sao means coiling arms and trains sticking, freeing, attacking, and defending. More complicated techniques and footwork are learned. New concepts on how to maneuver around or free an opponent's arms in order to attack and how to withstand a strong attack are introduced. Turns and retreating steps are used when the arms alone cannot withstand an attack. This is an efficient way to get out of the way of an attack while also staying close instead of jumping backward. Arm traps, pins, and locks are also utilized.
Chi Gerk
Chi gerk is an exercise similar to chi sao but for the legs. We learn different leg postures and how to attack and defend when an opponent makes contact with our legs.
Application Drills
Students apply their knowledge for self-defense. Punches, knees, elbows, takedowns, sweeps, defenses against weapons, ground fighting, and even defenses against multiple attackers are learned. Modern WingChun training has been further adapted to defend against the martial arts of today.
Sequences and Free Exercises
Lat sao, chi sao, puen sao, and application drills are split up into the two categories: sequences and free attacks. The sequences help the student remember the techniques. Once the proper attacks and defenses are learned, the student can mix them up freely at will. Ultimately, the student will practice free sparring.
It is important to understand that WingChun free exercises are not the same as orthodox sparring of other martial arts. Mixing WingChun techniques with the concepts of some arts will not work as it is an entirely different system with its own unique concepts.